What do you really need as far as maps, guides go?

[Lyle]

Thru Hiker's Companion - Edited by ALDAH, published and sold by ATC (my personal preference)

Thru Hikers Handbook - Edited, published and sold by Wingfoot on Trailplace.com

Data Book - Edited, published and sold by ATC, less information in a more concise book, original of this type of condensed guide (often carried along with either of the above, but contains much of the same info)

[prozac]

All things being equal, I prefer the Companion just because it financially benefits the trail and not an individual.
As for maps, you can hike the entire trail and never use them. But they have saved my ass numerous times. Not from injury or death, but from added miles due to my head being up my ass while hiking and missing a turn. I still only carry the map for the section I'm in and bounce the rest up the trail.

[whykickamoocow]

Thanks Lyle you have cleared things up for me perfectly