Rating: Summary: Better Than The Data Book Review: This book is about the same size as the "AT Data Book" but has a lot more information. Has the usual information like mountains, shelters, mail drops, but includes small maps of towns with places to eat, get food, sleep, etc. Also, instead of just saying "w" for water-is-available, usually indicates where it is. For example, it might be 1) "to the left 150 feet"; 2) "off the AT about 0.1 mile, not visible from Trail; watch for tiny sign on a tree. Water is quite a way down from the shelter, but cold and dependable" or 3) "off the AT on 0.3 side trail to the left, tent platforms nearby, water source is spring". That kind of detail can make a difference when you are planning your hike for the next day.
Rating: Summary: Best Out There But Could Be Improved Review: This review is for the Southbound book. I encourage Southbounders to use Wingfoot if for no other reason than the ATC book patronizingly entreats "would be southbounders" to beware of blackflies, etc. as if they are trying to discourage a southbound hike. But Wingfoot has a lot of great information, sometimes too much information, and the book is large and heavy as a result. I could have torn off the pages as I went, but I wanted an intact record of my hike. If Wingfoot would edit this book down to a more compact size, and include some decent maps, his book would be, without a doubt, the best out there.
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