The Thru-hiker's Handbook : #1 Guide for Long-Distance Hikes on the Appalachian Trail (2000 Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Handbook and Databook it's all you need.
Review: Personally next to the Data book this is an essential book, especially for those heading into towns. But not only does the handbook carry important information about the towns, but important historical facts about the trail; Along with information about some of the wildlife and plants along the way. I am excited to see this book back out again as there are still many places I need to write to send my thanks, as I burnt my last one, page by page. Not out of disrespect, but for weight reasons. Take a hike and you know what I mean. Good luck and happy hiking. M&M AT GA>ME99

Rating:
Summary: Handbook and Databook it's all you need.
Review: Personally next to the Data book this is an essential book, especially for those heading into towns. But not only does the handbook carry important information about the towns, but important historical facts about the trail; Along with information about some of the wildlife and plants along the way. I am excited to see this book back out again as there are still many places I need to write to send my thanks, as I burnt my last one, page by page. Not out of disrespect, but for weight reasons. Take a hike and you know what I mean. Good luck and happy hiking. M&M AT GA>ME99

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: 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: A must!
Review: This book is amust for anyone planning on doing a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.

Rating:
Summary: Indispensable
Review: This is by far the best guidebook for anyone hiking on the Appalachian trail. Its information is up to date and written by a real expert when it comes to the A.T. Wingfoot writes out of his passion for the trail, certainly not to get rich, but he provide us with the essential info to make a hike enjoyable.

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.