Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion 2015 Paperback – December 16, 2014

it has it's perks, but so does the AWOL. After completing the entire AT, I recommend getting the AWOL PDF on your phone over carrying this. However, I found it easier learning to read and adjust to understanding this book than I did with the AWOL guidebook. This was my first guidebook I ever purchased, for my first ever hike. I have heard that this book and AWOL really spoil you with information compared to most other trail guidebooks out there. After hiking the Long Trail in Vermont, I can agree to that statement for at least one trail book. This thru hiker companion book isn't bad, you can definitely get by easily with this, but I found the convenience of the AWOL pdf to be unbeatable.

They added elevation charts! The book is larger than my previous editions. The information is updated on Amicalola Falls State Park, GSMNP, SNP, the AMC huts, Baxter State Park. "Getting to the Termini" should be split in half, with the Baxter State Park section added to the Maine chapter where hikers will need it (the book encourages hikers to tear the book into sections.) The details count: "Neighborhood bears show no fear of hikers..." "The stump (near shelter) has been home to copperhead snakes..." "Several water sources (between two gaps) may be polluted..."(Shelter is near a road) and receives heavy weekend use..."

I got this book intending to hike the Appalachian trail; A lifelong goal and dream of mine. I read it as quick as i got it and am even more certain that I am physically ready to hike the trail as well as mentally. It explained where I could get water and I was amazed how close the stops were... It also explained where i could hotel room stays.. etc.. very up to date. I have not yet hiked the trail but am hoping to do it next year... I currently use the book to impress other dreamers and/or hippie chick who come over my place.

The pros: It's easier to see the elevation gain and loss including trail mileage and some landmarks.The cons: There are no entire map per AT section. So unless you know where the AT trail is, it might be difficult to get to the particular page which your hiking trail is listed. I wish this book also has the map. Because of this, I purchase another book which has the topo map which is section by section. I'm not a through-hiker. So I am okay to have multiple books at home. I don't carry the book during the backpacking trip.

I so much wished that I could have given this book 5 stars. The information contained in this book about towns, hostels, people willing to give rides, etc. is worth 10-stars.However, as an avid reader, when I see a picture or a diagram on a page, I am used to seeing written information about that picture/diagram on the same page. In this book, I have to go searching for either the right picture/map to match the information I am reading, or, if I am looking at the map, I have no idea where in the book I would find the information about the bolded location.This little defect could be fixed by doing both of the following:1. On the map, put a page number next to each place name that has any information written about it in the book - the page number will indicate where the reader can find the information.2. On the information pages, put a page number next to the place name. The page number would indicate the page (or pages) the reader can find the maps pertaining to the place.Even with the confusion, I would have given this book four stars except I have a hard time figuring out where the information I need is when I am sitting at home warm, dry, well-fed, and not tired. I just hope and pray I won't make any serious mistakes trying to understand the information when I am on the trail.I would, and will, continue to buy updated versions of this book every year.

Great, easy to read and understand. Information was all up to date when I hiked the MD and WV this past summer. Worth purchasing and studying before setting out on a thru hike or section hike. Check for most up to date version.

Great resource. Print the section(s) you need unless you can afford to carry the additional weight. The one thing that I found lacking was a more specific description of water sources along the trail. Other than that it's a definite must buy for your weekend adventure or through hike.

A great, knowledgeable book for anyone hiking the AT - whether it's section hiking, thru-hiking, or day hiking. It's easy to read and understand. I have both this version and AWOL's version, and I prefer this one a little more.

Für die Vorbereitung ein Muss.Die Strecke wird ausführlich erklärt, es handelt sich nicht um einen Text oder eine Story sondern um ein NAchschlagewerk für die Planung. Verpflegung, Wasser, Unterkunft und viele anderen Details werden pro Km/Mile aufgeführt. Sehr praktisch