[pct-l] Hiking without the guide book??

[Brett Cosner]

Anyone try hiking the PCT without the guide book?  I plan to hike this summer sobo and don't want to do many resupply boxes or mail drops.  I would start with some of the guide for Washington, but rely on maps and the data book after that.  I also plan to carry some pages of Yogi's guide.  I have people who will meet me in Washington, Northern and Central California so I will send them parts of the guide as well.  

How necessary are the official guides for all three states?

Thanks, and all opinions welcome.  :-)