View Full Version : General Preparation for the AT (Main query: Maps)
:welcome
I am planning to walk the AT :eek: (northbounding it up), starting March 2010.
I have purchased a few small gear items, the next big thing I plan to buy is a tent. Being British, I have decided to steer away from American makes altogether (such as MSR and Marmot), and go for something more accostumed to rainy weather (for example, a Terra Nova). Lightweight enough, I can not only use it as a 4-season double entrance tent for the AT, but take it to the Lake district and not worry about the wet English weather! Something I will have to factor in before commiting is its ability to shed snow. One thing I have noticed with a lot of British 3/4 season tents is the potential for snowfall to gather on top, which would inevitably lead to seapage. As you can probably tell, I am adamant that a Tarp tent is not on the cards. Please do comment on this decision though!!
Anyway :eek:, I digress! My main issues are:
1. Maps.
2. When to start.
Firstly, 1. I have done a few walks in my short life (I'm 22 :banana), and at the ripe old age of 17 threw myself onto a walk with a friend, called "Coast to Coast" (its by a famous English Lake district walker called Wainwright. As the name suggests it cuts coast to coast of England, through the Yorkshire Moores and the Lake District). We bought maps for the walk, and they were scale 1:10,000. Thus, on researching into the "box set" of maps for the AT, I was frantically reaching for my defibrillator when I discovered that the scales were around the 1-inch-to-one-mile range (1:50,000 - 1:63,500). (Something Bill Bryson complains about in his book "A Walk in the Woods".)
I have heard, and read in numerous sources, that the AT is very well blazed, to the extent where maps aren't necessary at times. Regardless of this, I will be carrying maps with me at all times. Q question for you experienced thru-hikers: what do you see as the purpose of such scaled maps? Is the AT difficult to navigate along at times, and if so, would such maps help? Are they more of a safeguard if you side track along some other path (and of course useful for pointing out towns and roads close to the trail)?
2. I want to start as early as possible, would late February early March be feasible in terms of Climate in Georgia?
Thanks for your help!
Any other general advise would be appreciated!
L-dawg
Hi no matter how well a trail is mark you should carry maps and a compass and know how to use them that said yes the trail is well mark. Just go read some of the post here of hiker geting lost maps can show you a fast way to get off the trail in you need to.
And yes a Feb start is feasible just bring the right layers and a warm sleeping bag.I will be leaving on Feb 4 2010 myself. Have fun and more thing their are guide books like The thurhike handbook and Appalachian Pages they sell on this site.
Thank you Partinj! Hopefully see you on the trail (if I manage to catch up with you!).
Yet this will be my first Thur-hike but i hike a lot of small trails that i found in a book call
the best hiking trail in the us. good book more trail out their then i belive. Don't if
you know their are a lot of good site where you can keep a trail journal the one i use is trailjournals.com great site you can get a lot of help from their just like here. see you o the trail
bigcranky
09-16-2009, 12:16
L-dawg:
1. Maps. The scale is such that the maps won't really help at the micro level (i.e., which of these three trails do I take at this intersection?) That's what the blazes do --- and the trail is generally very well blazed.
The maps help at the macro level -- how far to the next shelter or campsite, where is the next road crossing (and how big is the road, and how likely am I to hitch a ride there...), that sort of thing. The elevation profiles show how much climbing you'll need to do, which is useful for daily planning purposes. I also carry a guidebook like the Companion or the Appalachian Pages, which has even more information -- all of it very very useful.
2. Tent. In my personal very humble opinion, one doesn't require a 3/4 season tent for a traditional AT thru-hike. You might get snowed on, but this isn't an Everest attempt. While you may appreciate said tent back home in the Lake District, it's just extra weight up and down all the steep climbs on the AT. A tarp is sufficient, a tarptent or very light tent is better, while some folks swear by their hammocks. You did ask for comments, right?
3. Lots of hikers start in late February. It can be a little cold, but again, it's not Everest. You might get some nights in the teens (F) or a little colder. Bring a warm bag and enjoy.
ShelterLeopard
09-16-2009, 12:57
Well, the most typical start dates are March 1, March 15 and April 1. I'm starting February 23 so I can start before the first crowd, but still meet people. And I love the snow and cold. Hope to see you on the trail!
ShelterLeopard
09-16-2009, 13:03
PS- I advise staying at The Hiker Hostel because it costs 70 dollars for a night there, including pick up from the airport or train in Gainesville or Atlanta and drop off at the trailhead and breakfast (they may even have more options as to where they will pick you up).
It costs about 60 dollars just to get a ride from Atlanta to the trail, so it sounds like a really good deal. And you have to call ahead so they know when and where to pick you up, and save you a bed/room.
http://www.hikerhostel.com/
If you stay there on February 22nd, see you there!
Blissful
09-16-2009, 13:57
yes and yes to what Partinj said.
peakbagger
09-16-2009, 16:13
The majority of the AT maps (if not all) have profiles along with the conventional map. Some folks may have no use for the profile, but I personally use that feature more often than the regular map. I look at the profile in the morning and count how many "bumps" I have to hike that day and use it to plan good places for breaks. The map portion is of great value in emergencies when you need to know where you are relative to civilization. Most of the AT is fairly close to a road, but unless you have a map, knowing which road goes where is not very easy. In some areas with a lot of trails and use, the maps on occasion are needed to determine which way the AT goes versus the more used trails. The other use, not for the purist, is that on occasion, the maps are handy to figure out a blueblaze. I know that having a map with me several years ago was the difference between turning around or taking a detour when a large section of the trail was closed due to the after effects of a hurricane.
Sure people hike without maps, and a fair share of them end up borrowing someone elses map when they need one. I guess its a good way of introducing oneself;)
:welcome
Thank you all for your advise, especially Bigcranky and ShelterLeopard. I have heard of The Hiker Hostel, in fact I contacted them a few months ago to see if their thru-hiker package was still $70 (and it is!). To add to what ShelterLeopard (for anyone finding this useful): The thing they said they needed prior to a booking was flight numbers (what for I'm not sure). They also suggested booking before Christmas.
Bigcranky, I have a question for you...
L-dawg:
1. Maps. The scale is such that the maps won't really help at the micro level (i.e., which of these three trails do I take at this intersection?) That's what the blazes do --- and the trail is generally very well blazed.
:banana
You've pretty much hit the nail on the head there! (This was what I wanted answering!) The english maps I have, even at the 1:50,000 scale, still have all public bridleways and footpaths that are in the mapped region. Does the same go for AT maps? If I was to come to a fork in a path (without a blaze indicating which way to go), would the AT map show a fork in the path?
Thanks for your advise on tents! I'm going to chat to my girlfriend and we'll consider something more in the 3 season range, and very lightweight!
ShelterLeopard: I'm going to chat to my girlfriend and try to convince her to leave as early as possible, because I would like to have the trail to ourselves as much as possible, so we may well see you there on the 22nd!
Thanks everyone!
Keep it coming!
LIGHT WEIGHT
It will be chilly at night, you might need two different sleeping bags, layer appropriately (obvious) base tent and other decisions on weight and have a SUPER HIKE! Might see you in Virginia.
bigcranky
09-17-2009, 06:51
You've pretty much hit the nail on the head there! (This was what I wanted answering!) The english maps I have, even at the 1:50,000 scale, still have all public bridleways and footpaths that are in the mapped region. Does the same go for AT maps? If I was to come to a fork in a path (without a blaze indicating which way to go), would the AT map show a fork in the path?
If the fork is a cow path, then no, it won't. If it's a "real" trail (a horse trail, another hiking trail), then yes, the maps do show those intersections. The scale is such that there's often not a huge amount of detail. I do find the maps very useful, though. and I do carry them, along with the guidebook (or copies of the guidebook pages when I am on a shorter hike.)
By "guidebook" I mean one of the full-trail guides, not the individual state guides.
max patch
09-17-2009, 06:54
[QUOTE=L-dawg;895067If I was to come to a fork in a path (without a blaze indicating which way to go), would the AT map show a fork in the path?
[/QUOTE]
Thats not gonna happen; the AT is well -- some would say over -- blazed.
Weatherwise, much better to wait til April to start. Starting in Feb, unless you are a slow hiker, you'll finish before fall in new england and miss the best time to hike on the AT. You'll also need to prepare for sleeping in single digit temps.
Thats not gonna happen; the AT is well -- some would say over -- blazed.
Weatherwise, much better to wait til April to start. Starting in Feb, unless you are a slow hiker, you'll finish before fall in new england and miss the best time to hike on the AT. You'll also need to prepare for sleeping in single digit temps.
Max patch, unfortunately I have committments for early October, so I must ensure that I am on time for finishing then. (If me and my girlfriend get ahead of schedule we can take it easy and enjoy particularly scenic/sunny parts!) The other benefit of starting early is (hopefully) that the trail will be less populated. As you say though, its a shame I can't be in New England in Autumn, its meant to be beautiful! Thank you!
Bigcranky: thank you very much!
Del Q: I already have a GoLite bag, and I reckon I'm going to aim for lightweight gear for every department (apart from a sleeping bag and rain coat). Will you be section hiking in Virginia?
You only need a 3 season tent.
I would say a net tent with a good fly or a well ventelated single wall like tarptent double rainbow is probably the way to go.
Something in the 3# range would be nice.
I like freestanding, but they are heavier.
You might want to look at the double rainbow for a single wall.
It has a few important features IMO for 2 hikers. 2 entrys and 2 vestibules is a good thing. Plenty of mesh. Decent amount of room at 2.5#.
http://www.tarptent.com/doublerainbow.html
They have others too. The hogback is huge and weighs 4#. Still not that bad when split.
IF you want a cheap tent the Eureka spitfire 2 is $125 at sunnysports, but it does not really have a good vestibule. It weighs about 4#
You will be hiking in the buggy hot rainy summer for part of the hike so a good breathing tent is a good thing.
As far as freestanding tents, I like the Velox 1, 2 or 3, but they are out of production. The 3 is very roomy, but is 5#
bigcranky
09-17-2009, 10:02
While we're on the subject of tents, we own a Double Rainbow and like it very much. However, take a look at the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo, which is a similar design but has significantly more interior room. If you are hiking with a significant other, and plan to share a tent, this is a good one.
No tarptent is particularly warm in winter, of course, but they are much nicer in warm weather than a 4-season double wall tent.
The initial question is addressed on ATC's web page Hike the Trail (http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF/b.4805465/k.9760/Hike_the_Trail.htm). I suggest reading it. A link to ATC's Ultimate Appalachian Trail Store is provided.
ShelterLeopard
09-17-2009, 22:42
Thank you all for your advise, especially Bigcranky and ShelterLeopard. I have heard of The Hiker Hostel, in fact I contacted them a few months ago to see if their thru-hiker package was still $70 (and it is!). To add to what ShelterLeopard (for anyone finding this useful): The thing they said they needed prior to a booking was flight numbers (what for I'm not sure). They also suggested booking before Christmas.
I think they need the flight numbers to check and see if your flight has been delayed. And thanks for posting what they said about Christmas- I tried to book a reservation online, and she e-mailed me back about a month ago, saying they didn't even have their calender for next year up yet, and she'd book me a bit closer to February- maybe I should call her in person.
Jack Tarlin
09-17-2009, 23:16
You've had some good comments on maps. Let me add:
*A map will be of great use in an emergency situation, either for yourself or
perhaps for someone you're trying to assist. On the A.T., you'll encounter
side trails, old jeep trails, old abandoned trails, roads, all-terrain vehicle or
cross-country ski trails, railroad or power lines, you name it. Without a
a current map and the ability to read it, these landmarks will mean nothing
to you.....i.e. you won't have any idea where any of these side trails or
paths actually lead. Do they go to a real road? Do they dead end? Do they
make a circle and come back to where they start? In short, you're
essentially blind without a map, and in an emergency, like if you had to
get out of the woods in a hurry, or get help for someone else, well this information can be crucially important.
*Maps will point out all sorts of things that are very close to the Trail.....
views, waterfalls, etc, and very frequently these are NOT necessarily
mentioned in your guidebooks. There will be times when you'll want to
leave the Trail, maybe to take a side trail or climb a nearby mountain or
hill. A map can be vital here, and may well prevent you from geting lost,
taking a wrong turn, etc.
*Maps will point out reliable alternate water sources which can be very useful
in drought periods.
*Maps will show you how to bushwhack or deviate from the Trail in case you
have to (such as if you come to an impassable, unfordable stream, which
happens in Maine frequently). A map will help you intelligently bushwhack,
it'll help you from getting lost, and will be invaluable if you DO get lost.
*Maps will give you a much better feel and understanding about the land
adjacent to the Trail, will help youidentify nearby mountains and other
landmarks, etc.
*Contour lines and elevation profiles will greatly assist you with your daily
planning. They'll tell you when to go for a big mile day, and when it'd be
foolish to. Many folks like to get the big climbs out of the way in the
morning, when they're fresh, and it's cooler; likewise a lot of folks don't
want to do a monster uphill slog at four in the afternoon after they've
already done 17 miles. The maps and profiles will be a great help in telling
you what lies ahead. Otherwise, you have very little idea.
These are just a few things. There are all sorts of good reasons to always
carry maps, and only two reasons not to, expense and weight. In that you'll never be carrying more than two of them at a time, the weight argument is
absurd. And as to the cost, over six months your maps will cost around a dollar a day, and maybe less if you buy a used set somewhere. Considering how often you'll use them, you'll be spending pennies every time you have a look at them. There are MUCH better ways to save money than to skip maps.
Anyway, best of luck with your planning, whatever you decide to do.
You've had some good comments on maps. Let me add:
*A map will be of great use in an emergency situation, either for yourself or
perhaps for someone you're trying to assist. On the A.T., you'll encounter
side trails, old jeep trails, old abandoned trails, roads, all-terrain vehicle or
cross-country ski trails, railroad or power lines, you name it. Without a
a current map and the ability to read it, these landmarks will mean nothing
to you.....i.e. you won't have any idea where any of these side trails or
paths actually lead. Do they go to a real road? Do they dead end? Do they
make a circle and come back to where they start? In short, you're
essentially blind without a map, and in an emergency, like if you had to
get out of the woods in a hurry, or get help for someone else, well this information can be crucially important.
*Maps will point out all sorts of things that are very close to the Trail.....
views, waterfalls, etc, and very frequently these are NOT necessarily
mentioned in your guidebooks. There will be times when you'll want to
leave the Trail, maybe to take a side trail or climb a nearby mountain or
hill. A map can be vital here, and may well prevent you from geting lost,
taking a wrong turn, etc.
*Maps will point out reliable alternate water sources which can be very useful
in drought periods.
*Maps will show you how to bushwhack or deviate from the Trail in case you
have to (such as if you come to an impassable, unfordable stream, which
happens in Maine frequently). A map will help you intelligently bushwhack,
it'll help you from getting lost, and will be invaluable if you DO get lost.
*Maps will give you a much better feel and understanding about the land
adjacent to the Trail, will help youidentify nearby mountains and other
landmarks, etc.
*Contour lines and elevation profiles will greatly assist you with your daily
planning. They'll tell you when to go for a big mile day, and when it'd be
foolish to. Many folks like to get the big climbs out of the way in the
morning, when they're fresh, and it's cooler; likewise a lot of folks don't
want to do a monster uphill slog at four in the afternoon after they've
already done 17 miles. The maps and profiles will be a great help in telling
you what lies ahead. Otherwise, you have very little idea.
These are just a few things. There are all sorts of good reasons to always
carry maps, and only two reasons not to, expense and weight. In that you'll never be carrying more than two of them at a time, the weight argument is
absurd. And as to the cost, over six months your maps will cost around a dollar a day, and maybe less if you buy a used set somewhere. Considering how often you'll use them, you'll be spending pennies every time you have a look at them. There are MUCH better ways to save money than to skip maps.
Anyway, best of luck with your planning, whatever you decide to do.
I think you've summarised and added a lot of useful information there, thank you Jack. I think the decision is clear: maps are something every thru-hiker should factor into their gear list.
The ATC store sells a complete collection of all the maps needed for the trail (in fact my Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers Guide has a list of maps in it, and this is identical to the box set sold and, I think, the list given on this thread: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=53762&highlight=maps [file is a PDF on the left of the page.. you must be a registered user to access it]). Has anyone gathered their own map list, possibly from other map makers (such as NatGeo), and why? I'm sure the ATC set is the most efficient at following the trail, I'm just intrigued to know if there are any map-alternatives :cool:
I think they need the flight numbers to check and see if your flight has been delayed. And thanks for posting what they said about Christmas- I tried to book a reservation online, and she e-mailed me back about a month ago, saying they didn't even have their calender for next year up yet, and she'd book me a bit closer to February- maybe I should call her in person.
Hi ShelterLeopard, I thought id quote you one of the replies I got from The Hiker Hostel to hammer home what I said (and for anyone else reading):
[10/08/09]
We are busy in the thru hiker season, so booking as soon as you have your flight would be suggested. Our price will remain the same for next season As fore payment no deposit is required. We will take payment when you arrive. And we do take credit card.
Josh Saint
Hope this helps! :)
Jack Tarlin
09-18-2009, 11:39
L-Dawg:
Right now I think the ATC maps are the best ones out there, and several of them have been completely re-done in the past year or two. If you go to the "Ultimate Trail Store" section of www.appalachiantrail.org you'll see details on ordering; you'll also see that the whole set goes on sale every year at great savings, usually around late November. You also might be able to find a good used set On-Line, here on Whiteblaze or E-Bay, or elsewhere. (Just make sure the set is complete and comparatively recent!)
[QUOTE=L-dawg; I'm just intrigued to know if there are any map-alternatives :cool:[/QUOTE]
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club has a very nice set of AT maps for their area.
http://www.patc.us/store/map.htm
Georgia Hikes has a set of online maps for the state of Georgia.
http://www.georgiahikes.com/main.asp
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville has a wealth of info on the AT, including TOPO & Road Maps of the shelter areas.
http://www.cs.utk.edu/~dunigan/at/
The ATC Interactive Trail Map
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF/b.4850633/k.9733/Interactive_Map.htm
futureatwalker
09-20-2009, 14:35
1) I can't comment on tarp tents, as I haven't used one yet. I have a one-man Eureka thing that ways about 3 lbs, but this won't be suitable for more than one person. If I were leaving next season, I would buy the MSR Hubba.
2) Josh and Leigh at the Hiker Hostel are great. You might be able to get a lift from an outfitter - REI - on the edge of Atlanta (and you can get the train from the airport there). I can't remember the name of the stop.
3) I liked the Appalachian Trail Conference maps - at least for Georgia and North Carolina. As you'll soon see, what you will be concerned about is elevation, water sources, and where the shelter/camping areas are (although there are lots of unofficial areas where you can pitch your tent). You don't need ordinace survey 1:25,000 resolution... the trail is well marked.
4) If I were leaving next year, I'd leave on April 1 or April 15. Winter, in my experience, is a lot harsher in the US than the UK. It can be much, much colder. Leaving in February means you are winter hiking. I would be prepared for, relative to the UK, really cold temps (-10C easy). A warm bag, down jacket, etc., are absolutely essential if you are leaving in February. As a very rough guide, I would say the late February in the UK is equal to early April in the Appalachians.... ok, not quite this, but close.
Feral Bill
09-20-2009, 16:33
So, if you have topo maps, why even look at profiles? They're only really useful if you don't have or can't read the topos. We can all read a topo map, can't we?
bigcranky
09-20-2009, 16:51
Sure, but the profiles are a quicker read.
If you go to the "Ultimate Trail Store" section of www.appalachiantrail.org you'll see details on ordering; you'll also see that the whole set goes on sale every year at great savings, usually around late November.
Kind of sort of.
Others will correct me if I am wrong, but to my understanding what you get in the November sale is a package which includes all the maps (which you will want), a data book (which you might want, probably not), and a set of section books (which you may not want at all)-- all for just a few dollars more than the price of the maps alone.
Basically you get all the section books for free.
Few thru hikers (very few) will carry the section books on their hikes. My guess is that most are left unread. Better for section hikers or people who will return to the AT over and over, than for someone living abroad I think.
They do have some interesting natural history tidbits and such in them, if you want to collect such stuff. But most purchased by thru hikers will go completely unread, I think.
Jack Tarlin
09-20-2009, 20:30
Kind of, sort of?
Weell, sure, I guess. But I like to save money when I can.
The whole map set, at present, is around $207.00. It's $165.45 if you're an ATC member. In that the special isn't going on right now, I can't quote you a price, but I bet it's something better thatn $207.00, so those wanting a whole map set might want to wait til the special is announced in a few weeks.
You'll probably save some money.
And if I'm mistaken about prices, then I'm quite sure Rick will be right there to correct me. He sorta thrives on this. :rolleyes:
Not sure why you need to personalize this, Jack.
If I didn't think what I posted was correct, I wouldn't have posted it.
Jack Tarlin
09-20-2009, 22:31
You think I'm the one personalizing it, Rick? :D
Christ, you're funny. You go to the bother of quoting me above, then cutely say that I'm kind of, sort of correct.
Meaning I'm probably kind of, sort of wrong.
Rick, you're one of about five people here who doesn't have a lot to say a lot of the time except a whole boatload of your posts seem to be directed my way.
In short, you like giving me grief, you like disagreeing with me at every opportunity, and you practically have it off in your trousers if you think I've made a mistake.
So gimme a break with the "How dare you personalize this!!"
YOU personalized it with your "Kind of, sort of" wisecrack, which was obviously aimed at me.
So lighten up.
I'm not gonna go back and forth with you on this one cuz it's a pretty stupid argument. I think people can save a bit of money if they wait a few weeks and buy the maps all at once. Ricks says maybe not. As I've already mentioned, I don't know what the prices are gonna be this year, but I still think it's worthwhile to wait and take advantage of the annual "special", especially if one is an ATC member. And if I'm wrong, and the savings aren't worth it, then I'll happily say so; some of us here don't have a problem admitting when they mis-speak.
I think this one's about done.
You think I'm the one personalizing it, Rick? :D
Christ, you're funny. You go to the bother of quoting me above, then cutely say that I'm kind of, sort of correct.
Meaning I'm probably kind of, sort of wrong.
Rick, you're one of about five people here who doesn't have a lot to say a lot of the time except a whole boatload of your posts seem to be directed my way.
In short, you like giving me grief, you like disagreeing with me at every opportunity, and you practically have it off in your trousers if you think I've made a mistake.
So gimme a break with the "How dare you personalize this!!"
YOU personalized it with your "Kind of, sort of" wisecrack, which was obviously aimed at me.
So lighten up.
I'm not gonna go back and forth with you on this one cuz it's a pretty stupid argument. I think people can save a bit of money if they wait a few weeks and buy the maps all at once. Ricks says maybe not. As I've already mentioned, I don't know what the prices are gonna be this year, but I still think it's worthwhile to wait and take advantage of the annual "special", especially if one is an ATC member. And if I'm wrong, and the savings aren't worth it, then I'll happily say so; some of us here don't have a problem admitting when they mis-speak.
I think this one's about done.
OK OK. The point is that you are both meant to be giving me advise (and you both have been very helpful, especially Jack), so try and curb this personal issue you guys have and continue helping me out! :banana
Plus, even if you two are quabbling because the differences in your personailities comes through on a forum site (?), you are still both sharing a love and passion for something that a lot of people consider unique?
Thank you for your advise on possible reductions on the ATC website Jack. If you could post on here if and when you find out that would be awesome! :banana Rick, I saw that the box set came with a couple of guides which I doubt me and my girlfriend will slog around with us, however they would be nice to read. In general, what kind of stuff do these contain? Shelter locations, town maps, a description of the trail and the sites you will see in this section?
futureatwalker, thanks for hammering home a few points. Maps are my main concern and you've helped me get over my fear of the poor scales! As for water and shelters, I guess I can find some other book which contains all of this information that will supplement all the maps (in fact, I think I already have such a book). In the opinion of a few shop owners I've talked to, the Hubba Hubba is an excellent 2-man-tent, but isn't good for the wet and damp british weather (which will be its second use). Also, I think winter hiking will be wicked :) I mean, yeah its going to be cold and wet, and we will have to splash out on a bit of extra gear, but the benefits outweigh the cons... Firstly, me and my girlfriend want to spend some time alone on the trail before It gets busy, and I presume this will be the case if we leave early. Secondly, I think the appalachians will be beautiful in the late Winter (we very rarely get snow in Britain nowadays). I think you post is good advise to those we aren't up (or expecting) sub zero temperatures. I am buying a Mountain Hardwear SL Sub Zero Hooded Down Jacket (http://www.altrec.com/mountain-hardwear/mens-sub-zero-sl-hooded-down-jacket) in a few days. This with some base layers (microfleece's etc) should keep me warm during late Feb and early March. If you have any advise on this purchase that would be most appreciated, futureatwalke or anyone. It's $270-ish RRP, but I am buying it second hand for £90=$145, so factor this into any comments!
Feral Bill, I am not really sure what you meant there, if you could ellaborate that would be amazing.
Thanks again to everyone!
L-dawg :banana
David@whiteblaze
09-21-2009, 05:17
October? well... i am planning a 2013 thru and am hoping to start march 15 and finish by late August, early September to meet up with my folks. So, unless i missed something here, you should be able to smell ALL the roses (which is great). Good luck, HYOH, YMMV, and all that gibberrish
Rick, I saw that the box set came with a couple of guides which I doubt me and my girlfriend will slog around with us, however they would be nice to read. In general, what kind of stuff do these contain? Shelter locations, town maps, a description of the trail and the sites you will see in this section?
If you wait for the sale, you will get something like 11 Official guide books for the AT along with your maps, for just a few dollars more the the price of the maps alone. I think they also throw in a Data Book.
Most of the information in these Official Guide Books books is the mileage data like the ATC summarizes in the Data Book, but with more mileage points and additional commentary at each mileage point like "11.8 miles -- Descend steeply over ledge for .01 m then less steeply into valley. Views are Striking". There are many more mileage points listed than in the Data Book.
These Official Guide Books will also provide a very limited amount of information on the history of the area, blue blaze mileage and such. They provide some town info, but not much detail on that. To my way of thinking, they are best if you are doing a small section of Trail and want to get an overview a particular stretch of Trail. Some thru hikers like them. My guess is most who get them "free" never use them. YMMV.
Which takes us to the Databook. It collects the most important mileage points such as road crossings and shelter locations together. Plenty for a thru hiker. It will also note how many miles food, lodging or a PO is down a road crossing.
Which then takes us to the Thru Hikers Companion, or Handbook or Appalachian Pages. These three books have all mileage data contained in the Data Book, plus the town information most people want. Most hikers find one of these three to be essential.
QUOTE=L-dawg; As for water and shelters, I guess I can find some
other book which contains all of this information that will supplement all
the maps (in fact, I think I already have such a book).
The 2009 “Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion.” Is an excellent source of
information about trail data, (shelters, water, roads, towns) etc. There is an online
edition of the Companion: http://www.aldha.org/comp_pdf.htm
Jack Tarlin
09-21-2009, 16:04
I agree with Rick that in all likelihood, you will NOT want to be travelling/hiking with the ATC Trail Guidebooks. You'll probably be hiking with one or perhaps two maps at a time, and also, one of the three annually issued Trail guidebooks, either The Thru-Hiker's Companion; the Thru-Hiker's Handbook; or Appalachian Pages. All three are updated every year and usually come out by mid-January; they are very similar so it probably doesn't matter which one you decide to use. If you want a look at a Trail Guide now, or if you wish to make use of one before January, you can check out and see what the Companion looks like by going to www.aldha.org where they offer a free On-Line edition.
Blissful
09-21-2009, 21:02
Hikers from this past year will undoubtedly sell their map sets. Wait for that or look on ebay, etc. And I would also look at outdoor shops. I got several maps in a discounted bin area.
The ATC Guidebook Special is on now, thru December 21st.
Details below:
https://www.atctrailstore.org/catalog/iteminfo.cfm?itemid=69&compid=1