Cost of Thru-hiking

[TrailBlaz'n]

Hi I am in the beginning stages of planning for my thru-hike in 2015. Everywhere says it should cost $4000-6000. What is the involved with that cost? Does it include all the food for the trail or cost or mail drops?

[emerald]

A fair amount of money—typically about $3,000 to $5,000—to undertake a 2,000 mile, five- to seven-month hike, not counting $1,000 to $2,000 or more for gear. Many dollars are spent in vain, along with planning time and effort, when someone learns too late that a thru-hike is not for him or her. Most of your money will be spent in town. Few hikers can resist the temptation of restaurant food, motel beds, and hot showers after days of deprivation. You will also need money for supplies, laundry, postage, equipment repair, and equipment replacement.

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF/b.4805465/k.9760/Hike_the_Trail.htm (http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF/b.4805465/k.9760/Hike_the_Trail.htm)

[garlic08]

That number should cover everything, including a modest amount for gear, at least gear replaced on the trail. The range goes from around $1,000 to over $10,000.

You can find cost breakdowns for some hikers at www.trailjournals.com. Click on the "Stats" button. Mine is here: http://www.trailjournals.com/stats.cfm?trailname=6620

[TrailBlaz'n]

Thanks, the break down was what i was looking for. I have a lot of gear already, and have done a lot of section hiking on the trail. I am going to try to dehydrate my own meals too. Trying to get the cost down as much as i can. the sooner i save enough money the sooner i get on the trail.

[mweinstone]

day one zero dollars
day two same
3 , neels gap. lots
day 4 none
5 none
6 some
7 none


it goes like that.

[Trailbender]

That should be everything, gear, transportation, ect.

[bobjob]

You should not forget insurance policies(if you have any) and other expenses that need coverage durring your hike.