I used the word “think” intentionally, because what I thought I knew about Ozark Trail was not correct. Ozark Trail is proving to be a really solid competitor for outdoor products. This cooler has a number of features that you would find on more expensive coolers and a few that you won’t find. Our sister site Alloutdoor.com recently reviewed a hiking backpack sold by Ozark Trail that had an overall stellar performance and it triggered a question among our staff.
All though I’ve been hiking for years, my hikes have been short ones no more than a mile or two. Normally they took place at a green space or a nearby park. For these outings it was carrying a Nalgene bottle of water in a pocket or on a strap and large jug kept in the car for the drive home. But over the last few years my wife and I are into longer hikes.
We loaded the bag up with everything we might need for a 10-to-12-hour day out on the trails. The stitching wasn’t as good as the premium brand but, it was still a well-built ozark trail chair bag that should last if I didn’t over stuff it. Ultimately, the good design for this product was that it was sized right for what I needed, both in dimensions and weight.
The Ozark Trail 45 Qt Rolling Thermocooler also comes with an internal tray, which the other two do not. The coolers in competition were the Ozark Trail 45QT Rolling Thermocooler, The Pelican 45QW Elite Wheeled Cooler, and the Yeti Tundra Haul. I chose these coolers because they were the closest among the brands when it came to internal storage. For student engineers, the process of gaining real-world experience through internships or part-time employment can be onerous and disheartening.
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. Aside from the main pack bag, there is a small zippered compartment on the front, ozark trail canopy that, depending on how much you have stuffed inside, is pretty tight. I managed to fit my headlamp, lighter, map, compass, and some tp in the pocket. Fit and finish were pretty good — no loose seams or stitching. Stitches appeared evenly spaced and of uniform distance from the fabric edges.
I avoid freeze dried meals because of their saltiness, expense, and packaging. 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.