Trail Guides & Map Sets

[GeneralLee10]

I was looking at the AT Store online and noticed two different sets. One is https://www.atctrailstore.org/catalog/iteminfo.cfm?itemid=209&compid=1 and the other is https://www.atctrailstore.org/catalog/iteminfo.cfm?itemid=190&compid=1&pcatid=0 . Which one is needed? I am not sure if the first one I posted is. If you have the Appalachian Pages or the Companion why do you need the guide books? Can someone answer this for me.

Thank You

[Jack Tarlin]

Truth is, while they're informative and educational, you really DON'T need the Guidebooks, and virtually no thru-hikers carry them while en route.

Your best bet for map sets is to get 'em from the ATC between Thanksgiving and Christmas when they go on sale, or buy a used set on-line somewhere.

(When you buy the ATC package in the fall, it comes WITH the books, tho of course, you don't have to carry them with you, and virtually nobody does).