How much Money?

imported
#1

This is my first time doing the PCT and I’m doing leaning more towards just picking up food along the way, and doing some package drops at important spots. HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU THINK I SHOULD HAVE SAVED TO DO A THROUGH HIKE?

Megatron3

#2

It depends largely on how long you stay on the trail and how much you spend in towns. I hiked in 3.5 months and had 7 zero days and maybe another 10 in-town nights. I spent freely in town, usually dropping 70-100 in dining, beer, lodging, and beer. Including transit to and from the trail, but not including gear that survived the entire trip, I spent about $3000, or a little over $1 per mile.

If you hike the trail in a more normal 5 months and take the standard 30 zero days and 45 nights in town, and spend like I did, you’ll need a lot more cash. If you’re more frugal and hike quick, you’ll need less. But, $3000 is a reasonable number.

S

#3

I was figured between 3000-4000 thou, I plan to do it in a bout 4.5 months. Thanks for the advise, S.
Megatron3

Megatron3

#4

30 zero’s is a bit excessive. I had maybe 4 zero’s. There is also the “Nearo” which is sometimes just as effective as a zero. When you only have 10 miles or so to walk into a town and take the rest of the day off that’s a nearo. Or when you hike a full day and get to a town in the evening, hang out all the next day, get your stuff done and hike for a few hours in the evening. Nearos will save you alot of lodging costs. If you don’t want to pay for lodging in a town, trail angels are everywhere along the trail, most of which don’t ask for anything in return but your company. Trail Food costs will be about 40-60% of your costs. In-town costs like beer, restaurant food, lodging, equiptment replacement/repair, will be another 10-30%. Transportation from Ohio and back plus; L.A. to San Diego to Campo, Manning Park to Vancouver-Seattle cost me around 15-20%. I agree with S about if you hike fast and frugal it’s cheaper. You could spend well under $3000 if you hike the trail in 4.5 months or less. All these %'s are extremely generalized based on my costs. I hiked the PCT on a low snow year, spent frugally, I ate “normal” food on the trail and rarely paid for hotel/motel lodging. I hope this provides some insight…have a great hike!

Spigot

#5

That’s pretty much how I’m gonna do it, I don’t plan to stay many days at all in a lodge, except when I want that well needed shower. “Nearos” (which I like), is the way I hike anyways. thanks

Megatron