Thru-hikers--those who attempt to hike all 2,175 miles of the Appalachian Trail between Georgia and Maine in a single journey--have special needs for information on services near the trail essential to their adventure of a lifetime. Veterans of this adventure from the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association volunteer each year to check on changes in towns (motels, post offices, restaurants, laundromats, etc.) and work with the trail's managers at the Appalachian Trail Conference to note changes along the footpath itself.
The result is the Companion, all a thru-hiker needs to find water and services yet still have room for the unexpected. Included are a special glossary of thru-hiker jargon, toll-free numbers for gear manufacturers, and short guides to mammal tracks and bird calls. It's spiral-bound for ease of use on a hiking trail with a pack on your back.
