AT Planning: Guides & Maps

imported
#1

Looking at ATC & ALDHA websites, it appears guide/map choices are 1) Thru-Hiker’s Companion, 2)AT Guides (Buldled or individual), which includes maps, 3) Maps (bundled or individual). I looked at the sample PDFs and my initial reaction is to get the Companion plus the Maps (versus the AT Guides that include the maps). (I understand the AT is well-marked, but I like maps & guides.) I would, of course, carry only what I need at the time & pick up next section’s guides/maps at resupply. So, Companion + maps OR AT Guides (which already include maps)?

Trek-Or

#2

AT Guides w/ maps. If you want to save weight and A LOT of $ go with the Appalachian Pages, which is better than the handbook IMHO. I went with the companion and maps myself but would do it differently were i to do it again. If you must have the maps, post something on whiteblaze because you can get them really cheap used.

Stud The Dud

#3

The AT is so well marked you really do not need maps but I like having them for a number of reasons and would carry them again. I bought all the guides and used them at home for planning but brought none of them with me. I also brought the Companion which I found very helpful. If I was to do it again I would bring the maps and Companion but would break the companion up into sections and only bring what was needed for the section I was in at the time.

Big B

#4

I carried the Companion in '07.
Did not carry maps - but would reccomend them in certain isolated & difficult sections - like the Whites southern Maine.
IMO the real value of having maps is if you need to get off trail - maps give a bit more info than the Companion as to what is connected to/on adjoining trails - in addition to the AT.
Have seen Appalachian Pages - seems very good. Buy both and decide - then leave other with your “support team” back home. They really like to “follow along” and can use addresses from the guides for maildrops, etc.

evil eye

#5

I used the AT Pages without maps and never had a problem. But I’m very comfortable out there without a map, so it’s your personal decision. I did carry AAA road maps (free from a friend), which show most roads and the trail, for bailout purposes and big-picture views (which way to town, for instance).

Garlic

#6

If you go with App. Pages, make sure you get the new one by AWOL, and it will probably have a different title.

AT 2010

#7

I will be publishing “The A.T. Guide” in 2010. The website for it is same as the title without spaces or periods. “Appalachian Pages” will not be published in 2010, but the new book will have all the features that made that book popular, and more. There will be northbound, southbound, and loose-leaf editions, more detailed profile maps and more town maps.

Awol

#8

“The A.T. Guide” is available now, many sample pages and other info on the website www.theATguide.com

Awol