This cooler has a number of features that you would find on more expensive coolers and a few that you won’t find. 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.
With that question being floated, we decided to travel down the path of discovery and start to take a closer look at Ozark Trail and some of their products. We just completed a review of the Ozark Trail Tumbler line, which is not only budget friendly but also well performing. The Hilmont also includes trekking pole attachment points, plus there’s a rain fly that’s stashed away in the ozark trail canopy bottom zip compartment. The padded waist belt has zippered mesh pockets, and the entire back panel and the bulk of the shoulder straps are made of padded mesh to keep you cool and comfortable. Size is perfect for day trips, smaller individuals, and teens. Great for hiking in warm weather, thanks to the breathable construction, mesh straps, and hydration bladder hook up.
Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting. 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 ozark trail chair trailhead, or move in the opposite direction from south to north.
Grab a hydration compatible backpack for $13.96 or Go Bag for $15.53. The next section along Trace Creek is an enjoyable, quiet walk in the woods. Some hikers may choose to continue on Trace Creek to the Taum Sauk section, but OT thru-hikers should head west onto Middle Fork/John Roth Memorial section to complete the longer route. This hilly 26-mile segment gains over 2,600 feet of elevation over a contoured landscape crossing brooks, streams, and wetlands, as well as small savannahs of oak and hickory hardwoods. Camp at Highway DD trailhead near the section’s start or Harper Spring around the 15 mile-mark. Like the Ozark Trail 45 Qt Rolling Thermocooler, the Pelican 45QW Elite Wheeled Cooler includes a lid with inch notches and also includes centimeters for those outside of the United States.
My only knock on it would be the lack of a small water bottle pocket. Outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, and also for school. The front and hip straps make it very comfortable and takes alot of the pressure of your shoulders and back. Yeti has clearly set themselves apart as the biggest player in the cooler space. Since they launched, they have carved out an incredible market share delivering products across the board from coolers to dog bowls.
If you are using your phone for navigation, pack a paper copy of a map in case you lose signal or find yourself without battery. Trail maps are free to print at home or are available for purchase at the online store. 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.
I have lost a couple of drain caps in my day which makes the cooler unusable until a replacement arrives. My own personal beverage drama every summer has really pushed me to do this review. To me, worrying about the temperature of the drinks I have on my boat is the absolute last thing I want to be thinking about when I am heading out on the water. I also liked how my head wasn’t directly beside the door, which often occurs for an end-door tent.
The Tundra Haul features rubber clasps, which I really like, and hard plastic wheels. As far as multi-daypacks go, this one might take the cake. The price is right, the capabilities are there, and the durability seems to be inherent. It would make a great camping backpack but also serve well as a travel backpack for more urban adventures. Before purchasing this pack I used a more traditionally styled, and heavier, backpack for daily walks.
The area offers many things to see and experience, including 1.5 billion-year-old mountains, pristine rivers and some of largest freshwater springs in the United States. Estimated shipping time is approximately 3-5 business days from the time your order is placed and is subject to change. Find the best backpack for your next outdoor adventure using our independent reviews and ratings. The Pelican also features a different pull handle than the Yeti and Ozark coolers as well. I do think the Pelicans pull handle is the lowest on my list of the three. When it comes to the seal, I was again very impressed by this cooler.