We passed through Sutton Bluff recreation area which included a low water bridge across the Black River. The campground was closed but included RV hookups and attractive facilities. I then turned my phone on (in airplane mode) and read a portion of Ron Carlson Writes a Short Story and drafted some notes.
Water was never a concern during our week as we followed creek drainages and crossed many lesser streams over the route. After doing our first 88 miles of the Ozark Trail during a week in November, I was hooked and wanted to hike ozark trail backpack every mile of trail built so far. The Ozark Trail Association website has a trip planner that helped determine the first leg of our journey. For this trip, we started from the last hike’s ending point and continued north.
I’ve also used a poncho which kept my upper body dry, but I still get clammy. Ultimately, the good design for this product was that it was sized right for what I needed, both in dimensions and weight. Not too small, but not too large (and thus wasteful) – a Goldilocks design. After all, I had to be sensitive to weight as we were required to carry our own water for 10 miles as there were no options for filtering during that stretch.
Even on the best of trips, I usually learn of things I should have done differently, often related to travel distance, packing, or food. Woke to a light rain that must have begun around 4 a.m. As we approached Strother Creek, we noticed ozark trail chair an odd sulfur smell. Water from this creek runs through lead mine tailings and hikers are advised not to use this as a water source. The set-up was understandably a few steps shorter, which is always nice when setting up in the dark.
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. 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.
It’s kind of a standing joke with me and my blue bag in Peru, Europe etc… I love it and for $17 at Walmart it is still my go-to bag for the last 10 years. I think you could strap things to the outside, as it has a daisy chain and two loops at the bottom. I agree with the other reviewer though, I would not go over about pounds with this pack.
Be aware, this is a daypack, intended for lighter loads and shorter distances. It isn’t built to be on your back 8 hours a day, and it won’t support 25 pounds. Used for its intended purpose, this is one of the best hiking/backpacking deals I’ve ever come across. I sweated just a bit but not too much since the walk was short (and I didn’t want to sweat after a shower). I did finish my activities very sweetly and was able to walk and hike without carrying anything in my hands. Fit and finish were pretty good — no loose seams or stitching.
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.