Determining when and where water will be available is part of route planning. Monitoring rain in the area you’re going to hike and contacting locals can help you determine if smaller creeks might act as water sources. Last fall when hiking dry sections of the Ouachita Trail, we planted water caches for insurance, but this involved driving to pick up empty jugs after the trip. The Ozark Trail had its beginnings in the 1970s when a group of public land managers, land owners, and trail users met to discuss the concept of a long-distance hiking trail. Your little one will love toasting a marshmallow and running back to his "spot" to munch away and reflect on his action-packed day. This airbed is lightweight and comes with a travel bag, so you have the perfect excuse to introduce your hiker to the world of backpacking. In the main pocket I keep my camera bag and jacket andother clothing for layering (for colder hiking days). This pouch could also be used to hold a small notebook computer but there’s isn’t any protection. Make sure to wrap the bladder if you prefer cold water. No need for a tube of foot cream or sunscreen, so I estimate what might be needed and pack that amount. As you can see from the photo, I still had foot cream, sunscreen, first aid cream, and Dawn Soap at the end of eight days. The floss is for size reference, but I’m looking for smaller floss containers. Consider bringing waterproof shoes and treating your clothes ahead of time with permethrin to repel insects. In the colder seasons insulating layers are a must, and a good rain shell for you and rain fly for your tent are necessary year-round. Exploring Missouri’s scenic Ozark backcountry is one of the best reasons to head out on the trail. The Ozark Trail Association marks and improves the trail and ensures backpacking campsites are well maintained. What’s more, the OT offers many things to see and experience for both seasoned and first-time backpackers. The only issues I have with the bag is that the stitching isn’t as good as you might find on the more expensive bags and its weight. The more expensive will use higher quality materials that are generally stronger and lighter weight. All this means that your bag will be a little heavier than a premium bag when fully packed. Carry everything you need for your next adventure in the Ozark Trail 45L Montpelier Backpack. All though I’ve been hiking for years, my hikes have been short ones no more than a mile or two. Normally they took place at a green space or a nearby park. For these outings it was carrying a Nalgene bottle of water in a pocket or on a strap and large jug kept in the car for the drive home. I wrap my bladder with a small bath towel (or you could get an insulated water bladder pouch for it) to keep it cool and my gear dry. Back in 2020 my wife and I decide on a last-minute backing trip to the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. Because of this we realized we didn’t have all the gear we needed. We had our shoes, trekking poles, and water bladders. After Middle Fork, head into the 29-mile Karkaghne section, which mixes sweeping wetland prairies and ridge-lined valley views through the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area. There are circumstances that are out of control (natural disasters, holidays, weather, etc) that may cause shipping postponements. While most packages will arrive on time, there may be circumstances and delays that our carriers may experience. The Ozark Trail (OT) is one of America’s premier distance hiking trails. Mostly divided into linked sections, the trail winds through 390 miles of rolling hills, stone bluffs and cool streams in central and southern Missouri. I avoid freeze dried meals because of their saltiness, expense, and packaging. I prefer using powdered soup mixes, instant potatoes, and Knorr side dishes as a base with my own dehydrated vegetables and meat added. I purchase dried chicken from Mountain House and add it to most meals. Results are best if I place the chicken and vegetables in water when I first arrive at camp to increase their hydrating time. The Ozark Trail Montpelier 45L Backpack is the perfect companion for a long weekend. This 45-liter pack is designed with ample pockets to pack all of your gear and a lightweight internal frame for weight support. This pack has trail focused features like the hydration compatibility, trekking pole attachments and a padded waist belt with zip pockets for quick access to essentials. Browse all our gear like spacious tents, durable backpacks, warm sleeping bags, outdoor cooking supplies, and more.