2012 handbook?

[7Sisters]

We'll be selling the books via trailplace as well. AWOL and I are working out the logistics about how best to do this.

Cheers!

[double d]

AWOL's trail guide is very good, althought I still like the older versions of the trail guide, but that is a thing of the past now.

[LIhikers]

I think for this year I'm going to buy both AWOL's guide and the Data Book.
Being able to compare the 2 I'll be able to decide which I like better.

[Wise Old Owl]

I watched in amazement from someone I had heard hiked the trail twice and he used this thing like a 5oz bible ... Always had the paperback in his pocket.

Rotten Rodney, was all about the trail - worked hard enough just to have enough cash to get back on and disappear!

[J.K.]

What is the Hand Book and how is it used? I'm assuming it's a trail book.

[Slo-go'en]

Originally Posted by J.K.

What is the Hand Book and how is it used? I'm assuming it's a trail book.

It tells you everything you need to survive on the AT. Where the water is, where the camping is, where the towns are and what you can expect when you get there, and so on. Don't leave home without one!

[J.K.]

Originally Posted by Slo-go'en

It tells you everything you need to survive on the AT. Where the water is, where the camping is, where the towns are and what you can expect when you get there, and so on. Don't leave home without one!

seriously, do you have to camp in designated areas?

[Slo-go'en]

Originally Posted by J.K.

seriously, do you have to camp in designated areas?

Not all the time, but it helps if you do and there are areas where it is required.

There are official camp sites, generally shelters or tenting areas and then there are unofficial tenting spots, the most commonly used ones (typically with access to near-by water) are also usually noted in the trial guide books.

There are places where camping is totally illegal (like above tree line in the White Mountians or other enviormentally sensitive places) or is simply not practical due to the terrain. It is good to know where these areas are so you can plan accordingly.

[J-Hiker]

I normally like to hike until about an hour before dusk. There were times that a shelter or campsite wasn't listed for where I wanted to stop. It can take a lot of time to find a spot that doesn't have roots and rocks where you want to put your tent.

I got in the habit of looking ahead in the handbook for a listed campsite or shelter and adjusted my pace to get there when I wanted to.