What is the 'wingfoot' of the PCT?

[yappy]

I agree Sly, why anyone would want to rip thru and not spend time in some of the VERY cool towns along the way is beyond me. But, alot of folks do. We met a guy who barely went into town ... all he ate was cheap granola bars and ramen.. even cold with ketchup. Ugh. I ended up sharing food with him cuz I felt bad. But, that was all the $ he had and he really wanted to hike. I think he had a great time too... I guess he felt that this was his chance so he took it.

[MOWGLI]

Hikes can be done on the cheap. It all depends on what you're looking for. I admire folks who stay out longer and don't go into every little town. Most young folks get with a posse, and want to stay with them, partying in every little town & hostel. Others don't want to walk in the rain, and won't leave town if it's raining. That chews up the $$$.

I'd be interested to see a thread on creative ways for hikers to save money on a long distance hike. Unfortunately, these threads usually devolve into an argument, when some folks insist it simply can't be done.

[Jim Adams]

I hiked ME-VA on like 500 bucks. I fail to believe it will take anywhere near 4 grand for the PCT.

2007 I paid $6 for a foil pouch of tuna.
You can't find a cheeseburger and fries for less than $10. With a soft drink or a beer, tax and a tip you are spending $20 for lunch just about everywhere.
I did 1,000 miles from Campo to Yosemite and it cost me the same or more than either of my AT thrus. Almost all town resupplies are an overnight ordeal and motels aren't as cheap as the AT hostels.

geek

[yappy]

Very true Mowgli... you can do these hikes on the cheap...and some would say not miss out on anything. I know plenty of hikers that go in get there food and head back out on the trail... saving that 100.00 for another town. I guess what really matters is doing your hike and enjoying it. I feel for the folks that don't go in cuz they are broke. I see on thier faces that they would like to go in and enjoy all the amenities but they can't. That would suck. I think alot of folks think they won't want to " get out of the wilderness " when they are planning things in the living room.... then they get out.. and things change.

You can do it fairly cheap and still have a great hike as long as you understand that you won't be in town that much. I am old.. I like town but it sure ain't they only way to hike.

The groceries on the Pct can be $ in thier own right. There is'nt much in the way of hiker boxes or hostels. I think it is still more $ then the AT even if ya don't go in much.

[RITBlake]

Th guide books have a lots of info and lots of fluff. If you're good with maps you good probably get by with Halfmile's maps through CA and Eric's PCT Atlas's through OR and WA. Problem is, it' nearly impossible to get through the PCT without doing some mail drops. CA is 1700 miles with maybe 5 definite mail drops and both OR and WA you'll need them through the entire states, sending from Ashland and Cascade Locks

Can someone please tell me where I can get Halfmile's maps??

[Sly]

Hikes can be done on the cheap. It all depends on what you're looking for. I admire folks who stay out longer and don't go into every little town. Most young folks get with a posse, and want to stay with them, partying in every little town & hostel. Others don't want to walk in the rain, and won't leave town if it's raining. That chews up the $$$.

I'd be interested to see a thread on creative ways for hikers to save money on a long distance hike. Unfortunately, these threads usually devolve into an argument, when some folks insist it simply can't be done.

I don't think a creative ways to save money on a thru-hike thread would be very long.

#1 Eat **** and stay out of town. Otherwise, you're inviting irresponsibility, like depending on others.

Weathercarrot is one of the frugalist hikers I know and did the trail for about $1500. He also knows lots of people on the west coast.

[Sly]

Can someone please tell me where I can get Halfmile's maps??

I included a link in an earlier post. #3

[MOWGLI]

I don't think a creative ways to save money on a thru-hike thread would be very long.

#1 Eat **** and stay out of town. Otherwise, you're inviting irresponsibility, like depending on others.

Weathercarrot is one of the frugalist hikers I know and did the trail for about $1500. He also knows lots of people on the west coast.

I suppose you're right. You can always do what WD does and eat nothing but Little Debbies brownies for weeks on end.

[RITBlake]

I included a link in an earlier post. #3

Thanks Sly!

[Sly]

Thanks Sly!

No problem. There's a ton of them (approximately 285 maps, or 1MB per map) .5 mile to the inch. I have them all downloaded!

If they print anything like the Ley CDT maps you'll need to spend about $15 in cheap ink and $20 on good paper (double sided). I recommended HP Premium paper.

[yappy]

ramens and little d... ahh, the life. Screech, you are young unlike the rest of us old farts on this thing.. hike hard, fast and free... have a blast.

[RITBlake]

Wow..... Great link, these maps are the business. Washington maps missing though, eh? Ok but this is a solid start.

Also ordering Yogi's book over lunch.

[MOWGLI]

Wow..... Great link, these maps are the business. Washington maps missing though, eh? Ok but this is a solid start.

Also ordering Yogi's book over lunch.

Good luck on your hike Blake. Are you planning on going to ADZPCTKO?

[yappy]

are you going Mowgli ?

[RITBlake]

Good luck on your hike Blake. Are you planning on going to ADZPCTKO?

It's tentative now, if I can get the $ together, I'll be on the thru hiking in 2009. If not, I'll go spring of 2010. If I do go in 2010, I will fly out to California for the 2009 ADZPCTKO, even if just to learn and check things out. I don't want to rush my planning, and I definitely want to make sure I have enough $ to cover the entire trip.

The links and info you guys have provided have been incredible.

[RITBlake]

Also, I just downloaded Eric the Black's guide, and I agree w/ the person who posted before, if the entire book is like this, it looks terrific. Very sharp and clear maps, well packaged.

[MOWGLI]

are you going Mowgli ?

Unfortunately not. I hope to in a few more years. Prolly not before 2011.

[Sly]

Wow..... Great link, these maps are the business. Washington maps missing though, eh? Ok but this is a solid start.

Only California right now. You'll still need OR and WA. If you decide to use Halfmile's maps for CA, you could probably use Eric's PCT Atlas for those two states, skipping the official guides altogether, using Yogi's for resupply. I'd still get the databook, it's the one you'll use most often.

[yappy]

ahhh... 2011 will be here before you know it... which is sorta scary.. haha

[Screech]

ramens and little d... ahh, the life. Screech, you are young unlike the rest of us old farts on this thing.. hike hard, fast and free... have a blast.

Im 25, but I have the same responsobilities as a fresh high school graduate. That is, none.

On the AT my budget was forced to be small. The next few years need to be attempted low budget, but if need be I do have the cash behind me.