New books about camping and hiking are out

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.

But her new book, "Let's Get Primitive: Urban Girl's Guide to Camping" (Ten Speed Press, $14.95) describes her transformation from a lipstick-wearing, bug-fearing diva to an expert on backcountry camping. The book includes entertaining anecdotes and lots of advice, including suggestions for gear that will make your camp-outs more pleasant -- like sleeping pads, headlamps, and a water purifier, along with more common items ranging from tin foil and paper towels to a roll of duct tape for emergency repairs, DEET bug repellent and a lighter.

Other books out this season on camping and hiking include "The Great American Camping Cookbook" by Scott Cookman (Broadway Books, $17.95), which offers "grub lists" (hint: don't forget the bacon); recipes for johnnycake (originally known as "journey cake" because it was a travelers' staple), great "camp coffee"; bannock, a pancake-type bread made in a greased skillet; panfried fish; baked beans; and soups.

For families, "Monsters In The Woods: Backpacking with Children" by Tim Hauserman (University of Nevada Press, $15.95) tells you what you do and don't need to bring (again, duct tape is recommended as a must-have, and dehydrated or freeze-dried food will be lighter to carry than canned). It also offers advice for backpacking with infants and toddlers (such as dealing with diapers on the trail, and staying home if the weather is bad).

For bird-lovers, Reader's Digest has a big new coffee-table book that is also a useful guide: "Where the Birds Are: A Travel Guide to Over 1,000 Parks, Preserves and Sanctuaries," by Robert J. Dolezal ($28.95). The book includes photos, maps, and trip-planning information. A number of listings are near metropolitan areas. Chicago-area birding sites include Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary and North Pond in Lincoln Park, along with nearby Northerly Island Park and the McCormick Place Bird Sanctuary at Burnham Park.