ROGERS -- Scott Branyan shook a sleeping bag to show how maneuvering the stuffing can offer different protection to backpackers depending on the weather.
Down or synthetic insulation can be shook to the bottom of a sleeping bag to provide a warmth barrier between a person and the ground or pushed to the top of the bag to provide warmth from cold air, Branyan said while teaching a four-hour backpacking class Saturday at Hobbs State Park Conservation Area.
Branyan has been backpacking since 2011. Since that time he has completed a majority of the Ozark Highland trail. He also has made several solo backpacks in the Ozark National Forest.
Trails in Arkansas have become busier in recent years, Branyan said. He said it's important people become educated on backpacking as more and more people become interested in the hobby.
The workshop went through a range of information including gear options, gear organization and how to pack a bag. It also offered hands-on demonstrations of water filtering, fire starting and cooking.
Steve Sampers of Garfield said he's been backpacking since the 1960s. Even with years of experience the workshop was still informative to him, he said.
"Whenever a hiker sees another hiker, we always talk gear," Sampers said. "It's always good to see how other people use their gear. Scott has showed me a few things I didn't know about."
Marcus King of Fayetteville said he decided to take the class with his son, Daniel.
"We are interested in backpacking as father and son," King said. "Neither of us have ever done it."
The pair have spent a lot of time camping and floating in recent years, King said. He said they have slowly been advancing their skills and feel that backpacking is the next step.
King said he learned a lot about the importance of weight during the workshop.
"You should measure in ounces not pounds," King said. He also said he learned that the most important items to be concerned about with are the tent, sleeping bags and backpack.
Branyan suggested backpackers make spreadsheets. The weight of every backpacking item they own can be added together to give them a total weight. He said backpackers can then select the items they want for specific trips and add those items together. The checklist can then be printed to help with packing.
There are many gear options for backpackers, Branyan said. He said people have to realize the pros and cons of each and then purchase what they can afford. For example, a sleeping bag could be made to withstand lower temperatures but it has more fluffing causing it to be bigger and heavier.
Branyan said it's important new backpackers seek out people who can educate them on the hobby early on. He said there are multiple groups in the state that plan backpacking trips open to the public. The trips are a good way for newcomers to become educated by experienced backpackers.
NW News on 07/19/2015