I started out with the data book, which only listed mileage between POI and how for away a town was and what services it had (L,M,G). Very basic. Going to town was always an adventure, since you had no idea exactly what you'd find or where to find it.

At the time, the data book was the only publication to cover the whole trail. Otherwise you had to buy the guide book for each division, about a dozen of them.

Wingfoot's guide was a game changer. I really liked his format and the size of the guide.

I'm not sure when the ATC's companion came along, but I think it was in response to Wingfoot's guide.

When Wingfoot stopped publishing, AWOL's guide came along to fill the void and became the standard.