The Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) is one of the most underappreciated long-distance hikes in the country—and maybe the best-kept secret in Arkansas. Stretching over 160 miles, it starts at Lake Fort Smith State Park and winds through the heart of the Ozark National Forest. Along the way, it cuts past bluff overlooks, deep hollows, creeks, waterfalls, and some of the most scenic, rugged terrain the state has to offer.
It’s versatile, too: you can go big with a weeklong trek, or knock out a weekend section hike. Some of the most popular stretches for shorter trips include:
- White Rock to Shores Lake – great views and elevation
- Indian Creek / Lick Branch – water crossings and classic Ozark hardwood forest
- Hurricane Creek Wilderness – remote and peaceful
- Byrd’s Adventure Center proximity – good for mixing trail time with OHVs, river access, or just a burger and a beer
Whatever route you choose, food becomes your reward at the end of the day—and that means your cook setup needs to be reliable, efficient, and not weigh a ton.
Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve used, what I trust, and how it fits into both budget setups and my current go-to system.
My Current Setup: Efficient & Built for Bad Weather
MSR WindBurner Stove System – My Cold Weather & Bad Conditions Choice
This is the setup I use now more than anything else. The WindBurner is windproof, boils water fast, and everything nests together beautifully. Unlike a standard stove and pot combo, this locks together, which means it won’t tip over if you’re cooking on uneven terrain. Perfect for early spring, cold mornings, or ridge camps with a breeze.
It’s a little heavier than some ultralight setups, but the convenience and efficiency make up for it. If I’m planning longer miles, uncertain weather, or just want no-fuss hot meals—it’s what I pack.
Sea to Summit Long Handle Spork – One Tool for Everything
This metal spork (mine’s either titanium or a high-grade aluminum like 7075) is one of those “don’t leave home without it” items. Long enough to stir deep pots or scrape freeze-dried meal bags clean, strong enough to cook with, and light enough to forget you even packed it. I haven’t managed to break or bend it yet.
Budget-Friendly Setup: What I Started With—and Still Recommend
MSR PocketRocket 2 – Ultralight, Reliable, and Affordable
This was my first stove—and it still comes with me on short trips or when I’m packing ultralight. Weighs next to nothing, fits in your hand, and boils water quickly as long as you’re not in a wind tunnel. It doesn’t have built-in ignition or wind protection, but it’s rugged, fast, and easy to maintain.
STANLEY Adventure Nesting Cookset – Simple, Tough, and Smartly Packable
The Stanley pot is built like a tank. It comes with cups originally, but I removed those to make space. Instead, I slide a small propane canister inside—and if I’m using a larger canister, the PocketRocket itself fits inside the pot. It’s a perfect fit and makes for a compact, no-rattle bundle.
Combined with the PocketRocket, it makes for a budget-friendly, highly packable system that’s great for beginners or experienced hikers alike.
Fozzils Snapfold Solo Set – Lightweight and Surprisingly Useful
These fold-flat dishes add barely any weight and can be used as a plate, bowl, or even a makeshift cup if needed. They rinse clean easily and nest right into the Stanley pot or your pack lid. I wasn’t sure about them at first, but they’ve earned a spot.
The Add-Ons That Complete My Kit
Sawyer Squeeze Filter – Fast, Reliable Water
I’ve filtered creek water, spring seeps, and some questionable puddles using this filter. It doesn’t need batteries or moving parts—just fill a pouch, screw it on, and squeeze. It’s light, fast, and trustworthy if you remember to backflush now and then.
AlpineAire Spicy Sausage Pasta – Comfort in a Bag
This is my favorite freeze-dried meal on trail. It’s spicy, hearty, and doesn’t taste like bland trail food. Most of AlpineAire’s lineup is decent, but this one’s at the top of my list after a long day on foot. If you’re only packing one hot meal, make it this one.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hiking the full OHT or just taking a long weekend on your favorite section, your cook kit should make meals easy, reliable, and enjoyable. I’ve used both of these systems—the ultralight Stanley/PocketRocket combo and my current WindBurner setup—and I’d trust either of them out in the woods with no cell signal and no backup plan.
Got your own cook kit setup? Let me know what you pack.
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