Hi,
does anybody know where I can get a copy of the 2004 edition of the thru-hiker’s handbook? I have searched all over but big online bookstores don’t have it and even seem to be out of earlier editions.
thanks,
Baxley
baxley
Thru-hiker's handbook
system
#1
system
#2
i had the same problem and accidentally ordered a 1995 edition, then ended up just getting the data book and that other guidebook by the AT people. Then when i got out here i got the guidebook, it’s in all the outfitters. don’t know where you can get it online, sorry
danny
system
#3
Hey, Baxley
Try going to REI’s webpage (www.rei.com). I think they sell the book you are looking for; The Thru-Hikers Handbook - Appalachian Trail - 2004 Edition
$15.95 Item 713845 . Tim
Tim
system
#4
order it at TrailPlace.com I think. it’s the official site. coming from amazon, I believe.
Amtrak
system
#6
Or just get last year’s ALDHA Companion — that’s where most of his “updates” come from!!:lol
Tarpeze
system
#7
It’s obvious this thread might turn into another round of Wingfoot-bashing, and when it’s deserved, bash away. But as it applies to his Thru-Hikers Handbook, IMO it’s not deserved.
The ALDHA Companion and WF’s Handbook are both published annually (except one year WF didn’t publish a few years back), and of course they contain a lot of the same info but each also has its own “exclusives.” To get the widest array of data you should probably have access to both–tho few hikers would actually CARRY both.
Each book is updated annually, albeit by different methods.
The ALDHA Companion has a volunteer editor plus fact-checkers and localized volunteers who each are responsible for maintaining/updating accurate information for an assigned section of the A.T.–both the Trail itself and nearby town services. Since the input is varied due to the large number of volunteers, the quality of info may also vary from section to section. Most of it is quite good, IMO.
Wingfoot does most of the fact-checking himself, in person in some cases but often by running up a huge telephone bill, or by snailmail/email–contacting hikers, trail angels, hostel owners, and other businesses near the trail. This is supplemented with input from some of the trail maintaining clubs and ATC. Again, the quality of input is as varied as the people providing it.
IMO both books serve a valuable purpose, and are reasonably accurate. Between the time the books go to press and they are used in the field relocations happen, new services open, and some services cease to exist. If you’re not using the current year’s book(s) these issues are magnified. It is a good idea to send a note to ALDHA and/or Wingfoot when you notice something that doesn’t match what’s in print so it can be corrected in the next year’s editions.
The A.T. is the most written-about hiking trail in the world. The quality of info provided by ATC, ALDHA, Wingfoot, and various websites is far better than any of the other major trails. Not perfect, but definitely superior.
“Skyline”
system
#8
He put alot of unessessary burden on his life but its his hike. So I figure with revenge of the nerds out there. If he can do the whole trail with all that on his shoulders in 05. That gives me incentive to hike the trail. And not to mention all the sponsership crap he has to deal with to like way beyond reality what your have the time to type here about.
I’m going to do the trail to in 05 but I will buy a composer and log on here with pictures as soon as I can, right? Maybe we can crash the site with a picture of me and wingfoot making peace. And he can sign my book " LOT LIZARDS OF TROUTVILLE"
Greg
system
#9
I bought my “The Thru-Hikers Handbook” (2004) by: Dan ‘Wingfoot’ Bruce…at: Pheasant Lane Mall. Nashua, N.H. 603-891-1180. Mabey you can call and have it shiped. Top quality store with good service. 
Wild Bill