$$$ Costs of a thru-hike? $$$

[Toy2boy]

Thanks guys, this is helping! I am concerned over money, but also what that money is going towards.

Anyone know of camping permit fees?
Any other information is appreciated.

Thank you!

[Papa D]

Nice papa!
YOU MISSED THE POINT.

And yes, I am delving through years worth of entries here and making a list of
WHAT MONEY IS NEEDED FOR SPECIFICALLY (must and optional I will determine later)
To come up with a financial understanding for MYSELF, MY HIKE.

If I MISS 2-10 things I don't know about, such as camping permits needed in certain state parks (which I keep reading about) yet no one mentions it and I don't plan on it, I could be hundreds of dollars off in just planning.

Oh, and before the wisdom comes to just plan for endless funds, that is not answering my question either.

So folks, please continue to list what you actually might need money for.
(And since times may change things easily, there may be costs today there wasn't 10 years ago.)

Once I get a comprehensive list, I will post it in a single post for others to "consider" when planning costs.

Thanks.

Oh, sorry - I guess I should have read 10Ks post on reading comprehension last week -- - thought this was just another "what is this going to cost me post" -- I'll tell you the very most expensive thing that I have to deal with (doing long sections) and if / when I get to do another thru-hike and that is the cost of managing my business affairs at home via remote control -- paying someone else to do things I would do when at home -- like cleaning the gutters out, paying household bills, raking the leaves, and other random maintenance items. For me, the hike itself is not nearly as expensive than the cost of dealing with me being gone.

[Toy2boy]

New list at top, or bottom.
Sorry, my first time posting a thread, cutting out redundant entries now.

[Toy2boy]

I added hygiene products.

[leaftye]

Are you counting clothing as gear?

[Toy2boy]

Yes, but I should have stated that. I was trying to avoid everyone detailing gear, and should have also added clothing.

SO, clothing repair, and clothing purchases should be added above thanks! As one might need/want to purchase that on the trail.

[Blissful]

Money comes up a lot here.

Approx $4,000 for a thru hike, not counting gear, is what it cost me

[Toy2boy]

I appreciate the input here!

[Toy2boy]

Blissful, when did you hike the AT, and would you add anything to the above? (and not a third showers, ha.)

[leaftye]

I assume you're only counting direct costs, not other costs that still take place like auto insurance, medical insurance, rent for your home or storage unit, memberships, etc.

I'd count hostels and hotels as the same thing: lodging. Sometimes you spend more, sometimes less.

I wouldn't know how to quantify it, but money is spent on trail town fun too. Maybe that's a movie, or drinks, a book...who knows.

[Toy2boy]

What are the specifics that require money WHILE HIKING the entire 2184.2 miles of the Appalachian Trail? NOT to include all gear, clothing, business or home expenses, etc.

Anything that cost money during a thru-hike.

Updated List

ATM Charges
Batteries
Clothing
Clothing repairs
Emergencies (health)
First aide supplies
Food resupply
Fuel
Gear
Gear fixes
Hygiene items (soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc.)
Laundry services / supplies
Lodging (hotels, hostels)
Mail drops (receiving)
Mailing bounce boxes
Mailing home supplies
Mailing postcards, gifts, etc...
Maps
Miscellaneous purchases (cards, books, etc)
Park Permits?
Phonecard / cell phone charges
Restaurants
Showers
Shuttles
Town entertainment (movie, alcohol, etc.)

Any additions you can think of?
Thanks!

[Ender]

Campsites and shelters up in the White Mountains area cost $... a bunch of hikers get up there and are surprised by that and it really screws up their budget.

[Captain_Slo]

Does this seem like a reasonable monthly budget?

Food: $300
Transportation: $45
Gear + misc supplies (batteries, toiletries): $90
Town (hostel/mail): $70

$505/month

[Transient Being]

Does this seem like a reasonable monthly budget?

Food: $300
Transportation: $45
Gear + misc supplies (batteries, toiletries): $90
Town (hostel/mail): $70

$505/month

No. Food will be more like $20 per day. You're gonna be consuming around 6k calories, hitting up restaurants in towns.

[Captain_Slo]

I figure $10/day on food...that's about 30%more than I spend at home (I'm a grad student, I eat pretty much a trail diet on a regular basis) $20 would definitely provide wiggle room but I can't imagine spending more than double what I spend at home on the trail. Holy cow! Thanks for your input. I wonder what other folks' average food cost is?

[jersey joe]

prices go up JOE, you hiked the trail how long ago?
prices are way up since then even. most cant hike that cheap, i think it could set them up for failure.
even if they can hike that cheap, lets hope they don't have any gear breakdowns

Crumb, I'll be the first to concede that my hike isn't the average hike.
I hiked in 3 1/2 months, most will take longer and cost will go up over time.
I also took zero zeros. That isn't the norm either.

I guess I always like to chime in when this topic comes up and I hear $5,000 as the cost of a thru hike. While this is good advice for the average thru hiker, I think it is important to point out that it can be done for less for the right person.

As for prices going up, I don't think the food prices have gone up too much in the past 10 years, especially the way I did it(buying in bulk and mail dropping) Postage may have gone up?!?

[TOMP]

Does this seem like a reasonable monthly budget?

Food: $300
Transportation: $45
Gear + misc supplies (batteries, toiletries): $90
Town (hostel/mail): $70

$505/month

What are you spending 45 on for transport each month. Probably 100 to get there and 100 to get home depending on where you live.

[Captain_Slo]

shuttles? rides? That's $1.50/day or $11.25/week. I have zero idea what a average ride to/from town is.

Traveling to/from the trail will be by plane and is not included in my monthly budget...

[Panzer1]

The HAVES will spend more,
The HAVE-NOTS will spend less.

Panzer

[Panzer1]

Its like asking "how much does it cost to go on vacation?"Well, if your wealthy, you can spend a lot on vacation. If you are poor, you will find a way to vacation for less.
So, its like asking "how much does it cost to go on vacation".
Panzer