If you could only buy 1 guidebook . . . .

[Sassafras Lass]

. . . which one would it be?

We have the 2010 Thru-Hiker's Companion as well as the 2010 Data Book.

Heard wonderful things about the AT Guide (which as I understand is a comp of the Thru-Hiker's Handbook and the AT Guide?) and am tempted to buy that instead of a Companion for our NOBO thru this year.

Then again there's also the Appalachian Pages to consider . . . .

Decisions, decisions!

What are you bringing and why? "HYOH" doesn't apply here Which book has the most pertinent info for a thru-hike?

[tawa]

The A.T. Guide --(IMHO) is the very best of the bunch in giving you all the information u will need.

[Luddite]

I'd bring the AT Guide. It doesn't really matter though.

HYOH

[Mountain_Goat]

I agree with Tawa-the new 2011 A.T. Guide has been incorporated with the Data book.It offeres the best and easy to read information.

[CrumbSnatcher]

1998 thruhikers handbook

[CrumbSnatcher]

i liked the way wingfoot used to describe the things along the trail,and the shelter camping areas too.
I like the added elevation profiles from AWOL
town maps are nice.

[Turtle Feet]

David "AWOL" Miller's "The A.T.Guide". Period.

[max patch]

Philosopher's Guide.

http://www.atmuseum.org/Philosophers_guide_83.htm

[Jim Adams]

Philosopher's Guide.

http://www.atmuseum.org/Philosophers_guide_83.htm

Ditto! It was great...alot of feedback by the previous year hikers.

Data Book is all you really need.

geek

[LDog]

Philosopher's Guide.

http://www.atmuseum.org/Philosophers_guide_83.htm

Note to self - Put a quarter in my first aid kit ...

[StormBird]

David "AWOL" Miller's "The A.T.Guide". Period.

agreed. This is the best guide and I used a few before I came to that decision.

[max patch]

Wow, thats 9 votes for the AT Guide, 1 undecided, and 0 for the Companion. The ALDHA folks have got to be scratching their heads after reading this thread.

Oh, and given a choice between the two I'd hold my nose and get the AT Guide also. So that makes it 10-0 thus far. Really surprising.

[SassyWindsor]

Buy a guide book for the next long trail you plan on hiking. Odds are you already know too much about the AT anyway.

[Sly]

Wow, thats 9 votes for the AT Guide, 1 undecided, and 0 for the Companion. The ALDHA folks have got to be scratching their heads after reading this thread.
.

Not exactly scratching my head...

I know many people like the AT Guide because of the elevations profiles, but as an experienced hiker I know they're mostly hype. I have the AT Guide and could get used to having to constantly change the book from reading the profile in a horizontal manner to reading the data in a vertical manner, and back again. The trail is going to climbs and descents, that's a fact, and a quick glance of the elevation table will tell you that.

With 35 volunteer field editors and many more sending in updates I have to think the Companion is more accurate than any other guide. That and the fact the proceeds goes to the ATC leaves me at ease.

[Iceaxe]

While were on the subject.. I have the 2010 Thru hikers Handbook by 501.
It says it used to be Wingfoots guide.
It seems like a solid data guide with elevation profiles and town data.
I am kinda on the fence about whether to buy a 2011 version of a guidebook.
Whats is the major selling point for between the 2010 thru-hikers handbook and the 2011 AT guide?

[Maddog]

David "AWOL" Miller's "The A.T.Guide". Period.

Any guide will do...but I agree! Don't waste your time with anything else! AWOL's guide ROCKS!!!

[Sly]

David "AWOL" Miller's "The A.T.Guide". Period.

You've used it to hike how many miles so far?

[malowitz]

Another AT Guide reference here. I used it for a thru in 2010. AWOL will also e-mail out updates periodically so you get new information/corrections as you're on the move.

[emerald]

Why would anyone choose to acquire old data except for historical purposes? Another helpful thread!

Maybe it's expecting too much to think people might link the current guides.

[FritztheCat]

I'm bringing the 2011 AT Guide. I have the 2010 version and it was very helpful (and accurate) for my hikes in VA last year.