Good video. I spent about $6000 on my AT thru hike in '08 and I could've saved a whole lot more. I had 13 zeroes, bought a $300 tent at Neels Gap, drank plenty of beer while in town, paid for all my hostel stays, had plenty of gear, went through 4 pairs of shoes, and had a great comfortable hike!
Thanks Joe. I watched your videos when you hikes and I'm glad you're doing these follow up videos. They are very helpful. I'm in some discussion groups where people are concerned about not having money for the hike and others tell them to just go hike, "The trail provides". Food, gear, and other supplies dont just appear out of nowhere. Sending people out on the trail without reasonable expectations of what it entails isn't helpful for them, other hikers or the trail angels. Hope to see you out on the trail sometime.
and depending on your current living situation in civilization, you may need to pay bills back home for your now empty house, cellphone, pet care, etc. I know its not really a part of the thru hike cost itself, but its worth mentioning
Many folks doing what they call thru-hiking are not hiking at all hiking and even thru-hiking refers to also camping and not running through the woods so fast that you don't Camp much. Do you even know who Colin Fletcher was? he's the father of modern backpacking he was the first through hiker to ever through hike... now what would he say about this high-dollar ultralight gear? Now he was all for lightweight, but most of his packs were 6000 to 8000 cubics and he was the first thru-hiker...
UPDATE: Starting at around 8:30 in the video, I begin an equation on money spent on food in town. Unfortunately, though I was following an equation I'd already written off camera, I forgot to add in a step on camera. In addition to the (2 x 12) = $24 dollars spent in restaurants, I meant to add another $24 for the random snacks, food, and drinks I buy in town from grocery and convenience stores. The final number I write down ($1344) is correct, but the extra $24 from snacks is not shown in the equation or explained in the video, sorry!
What do most hikers do for a living to be able to take off for 6 months at a time? Im sure most still have car payments, mortgage payments but maybe not. I feel trapped when i think about wanting to do this!
One of the reasons most hikers are young is that they are transitioning or lost and trying to find themselves. Back in my father's time it was VERY common to backpack Europe. Not exactly hiking the AT etc... but something kids did to find themselves. And depending on where you went to college etc... they likely did not have these expenses. Some just saved up and bit the bullet, quit their job, and went for a walk. Some are retired. For me I may never get to do more than a section at a time until my kids are in highschool. And by then I may not be able to hike for 5 months [a] at my age and [b] with two car payments and a mortgage. I would say .... if you have the savings and to can afford the time and health... sell the car and go. You can always buy a new car.
Im in the same boat. My kids are only 11 an 5 and im 41 so by the time i can do it i might not be in the same shape as i am now! I could probably do a week of hiking.
Evolved Austin I just watched a video from "homemade wunderlust". She observed... [a] most just graduated college [b] some just graduated high school [c] some just retired [d] some just divorced. I'll be 52 next summer and I started walking 20 min Mon-Fri. I'm training for a 6mi this winter in Lake Tahoe and then a 4day section hike in Tennessee next summer. Since I live in FL and my employer's HQ is in TN I've convinced them to have their next ALL-HANDS meeting in TN. So I do not have to pay for airfare or transportation to the entrance/exit point. I'm sure you can find a similar opportunity.
If you pack a external frame backpack correctly and not like an internal frame pack. it will carry better than an internal frame pack, but your external frame backpack has to be packed correctly.
Hi Joe I need some advice on choosing a thru hike. 3 other friends and I are planning on attempting one in 2018. We've wanted to do a thru hike for a very long time and I'm not sure which trail to do. For some background i've day hiked on the PCT (california/oregon border) and CDT(Glacier NP) and spent 3 nights on the AT(smoky mountains) and loved all three. I have experience doing extended 3 week backpacking trips and love it so I know it's for me. The triple crown would be the dream but from a practicality stand point I don't know if I'll ever have 3 seasons free to do all of them. I like the idea of the AT because it is iconic, has rich history, and apparently the best social scene. I like the idea of the CDT because of the small number of people that attempt a thru hike (I don't like crowds) and the rugged character of the trail. I like the idea of the PCT because from what I understand it is sort of a middle ground between isolation and sociality plus the diversity of the trail. So if you could only do one which one would it be and why? I know the question is subjective but I think it will influence some of my decision making. Thank You!!!
Jacob Baynes he didn’t even respond. Nice guy huh? You spent a bit of time on your comment and he couldn’t even do the courtesy of even acknowledging it
PCT is mostly California. I'll definitely be living up to my trail name Rambo (gained because my first idea for a kit was more the buscraft/survival/military surplus style I'm used to) and eating snakes, rabbits, edible plants, etc to spare on the carried food and sleeping on trail because everything in California is obnoxiously expensive. My kit is looking at roughly $1800 because I don't want Wal Mart gear but I also don't need the best of the best
Great video Joe. I've never seen it broke down like that. I just thru-hiked the AT in 2015. I had heard a number of different places before I started that it cost around $3000, which I found to be total bullshit. Luckily I had the funds to have (too much) fun and complete it, but I lost a lot of great people along the way who simply ran out of money. I spent over 10 grand, BTW -waaaay too much time in towns. Anyway, I hope anyone considering a thru-hike sees this vid. Thanks for all you do.
+Tom Spane Yeah, I did, but I wasn't sure whether or not to include this aspect of cost. I ultimately decided against it because there are so many ways you can travel, which can cost anywhere from $0 - $500.
Joe, in addition to your amazing videos, your humble attitude is so evident. Thanks for posting! One question- how much of a problem have ticks been for you on the trails?
+Daniel Helmbrecht Ticks weren't a problem on any trail except the AT, where they could be horrible at times. Tick checks were common practice on the AT through the spring and summer months, Lyme disease is not something to risk. For me, I think PA and NY were the worst states for ticks, while the others weren't so bad. There's a lot of advice out there on tick avoidance, but the best thing you can do is check yourself every night.
+MrClahn I'll probably do a funding video soon, or at least tack it on to one of my other ask a thru hiker vids at some point. And yes, I'll be doing a rain gear layering video soon too. So many videos, so little time!
Hey Joe,its been great.Can you do something on the stride.Prob sounds crazy but I'm sure it's something you have refined over time.And I always thought you had a great attitude/philosophy to the trail.The sheer scale of the country is something different to what we have here in NZ.
Great info. How many towns were you able to resupply without lodging on the PCT? Like an average. Did you stealth camp in these examples or were you able to get back on trail? I know you had videos to edit so I'm sure this affected things for you.
+Curtis Whitlam I think I may have skipped 1 or 2 towns. I had to stop almost every time I could to upload a video. Plus, turning down food is hard to do on trail...
This seems like a good ball park for doing a reasonable cheap thru hike. $20 to $25 per day for cheap and your estimation was $8/day for food on trail. There can be a big range when food on trail, you want to get the Mountain House meals, and it can be $10 for one small meal. But instant potatoes is $1 or less. Also the amount people eat will also range. A small women with a light pack doing low miles will be eating less then half a big man with a heavy pack doing big miles.
+60westpro Right, those where all the main factors on calories needed per day. A small women with a light pack doing big miles will be eating much less than a big man with a heavy pack doing big miles. Sex, weight, pack weight and males per day are all major factors.
+mountaincat8 I always choose down. It is just so much lighter and more compact for it's warmth. I use a trash compactor bag to line my pack and keep everything dry. In addition, my quilt stays in a semi-waterproof bag that provides additional coverage. I've never had my quilt get wet on any of my trails. Humidity is another factor to consider in down performance. But with that said, I've never found that it has compromised my down enough to worry about.
+Nicholas Gamble I'm trying to think back to some of the other trails... The only time I can remember having a package "lost" was last year on the CDT. And it wasn't even really lost, just delayed due to odd circumstances (in South Pass "City"). I ended up forwarding it to a future town stop and things worked out. Other than that, unless I'm forgetting something from an earlier trail, I don't think I've had any boxes get lost or wrecked. Keep in mind though, I don't mail many resupplies out, and buy my food in town. Flat Rate boxes come with $50 of free insurance with them, so while I've never paid for insurance, I do sometimes still have it. I'm working on a "mail" video for my next ask a thru hiker video!
+BrewersArcade I'm always down to hike! Also... I just check out your 2015 arcade video for the first time. Your arcade is amazing! I especially like the pinball machines. Ripley's and Taxi are two of my favorites.
+Mauricio Grimaldi Down is the lightest and most compact choice and is best for most conditions. If you are going somewhere where rain or wet conditions are frequent, consider synthetic.
my son is flip floping 2017, (heading north from Virginia in june) what's best way to leave Katadyn and get back to Virginia for 2nd half of hike? cost?
"$40 for 5 days" - I have some questions.... [1] What is that in terms of calories per day? [2] remember to add getting to and from the terminus... airfare or bus fare, Uber etc... [3] my biggest issue.... considering (1) I do not think you can get enough calories for just under $9/day. Unless heavily discounted Mountainhouse is about $7 per meal, Ramen is about $2, fresher produce like bread, peanut butter, nutella, apples, trail mix, candy jerky about $1.5 per serving and so on... [4] You've neglected fuel costs. [5] in (3) I question food but you also need electrolytes at $1/day and vitamins??? [6] tips when they apply. [7] I sense you're a purist so probably no alcohol bu that's an expense in itself. My estimate without actually being on trail and just planning my 4 day section hike suggests closer to $15 per day.
I shoot for 5,000 calories a day. Cheap food, high calories: snickers, ramen, dried potatoes, PB, Nutella, pop tarts, olive oil, etc. Vitamins are unnecessary in todays world, unless you are eating a very limited/focused diet. Electrolytes are easy to come by in salty food and aren't really something that have to be added in often. Fuel is negligible when a single canister will last for about a 3 weeks or more.
THANKS! good info. FYI I had a great conversation with OLICAMP. ION+4oz canister will boil 22 - 2Cup boils at 5000ft. So bring a sharpie and mark the can.
That is a good number.just doesn't fit my style I tend to platinum blaze. I've seen people on the Pct with practically 0 money but they where miserable.i think I spent 10000 on the Pct but that was because the Damn towns and I like beer! Also last year we had a lot of fire closers.on the At it was around $6000 tho.Joe you also forgot health insurance and there is a difference when you buy food as you go or pay postage.Me personally always try to find a dollar store.for the people just starting I can tell you this your life WILL BE changed forever and the hardest thing about thru hiking is letting go and taking that first step.Also never over plan just hyoh.
If my feet and knees hurt in daily life after 2 to 3 hours of hiking will I basically never be fit to hike the Appalachian trail? Its a dream that started back in 2011 when I finished high school and sometimes I really wish I would have jumped on the chance then because I feel like I could never do it now. My knee hurts on an average day even with no hiking After hiking 15 miles in a day i feel like I would have to quit after a week. Its kind of a crappy thought..
+LurkingTuna I don't want to give incorrect advice here, so definitely consult with a physical therapist first... but... hiking all day everyday is a learning process. Through pain and repetition, most thru hikers develop a stride that is super efficient and low impact, one that reduces strain and joint fatigue. If you could get to this point on trail, I think it would be a huge benefit for your body both on and off trail, and I think you could 100% thru hike. The big issue is finding out whether or not there's a medical issue causing your pain, that's something that I can't/shouldn't give advice on. If it is just from walking incorrectly or from inactivity, then I say go for it, you can absolutely thru hike. It may be tough going for the first month, but the rewards will be huge. Also, consider the PCT. It is graded much easier than the AT is and could be an easier way to ease into a thru hike.
The only thing that can hold you back is yourself. I've had four major knee injuries and now have an irregular step. I'm also 35 and have seen my young sports worthy physique go to the wayside (although I'm not terribly out of shape by any means). If I'm rusty (took the winter or maybe 6 months off the trail) I'm always in pain the first few days of the trail. The longer you're on the trail the more your muscles and endurance will improve. You just have to stick with it. It won't always be so harsh as when you initially start. That said, listen to your body. If you feel you're in danger of injuring a knee or foot do to a medical reason rather than not being conditioned then proceed with caution. I like to do day hikes with a full weight pack as pre training for my longer hikes to get back in the groove. That could benefit you greatly instead of getting on a long trail cold.
Not Joe.... but I would say that is up to your budget. Two person tents get real expensive in the lightweight range. You could go one person to go down on weight and not break the bank as much. A couple extra pounds is a hefty amount for a thru hike, yet people do it all the time.
That's about $8/day. How many calories did you consume per day? What did an average day's intake consist of? Was that all of your consumables? (1 mountain house mean is about 900 calories and costs $7)
Richard Bucker i didn't count calories I just ate when I was hungry some days I didn't even eat I've hiked 8 miles on empty stomach and few sips of water I wouldn't recommend it unless u know your body.I lived of rice mixed with beans peas or corn, ramen noodles, oatmeal and grits. Mixing the noodles with grits is a good belly fuller.
That would explain how it cost $1200 in food. How much in fuel to make host water? I read "living with a SEAL" recently and I believe the author (people want to give up at 40% and that there is LOT more in the tank). While I've decided, in principle anyway, to go without some comforts and conveniences for my 4 days next summer and while I have been a vegan and a vegetarian I'm not sure your food choices would work for me. Interesting nonetheless.
sylos krug Dude living on little to no food and all your food consisting of noodles and grits is not most people's idea of fun. You're going to lose a lot of weight doing that. $8 a day leaves no contingency for broken gear, nothing for hotels, nothing for restaurant meals. It's dumb. I don't think his $6000 estimate is unreasonable at all. By the way how tall and how heavy are you and how much did you weigh after that 5 months of hiking?
Tom Bugler Since I asked this question I learned a few thing... 1 1/2 pounds of food per day presumably calorie rich mix of proteins and carbs. Average at rest calorie needs are about 1200-1300 calories and hiking requires between 300-400 calories per hour. If you hike 8 hours a day then you'll need 4500 per day. (I read 5000) Now for the reality check. The mountainhouse instant mashed potatoes are 190 per serving (2 per package) MH bisket and gravy 320 (x2) and MH Mac n Cheese 310 (x3).That is an amazing amount of food and approx 2000 calories total. I have a sneaking suspicion that thru hikers are probably traveling at a calorie deficit and make up for it during city days. This needs more investigation.
Brian McAfee I feel like this is for people who spend alot of time in town. Getting hotels, eating out ect..I wanna do the full hike thru with the same amount your talking.
+Großer Affe Gah! You're right. On my paper I have an additional $24 in that equation that I forgot to mention in the video. Nooooo! The idea is supposed to be that you spend around $24 on restaurant meals and an additional ~$24 on snacks, drinks, and food from groceries or convenience stores in town. I completely skipped that in the video. I've made a comment in that section of the video to update it, but I'll also leave a comment down here.
+raybin I carried a map and ultralight compass with me on the the PCT and CDT. I really only ever never navigated these trails with the maps, but the compass was for emergency situations. The AT can be done without either. This topic is on my video to do list, so I'll be covering it in more detail eventually.
+Jazzie Red There are! The north country trail and pacific northwest trail both travel east to west along the top of the US. There are some others as well, though they tend to be shorter ones, and not strictly east to west.
+Jazzie Red No firm plans yet, but the North Country Trail is huge and very tempting. Not too many people have done it yet... I think it would be a fun challenge. Only time will tell though. First I've got to work on affording it :-/
+Madalyn Clark It's doable as long as you aren't too picky on what you eat. Ramen, cheese, pepperoni, clif bars, snickers, etc. Yeah it's a little pricey in some PCT towns, but it's rarely that bad if you go for the cheap options.
There's so much weight shaming on the Appalachian and other through hike trails... that the majority of people that would use your gear can't afford it... this is absolute price gouging. Bring back the external frame backpacks now at an affordable price...
you need to add two more things: 1. the money you'd have to pay back mama who paid your rent while you were hiking, and 2. the money you would've made but you didn't because you did not work those months. Why do folks who make vids trying to make money out of them pretend to be from planet mars?!?!
Good video. I spent about $6000 on my AT thru hike in '08 and I could've saved a whole lot more. I had 13 zeroes, bought a $300 tent at Neels Gap, drank plenty of beer while in town, paid for all my hostel stays, had plenty of gear, went through 4 pairs of shoes, and had a great comfortable hike!
your forgot the weed budget
LOL! RIGHT!
Thanks Joe. I watched your videos when you hikes and I'm glad you're doing these follow up videos. They are very helpful. I'm in some discussion groups where people are concerned about not having money for the hike and others tell them to just go hike, "The trail provides". Food, gear, and other supplies dont just appear out of nowhere. Sending people out on the trail without reasonable expectations of what it entails isn't helpful for them, other hikers or the trail angels. Hope to see you out on the trail sometime.
and depending on your current living situation in civilization, you may need to pay bills back home for your now empty house, cellphone, pet care, etc. I know its not really a part of the thru hike cost itself, but its worth mentioning
+Drew Watts Very true.
Excellent advise Joe. Thanks!
Great video, man. Thanks for putting this together.
Many folks doing what they call thru-hiking are not hiking at all hiking and even thru-hiking refers to also camping and not running through the woods so fast that you don't Camp much. Do you even know who Colin Fletcher was? he's the father of modern backpacking he was the first through hiker to ever through hike... now what would he say about this high-dollar ultralight gear? Now he was all for lightweight, but most of his packs were 6000 to 8000 cubics and he was the first thru-hiker...
UPDATE: Starting at around 8:30 in the video, I begin an equation on money spent on food in town. Unfortunately, though I was following an equation I'd already written off camera, I forgot to add in a step on camera. In addition to the (2 x 12) = $24 dollars spent in restaurants, I meant to add another $24 for the random snacks, food, and drinks I buy in town from grocery and convenience stores. The final number I write down ($1344) is correct, but the extra $24 from snacks is not shown in the equation or explained in the video, sorry!
What do most hikers do for a living to be able to take off for 6 months at a time? Im sure most still have car payments, mortgage payments but maybe not. I feel trapped when i think about wanting to do this!
One of the reasons most hikers are young is that they are transitioning or lost and trying to find themselves. Back in my father's time it was VERY common to backpack Europe. Not exactly hiking the AT etc... but something kids did to find themselves. And depending on where you went to college etc... they likely did not have these expenses. Some just saved up and bit the bullet, quit their job, and went for a walk. Some are retired.
For me I may never get to do more than a section at a time until my kids are in highschool. And by then I may not be able to hike for 5 months [a] at my age and [b] with two car payments and a mortgage.
I would say .... if you have the savings and to can afford the time and health... sell the car and go. You can always buy a new car.
Im in the same boat. My kids are only 11 an 5 and im 41 so by the time i can do it i might not be in the same shape as i am now! I could probably do a week of hiking.
Evolved Austin I just watched a video from "homemade wunderlust". She observed... [a] most just graduated college [b] some just graduated high school [c] some just retired [d] some just divorced. I'll be 52 next summer and I started walking 20 min Mon-Fri. I'm training for a 6mi this winter in Lake Tahoe and then a 4day section hike in Tennessee next summer. Since I live in FL and my employer's HQ is in TN I've convinced them to have their next ALL-HANDS meeting in TN. So I do not have to pay for airfare or transportation to the entrance/exit point. I'm sure you can find a similar opportunity.
Richard Bucker Yeah im sure i could definitely find time for a 4 or 5 day hike. I also live in FL. Good luck with your adventure.
Thanks for sharing Joe! Very helpful, as always!
Joe, thanx for this video, good information and it helps to get a good idea about the costs, thanx!
If you pack a external frame backpack correctly and not like an internal frame pack. it will carry better than an internal frame pack, but your external frame backpack has to be packed correctly.
Starting the Colorado Trail on June 1st. My First Thru Hike !!
+rtydingco Nice, good luck!
My experience (Colorado Trail) was about $2/mile for on-trail expenses. Denver airport to Durango airport.
Hi Joe I need some advice on choosing a thru hike. 3 other friends and I are planning on attempting one in 2018. We've wanted to do a thru hike for a very long time and I'm not sure which trail to do. For some background i've day hiked on the PCT (california/oregon border) and CDT(Glacier NP) and spent 3 nights on the AT(smoky mountains) and loved all three. I have experience doing extended 3 week backpacking trips and love it so I know it's for me. The triple crown would be the dream but from a practicality stand point I don't know if I'll ever have 3 seasons free to do all of them. I like the idea of the AT because it is iconic, has rich history, and apparently the best social scene. I like the idea of the CDT because of the small number of people that attempt a thru hike (I don't like crowds) and the rugged character of the trail. I like the idea of the PCT because from what I understand it is sort of a middle ground between isolation and sociality plus the diversity of the trail. So if you could only do one which one would it be and why? I know the question is subjective but I think it will influence some of my decision making. Thank You!!!
Jacob Baynes he didn’t even respond. Nice guy huh? You spent a bit of time on your comment and he couldn’t even do the courtesy of even acknowledging it
PCT is mostly California. I'll definitely be living up to my trail name Rambo (gained because my first idea for a kit was more the buscraft/survival/military surplus style I'm used to) and eating snakes, rabbits, edible plants, etc to spare on the carried food and sleeping on trail because everything in California is obnoxiously expensive. My kit is looking at roughly $1800 because I don't want Wal Mart gear but I also don't need the best of the best
Great video Joe. I've never seen it broke down like that.
I just thru-hiked the AT in 2015. I had heard a number of different places before I started that it cost around $3000, which I found to be total bullshit. Luckily I had the funds to have (too much) fun and complete it, but I lost a lot of great people along the way who simply ran out of money. I spent over 10 grand, BTW -waaaay too much time in towns.
Anyway, I hope anyone considering a thru-hike sees this vid. Thanks for all you do.
+MarginWalker Thanks. And wow, that's an expensive hike!
Once on the trail...about $1.50 per mile is a good budget. ($3,300 for AT)...again, already on the trail.
Thanks Joe! As always excellent information ☺
Love your vids.
Did you have to drop coin for Airplane travel?
+Tom Spane Yeah, I did, but I wasn't sure whether or not to include this aspect of cost. I ultimately decided against it because there are so many ways you can travel, which can cost anywhere from $0 - $500.
Joe, in addition to your amazing videos, your humble attitude is so evident. Thanks for posting! One question- how much of a problem have ticks been for you on the trails?
+Daniel Helmbrecht Ticks weren't a problem on any trail except the AT, where they could be horrible at times. Tick checks were common practice on the AT through the spring and summer months, Lyme disease is not something to risk. For me, I think PA and NY were the worst states for ticks, while the others weren't so bad. There's a lot of advice out there on tick avoidance, but the best thing you can do is check yourself every night.
Thanks for your response. I live in PA and never saw any ticks hiking until just a couple of years ago.
Would you mind touching on how you managed to fund thru hikes several years in a row? And are you still planning on doing a rain gear layering video?
+MrClahn I'll probably do a funding video soon, or at least tack it on to one of my other ask a thru hiker vids at some point. And yes, I'll be doing a rain gear layering video soon too. So many videos, so little time!
Brewer, your videos are great! I was wondering if you could cover what you eat/meals on the trail.
+Zen's Destiny I will be doing this soon.
Thx bro!
This is super sweet! I've always wanted to do a thru hike maybe now I can get some information to get my shit together
Do It!
Hey Joe,its been great.Can you do something on the stride.Prob sounds crazy but I'm sure it's something you have refined over time.And I always thought you had a great attitude/philosophy to the trail.The sheer scale of the country is something different to what we have here in NZ.
This is something I would love to cover, but I'm struggling to figure out a good way to do so.
Thanks for doing this
Great info. How many towns were you able to resupply without lodging on the PCT? Like an average. Did you stealth camp in these examples or were you able to get back on trail?
I know you had videos to edit so I'm sure this affected things for you.
+Curtis Whitlam I think I may have skipped 1 or 2 towns. I had to stop almost every time I could to upload a video. Plus, turning down food is hard to do on trail...
Haha! True!
This seems like a good ball park for doing a reasonable cheap thru hike. $20 to $25 per day for cheap and your estimation was $8/day for food on trail. There can be a big range when food on trail, you want to get the Mountain House meals, and it can be $10 for one small meal. But instant potatoes is $1 or less. Also the amount people eat will also range. A small women with a light pack doing low miles will be eating less then half a big man with a heavy pack doing big miles.
+Loathomar yeah but she'll be on the trail longer--
+60westpro Right, those where all the main factors on calories needed per day. A small women with a light pack doing big miles will be eating much less than a big man with a heavy pack doing big miles. Sex, weight, pack weight and males per day are all major factors.
You rock! Thank you for the $$ tips.
For a Thru hike, do you prefer a synthetic sleeping bag or a down sleeping bag? Can you keep a down sleeping bag dry?
+mountaincat8 I always choose down. It is just so much lighter and more compact for it's warmth. I use a trash compactor bag to line my pack and keep everything dry. In addition, my quilt stays in a semi-waterproof bag that provides additional coverage. I've never had my quilt get wet on any of my trails. Humidity is another factor to consider in down performance. But with that said, I've never found that it has compromised my down enough to worry about.
Hi Joe, On each of your three thru hikes, how many resupply boxes got lost or wrecked? And maybe a crazy question -- Did you insure the boxes?
+Nicholas Gamble I'm trying to think back to some of the other trails... The only time I can remember having a package "lost" was last year on the CDT. And it wasn't even really lost, just delayed due to odd circumstances (in South Pass "City"). I ended up forwarding it to a future town stop and things worked out. Other than that, unless I'm forgetting something from an earlier trail, I don't think I've had any boxes get lost or wrecked. Keep in mind though, I don't mail many resupplies out, and buy my food in town. Flat Rate boxes come with $50 of free insurance with them, so while I've never paid for insurance, I do sometimes still have it. I'm working on a "mail" video for my next ask a thru hiker video!
I have that same exact AT map!!
Did you buy all of your re-supplies on trail or did you send yourself some boxes, where did you send your boxes too.
I resupplied on trail. There were some towns that I'd send a box ahead to from prior towns.
If I didn't have a family and day job I would abandon everything and hike for a few months. One day us two Joe Brewer's need to hike
+BrewersArcade I'm always down to hike! Also... I just check out your 2015 arcade video for the first time. Your arcade is amazing! I especially like the pinball machines. Ripley's and Taxi are two of my favorites.
well, that leaves me out...cant do it on walmart paycheck. lol
Not true. If there's a will there's a way. Put that Walmart discount to use. I work at Walmart. I bought a bunch of gear used and saved hundreds.
May have to try it with what I have. Need to get away for a while. A long while...
+steve sullivan sounds ideal to me
Fuck Walmart lol
hi , I have a question for you , that you recommend for a sleeping bag , the better the feather or synthetic , marking , and because RECOMMEND
+Mauricio Grimaldi Down is the lightest and most compact choice and is best for most conditions. If you are going somewhere where rain or wet conditions are frequent, consider synthetic.
You legit scared me but thx lol
my son is flip floping 2017, (heading north from Virginia in june) what's best way to leave Katadyn and get back to Virginia for 2nd half of hike? cost?
You had the equation right the first time. 180 * (40/5) = 1440.
can you do a video about tarp camping and site selection.
+TheXCcrow This is on my to do list! It will definitely happen at some point...
Also remember to include lost income. If you 5 month on the trails you loose 5 month of income. That number can range from 0 to alot.
Christian Dollerup how much are you losing in life if you’re putting career before your life
Where do you buy your thru hikes wall maps?
On Amazon. AT: amzn.to/2PQqcMF PCT: amzn.to/2ooFprO CDT: amzn.to/2wzgrtx
"$40 for 5 days" - I have some questions.... [1] What is that in terms of calories per day? [2] remember to add getting to and from the terminus... airfare or bus fare, Uber etc... [3] my biggest issue.... considering (1) I do not think you can get enough calories for just under $9/day. Unless heavily discounted Mountainhouse is about $7 per meal, Ramen is about $2, fresher produce like bread, peanut butter, nutella, apples, trail mix, candy jerky about $1.5 per serving and so on... [4] You've neglected fuel costs. [5] in (3) I question food but you also need electrolytes at $1/day and vitamins??? [6] tips when they apply. [7] I sense you're a purist so probably no alcohol bu that's an expense in itself.
My estimate without actually being on trail and just planning my 4 day section hike suggests closer to $15 per day.
I shoot for 5,000 calories a day. Cheap food, high calories: snickers, ramen, dried potatoes, PB, Nutella, pop tarts, olive oil, etc. Vitamins are unnecessary in todays world, unless you are eating a very limited/focused diet. Electrolytes are easy to come by in salty food and aren't really something that have to be added in often. Fuel is negligible when a single canister will last for about a 3 weeks or more.
THANKS! good info. FYI I had a great conversation with OLICAMP. ION+4oz canister will boil 22 - 2Cup boils at 5000ft. So bring a sharpie and mark the can.
I know that the AT, CDT and PCT all run in a North/South direction. are there any hiking trails that go from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast?
American discovery trail
That is a good number.just doesn't fit my style I tend to platinum blaze. I've seen people on the Pct with practically 0 money but they where miserable.i think I spent 10000 on the Pct but that was because the Damn towns and I like beer! Also last year we had a lot of fire closers.on the At it was around $6000 tho.Joe you also forgot health insurance and there is a difference when you buy food as you go or pay postage.Me personally always try to find a dollar store.for the people just starting I can tell you this your life WILL BE changed forever and the hardest thing about thru hiking is letting go and taking that first step.Also never over plan just hyoh.
If my feet and knees hurt in daily life after 2 to 3 hours of hiking will I basically never be fit to hike the Appalachian trail? Its a dream that started back in 2011 when I finished high school and sometimes I really wish I would have jumped on the chance then because I feel like I could never do it now. My knee hurts on an average day even with no hiking After hiking 15 miles in a day i feel like I would have to quit after a week. Its kind of a crappy thought..
+LurkingTuna I don't want to give incorrect advice here, so definitely consult with a physical therapist first... but... hiking all day everyday is a learning process. Through pain and repetition, most thru hikers develop a stride that is super efficient and low impact, one that reduces strain and joint fatigue. If you could get to this point on trail, I think it would be a huge benefit for your body both on and off trail, and I think you could 100% thru hike. The big issue is finding out whether or not there's a medical issue causing your pain, that's something that I can't/shouldn't give advice on. If it is just from walking incorrectly or from inactivity, then I say go for it, you can absolutely thru hike. It may be tough going for the first month, but the rewards will be huge. Also, consider the PCT. It is graded much easier than the AT is and could be an easier way to ease into a thru hike.
The only thing that can hold you back is yourself. I've had four major knee injuries and now have an irregular step. I'm also 35 and have seen my young sports worthy physique go to the wayside (although I'm not terribly out of shape by any means). If I'm rusty (took the winter or maybe 6 months off the trail) I'm always in pain the first few days of the trail. The longer you're on the trail the more your muscles and endurance will improve. You just have to stick with it. It won't always be so harsh as when you initially start. That said, listen to your body. If you feel you're in danger of injuring a knee or foot do to a medical reason rather than not being conditioned then proceed with caution. I like to do day hikes with a full weight pack as pre training for my longer hikes to get back in the groove. That could benefit you greatly instead of getting on a long trail cold.
I have a kelty 2 person tent but it weighs about 4 pounds, should I keep it for a thru hike or upgrade to a ligther tent?
Not Joe.... but I would say that is up to your budget. Two person tents get real expensive in the lightweight range. You could go one person to go down on weight and not break the bank as much. A couple extra pounds is a hefty amount for a thru hike, yet people do it all the time.
Yup Forrest had it right. Personally I'd try to go lighter, but budget is always a concern.
I have camped/hike for 5 months with 1200$.how did this guy end up in 6000$
That's about $8/day. How many calories did you consume per day? What did an average day's intake consist of? Was that all of your consumables? (1 mountain house mean is about 900 calories and costs $7)
Richard Bucker i didn't count calories I just ate when I was hungry some days I didn't even eat I've hiked 8 miles on empty stomach and few sips of water I wouldn't recommend it unless u know your body.I lived of rice mixed with beans peas or corn, ramen noodles, oatmeal and grits. Mixing the noodles with grits is a good belly fuller.
That would explain how it cost $1200 in food. How much in fuel to make host water? I read "living with a SEAL" recently and I believe the author (people want to give up at 40% and that there is LOT more in the tank). While I've decided, in principle anyway, to go without some comforts and conveniences for my 4 days next summer and while I have been a vegan and a vegetarian I'm not sure your food choices would work for me. Interesting nonetheless.
sylos krug Dude living on little to no food and all your food consisting of noodles and grits is not most people's idea of fun. You're going to lose a lot of weight doing that. $8 a day leaves no contingency for broken gear, nothing for hotels, nothing for restaurant meals. It's dumb. I don't think his $6000 estimate is unreasonable at all.
By the way how tall and how heavy are you and how much did you weigh after that 5 months of hiking?
Tom Bugler Since I asked this question I learned a few thing... 1 1/2 pounds of food per day presumably calorie rich mix of proteins and carbs. Average at rest calorie needs are about 1200-1300 calories and hiking requires between 300-400 calories per hour. If you hike 8 hours a day then you'll need 4500 per day. (I read 5000)
Now for the reality check. The mountainhouse instant mashed potatoes are 190 per serving (2 per package) MH bisket and gravy 320 (x2) and MH Mac n Cheese 310 (x3).That is an amazing amount of food and approx 2000 calories total.
I have a sneaking suspicion that thru hikers are probably traveling at a calorie deficit and make up for it during city days. This needs more investigation.
I figured $1k per per 1k miles on a cheap budget. I'm not calculating shoes or if u bring camera gear. No Family! No GoPro! Cheap!
Brian McAfee I feel like this is for people who spend alot of time in town. Getting hotels, eating out ect..I wanna do the full hike thru with the same amount your talking.
Good video
mhh...28 x 2 x 12 is 672. or am I wrong?!
+Großer Affe Gah! You're right. On my paper I have an additional $24 in that equation that I forgot to mention in the video. Nooooo! The idea is supposed to be that you spend around $24 on restaurant meals and an additional ~$24 on snacks, drinks, and food from groceries or convenience stores in town. I completely skipped that in the video. I've made a comment in that section of the video to update it, but I'll also leave a comment down here.
2:55 for a moment I thought these are my arms.
Good god man! your hair....you've gone over the edge
+Patrick Caple (No Trail Required) Heheh. I'm going to weave it into a warm hat to survive the winter with.
do you use map and compass or a gps in your thru hikes?
+raybin I carried a map and ultralight compass with me on the the PCT and CDT. I really only ever never navigated these trails with the maps, but the compass was for emergency situations. The AT can be done without either. This topic is on my video to do list, so I'll be covering it in more detail eventually.
where did you get those maps on the wall from?
here: amzn.to/2aExi4o and here: amzn.to/2aMg4zq
thanks
Looks like you're missing your central map there! (the CDT)
(and don't worry, we haven't come here for the mathematics)
+Creighton Miller Heheh, I guess I'd better just stick to hiking... Yeah NatGeo doesn't make a CDT one sadly :-(
You know that there is no L in COST, right?
Are there any hikes that go East to West? Or is it just the big three?
+Jazzie Red There are! The north country trail and pacific northwest trail both travel east to west along the top of the US. There are some others as well, though they tend to be shorter ones, and not strictly east to west.
Do you have plans for those?
+Jazzie Red No firm plans yet, but the North Country Trail is huge and very tempting. Not too many people have done it yet... I think it would be a fun challenge. Only time will tell though. First I've got to work on affording it :-/
@@BackcountryBanter if you ever decide I'll do it with u lol. I'm hiking the AT in mid Feb. Nobo.
How did u manage $40 for 5 days of food on the PCT?
+Madalyn Clark It's doable as long as you aren't too picky on what you eat. Ramen, cheese, pepperoni, clif bars, snickers, etc. Yeah it's a little pricey in some PCT towns, but it's rarely that bad if you go for the cheap options.
Or, "How Rich Pple Hike"
There's so much weight shaming on the Appalachian and other through hike trails... that the majority of people that would use your gear can't afford it... this is absolute price gouging. Bring back the external frame backpacks now at an affordable price...
you need to add two more things: 1. the money you'd have to pay back mama who paid your rent while you were hiking, and 2. the money you would've made but you didn't because you did not work those months. Why do folks who make vids trying to make money out of them pretend to be from planet mars?!?!
28 X 24 is 672 that's the point where I stopped watching your video
tip:don't have a stuff nose when making a video it's annoying to listen to