Searches for Ozark Trail backpacks have surged across the United States. This spike follows the Federal Bureau of Investigation's release of a suspect description in the kidnapping case of Nancy Guthrie. The FBI confirmed the suspect was carrying a black, 25-liter "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack. Nancy Guthrie, 84, went missing from her Tucson, Arizona, home on February 1, 2026. Her disappearance has drawn national attention, with authorities now intensifying their search efforts and public appeals. ### Suspect Identified, Reward Doubled The FBI recently provided new identifying details about the suspect in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. Forensic analysis of doorbell camera footage from Guthrie's home helped confirm these details^{[1][2][3][4][5]}. The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average build^{[1][2][6][7][8][9][3][10][11][5]}. He was seen wearing a black, 25-liter "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack^{[1][2][6][7][8][9][12][3][10][4][11][5]}. The FBI also released photos of a similar backpack to help with identification^[2]. This marks the first time law enforcement has officially described a person seen in security video as a suspect in the case^[2]. In an effort to generate more leads, the FBI has significantly increased the reward for information. The reward for details leading to Nancy Guthrie's location or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance now stands at $100,000^{[1][2][6][7][8][9][3][10][4][11][5]}. This is double the previous reward amount. Since February 1, the FBI has received more than 13,000 tips from the public^{[1][2][6][8][9][10]}. Each tip is carefully reviewed for credibility and relevance, according to the agency^[9]. "We hope this updated description will help concentrate the public tips we are receiving," the FBI said in a social media post^{[1][6][10][11]}. ### Ozark Trail Backpack Becomes Key Clue The specific mention of the "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack has turned a common retail item into a critical piece of evidence. Ozark Trail is a brand owned by Walmart, making its products widely available across the country^[7][12][10]. This widespread availability means many people own or have seen this type of backpack. The FBI's confirmation that the suspect was carrying this specific bag has led to a notable increase in online searches for the product^[12]. This surge in public interest highlights the potential for ordinary citizens to assist in the investigation by recognizing the item. Investigators believe that by focusing public attention on this distinct backpack, they can generate more precise and actionable tips. People are now actively scanning images online and comparing them to what they may have observed locally^[12]. The hope is that someone will recognize the backpack in connection with suspicious activity or individuals, providing a breakthrough in the case. The FBI has also released additional images of the backpack to further aid in its identification^[12][10]. ### Ongoing Search Efforts and Family's Plea Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson on the evening of January 31, 2026^[13]. Her family reported her missing the following day, February 1, when she did not attend church^[2][14][13]. Authorities quickly determined that Guthrie was taken against her will^[14][11]. Evidence found at her home included blood on her front porch that matched Guthrie's DNA^[1][14]. Her doorbell camera was disconnected early on February 1^[2][14][13]. However, investigators successfully recovered images and video from "residual data located in backend systems"^[2][3][5]. These recovered visuals showed a masked and gloved individual, who appeared to be armed and tampering with the camera^[3][5]. The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has garnered significant media attention^{[1][2][14][13][3][4]}. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have made several public appeals, including social media videos, pleading directly to anyone with information^[1][2]. "Our lovely mom. we will never give up on her. thank you for your prayers and hope," Savannah Guthrie wrote in a social media post^[1][6]. Law enforcement agencies, including the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI, have been working tirelessly. They have conducted extensive searches in the area around Guthrie's home^[1][7][11]. The Pima County Sheriff's Department has also asked residents within a two-mile radius of Guthrie's home to share any doorbell or CCTV footage from between January 1 and February 2, looking for suspicious activity^{[1][6][12][11][5]}. The investigation continues with hundreds of agents and detectives involved^[9]. Authorities are reviewing thousands of tips and pieces of evidence, including recovered DNA that does not belong to Nancy Guthrie or those in close contact with her^[7][3][5]. Despite these efforts, Nancy Guthrie's whereabouts remain unknown^[13]. The FBI urges anyone with information to contact them at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov^[3][5]. Public cooperation, particularly regarding the distinctive Ozark Trail backpack, remains crucial in the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie.

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