For general, entry-level consumers, prioritizing smooth shifting over range with budget hardware makes sense. But as I pushed this bike up the first steep paved hill I encountered, being passed along the way by pros heading off to the U.S. Mountain Bike Pro Cup, I saw more pushing in my future in the Ozarks. I’ve been the guy adventuring on a threadbare budget. Whether because of a late payment, a stolen bike, a last-minute invitation, or otherwise, I’ve had to get creative. Now, one of the largest companies on earth is aiming to lower the gravel bike price barrier in a big way.
It was pretty easy to make adjustments from the side door access. This pack fits me fine and is very comfortable for lightweight loads. It’s light enough that I don’t mind putting it in my backpack and it takes up almost no space at all.
It is also hydration compatible and comes with an included 2L reservoir so you can stay hydrated on the trails. I use a bag for food and tie it in a tree, but mainly ozark trail backpack to keep the little critters out. Choose this pack if you prefer a smaller yet spacious design, as it has useful features and the durability of larger options.
The Ozark Trail does not have permit, parking, or registration requirements for its trail sections. Of course it has no side water holsters, or lid pocket, or hipbelt strap, but I think that all contributes to its low weight. For the water bottles I just use Platypus .5 liter and 1 liter flat style bottles, which you can fit in the main body of the pack on top of your other gear. I’ve carried it in bad weather, including rain and snow. Some days this bag was heavier than I would have chosen it to be.
With the added height of an inflatable pillow and sleeping pad my head height was indeed close to the curvature of the tent ceiling but there was still enough room. I did have a few inches along the edge for some clothes, a water bottle, and a headlamp, but that could have been made wider with a narrower sleeping pad. Having a separate rain fly for a 2- or 3- person tent makes sense because multiple people can split up the weight a little easier on longer hikes.
Also a good choice for youngsters who are new to hiking, or who need a rugged pack for toting school items. Today I immediately loaded it up and went out for a few hours. For water and OJ I use Vapur anti bottles which aren’t bulky at all. My glucose meter and keys went in the small outside pocket.
The Kenda tires would’ve been fun to ride on slightly more consistent and hard-packed gravel roads. However, with nearly 300 pounds of total weight on roads populated by jagged rocks, downhill runs meant bottoming out the tires, which meant pinch flats. Last year, Walmart ozark trail canopy shocked the world by dropping genuinely good-for-the-price mountain bike under its Ozark Trails Line. Now with its first-ever gravel bike, the company focuses its sights on the other side of adventure riding. So, we put it to the test on the trails for which it’s named.
Always treat any water for drinking and cooking along the trail. Specific water sources are indicated on Ozark Trail online and printed maps. Wetlands give way to ridgelines at the start of the Blair Creek section. The 26-mile route follows Blair Creek south ozark trail backpack as it carves down a valley through oak-hickory-pine forest before merging with the emerald waters of the Current River. Here the 30-mile Current River section picks up, following the river for two miles before veering south toward Stegall Mountain.