28 NEBRASKAland • JUNE 2017
have weather and insects. If Nebraska camping seems easy,
it's because its people are hardy and have learned to be well
prepared. Sunshine, high winds, rainstorms, hail, snow, sleet
– outdoor Nebraska can be surprising. If you are equipped to
camp in this crazy weather, I believe you can camp almost
anywhere in the country.
TENT CAMPING
In eastern Nebraska, my favorite times to camp are during
the spring, fall and mild summers, therefore a three-season
tent is all I've ever needed. I own two tents: a roomy Kelty
Zodiac four-person tent (MSRP $99.95) and a small REI
Half Dome two-person backpacking tent (MSRP $199.00).
I've owned the Kelty for nearly six years and REI Half
Dome for over eight. Both have held up well.
If a relaxing, three-day weekend campout is more your
speed and possibly with kids and/or pets, a roomier, less
technical camping tent is what you need. I love my Kelty
Zodiac four-person tent, which is perfect for two adults. When
choosing the right size, it is best to assume that the tent will
run small, so go up a size. There's enough room in my Kelty
for a queen air mattress and plenty of room for packs.
When choosing a tent, look for one that comes with a
large, waterproof fly, which will provide full coverage from
wind and rain. Larger vestibules also allow for stowing away
lanterns, chairs and cooking equipment during wet weather.
While less expensive tents such as Coleman perform
satisfactorily under light use, they often come with tiny
rain flies and flimsy poles. End-of-season sales are when
you should be looking for a new tent. My Kelty came from
Target at 40 percent off.
As far as structure, I personally do not like cabin-style
tents. These tents may give you lots of headroom and may
Marguax Towne shows Journey Odom of Bellevue how to cook
with a pie iron while camping at Two Rivers State Recreation
Area.
