4 Ozark Trail Backpacks: Reviewed, Rated & Compared

If you're planning a camping trip in the near future, you may want to invest in an Ozark Trail backpack to take with you. Ozark Trail camping gear and backpacks are popular among budget-minded folks. They are currently owned by Walmart, and they produce durable backpacks that are ideal for hiking and camping – but that isn’t all.

Ozark Trail is also known for producing affordable backpacks, so their bags are very popular with students and young professionals who are on a budget. So whether you're planning on spending a few nights in the mountains or simply heading to a lecture, an Ozark backpack could be perfect for you.

Ozark Trail Backpacks Compared

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Model

Size

Compartments

Check Price

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Ozark Trail 35L Choteau Daypack

Medium; 35 Liters

6 +

OZARK TRAIL - 45L Montpelier Technical...

Ozark Trail 45L Montpelier Technical

Large; 45 Liters

6 +

No products found.

Ozark Trail 40L

Medium; 40 Liters

5 +

Ozark Trail 24-Can Thermal Insulated Cooler...

Ozark Trail 24-Can Cooler

Small

2 +

What Makes Ozark Trail Backpacks Popular?

One of the main reasons why Ozark Trail backpacks are so popular is because of how affordable they are. Camping equipment can be very expensive, with most backpacks costing hundreds of dollars, which just isn’t an option for many people - especially first time campers who aren’t sure if they'll be camping again.

In comparison, Ozark Trail is a very affordable brand, with most of their backpacks costing less than $100. Yet despite this, their products are still top notch. They're all made from high-quality materials, and many of their bags are weather-resistant.

Make sure you understand the definition of terms like waterproof and water-resistant before making your purchase by reading a handy article like this one. 

Ozark Trail sells a wide range of backpacks to meet different needs, including cooler backpacks to keep food cold and water-resistant bags that are perfect for long camping trips.

The Ozark offices are located in northwest Arkansas, in the Ozark mountains, somewhere you might end up exploring with one of these packs on your back. All of their backpacks are designed in America.

man wearing a backpack standing on a mountain

Who are Ozark backpacks made for?

Ozark Trail products are designed for hikers and campers, but in reality they're used by a much wider range of people due to how affordable they are.

For instance, the brand produces affordable, everyday backpacks with lots of space inside, which is perfect for students who have to carry books and a laptop around with them all day.

The temperature control backpacks are also popular with office workers who take their lunch to work with them, as the bags are designed to keep the contents warm or cold throughout the day. Sure, the Ozark Trail hydration pack line was actually designed to keep water cool during summer hikes, but they can also make sure your sandwich doesn’t get warm and stale during a hot day at the office!

Ozark Trail has a very versatile range of backpacks that cater to a lot of different needs, which this is why the brand is preferred by many campers and hikers, as well as students and young professionals.

So, no matter what your needs are, it's very likely that there's an Ozark backpack that's perfect for you.


What We Looked At: Ozark Trail Backpack Buying Guide

Materials

This is one of the most important factors when selecting the bag that's right for you. If the material is too thin, you may risk tearing the bag at the seems. However, thick material weighs more, which could be bad for long hikes.

In our Ozark Trail backpack reviews, we found that the ripstop nylon and polyester material they used is ideal for traveling, hiking, or camping. It's lightweight and durable.

Water Resistance

When shopping for your next Ozark Trail bag, you should consider if you want a water-resistant or waterproof backpack. Not everyone needs this feature, but it's nice to have if you are often caught in inclement weather.

The Ozark Trail backpacks we reviewed were water-resistant, which we found to be useful when caught in a rainstorm. Your camping gear will stay dry, but these backpacks are not completely waterproof.

Shoulder Straps

One of the most important factors in a good backpack is the shoulder straps design. You should look for straps that are comfortable and adjustable. Shoulder straps should be very well padded and ventilated.

All of the Ozark Trail bags we reviewed had pretty comfortable straps. The adjustability of the straps worked well with the back panel ventilation design. This helps you get maximum airflow while hiking.

Size

One question you need to ask yourself is how big of a backpack do I need? If you plan to go on extended hikes, you should look at the larger Ozark Trail products. The Ozark Trail Montpelier is a fantastic option for multi-day hiking and camping due to it's 45-liter capacity.

The Ozark Trail 35L Choteau Daypack is best for day trips and hikes. It's 35-liter capacity is perfect for carrying a few essential items and lightweight gear. Before buying your new backpack, keep in mind what you plan to do with it.

Comfort

No matter what your next adventure might be, you need to be comfortable. Backpacks that are not well-designed with comfort features can cause unnecessary back, neck, and shoulder pain. 

Ozark Trail backpacks are designed to be comfortable with compression straps, shoulder straps, and hip belts. Make sure you know how to properly wear a backpack before heading out to the trails.

Compartments

Depending on what you plan to use your Ozark Trail bag for, you need to consider the storage space and compartment layout. Some of these bags have a laptop sleeve while others do not. If you plan to take this backpack to work or school, then this is a must-have. 

Ozark Trail hiking backpacks typically have a large rucksack style compartment, which is great for hiking. However, this design might not be suitable for short trips or commuting.

Style Options

While comfort and safety are top priorities, style is also an important factor. You should be happy with the color scheme, style, and design of your Ozark Trail backpack. We like the style options offered by Ozark Trail. They offer some colorful backpacks, as well as some classic colors. This is entirely up to your preference. 

Warranty

It is important to note that Ozark Trail backpacks do not come with a warranty. While this isn't a deal breaker since many backpack companies don't offer warranties, it is something to keep in mind. If you take proper care of your bag, it should last for years.

Price

This is where Ozark Trail really shines. The price and value of these bags is unmatched. They focus on providing affordable Ozark Trail camping gear and backpacks for everyone. While most hiking and day packs will set you back hundreds of dollars, Ozark Trail offers hiking backpacks for under $100. 

woman walking down a street wearing a backpack

4 Best Ozark Trail Backpacks Reviewed

From backpacks that can fit 35 liters inside them to temperature control bags, here are four of the most popular Ozark Trail backpacks.

1. Ozark Trail 35L Choteau Daypack

No products found.

Best for Fishing
  • Waterproof = Water-Resistant
  • Number of Compartments = 6 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = Yes
  • Pole Attachment Points = Yes
  • Size = Medium; 35 Liters
  • Warranty = No

The Ozark Trail 35L Choteau Daypack is one of the most popular Ozark backpacks. The pack is lightweight and very comfortable to wear. It has wide air-mesh padded shoulder straps to distribute weight evenly across the body, so even if the bag is full it shouldn’t be uncomfortable to wear.

This Ozark Trail hiking backpack also has a back panel that allows air to travel through the back, helping to keep you feeling cool and fresh. This is very useful for people who are planning a long hike in warm weather.

The backpack is made from polyester and heavy-duty ripstop material, so it's very durable and strong. If you're not sure what ripstop material is, have a read of this explanatory article. 

No matter how much you put in the backpack, it should be able to withstand the weight. There are also compression straps that help to stabilize this Ozark backpack when you're wearing it, as well as two sternum straps for support.

Inside the Ozark Trail 35L Choteau daypack you'll find a pocket that's thermal insulated, and this can be used to keep your food warm or cold. Outside the bag are two pockets that can each hold a bottle of water.

The backpack also has lots of storage compartments, including an interior storage section that can hold a water bottle, a tablet or a laptop. This is ideal for office workers and students.

Pros

  • Compression straps
  • Insulated interior pocket
  • Great Ozark Trail fishing backpack

Cons

  • May not be big enough for multi-day hikes

2. Ozark Trail 45L Montpelier Technical Backpack

Best for Hiking
  • Waterproof = No
  • Number of Compartments = 6 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = No
  • Pole Attachment Points = Yes
  • Size = Large; 45 Liters
  • Warranty = No

The Ozark Trail Montpelier Technical backpack is well suited to hikers and campers. The large bag is built with an aluminum frame that can be removed, although it's unlikely that you would want to remove the frame if you're fully filling the bag.

The frame of the Ozark Trail Montpelier pack helps to give the bag a more supported structure, so it makes it easier for you to fill the bag. The frame also helps to distribute weight throughout the bag, so there's less pressure on the wearer’s back.

Built to hold as many items as possible, the bag has a cinch closure and a large internal compartment. This compartment can easily hold a laptop, a tablet or a few bottles of water. There's a convenient, stretchy front pouch, and there are compression straps to help stabilize the back when it's full.

The bag also has some safety design features. There's a reflective safety print on the bag, so it's ideal for long distance cyclists as well as hikers.

However, it's worth noting that the bag only has three compartments with zips; one large compartment and two smaller compartments. This means almost everything will need to go in one compartment, which isn’t such a problem if you plan on taking everything out while you're camping. However, you'll need to pack smart if you're keeping the bag packed for most of your trip.

Finally the Ozark Trail Montpelier has wide, padded shoulder straps to ensure that it's comfortable to wear. This backpack is well-suited to car camping trips and everyday life, especially if you're carrying a lot of things with you.

Pros

  • Removable internal frame
  • Safety reflective material
  • Wide, padded shoulder straps

Cons

  • Only one large main compartment

3. Ozark trail Lightweight 40L backpack

No products found.

Best for Travel
  • Waterproof = Water-Resistant
  • Number of Compartments = 5 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = No
  • Pole Attachment Points = Yes
  • Size = Medium; 40 Liters
  • Warranty = No

If you're planning a long camping trip and you need to bring lots of things with you, you may want to invest in this Ozark Trail traveler backpack.

This mid-sized bag is designed for hard-core campers, and there are lots of useful little features. Unlike the Ozark Trail Montpelier backpack, this one comes with lots of functional pockets that make it easier to organize and store your stuff.

The main compartment in the back comes with quick zip access, and inside there's a smaller pocket for important items. There are also trekking pole attachment points, so it's perfect for uphill hiking.

The backpack is also very comfortable to wear, due to the padded waist belt that comes with reinforcement straps. This means that the bag will be stable and secure when you're wearing it, even if it's full to the brim.

This backpack is lighter than the other backpacks on the market, so it's perfect for taking to work or camping. If you want an internal frame backpack, this one might not be for you.

Pros

  • Super lightweight
  • Lots of organizational pockets
  • Padded waist belt included

Cons

  • No internal frame

4. Ozark Trail 24-Can Backpack Cooler

Best for Beers
  • Waterproof = No
  • Number of Compartments = 2 +
  • Laptop Sleeve = No
  • Pole Attachment Points = No
  • Size = Small
  • Warranty = No

The Ozark Trail 24-can cooler backpack is smaller than the other backpacks on this list, but it still has some handy features. The main feature of the bag is the cooler interior that can fit up to 24 cans, as well as some ice packs. This section is well insulated to ensure that the items inside will stay cold for hours, so it's perfect for an overnight camping trip with friends.

However the main section won’t stay cold for days, so if you're camping for more than one day you may want to bring a cooler instead. The backpack also has a deep zipper, which can make it slightly harder to pack the bag, but it's still effective.

If you're looking for a cooler backpack that's easier to fill, the North Coyote Cooler backpack is a great alternative.

While the Ozark Trail Cooler backpack may not be suited to long hiking trips, it's ideal for a quick overnight camping trip or a day at the office - and the price tag is definitely very reasonable.

Pros

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Cons

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How Do These Ozark Trail Backpacks Compare?

Size

The size of these backpacks varies from small to large, so keep in mind what you need to store in your Ozark Trail backpack before buying a new one. If you plan to use it as a commuter bag, then you can opt for a small to medium-sized backpack like the Ozark Trail 35L Choteau Daypack.

If you plan to go on extended trips or hikes, then the Ozark Trail 45L Montpelier will work better for you.

Functionality

All of these Ozark Trail backpacks were designed for different purposes including hiking, traveling, and commuting. Before you purchase a new Ozark Trail backpack, you should make a list of what you plan to use it for.

This will help you narrow down the bag that's best for you. An Ozark Trail hiking backpack will work best for people who need a lot of space and places to carry a sleeping bag or tent. While an Ozark Trail traveler backpack is better for work, school, and carrying electronics.

man wearing a backpack and standing on a mountain

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is Ozark Trail a good brand?

After careful research, we think Ozark Trail is a great, budget-friendly backpack brand. They use durable materials and offer impressive functionality. 

I need a large backpack. Will this brand be good for me?

Yes, Ozark sell a wide range of large backpacks, including a 65-liter backpack.

Are Ozark trail backpacks good for fishing?

Yes, some Ozark backpacks are suited to fishing trips. It's best to pick up an Ozark backpack with lots of pockets, such as the Technical backpack, as this will make it easier for you to organize your fishing gear.

Can you take this backpack as a carry-on bag on airplanes?

Some smaller Ozark backpacks can be used as a carry on, but the larger backpacks are too big to be used as carry on luggage. It’s always best to call your airline prior to flying to get an exact answer as each company’s policy can vary.

How do you wash or clean a Ozark backpack?

You can clean your Ozark backpack by wiping it down with a damp cloth. You can also wash the backpack on a low heat if it needs a thorough clean.

Where can you buy backpacks at cheap prices?

You can pick up Ozark backpacks for affordable prices on Amazon. They sell a wide range of popular Ozark backpacks.


Conclusion

Ozark backpacks are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as young professionals and students. This is because the backpacks are very affordable, so they're suited to people who don’t have a high budget – but they're also very durable, so they should last for quite a while before becoming damaged.

So whether you're looking for a simple backpack that you can use to carry your lunch and your laptop, or you want something a little more complex for a long hiking trip, Ozark should have a backpack to suit your needs.

  • Updated August 25, 2021