[3/4 time]

I have a modest collection of trail guides that sit on my shelf. I consult them when I’m planning a hike and thumb through them in bed at night, sometimes taking a virtual hike that wears me out enough that I can fall asleep. But, I have never taken one hiking. When I go I carry maps and a compass and leave the books behind. Sometimes I’ll photocopy a page and take that. Still, I love these books. I have several for New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts and one for Vermont. I also have one that covers hikes in all of New England that includes Connecticut and Rhode Island.
I was dusting these books off today and it made me wonder; does anyone carry one of these books when on the trail? (Some of them are a bit heavy, like the WMG.) Or are they a reference, best left at home or in the car at the trailhead?
Regardless of how they’re used, I’ll keep buying them. They’re fun to look through.
My all time favorite is the 28th WMG. No matter how many times I look through it, I always find something new. I’m already looking forward to the 29th due out next year.

[Stickball13]

I also read them and do not take them on a hike. But my wife always, without fail asks me to photo copy the trail information and she carries them.

[mike48]

I always take one when I hike. I enjoy reading it while relaxing on the summit.

[Ben Smith]

Most of the time I just print out a Google terrain map of the area. However, if the trail has some Class 3+ scrambles or some route finding above tree or snow line, then I'll bring the guide book, since usually the description is chock full of route finding tips.

[fishmonger]

I agree with you 3/4, I have a bunch but they mostly collect dust. I think they're great to flip through to learn about a new area, but for detailed info the 'Net is the way to go.

[EngineCo.2]

I usually bring mine with me . It just wouldn't be the same w/o 47 lbs. of stuff in my pack. Also you'd be surprised at how many times I've "lost" the trail only to discover that, according to the book, I should've turned left at the pine cone by the round rock. Plus, I make sure that the corresponding map is w/ me. The maps will tell you about established water supply but not necessarily the seasonal water as a book MAY. Alot of times I'll read it at the summit ,as Mike48 stated, to plan out a next possible hike.
Ed

[carndog]

I leave my guidebooks in the car. But I read the descriptions a few times before the hike. I always want to know what to watch out for, and when the turns come. A good topographic map is what I always carry. They tell a lot more about the trail features then the guidebooks.