AWOL guide to the AT for 2015 or other reference?

[Frank_the_cat]

I section hike the trail in both directions and have no problem when I need to read the guide "backwards". You just start at the bottom of the pages and read to the top. I found it didn't take long at all to get used to it.

Thanks, that's what I figured, but I wanted to make sure there wasn't some secret or trick to it.

[msumax1985]

Thanks Red Dog.

It seems many don't realize the Thru-Hikers' Companion now has elevation profiles (which were professionally drafted at great expense) which for the past few years, has been, the number one reason hikers have said the used the AT Guide.

Other than that, the 2015 Companion will have completely restyled tables with more data points and added features (however, we won't list every seasonal water source that's bound to be dry when you arrive). It will also have new town maps, and more of them, for towns hikers are likely to resupply.

True, it is a bit bigger and heavier than the AT Guide, however, it will also be constructed so each major section (south, Virginia, mid-Atlantic and New England) will be a book within itself, so carrying each will only be a matter of 50 pages. There's also a way each that each booklet stays intact and can be rebound. (more on that later)

AT hikers should keep in mind that all proceeds of the Thru-Hikers' Companion goes to the ATC, and with government funding the way it is, they need all the cash they can get.

Added: I see MikeN has covered many of the bases I just mentioned. Thank you!

BTW, the ATC is accepting pre-orders for the 2015 Thru-Hikers' Companion of 20% off until they become available in mid-December.

https://www.atctrailstore.org/catalo...d=791&compid=1

I'd really like to use the ATC items and support the cause. But I just visited the site and it's very confusing. There is a Databook, then a Companion, then a Guide. Then there's a Guidebook Special. What is each for? Why are there different items? I can't find any examples anywhere. Why is the 466 miles of Springer to Damascus in one Guide, but then there are 3-4 different Guides for the 500 miles of Virginia? To do my 250 mile section this spring I'd need to buy $63 worth of guides? How is that different from the Databook? Or the Companion?

I've used AWOL from Springer to Marion, VA and save weight by using the loose leaf version. Loose leaf is also much easier to use day by day. AWOL has worked great, but I sometimes wish it had better maps of the area. I'd like to know what town or mountains I'm looking at.

What did you mean by your (more on that later) comment? Is there a more detailed explanation of the ATC items somewhere? Maybe they need to do a Youtube video to explain all their different products.

[Sly]

I'd really like to use the ATC items and support the cause. But I just visited the site and it's very confusing. There is a Databook, then a Companion, then a Guide. Then there's a Guidebook Special. What is each for? Why are there different items? I can't find any examples anywhere. Why is the 466 miles of Springer to Damascus in one Guide, but then there are 3-4 different Guides for the 500 miles of Virginia? To do my 250 mile section this spring I'd need to buy $63 worth of guides? How is that different from the Databook? Or the Companion?

What did you mean by your (more on that later) comment? Is there a more detailed explanation of the ATC items somewhere? Maybe they need to do a Youtube video to explain all their different products.

The Data Book only has mileage with no descriptions or town info. The state guidebooks are actual trail guides to help navigate the trail with turn by turn directions. The Guidebook Special usually includes maps.

The Thru-Hikers' Companion includes data book mileage (the 2015 edition actually has more points of interest than the Data Book), elevation profiles and town maps as well as descriptions for services, shelters, current regulations and some historical information. It also goes over the basics of LNT, Lyme disease, bears, permits, hiking with dogs, hitch-hiking, etc.

This year, it's also constructed so most sections of trail can be removed from the book and used independently (leaving intact sections) as well as which ATC maps are needed in each section should you carry them, and names the local trails in the White Mountain NF that shared the AT.

[msumax1985]

Thanks, Sly.

So, compared to AWOL:
1) The Databook has less, more basic info,
2) The Thru Hiker Companion is the most similar,
3) and the state Guidebooks have much additional info. In addition, there are seperate detailed maps.

Hope I have it about right. I do 250 mile sections, so think I will try out the ALDHA Companion this year. If I join ALDHA I get a free PDF download. Then I will supplement that with the AT Hiker App listed on the ALDHA site.

[Sly]

Hope I have it about right. I do 250 mile sections, so think I will try out the ALDHA Companion this year. If I join ALDHA I get a free PDF download. Then I will supplement that with the AT Hiker App listed on the ALDHA site.

The PDF works well for section hiking because you can print out the pages you need (just be aware the actual page numbers and pdf page numbers don't correspond). You also don't have to carrying the front matter and appendices but can use them for planning. If you're hiking the entire trail it makes more economical sense just to buy the book in print. You can also have the complete PDF on file on your smartphone or device

If you experiment a little and have good eyes you can put 2-4 pages on each sheet of paper. Here's the link to join ALDHA and get the download at the same time.

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[Sly]

msumax, I forgot to mention, if you use ATC maps, the redesigned tables are "synced" to the maps, so you'll know which ones to take with you or use next.

[Treetoptommy]

awol i just bought the book and the pdf file. highly recommended!

[2015 Lady Thru-Hiker]

Using the AWOL. Bought 1 for me and 1 for each of my kids so they can follow me in the book. Wait until you see the color-coding!! Yes, i'm one of those!!

[She]

I've picked up several older used versions of the various types on the cheap (2-3 bucks with free shipping from various used bookstores online) to determine which format works best for me. I really don't want to know the elevations in advance (call me chicken), although I know it will help determine how long the point to point might take. I plan to give the older versions to my kids to track me if they want to so they'll pull double-duty in the end. So far I like the Data Book the best, but I've yet to have the AWOL SB in my hands to compare. Just a different thought so you can try out different things

[comanche8f]

What are people recommending for a 2015 guide/data book, and does anyone know when the AWOL 2015 version will come out and how to get it?

I just got AWOL's 2015 guide book in the mail. Great, great book. There is a tremendous amount of detail. It has great elevation graphs, and pretty much any trail and town information that you will need. Highly recommend.

[Cotton Terry]

I agree that AWOL's The AT Guide is great. I also have the AT Hiker app for my iphone and it's very good, too. It has a nice map with excellent elevations and a databook for for details. It also has pictures of various features. It also has an option for people to post latest trail/water source conditions. I encourage you to check it out. It will be a great addition to AWOL's Guide.

[Deacon]

For all those who care, it appears that the 2015 version uses heavier/thicker paper. The overall weight jumped from 8 ounces to over 11 ounces!

[Busky2]

AWOL's in the pocket ATC's in the phone and on the desk for preplanning!

[comanche8f]

For all those who care, it appears that the 2015 version uses heavier/thicker paper. The overall weight jumped from 8 ounces to over 11 ounces!

I noticed that as well, it appears it is more water resistant though, and can hold up to more abuse