[pct-l] Maps

[enyapjr at comcast.net]

Many good suggestions have been given...

The PCT Atlas (a "work in progress" - Volume 1, SoCal, and Volume 5, WA, are available; Volume 2, Central CA, should be out shortly) will be the only 'maps' and 'data' I carry on the trail (might add some of Yogi's PCT Handbook town pages - or simply transfer her info into the PCT Atlas by hand)...  
Volume 1 came out in time for most of the 2008 nobo thrus, whereas Volume 5 came out in time for many nobo thrus to receive it while on the trail...  Erik made many changes in Volume 5 since Volume 1 (he listened to all the feedback and instituted suggested changes) - it is now an even better 'complete' lightweight on-trail resource...  IMHO, the maps are better and easier to read than in the guidebooks and there is sufficient data points so the Data Book is not needed on-trail now...  There is also a trail elevation profile for each 2-page portion of trail...  Erik will redo the Volume 1 in the new format after all the other volumes are completed...  He will also be offering a 'package' price for buying all 5 volumes after all are released...
Check out PCT Atlas at <http://www.pctatlas.com/>, work your way through the various web pages, then subscribe to the mailing list and get a free download - the first chapter of the SoCal edition to peruse in more detail...

Halfmile's PCT maps are very good, also...  He now has CA Sections A through N posted for download; within a few weeks he should have the rest of CA and OR sections B & C...  See pct-l post <http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/2008-October/020724.html>...  His maps also note the SoCal water info points on AsABat's PCT water pages, <http://www.4jeffrey.net/pct/>...

The guidebooks have much info regarding flora, fauna, geology, etc., plus a somewhat laborious but thorough trail description - but as Postholer says, it would make for good winter reading in preparation for hiking the PCT...  Highlight or note 'trouble spots', whether water related or places where people tend to make a wrong turn, and the various points of interest that catch your eye...

Another online resource (in addition to Postholer's PCT Google Map) to view is Bearcant's PCT Elevation Profiler, <http://www.bearcant.org/elevation.php>...  BTW, the PCT Google Map is great for zooming in on the 'satellite' or 'hybrid' modes, especially in SoCal, for searching for hammock hanging possibilities along the trail...  ;-)

If you're looking for maps and info for family/friends/significant others to better understand what the PCT is like and (maybe) why you want to hike it, the USFS PCT series of maps might help (in addition to being a nice addition to the home PCT 'library' - they are too big and too 'heavy' for on-trail, IMO)...  It is an award-winning 10 map series, but only 7 have been released to date (still lacking central Sierra, northern Sierra, and northern CA)...  They are available through the PCTA or the National Forest Store online (Northern WA out of stock at the NFS, however)...

For on-trail maps in a compact package, definitely check out PCT Atlas...  I think it will soon become the most used on-trail 'guide'...

YMMV, HYOH, etc., etc. disclaimers............................
Happy trails!!!
Jim "PITA" Payne