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skinnbones
05-02-2018, 09:49
When I return to the trail next spring should I replace my 2016 Awol guide with a newer version? I have only used 200 miles of pages and hate to discard if not necessary. Does the information in these books change that much year to year?
lonehiker
05-02-2018, 09:53
You will be just fine using the 2016 book. A business or two may have closed, or opened, but a quick query with a local will set you straight.
I have been getting a new one every year for the past 8 years. Actually two the last few years. Loose leaf to take with me, and bound to plan with and leave with my wife. For all the money you spend on gear and transportation, to me it is worth it.
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illabelle
05-02-2018, 10:35
I'm still using my 2013 AT guide. No matter how much the wind blows or how hard it rains, the mountains haven't moved.
Depends on what purpose AWOL serves for you. The trail has been re-routed but generally speaking, I don't use a guide for navigation, only for the town/resupply/water source info. The only thing the 2016 might affect is the water source info in the re-routes.
Starchild
05-02-2018, 17:23
I replaced my 2013 guide in 2016, which seems fine for today. Will see over time when things change enough to justify the update. But not every year.
What seemed to change enough were the businesses. There were many changes as the number of hikers increased, and changed the dynamics of the trail.
Feral Bill
05-02-2018, 18:27
I'm still using my 2013 AT guide. No matter how much the wind blows or how hard it rains, the mountains haven't moved. Plate tectonics will have moved them a bit. Not enough to be a bother,
MuddyWaters
05-02-2018, 18:48
Occasionally you run into a spot that's been rerouted and the mileage isn't quite right. It's off by mile or 3. Whoop te do.
Mine's pretty old. About 7 years ago I recall looking for a campsite it showed ahead of an developing thunderstorm. Only 1/4 mi ahead. Surprise..... trail had been rerouted there wasn't no campsite, or even flat ground to camp until top of hill. Took me maybe 3/4 of a mile to realize this. Manage to pitch on an incline just in time as a deluge began that lasted from about 3 to 10 p.m.
That's about the worst you can expect by using an old guide.