New Book: Urban Girl's Guide to Camping

BERKELEY, Calif. – Growing up, Heather Menicucci's idea of a great vacation was a bed-and-breakfast with her mom or an oceanfront condo rental with her dad. When she was old enough to plan her own trips, she picked happening cities like Los Angeles and London.

In her new book, "Let's Get Primitive: Urban Girl's Guide to Camping" (Ten Speed Press, $14.95), she writes that she "fell into camping by pure chance. I met a special Boy Scout and ... decided it was time to pursue this mysterious new experience."

Now she's an expert. And her book is packed with entertaining anecdotes about her transformation from a lipstick-wearing, bug-fearing diva who hated getting wet, to the type of camper who prefers pitching a primitive tent in the backcountry to staying at a regular campground with electric hookups and plumbing.

Despite the fact that she is a purist, her book includes information on some of the comforts that she rejects. For example, while she doesn't use sleeping pads, she notes that "most campers swear by them." They are laid beneath a sleeping bag to cushion the hard ground, and cost $10-$100.

She also recommends a headlamp - a small light that straps on your forehead, about $60 - so you can see what you're doing in the dark and keep your hands free.

Menicucci notes that having access to potable water is "probably the biggest backcountry hassle." Sure, you can pack jugs in your car, but you can't lug 10 gallons of water a half-mile into the woods. She recommends investing in a water purifier so you can supplement drinking water you bring with you with water sources along trails. The gadgets run between $50-$200, and Menicucci says it's important to stick with reliable manufacturers, such as Katadyn, MSR, SweetWater and FirstNeed. For backup, she carries chlorine dioxide tablets, which can be dropped in a liter of water, and a SteriPEN, a small sterilizing wand that uses ultraviolet light rays to neutralize harmful bacteria.

The book also includes advice for cooking on camping trips, including recipes, techniques and shopping lists; and lists of items that Menicucci wouldn't hike or camp without. These include tin foil, paper towels, plastic bags, a roll of duct tape for various emergency repairs, DEET bug repellant, citronella candles (which repel bugs from your campsite), a first-aid kit, and matchboxes and lighters.