Ozark springs see a lot of rain and varied temperatures; Ozark summers tend to be hot, muggy, and wet; Ozark winters can drop below freezing. Wet weather is common to the Ozark climate, especially in late spring through summer, and fosters a breeding ground for bugs, mosquitos, and ticks. 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. Just about every other daypack I’ve had falls apart under the weight of my books (med school).
I’ve been attempting to drop weight for the past several years, mostly because my knees can’t handle it. My shelters have gotten lighter as have my ozark trail canopy sleeping system — next in line for a diet was my carry system. Funds, however, were non existent and my CFO (i.e. my wife) wouldn’t increase my discretionary fund.
Shoulder straps are lightweight mesh-lined with very little padding. Temperatures can swing from chilly mornings to sweltering afternoons. Consider bringing several sets of clothing so you have options for hiking and spending time at camp. Wear layers to be comfortable in any weather, and pack rain gear to stay dry.
The route extends from the St. Louis metropolitan area southwest through the Ozarks. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. A perk of hiking lesser-traveled trails are fewer (or non-existent) permits and parking fees.
The set-up was understandably a few steps shorter, which is always nice when setting up in the dark. More than once in the dark I’ve attached a rain fly upside down and we had to restart that particular step. This tent was close to foolproof when it came to the rain fly because it was already connected. Kelli is a content writer with a degree in English Education from Penn State University. As a mom and a former middle school English teacher, she has spent the last 25 years looking for good deals for her home and the classroom.
However, it took a pretty good ozark trail canopy beating and has held up. The only thing I might add is a liner for wet days, like a small plastic trash bag. I can’t imagine loading this up with a lot of bulky, heavy items. And I do day hikes in Sequoia National Park and on the coast.
I agree with the other reviewer though, I would not go over about pounds with this pack. It is important to be considerate of hikers and preserve the beauty of the Ozark Trail so it can be enjoyed by future generations. The Ozark Trail Association marks and improves the trail and ensures campsites are well maintained. You have 28 days to return your order from the date it’s delivered. You can now return your online order in a few easy steps. We have print at home, paperless and collection options available.
We just completed a review of the Ozark Trail Tumbler line, which is not only budget friendly but also well performing. 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. With a 1-person tent, that doesn’t really make as much sense. After all, I was carrying the whole thing and so it might as well be connected. Essentially, the rain fly for the Ozark Trail was integrated into the tent directly. It was one of those planned events in 2020 that was delayed for years, from what else, but the Covid-19 pandemic.
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. At 35 liters, this pack is perfect for day trips or for hikers who don’t need to carry a lot of gear on the trails. Also a good choice for youngsters who are new to hiking, or who need a rugged pack for toting school items. We like that this pack has a lot of pockets including a zipper that allows you to access the middle of the pack without opening the top.
Water sources such as rivers and streams may only be available seasonally. Ozark Trail maps are a great resource to help identify places where you can access water. Bring enough water for your trip or a way to purify water to make it safe to drink. Many of the creeks and streams look crystal clear, but it’s still smart to make sure any impurities are removed with pumps or tablets before drinking the water.