I was wondering if its unnecessary to bring maps on the AT. I have a copy of the AWOL guide which i intend on bringing....but should I go out and buy maps too? I usually have maps with me for all my hiking but Ive heard from several forums that the trail is marked well. Thoughts?
Cheers
_tea addict_ It is not necessary to use maps. Many thru-hikers skip the expense, weight and hassle of keeping up with them. You can follow quite well with either the Companion or AWOL. They have a map. Maps can be helpful if you get off trail and can give you egress help if you need to bail off trail. They can also help find water. Some of the maps are downright worthless because they are outdated. The ATC and trail clubs push them because they are a big money maker. Today with an I-phone and the guide, it's not needed. You will also hike with others who will have maps to look at. The maps are quite a mess with dozens of formats, legonds, scales, colors. One will be good for 2 days the next is good for a week. It can be aggrivating.
_Francis_ The AT is so well marked and used that you can hike it without maps or guides however depending on how comfortable you are with blindly following a trail should determine what you carry. I carry only maps. I plan my resupplies in advance and know where to get off. I like the maps for being able to see what's around me in case I have to get off quickly or want to visit something that is not directly on the trail. I would recommend carrying one or the other.
_Big B_