I've carried it in bad weather, including rain and snow. Some days this bag was heavier than I would have chosen it to be. However, it took a pretty good beating and has held up. Before purchasing this pack I used a more traditionally styled, and heavier, backpack for daily walks. I recently attended a seminar that explained the major difference of carrying lighter gear while outdoors. The Ozark Trail had its beginnings in the 1970s when a group of public land managers, land owners, and trail users met to discuss the concept of a long-distance hiking trail. A comprehensive state outdoor recreation plan prepared by the state of Missouri in 1975 showed a need for an addition of 500 to 900 miles (805 to 1,448 km) of hiking trails. A first meeting in 1976 at Meramec State Park lead to the first draft of the trails proposal in February 1977 and in 1981 the first sections of the trail were under construction. I did some quick adjustments and gave the bag a try. It was heavier than the premium brands but still light enough for our needs. Once I got home my wife helped me fit the bag to my size and shape. We hike anywhere from 3 to 4 miles at a time up to 7 miles with a goal of a 10-mile round trip day hike. Sometimes it’s a single trail or we combine multiple trails at a state park. During these longer hikes I found it useful to have a large hiking bag and not just a school backpack. Generally, you get what you pay for when you purchase cheap hiking gear. I only walked about a mile away on a dirt trail to the showers but it was not a flat surface and the equiptment on my back was stable. Fast and easy to adjust and all buckles and webbing are in good quality. Walmart had a small section of packs and for the most part I was satisfied. Keep an eye out for a short spur trail between Sutton Bluff campground and Highway TT which leads to Grasshopper Hollow, the largest fen (peat-forming wetland) in non-glaciated North America. All items can be inspected in-person (and you are encouraged to do so) prior to bidding. If you can't inspect, you can enjoy return protection by either using Buyers Assurance or becoming a Premium Buyers Club member. The winner has 3 days to pick up the item from the appropriate warehouse. Bids can be placed via web browser or iOS/Android app. Every item starts at just $1, with no reserve price. Plus, join discussions with other members about gear, guides, and more. Get your questions about the Ozark Trail 35L Convertible Backpack Duffel answered from our team and the Pro Community right here on the page. If you need a good cheap bag you need to see if the Ozark Trail Back Packs will work for your needs. We offer competitive prices on all of our exclusive products. We stand by our high-quality products and your satisfaction is guaranteed. After Middle Fork, head into the 29-mile Karkaghne section, which mixes sweeping wetland prairies and ridge-lined valley views through the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area. I did finish my activities very sweetly and was able to walk and hike without carrying anything in my hands. I drooled over all the lightweight packs from the major manufacturers for a few years. There's no way I can justify paying five times more for something that might carry just as well. I plan to pick up another if/when this one wears out. All told, I've had the pack on my back for about 50 miles. I have noticed that when I fill the bag up full or close to full it puts stress on the stitching. To resolve this issue, I do not fill it completely up with heavy stuff. Honestly, most of my trips it’s a quarter full and the water bladder and extra water bottles are what makes it heavy. After the last few trips and hiking with a near empty bag, I decided to get a 20-liter bag since my gear only fills up about that half my normal bag. My suggestion is to get a smaller bag for shorter trips so can save on weight. Every pound does add up and if you cut the weight down by 5+ lbs. We loaded the bag up with everything we might need for a 10-to-12-hour day out on the trails. 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.