[at-l] guide books and maps - must have???

[dcullen@neo.rr.com (Doug Cullen)]

> Subject: [at-l] guide books and maps - must have???
>
>
> Next burning question.
>
> Before shelling out $200+ of my limited funds, I thought I would
> get y'alls opinions.  I have the aldha companion and the
> atc data book. Do I really need to guide books and maps. Did you
> find them useful, or were they just baggage.
>

My feeling is maps yes, guide books absolutely not. Maps are a valuable
source of info not available in the other pubs.  The profiles can help you
make decisions about planning your day and are especially useful if your not
adept at reading contour maps.  If you spend some time and learn the basic
of map reading they can help you overcome those temporary moments of
geographical confusion.   The most important use for maps is the one you
hope you don't need, that is a situation (emergency) in which you need to
reach assistance.  The maps can indicate a choice of side trails and/or
roads that you could not discern from the data book or companion.  If weight
is an issue (and it should be) consider dividing your books into smaller
volumes and carrying only what you need.


Big Bird