Specifically designed for the demands of long distance backpacking, the award-winning Duplex hits the sweet spot when it comes to size, weight, and features. The Free Zip provides the versatility of a freestanding tent with all the benefits of an ultralight shelter made from Dyneema® Composite Fabric. It is truly a go-to tent for just about any backpacking trip.
However, it took a pretty good beating and has held up. All told, I’ve had the pack on my back for about 50 miles. Keeping the load under 15 pounds seems to be the key. I really wanted to use it for our fall two-nighter on the AT, but was unable to fit my bivy with a 20 degree Kelty Cosmic down bag inside. I contemplated stepping down to the 45 degree bag, but thankfully, did not. Aside from the main pack bag, there is a small zippered compartment on the front, that, depending on how much you have stuffed inside, is pretty tight.
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.
I don’t think I’ve met any user on the AT so far who doesn’t like their Duplex. The paved 40-mile Razorback Greenway trail runs its length. Numerous ozark trail chair other trails spin off, most mild, some dipping and hooking sharply into blind turns beneath bridges, and most busy with pedestrians.
Its collapsible design allows you to easily tuck it away when not in use, making it ideal for hiking, camping, road trips, or simply a day out in the park. (This is not sarcasm.) When I was a new mom a hike with my baby on my back was a wonderful antidote to the feeling of being overwhelmed by this huge life change. And once he was old enough to walk on his own, his little brother was being carried by me or my husband.
I managed to fit my headlamp, lighter, map, compass, and some tp in the pocket. I don’t make it a habit of buying my gear from Walmart, but this was a excellent purchase. I use this pack on a daily basis to carry my office clothes while I ride my bike to work and to carry light loads while out Geocaching. Our Vertice Rain Jacket is optimized to be ultralight without compromising on durability, and it is among the lightest possible choices for waterproof hyper-breathable rain gear. Most of the shortcomings become less so with lighter loads and more moderate terrain. And yes, no matter what, some performance characteristics are only adequate for seasoned cyclists used to paying 10x or more for their gravel bikes.
It even has a rain cover built in, which is great when I’m riding my bicycle across town on a rainy day. 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’ve had this pack for 2 years and I’ve beaten the living daylights out of it and it still performs just as well as the day I bought it.
Water sources like rivers and streams may only be available seasonally. OT 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 Explorer has the range for bikepacking through the mild hill country and unloaded rides through moderately steep terrain. But the approach to the Ozarks’ White Rock mountain wasn’t moderate.
A thru-hike can begin at the Onondaga State Park and proceed southward to the Eleven Point Western trailhead, or move in the opposite direction from south to north. The Ozark Trail Association Trip Planner contains information on a thru-hike, including directions to Onondaga State Park and Eleven Point Western trailheads. A perk of hiking lesser-traveled trails are fewer (or non-existent) permits and parking fees.