Book to plan/hike

[GoodbyeOhio]

After hearing how well the trail is marked, and how many people are alongside during the first few months on the trail, I'm wondering which book to buy to use as a quick reference. I'm not interested in spending over 200 bucks for the detailed maps sold from the conservancy store, just wondering which of the 2012 ALDHA companion or the 2013 Data book is the better buy?

[jeffmeh]

I prefer AWOL's guide. http://www.theatguide.com/

[Terry7]

I prefer AWOL's guide. http://www.theatguide.com/

Same......

[rocketsocks]

I prefer AWOL's guide. http://www.theatguide.com/+1 This ^

but you may like the others you mention, some do, seems to be a matter of preference.

[moldy]

Between to 2 you mention, the companion has better info, it also bigger and weighs more. It reads from South to North. The Data book contains most of the data you need and is small and light. It is written from the North to the South. The AWOL guide as the others mention is superior on several levels. Everyone who has hiked with AWOL likes it.

[10-K]

A complete map package has a decent resell value. Don't underestimate the need for maps. You can certainly hike the AT without maps - many do - but I personally wouldn't consider it.

[Astro]

+1 This ^

but you may like the others you mention, some do, seems to be a matter of preference.

+5 on AWOL

[flemdawg1]

I agree David Miller's (AWOL) guide is the best guide out there, this book might be better to actually help you complete the trail. (Sounds intriguing, but haven't read it yet.)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985090103/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1889386456&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=15YBZGAY3EZ19AWQGBZX

[Astro]

I agree David Miller's (AWOL) guide is the best guide out there, this book might be better to actually help you complete the trail. (Sounds intriguing, but haven't read it yet.)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985090103/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1889386456&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=15YBZGAY3EZ19AWQGBZX

Read and it is really good for addressing the psychological aspects of a thru-hike.

[cliffdiver]

Just ordered it...I need every advantage I can get.

[Prime Time]

I can't tell you how many thru hikers get messed up here in the White Mountains because they don't have a map. Then, in their tired, beat up physical state they start to blame the trail signs, blazes, state of NH, AMC, WMNF, God, anyone but themselves. Do us all a favor and carry maps through the Whites.