Get a guidebook now? Or wait for the 2010 edition?

[MaxM]

For a while now I've been contemplating doing a 2010 NOBO, and progressively becoming more and more serious about the idea. At this point, I want to go ahead and start planning, and I was wondering - would it be silly to get a guidebook like the Appalachian Pages now? Should I wait to order the 2010 edition next year instead?

[Lyle]

A GREAT service that ALDHA provides is an online version of the Companion. This currently is the 2009 version, 2010 won't be online until next June. This allows you to use the older version for initial planning, then buy the most current version next winter/spring for your actual hike. Please do buy a copy of the new version when it is available. These folks have to pay the bills for providing this.

http://www.aldha.org/comp_pdf.htm

This is one good reason to support the Companion.

[Lone Wolf]

A GREAT service that ALDHA provides is an online version of the Companion. This currently is the 2009 version, 2010 won't be online until next June. This allows you to use the older version for initial planning, then buy the most current version next winter/spring for your actual hike. Please do buy a copy of the new version when it is available. These folks have to pay the bills for providing this.

http://www.aldha.org/comp_pdf.htm

This is one good reason to support the Companion.

why buy a book when an online version is free? maybe ALDHA needs to discontinue this freebie

[Lyle]

why buy a book when an online version is free? maybe ALDHA needs to discontinue this freebie

For the same reason hikers who stay at The Place should follow the rules and make a donation - it's the right thing to do if you avail yourself of the offered services.

[Lone Wolf]

For the same reason hikers who stay at The Place should follow the rules and make a donation - it's the right thing to do if you avail yourself of the offered services.

you're wrong.

[stranger]

The online companion is the 2008 version, not 2009.

Personally, I like Appalachian Pages the best, but the Companion and Handbook are also fine.

[Lyle]

Check again, the 2009 version is online now. The new version usually goes up in June.

[stranger]

Cheers mate, good to know

[Jack Tarlin]

Lyle's right on the money.

The On-Line version of the Thru-Hiker's Companion will help you with your present planning; then, as your starting date approaches, you'll probably want to buy a current edition, as every year there are some changes......new places or businesses that have opened; old ones that have closed; new shelters; price changes at Trailside facilities, etc. It's always best to have the most current information available, but in the meantime, use the On-Line 2009 edition for your long-range planning.

Other things that might help you: In the fall fall, the ATC puts their maps/guidebooks on sale (this usually happens in late November; go to www.appalachiantrail.org for details).

Also, the "Articles" section of this website has lots of useful information that will supplement the info in your Trail guide. I'd especially look at the articles on budget hiking; how to send yourself mail while en route; Re-Supply info, etc.

Lastly, the ATC has a great thru-hiker information packet available for free; this is a very useful item; the ALDHA website (www.aldha.org) has similar information.

[hurryinghoosier]

Wait and get the 2010 version to carry with you. Trust me it will be more accurate. The milage changes each year and it is confusing when you are trying to find roads etc. Get the Appalachian pages.

[Awol2003]

Starting in November, Appalachian Pages will do a promotion similar to what was done last year; pre-purchase the 2010 book (which will ship in January), and get the 2009 book free, shipped right away. You'll have the "old" book for a couple of months in order to plan, and get the new one before you hit the trail.

[Rockhound]

Although there are a few changes every year, using a book that's 1 or 2 years old is not going to make that big of a difference if any at all. In fact, on page 35 of my 2008 Appalachian Pages there is a nice quote. It says, "The abundance of data presented in this book can tempt a hiker into over-planning. The authors would prefer to think that the book provides all the information one needs to act with spontaneity". I saw people this year with 2003 books having a great time and I've seen people with all the latest info appear frustrated because they were not "on schedule". If you are going NOBO and you know exactly where you will be in VA 47 days into your trip, do yourself a favor and throw that itinerary away. Pick a start date & an approximate finish date, take one of the handbooks with you and have some fun. A plan is simply something to deviate from.

[Rockhound]

that free on line info sounds great. You get up to date info and it saves you $15. Great idea. That equals another AYCE meal or hostel stay while out on the trail.

[Lyle]

Starting in November, Appalachian Pages will do a promotion similar to what was done last year; pre-purchase the 2010 book (which will ship in January), and get the 2009 book free, shipped right away. You'll have the "old" book for a couple of months in order to plan, and get the new one before you hit the trail.

Another great service. Appalachian Pages is also good, I use both AP and the Companion. Like features of each.

[Lyle]

that free on line info sounds great. You get up to date info and it saves you $15. Great idea. That equals another AYCE meal or hostel stay while out on the trail.

You missed the point to purchase a copy. A lot of work and money goes into producing these each year - don't be a free-loader. The on-line version is a nice service, don't take undue advantage.

[Rockhound]

You missed the point to purchase a copy. A lot of work and money goes into producing these each year - don't be a free-loader. The on-line version is a nice service, don't take undue advantage.

And do the publishers of these handbooks make a profit? Yes they do. As a consumer if I can get the same info for free (and legally) why should I not? It is not like stealing cable or illegal downloading. If you want to throw away $15 feel free to do so. I'm sure many people will. I did not miss the point at all. If you found new gear for sale by two different retailers that was exactly the same in every way except for price would you buy the one that cost more? You can piss your money away if you want to Lyle but times is tough. I'll choose to be more frugal.

[Rockhound]

And by the way I am not a free-loader. Wherever I go I pay my way or contribute in a manner that has more value that money. Choosing not to be a sucker does not make one a free-loader.

[MOWGLI]

As a consumer if I can get the same info for free (and legally) why should I not?

And by the way I am not a free-loader.

Lovely juxtaposition.

[Rockhound]

why buy a book when an online version is free? maybe ALDHA needs to discontinue this freebie

Nah. There will always be enough suckers out there that will needlessly throw their money away. Lyle for instance.

[Rockhound]

Lovely juxtaposition.

OK I guess not wanting to pay $15 for free information makes me a freeloader. One thing it does not make me is a sucker.