Thru-hiking is a dream for many adventurers, but it can also be a costly endeavor. Between gear, food, and lodging, expenses can quickly add up. However, with careful planning and budgeting, it's more than possible to complete a thru-hike without breaking the bank. In this article, we'll provide tips for managing your budget while thru-hiking to help you save money and make the most of your adventure.
Everyone goes into their hike with a different budget and mindset. Some people choose to complete a thru hike with as little money as possible and are there for the experience that the trail provides them. Others tackle it with no budget at all and spend tons of money in towns on food and lodging. There really is no wrong way to thru hike, but there is a way to cut costs and reduce some of your mental stress.
Plan Ahead
The first step in budgeting for a thru-hike is to plan ahead. Every trail comes at a different price and has its own challenges. For example, hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is typically more expensive than hiking the Appalachian Trail because of its longer distance, more remote terrain, and overall gear requirements. If you decide to hike New Zealand’s Te Araroa or Spain’s El Camino, you’ll have to factor in flights and public transportation as well as getting your gear to another country. Each trail has something different to factor in when it comes to budgeting.
It is important to understand the nuances of thru hiking before stepping on trail in order to budget properly. Even with zero experience thru hiking, you can have a solid understanding of where your money will go before starting your adventure.
Be sure to research your route and make a detailed list of all the expenses you will encounter along the way. This includes gear, transportation, food, and lodging.
Researching will allow you to decide when and where to send resupply packages, when to send new gear, and what towns will be more expensive than others.
Buy Used Gear
Gear is one of the biggest expenses for thru-hikers. However, you don't need to buy all new gear to have a successful hike. Consider purchasing used gear from online marketplaces, second hand stores, or gear swap events. You can also borrow gear from friends or family members who already have experience with thru-hiking, just be ready to replace it if nature takes its toll. Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, and Craigslist are all places where you can find cheaper, lightly-used gear.
Just because something isn’t brand new doesn’t mean it won’t be effective for you in the backcountry. When purchasing a used item, be sure to ask good questions and inspect the item for its functionality before you buy it. There is also nothing wrong with having an older model
of an item either. At some point in time, that model was “the best” on the market and used by experienced backpackers.
The internet is your friend when it comes to buying used gear. Use it as a tool to find a deal that works for you. Join Facebook groups centered around gear exchanges or find events near you where gear is on sale. There is always a way to spend less!
Minimize Time Spent in Towns
Spending too much time in town can disrupt the rhythm of a thru-hike and make it challenging to stay on schedule. To minimize time spent in town during a thru-hike, it's essential to have a plan and stick to it.
One strategy is to make a detailed list of the items you need to purchase in town and the tasks you need to accomplish, such as laundry, shower, or post office. Before arriving in town, research the location of the stores, post office, and other facilities you need, and plan your route accordingly. Town days are lots of fun but they can be overwhelming and go by much quicker than anticipated.
Try to avoid unnecessary stops or distractions that can delay your departure. If possible, consider sending out resupply packages before your hike. Eliminating a grocery store trip while in town will save you a few hours where you can relax instead of focusing on resupplying.
Finally, limit your social interactions in town to avoid getting sidetracked, and stay focused on your goals to maximize your time on the trail. This is a tough one but if you’re serious about saving money it will make a big difference. In every town there will be some sort of social distraction that pulls you in. Whether it’s a brewery, a movie theater, or a famous attraction these are the things that will turn your nearo into a full zero.
Find Free or Low-Cost Lodging
Lodging can also be a significant expense during a thru-hike. Usually half of your money spent in a town will go to lodging so this is an important choice. To save money, many hikers consider camping at a local campground in their tents or hammocks to avoid the cost of lodging altogether.
On most of the three major trails in the United States (AT, CDT, PCT) there are locals called “Trail Angels” that open up their homes to hikers for lodging during their time in town. These people will usually allow hikers to shower, do laundry, and even cook them a meal all for free! To find these individuals, you usually would need to search facebook groups or comments on the FarOut app to contact them.
Lastly, if your options are limited and you must stay in a hotel or motel, don’t be afraid to go with the cheapest option. These establishments aren’t always the most luxurious or clean but, they usually have a bed and a warm shower which is all a thru hiker could wish for after a week in the wilderness.
Conclusion
Budgeting for a thru-hike is all about careful planning and smart decision-making. By minimizing expenses on gear, transportation, food, and lodging, you can complete your thru-hike without breaking the bank. With these tips, you can save money while still experiencing the adventure of a lifetime.
Follow these strategies, and you can minimize your time in town and stay on track to complete your thru-hike successfully. Happy Trails!
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