A perk of hiking lesser-traveled trails are fewer (or non-existent) permits and parking fees. The Ozark Trail does not have permit, parking, or registration requirements for its trail sections. Wetlands give way to ridgelines at the start of the Blair Creek section. The 26-mile route follows Blair Creek south 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. Enjoy views of the Ozark landscape as you gain 500 feet of elevation up 2.5 miles to the top of Stegall Mountain.
It is also designed to hold a 15″ laptop in the padded pocket. For our trip I decided to ozark trail chair carry about 25 litters that included 3 liters of water, camera gear, and other hiking gear we may need on the trail. It was completely full and with it properly fitted to my back it worked great and feels good on my back. The stitching wasn’t as good as the premium brand but, it was still a well-built bag that should last if I didn’t over stuff it.
One downside was that ozark trail chair I did experience a manufacturing defect — the sterner strap kept sliding out from the top, which was frustrating to say the least. But overall, I highly recommend this backpack for its versatility and style. It’s a perfect companion for any outdoor excursion, whether as a carry-on for travel, a hike, or a bike trip.
We had great weather – not too hot and not too cold – but it did rain for about 5 minutes. My friend chose to not put up his rain fly betting on the perfect weather to continue while enjoying the stars at night. During those five minutes of rain, he was a little more stressed as the risk of a wet sleeping bag had not been completely mitigated and he rushed back to the campground. True, I wasn’t able to remove the rain fly to watch the stars or let the wind ventilate my tent, but I was able to enjoy the day hikes without any sort of worry.
Thru-hiking is defined as hiking the contiguous 230-mile backbone of the Ozark Trail in one trip. 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. Fit and finish were pretty good — no loose seams or stitching.
It was one of those planned events in 2020 that was delayed for years, from what else, but the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the trip was three years in the making, the anticipation was doubly intense. Of course it has no side water holsters, or lid pocket, or hipbelt ozark trail canopy 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. This pack has no extraneous features, save for the small front zip pocket and an internal hydration sleeve.