One of the biggest fears hikers have is getting lost. The best a hiker can do is to be prepared! Get a good, comprehensive guide to the area where you’ll be hiking, read it, study it, and bring it along!

There are numerous guide book companies, ranging from Falcon Guides to The Mountaineers Book, and even online sites like Trails.com. I have found that many online publications are great for super up-to-date trail conditions, but as far as planning a trip, the guidebooks I really like are Cicerone Hiking Guides.

Why Cicerone? Cicerone is a UK publisher that does a great job of providing just enough detail and fun facts, comprehensive maps and images, and keeps out the superfluous content that makes books big and bulky. Check out the full book review, and hear why I like the Cicerone Pacific Crest Trail guidebook in particular!

Happy trails!