I don’t think I’m terribly crazy in thinking that ~$300 is a bit steep for the map set. Does anyone have an old set they would sell? Or know where I could find a set? Or have any advice for me regarding this? I’m not so worried about getting lost as I am about knowing mileage, where the next shelter/town is, etc. Would the data book be enough, or are the maps indispensable?
Susan
We kind of like both. We had Wingnut’s book of Lies and the ATC maps. The book for data and the maps to check out hte terrain; water, profile and interesting stuff. I just hunted around the net and found a set from Maptech,
http://www.maptech.com/land/appalachiantrail/index.cfm
They look great, USGS maps on CD with tools to do anything. Follow the link and the “try me” tab. The tools let you check milage, 3D them, whatever. Print them off for mail drops. And they run only $99.
Bushwhack '01
I printed the ALDHA PDF guide off the internet before leaving for my attempted thru-hike last spring. When I got to Hot springs I threw it away and bought the data book for $4.95 at the outfitter there.
(BTW, the outfitter in Hot Springs can recommend a person who is a whiz with a sewing machine…he sewed the straps back onto my pack…the outfitter called him and he drove down in less than 20 minutes, picked up my pack and had it back to me in less than a half an hour completely repaired. In less than an hour I was ready to get back on the trail, and he only charged me 15 bucks. This guy used to build custom packs in Salt Lake City, Utah and is trying to get going in Hot Springs–he does quality work.)
My opinion is that the data book is all you will ever need. Sometimes there were laminated copies of the maps in the shelters, but on the whole they were just extra tidbits. The elevations and mileage on the maps are often wrong due to trail re-routes, and you do get a lot of elevation info from the data book, just no profiles. Sometimes the town information was even wrong in both the guides and the data book.
The bottom line is that nothing is set in stone. If you are counting on some little store in some one horse town then you may be disappointed. I remember carrying leftovers, including a whole apple pie out of a dinor in one little town because the resupply point I was counting on had closed 2 years before. I did two almost 20 mile days into Erwin because Moffits store wasn’t around anymore, and I was going slow and averaged 8-10 miles a day throughout my entire hike.
Read the journal entries of southbounders regarding water sources once you get into Virginia. The ones listed may have dried up or be very muddy.
I’d also like to say here that I think it is important for hikers to maintain the water sources. Many times I found a pile of damp leaves and was able to dig the leaves out and find a small pool of water that many people would have just passed on by. And this was in an area of Virginia where water sources were very scarce, to the tune of one every 10 miles or so. Try to leave things a little better than you found them.
On the whole, the data book will be enough if you pay attention to the shelter registers and what other hikers say about resupply and water sources.
This is my experience from Springer to Waynesboro in 2002.
Matt
Mattthew Goss
There are those who hike without maps, because the trail is well marked. However, it’s being irresponsible. Maps are vital if you ever need to bale out in an emergency or something similar happens. And it does.
Myself, I carried maps and Wingfoot. By the way, Bushwack, the only way that we are going to correct Wingfoot’s “book of lies” is to send him comments. I did. Did you?
Peaks
We weren’t considered “knowledgable” by his standards so we were talked AT, not to. We left. Otherwise a fair book, I have five copies. When the 'Nut blocked my trail name because it had Bush in it and I couldn’t log on I went down the block. He’s a fun guy.
Bushwhack
He’s no longer credible. He hasn’t hiked in 10 years. He doesn’t know anything about new gear or the “feel” of the AT nowadays.
Lone Wolf
I wouldn’t mind an opinion from anyone, hiker or not, if it’s just your opinion and you want to dive into a discussion. But what someone tries to impress apon [you] that it’s “my trail” and you have to do it “my way” or you’re wrong and not hiking it correctly, TTFN bud. Even an older hiker has stuff to tell. We saw a cool and trippy slide show from a 30 year section hiker last year. He saw it all, from the pot parties in Va. to aliens. The slides were a killer time line on the AT. The gear was a trip, from jeans to GoLite, from Camp Trails aluminum monsters to bivy sacks. Most fun. Just don’t show it in the face that your way is it. Lots to learn, lots to see, lots to eat.
Check out this link and play with the tool, esp the 3D, it’s cool.
http://www.maptech.com/land/appalachiantrail/index.cfm
Follow the download link and then the Woodstock, VT section.
Buswhack
Susan–
I personally think one should never go into the backcountry without a good map and the ability to use it, but that’s ultimately a personal choice. On a thru-hike, there are all sorts of reasons to carry them (This subject is discussed in length, if you’re interested, on one of the Forums at the WhiteBlaze site, www.whiteblaze.net)
If you ecide to go with the ATC maps, if you’re an ATC member, (or know somebody who is), you can get the whole set for just $171.75 plus shipping, if you order before Christmas. This includes their guidebooks; if you’re just interested in the map set without the books, it’s 156.00. For details on this special package, go to www.atconf.org, and find the section called “The Ultimate Trail Store.”
Last idea—check E-Bay for used sets; you also might want to send a post to the A.T. mailing list at www.backcountry.net They’ve got over 600 folks on that list; maybe you can find someone there with a used set to sell.
BaltimoreJack
Like Jack said, and a ability to know direction either by sun, moon, wind or just being able to know where you are at any time. Compass skills, but you won’t need those on the AT. Although some folks do apparently. Hehe
Bushwhack
Several courses are available from weekenders to the advanced competition levels. That and a map or good GPS knowledge, waypoint marking, you can’t get lost…'Howdy.
Bushwhack
Susan,
I got by absolutely fine without maps on my thru-hike. I carried Wingfoot’s current guide and was happy with it. Also, the AT Data Book is a very accurate and excellent choice. I don’t believe that maps are neccessary at all for the AT. Maps can be fun to have for side-trips though. In addition to Baltimore Jack’s recommendations, you should also check in the back of the ATN magazine for mapsets that hikers are selling. Happy trails. -Matt
Sweeper
Where would I find Wingfoot’s guide? I’m from Ohio, so AT info and resources are sparse.
Susan