NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/831879
JUNE 2017 • NEBRASKAland 31 reviews and if making a big purchase, buy from retailers that offer 100 percent satisfaction or lifetime guarantee, which has become the standard. COMFORTABLE SLEEPING A sleeping pad is essential – not only does it provide cushion, but it also helps to insulate you from the cold ground regardless of how comfortable the air temperature feels. The type you should buy depends on the kind of camping you plan on doing. Foam pads are less expensive, lightweight and low maintenance, but tend to be stiff and uncomfortable. Air pads have come a long way for backpacking: they're light and packable, but they can puncture – although a patch kit can easily take care of that – and they are generally more expensive. Self-inflating sleeping pads are a combination between open-cell foam insulation and air; they are more comfortable than foam pads and more durable than air pads, but they are also heavier, less packable and can still puncture. I recommend Therm-A-Rest when looking for a sleeping pad. As a young backpacker, I used to scoff at people who brought their giant inflatable mattresses to car camp. I rolled my eyes at the loud, obnoxious sound of an electric air pump groaning from the next campsite over, which dared disturb my peace and quiet. Now – not so much. Last year, I broke down and bought a SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress (MSRP $134.95) on Amazon, and it has made camping so much more enjoyable and comfortable. It's a breeze inflating and deflating, and has helped me sleep through the night. I own several sleeping bags: a combination of rectangular, mummy, single, double, synthetic-filled, down-filled, cotton-lined and polyester-lined. Which one you choose will depend on your personal preference, the time of year and your activity level. Synthetic-filled bags are the most commonly used, as they are less expensive and can provide insulation even when wet. While down-filled bags are lighter, highly compressible and provide better insulation, you'll pay for it. Down-filled bags are also useless when wet. When choosing a sleeping bag, keep in mind that comfort ratings are subjective – some people run hotter and others colder. Read plenty of reviews. For three-season camping, my fiancé, Rick, and I usually use The North Face Dolomite Double 20F Degree Synthetic Sleeping Bag (MSRP $159), which provides just enough warmth and room for two adults. And in warmer weather, I prefer our cotton-lined Coleman bags because polyester lining, while breathable, can get sticky in muggy weather. For cold, late-November deer camping, I take my mummy, down-filled REI Sub Kilo +15F Sleeping Bag, which features 750-fill goose down and a thick hood for warmth. Rick also has the same bag, except it's cut for a man. Because mummy bags are constructed to maximize warmth by eliminating as much dead space as possible, they are more constrictive compared to rectangular bags. Less expensive synthetic-filled mummy bags are also available. A couple notes on caring for sleeping bags: after camping, air out your sleeping bag to prevent molding and loosely store in a large bag or container to maintain loft, which will prolong your sleeping bag's insulating capabilities. Never store a sleeping bag long term inside a compression sack. KITCHEN AND MEALS Rick and I eat quite well when we camp, but there's always that fear of forgetting a knife, spatula or tongs at home. We remedy this by designating kitchen items specific for camping – mostly old kitchen tools that we don't use anymore – stored in a special plastic tub that is labeled "Kitchen Camping." When we're ready to camp, we go through the contents with a checklist and just pack it into the car. Your needs will depend on what kind of food you like to cook. It may take a few campouts to whittle down or add to your list for the perfect camp kitchen. We like to cook dishes that are quick to make and dirty as few pots and pans as possible, and we prefer non-stick Tent camping in the fall at Indian Cave State Park.