[pct-l] Guide Books ect...

[Bill]

FYI, 

The PCT Atlas, while I still consider it the best option, is going through a
major make over.   Erik was going to keep it a surprise until he was ready,
but the recent loss of his Dad has changed his announcement plans.

There are not many more data points along the elevation profile etc.,   the
maps are in color, and many more upgrades.   And if you thought they were
expensive before, they are going up.   To paraphrase Erik, he had to decide
if he was going to make a highly specific tool geared to the PCT distance
hiker, or make a watered down version that could appeal to a larger REI
crowd.  He has chosen to make a tool specifically geared to the distance
hiker.    As such, in order for it to be worth the time, they will not be
cheap.  They will though be specific to the task at hand.  As he said, his
goal is to make it as valuable as other highly specialized pieces of gear
that hikers are used to paying for when on the trail.

I have seen a glimps of them, and they are mind-bending good.  I do not know
exactly what his release schedule is as he is right now focusing on his
major loss.  I am sure we will know more soon enough.

Pink Gumby

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of joseph kisner
Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2008 4:36 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Guide Books ect...


 I have had several e-mails regarding questions concerning the guide books,
ect... Most are next years thru-hikers to be, so rather than e-mailing
everyone individually, I will post MY point of view.
 First and most important, I would buy each, of the three PCT guide books.
You will have all the maps, as well as a lot of important information
regarding, trail, water, resupply, as well as natural and historical
features along the way, [that you will not have in any other book].
 Second, I would get the Data Book, It will break down the mileages in a
more simple form, and make your daily planning more simple, as well as
having a quick reference to your next destination,[water, town, camp, ect].
 Third, I would get Yogi's Handbook, for one main reason. All the minor
mistakes, changes or additions that you do, or do not find in the guidebook,
Her book will have most likely inform you. Understand that you are not
getting one person's point of view when using Yogi's handbook, but a
compilation of many points of views, from people who have previously hiked
the trail.
 Also realise the trail changes every year, and no matter what you decide to
use, you will find differences, and mistakes. Also, these three books work
in unison, and you will not find any other book or books able to give this
volume of information.
 I normally would only read the PCT guide book, one day in advance, the
night before, Before I read, I would look at the Data book, predict the
mileage, then refer to the guide book. I would read all the historical and
natural occurrences before hand, highlight or circle them in my data book,
then read over Yogi's Handbook, and again circle or highlight changes or
additions. This sounds like a huge project, but really only takes a few
minutes. After a few days, you will begin to be pretty well organized.
 What I find, with the people who use map and data only, do not realize they
are walking by many natural and historical facts, that the data book has to
offer. I do think the book can be dry reading at times, but the knowledge it
provides is worth it. 
 If minimal reading is your cup of tea, and anything more than hiking the
path is a waste of your time, then you can just use the maps and databook,
and keep the other info tucked away for emergency need of info.. If it is
weight you are concerned about, subdivide books into your shoe drops. You
will surely hang around for that drop. 
 As far as adding the PCT Atlas goes, that is up to you. It surely will not
hurt, but for me, it cost too much, and has different mileage points. The
reason it has different mileage points is because the mileage was taken with
a GPS, not a wheel or measuring tape. This contradicts the national parks
and other pre measured trail sections. 
 If I was to hike this trail for the first time knowing what I now know,
these would be my choices. This does not mean my way is the only way, just
my point of view. It also does not mean anything negitive about the PCT
Atlas. For if I was to do a winter thru-hike I would concider them for the
GPS information, but then again I think this is available for free. I hope
this helps everyone this spring, and have a great thru-hike of the PCT!!!!
joe
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