AT Tips: Money On The Appalachian Trail

[@BackcountryBanter]

Yeah there are rough days, but you just have to remember where you could be: sitting at home doing the same old thing. Now, with that said, I did encounter two days where I thought about going home. One was during a heatwave on the rollercoaster at the end of Virginia, the other was when I was covered by over 50 baby ticks in NY. During those times I just focused on getting through to the next days. Whenever you encounter a pleasant day, you instantly forget about your past troubles.

[@BackcountryBanter]

It's called Tyvek. It is a mostly water proof, papery, and light material put out by Dupont for different uses. Generally, it is used in construction to wrap houses and protect them from the weather. Though you can buy it from most building supply stores (Lowes) it is often quite expensive there. Many times you can find it in dumpsters near construction sites. It is a great lightweight, waterproof material and has many uses backpacking/camping.

[@haroldcale4767]

I thought people that do hike is only buying food for the hike. Not eating out, but cooking it your self. and no hotels but sleeping out in the woods the whole trip. Very interesting to know some facts about others like your self on the hiking in the USA. thanks

[@BackcountryBanter]

I'm actually up at Baxter State Park in Maine right now working as the AT steward at the park. I'm hoping to be able to upload some videos from up here soon, but it may be a while.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Tough question. Though people have many reasons for hiking the trail, for me I kept mentally strong by just enjoying it (sounds weird, I know). If you can't find at least one thing to enjoy/have fun with everyday, maybe the trail life is not for you. So many people at the beginning of the trail were constantly whining or complaining about something, they quickly left though. To me, it seemed that most people that made it to Katahdin truly enjoyed being out there.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Definitely. I am hoping to do the PCT as my next thru-hike. I'd really like to do the New Zealand trail as well. Unfortunately, I have to find a way to fund those trips, so I'm looking for a job right now.

[@siarlbychan]

Tyvek wallets are now sold online for cheap. I've purchased two. One for me and my partner and they have yet to give out. They're very sturdy and do not succumb to various reasons other wallets might such as constant wear and tear in the back pocket, perspiration on a daily basis, etc. and they have various designs for those choosy folks. I just googled "Tyvek Wallets" and a slew of sites popped up for your perusal.

[@danaharris5357]

Thank you for your time and expert advice! Can't wait to start my hike next March.

[@tain4x4]

Lots of good info in your post-hike videos. Really enjoying them!

[@BackcountryBanter]

I was typically with/near a group. Although I mostly hiked alone throughout the day, we would meet up around lunch and at camp.

[@charlesdavid45]

Thank you for the tip$. Tyvek is a great option. Plastic baggies work in a pinch too.

[@ATVSANDPYROTECHNICS]

Yes it is common to have atm at restaurants in the New York and New Jersey area. Even far away from trails, pretty much in the whole state.

[@Tadpolehikes]

Its a good idea to have a few hundred dollars put back for medical expenses, if you don't have to spend the money on the trail you'll have it as a "cushion " when you get back home. I used Travelers Checks on my 97 GAME hike and never had a problem. I split them up in my mail drops,cashing them as needed. 2400 dollars to be exact. On my 2003 GAME hike I used a debit/credit card, ended up spending about 3000 dollars. I spent more money in 2003 because I hiked with my dog "Twinkletoes ". I got membership cards at grocery stores too, doing so gives you an opportunity to ask about items on sale or possibly even free . Great advice, maybe I'll see you out on the trail one day. .

[@Siglerland]

It may be mentioned in another comment below, but most grocery chains will be able to look up your account # through your cell phone number- if the cards become bulky.

[@Jimini525]

Great vid,I've always wanted to hike the AT but cant ever get(lengthy) time off from my job.I've done alot of day and weekend hikes in the Catskill Mts in NY.Not much there compares to the AT tho.Thanks for the info(all of your vids).

[@flysubcompact]

Bioph, Thanks for the videos. Enjoyed about every one of yours I've seen. Like your demeanor.

[@holysmokes6926]

I'm planning on walking the American Discovery Trail, with barely a mere $2,000, and I am confident I will make my budget last at least most of the entire 3,000 miles or so.

[@r.p.mcmurphy3222]

Jake Dupree Did you?

[@ej9618]

Yeah Jake Dupree, we need an update! How’d it go?

[@BackcountryBanter]

$35 a week for food in the real world seems extremely low, do you honestly spend $5 a day for all three meals and snacks (Please let me know how, I'd like to do this)? I was on the trail for 6 months. The money I spent was allotted to: food (resupplying), eating at a restaurant when in town, any gear needs I had (new shoes), a rare stay at a hostel/hotel (split among friends, i.e. ~$15), and other random expenses. These all add up.

[@jballs777]

in NY and NJ most small restaurants and diners have been cash only for so long they don't want to pay the transaction fees on small bills so they put an atm in collect some of the card fees and also they dont have the problem with credit card theft which is an issue in that area also

[@BackcountryBanter]

I never witnessed any crime and never felt like I was in danger. In fact It feels a lot safer out in the woods than it does in a city. There is no reason to carry a weapon and it would only be a hinderance. Though no law enforcement patrol the area, there are ridgerunners and the occasional rangers. Ridgerunners ensure people are following leave no trace principals and are safe.

[@mikeyoung9810]

Great job. I can see how hard this was for you so thanks for doing it.

[@kalmykdude]

It's called food basics(supermarket) in philly. Example: 18 large eggs $1.38, box of any pasta 98 cent, loaf of white bread 78 cent, 12 pack of red, white, blue ice pops $1.48, bananas 48 cent pound, 10 pound ham(sale) $8.99, 8 pound rack of spare ribs(sale) $10.48, 12 pack of store brand soda cans $3.00, bag of tortilla chips $1.78, 12 frozen burritos $3.00. I'm asian and cheap, the foods good quality though. If I go to an asian market it's very low as well.

[@KrispieNugget]

Hey, great video once again. I just finished reading Appalachian Trials by Zach Davis and it talks about how to emotionally prep for the AT. Could you talk about how you dealt with mentally or physically challenging days? Did you have moments where you wanted to get off the trail? If so, how did you keep pushing?

[@Kentuckyhiker18]

Have you ever considered attempting the Continental Divide Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail?

[@Fj4LiFe23]

The extra costs comes in with the fact that you need to stay in towns which means hotels and more expensive meals.

[@ladyminion88]

My old roommate used to work in a pizzaria owned by a Sicilian from New York... Apparently this is only prevalent in businesses with attachments to New York. I am not sure of the reasons why, she would not discuss it with me... apparently she was not allowed to ask questions about the cash or the machine.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Very good video. Did you mention drivers license and medical cards. Also how about shuttle costs? Thanks

[@edwarddemedeiros3607]

Awesome information. Thanks.

[@FishWaterBrewery]

I think tent camping is the best bet, away from the shelters and hostels. Diseases being the #1 reason, and people up all night playing does not allow for a lot of rest. Far better security also for your valuables. As far as hotels, the cheap sleezy ones can be more dangerous than the wilderness as far as insects, bed bugs and unknown diseases. A hot shower is nice when you can get one, so take advantage of that when you can.:-)

[@strocat25]

brother I love the Patagonia jacket , I want one in royal blue!

[@Oldsparkey]

Traveling I like to have Travelers Checks , lose them and they will be replaced , they can't be used by anyone but yourself. Cashing them if you have the denominations right you get change when using them , like a $50.00 one for a $20.00 purchase or just cash one. A good way to make sure you do not lose any money when hiking but still have all that you need.

[@butlerdawgs78]

I live in Northern NJ not far from the AT. Surprised by your info that places didn't accept credit/debit. I use it all the time and haven't noticed the ATM scheme. Maybe it's just the types of small spots close to the trail?

[@phanhteamta3448]

Hey

[@rutabagasteu]

butlerdawgs78 Saw on history channel's how the states got their shapes that Most of Maine doesn't have Internet or ATM machines, no cell phone towers, etc.

[@dukesilver2308]

the reason some places don't accept debit cards but they have an atm is that stores and restaurants that accept debit cards get charged a fee every time they accept one...a lot of small operations won't accept them because it hurts their profits too bad...they offer the atm so you can get money if you need it...but you pay the fee

[@gregrowan7070]

Some places will let put in your phone number and use that instead of a food card. That way you don't need to carry around the card but still get the discount...

[@bonzaibb12]

The reason for those cheesy atm's is the restaurants have to pay for each transaction made on debit/credit cards. The smaller they are the more the banks rip them off. They usually do not get the money from those atm's but let businessmen who own them keep them there so they do not loose business if someone has no cash on them.

[@bash4368]

this will be so helpful if you want id would like to hear your thoughts on the whole as what i realy want to take thats most important if ya have time were planning 4 years fron now

[@carlosnstephie]

I've seen you use the same material on things... What is it called and where do you find it? It sounds like you're saying tie-back... But I can't find that anywhere. Thank you!

[@dawnlubka]

Great video! Thank you for the info!

[@MrAjusog]

Atm in a store isnt a scheme. Businesses have to pay on debit transaction amounts under $5-$10 depending on who their financial institution and/or their electronic transaction 3rd party provider is. Thats why there's usually a sign next to the register giving a minimum amount for debit card payments, theyre trying to avoid the debit fees

[@kalmykdude]

I agree, basically it's the cost of your food that you carry and luxury's(hotel, restaurants, cigs, beer). Most of the luxury would be a once a week thing for me(1 day). They must be partying pretty good to spend $4000 with no bills.

[@comfortouch]

One more thing... Don't keep all your money in one place on your person, break it up. That way, if someone robs you, or pic-pockets you, they only get a small portion and they don't leave you high and dry. If you get robbed, or want to negotiate a price (ex: for a ride), you can pull out one bill and say "this is all I have", that response will usually be accepted, and the rest of your money is safe.

[@kalmykdude]

First off my comment speaks of 4,000 and 4 months. $20 a day would be $560 a month not $600(4 seven day weeks). $20 a day.for food is alot for camping meals unless your paying for 3 prepackaged meals(worth about $6-7 each) and snacks. But most campers would put time in preparing their meals and cost saving at the supermarket by buying light dehydrated foods rice, mashed potato, tuna, ramein, pasta are all very cheap to create packaged meals at home.

[@anonpers0n]

i start my thru hike nobo this spring, trying to keep things down to about 10$ a day.. so lol no paying to stay anywhere.. im probably crazy but i like living outdoors

[@anonpers0n]

+ryan y 10$ per day will barely cover food

[@holysmokes6926]

+john doegh if you're spending $10+ daily on food, you need to change your budget, man

[@r.p.mcmurphy3222]

The whole number is based on equipment also.

[@markbayless5527]

Some of the weirdest comments I have ever read. I enjoyed that more than watching the video. Good stuff

[@301joey1]

Im planning on jumping on the AT within a couple years, Heres my concern or question I should say, Im going to be 60 years old when I make this venture, yea I know its a long shot that someone my age makes it but Im hard headed and tough old guy when it comes to pushing myself...How do younger hikers interact with older hikers? I dont act 18 or 60 Im just myself and wonder do the younger hikers avoid older folks or are they open minded that people are just people?

[@dcp303]

Hi Bio, I'm a prospective AT hiker and I had a question for youu. Can you make a video on how much marijuana you should carry with you on the trail? Also, how much do you smoke before you make youtube videos? Thanks!

[@ScoutsNOA]

Great info....Checking your other vids....

[@jeffreywatters6710]

What type of gear breakage is most common?

[@PeterYurkins]

Ty Joe, I am preparing for a Thru-hike so i am just beginning to gather info. my goal is to save enough to have 1500 a month.

[@jmbent77]

1,500 a month is a good idea. You can save some money by doing 'Nero' instead of 'zero' days. I spent around 8,500 over 6 months.

[@PeterYurkins]

Jonathan Bent What do you mean by nero?

[@jmbent77]

A zero day is when you do not hike at all.. You go into town, stay at a hostel, resupply, and rest. A Nero is when you camp outside of town, maybe hike a mile into town, and then hike a mile back out to the trail. Basically, if you Nero, you can rest and not spend as much money. When you zero in a town, you invariably spend more money on food and accommodations. If you Nero, you spend less time in towns. Instead of staying two nights in a town, try to only stay one night (do laundry, et, buy food and hike out the next day).

[@PeterYurkins]

Jonathan Bent Ahhh gotcha well I will do as much nero as possible maybe cut my expenses in half to like 800 a month that would be sweet!

[@jmbent77]

I would suggest having a budget of 1,500 a month. You can try to only spend 800 a month, but you should budget for more than you need.

[@highonimmi]

if the point of hiking the at is to stay on the trail...why do people break down and leave the trail to stay at hostels/hotels & eating at restaurants? I get the fact you may have to repair/replace equipment but, why so much money? don't they allow you to mail yourself food parcels to key points in the trail? (pct depots allow this). thanks for the vid...

[@highonimmi]

***** okay...saweet...I am looking at doing this within the next 2 years...I notice a lot of the hikers who tend to want the hotel bed are the ones who use the foam mats...like thermarest...tend to need the cush of a bed....if they would just buy a damn good insulated air mattress they would be good to go. I dig the mail to post offices...thanks j.d.:)

[@floridaprepper5010]

YOU SHOULD EDUCATE YOURSELF

[@floridaprepper5010]

HOW OLD ARE YOU LIKE 12?

[@iowanne]

What type of shoes do you wear on a long backpacking trip?

[@iowanne]

We will be going on the Camino De Santiago Pilgrimage in June 2014. A 450 mile backpacking trip. Do you think the trail runner shoes will do okay? I'm trying to be as ultralight as possible in my packing and watching your videos have really helped! Thank you so much and continue the great videos!

[@BackcountryBanter]

Iowa Anne Absolutely. I would go with a well draining (i.e. non-goretex) shoe. This way, if it does rain, your shoes will dry out overnight at the hostel.

[@charlesdavid45]

Any luck on the job prospects? I have looked around as well the economy is suffering because many people are not working. What do you do with your time while you are not working?

[@pangeria12]

When u go from one end to the other end thru hike. Do you fly back home.

[@USAlien234]

How much would you say it costs for access and permits for the parks ? And did you use any shuttle services ? How much do they cost ? Im planning to go, but am nervous I will not bring enough with me. Also sorry to ask so many questions but what is a mail drop people talk about? is that like sending yourself stuff in advance thru the mail ? Anyway thanks for the video ! -Peace

[@julainenelson4204]

What did you eat that you could get enough food for 5 days for $30?

[@Riverman2012]

Do you factor in the cost of getting to and from the trail head in your $3600? Im planning a thru-hike on the PCT for 2018 and have to work out costs of getting to and from San Francisco before and after the hike. Im from the UK and SF is hopefully going to be my base as i have a friend who lives there. Its amazing how much the simple act of walking costs....totally worth it though!! :)

[@BackcountryBanter]

Nope. Simply because the cost is different for everybody and not quite predictable.

[@Mrtimekilla]

Gear companies will replace gear for free for AT thru hikers. Granite Gear replaced the straps on my pack, Vasque replaced my shoes twice, and Big Agnes replaced my tent. Also most hostels will let you do work for stay if you ask them. Never pay for a ride to town, hitch hike, it is fun! Have a BBQ party instread of going out to eat. Bath and wash your cloths in a stream with organic soap when you can. Do the research on gear, don't buy heavy crap you will end up replacing.

[@maggiefay1]

Do you recommend having a card with your indentification information and someone that you would want contacted in case of emergency?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Definitely a good idea. Even if it's just a piece of paper in your pack with your name, some emergency contact info, and an address.

[@waterboy716]

you could just get a bank account with a bank that reimburses atm fees. i use charles schwab, every atm is always free- even if its not their atm. i know other banks do this as well.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Shoes, socks, pack straps, poles.

[@robislookin]

The reason why some stores use ATM's but not credit cards is simple...money. The stores have to pay a percentage to the credit card company's usually 2% to 5% per purchase but they don't have to pay that on ATMs. They get a cut of the ATM charge $.50 to a $1 . So the poorer the store the more likely the ATM.

[@Survivalist2008]

Great info. Thanks.

[@rongants6082]

When I do this kind of hiking: $2000 in cash. $1500 in hundreds, rest in twenties. Anybody who takes cash will take a twenty and make change. Two credit cards. I carry it in a money belt, with some small cash in pocket when in town. No debit cards, if they're compromised you can lose all the money in your account.

[@jasonwreagan]

Great Topic!

[@danielgoff7827]

Were you always with a group of thru hikers or did you hike by yourself?

[@Kentuckyhiker18]

Awesome, good luck!

[@ethan7508]

Joe, how did you find yourself a group? The way its lookin for me is going solo because i cant find anyone

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Ethan Trimboli I started alone too. There are so many people hiking the AT, that you are guaranteed to find a group of like minded people within a day or two. I wouldn't worry about it a bit.

[@ethan7508]

Thanks for the quick reply! The only issue that I am having currently is that my parents have made it abundantly clear that they don't want me to go alone. Also I had that same plan, to find people as I go. But they're not too keen on the idea. Any suggestions? Don't get me wrong, I'm going no matter what. Its just a matter of how comfortable they're gonna be with it xD

[@dawnlubka]

+Ethan Trimboli Hey, just adv FYI. Spot GPS systems are currently free with rebate and 1 year service plan activation. These are emergency devices that connect with 911 with your location in an emergency. I'd get one of these, and help comfort your parents that help will find you in an emergency. I hope you can go. good luck!

[@ethan7508]

Thanks for the tip, Dawn! Will for sure check it out.

[@ethan7508]

Dawn Lubka Thanks for the tip, Dawn! Will for sure check it out.

[@ECPNJstudios]

How do you find a group to walk the at with? Im thinking about walking the whole trail when i finish college but i cant imagine anyone that i know agreeing to drop their lives for 8 months to hike with me.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Just start alone and you'll undoubtedly find people to hang out with. There are plenty of people out on trail and most people start alone.

[@Boevis]

That's a bit low, $10/day is more realistic when you're looking at portability and nutrition, though I really don't see 4000; maybe if you're counting the cost of all the gear as well.

[@Maineriverandtide]

They put ATM is stores so they don't have to pay the 18% to 20% on every bought in the store credit card companies take of every sale.

[@bisyhefr]

thnx for the info ..... but how about if i wanna buy weed ???? can you get that on the trail?

[@whoodiestyle]

byob bring your own bud .

[@timstadlmueller58]

bisyhefr have a friend send it to you packaged in a jar of chunky peanut butter. Look up how to reseal that and have a friend you trust do it.

[@MongoDOESNOTAbide]

To eat that cheaply, buy bulk rice. That expense will set you back a bit but the overall cost is extremely low per-week for as long as it lasts. Dry beans are much cheaper than canned beans. Learn to cook that shit, add some spices, throw in some peppers and onions and celery. Bam. That right there will probably cost you a little under $20 a week. Buy a 10lb bag of fish for about $10. You can get it for even cheaper depending on the level of prep you want to put in. Just don't eat big.

[@r.p.mcmurphy3222]

So is there parts you have to stay in a hotel?

[@BackcountryBanter]

You never have to, but you'll probably want to.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Fly, drive, hike, take a bus... it's up to you.

[@lvennard]

Thanks for this vid.

[@superdave54811]

After a few minutes I was skipping a few moments ahead and every time I did he said cash. So it sounded like "cash,cash,cash,cash,cash." It was too funny.

[@RichardBuckerCodes]

When a merchant accepts credit or debit cards they have to pay points or transaction fees. At one time merchants tried to charge patrons a fee for using cards. Eventually this was determined to be illegal or usury. Of course if the merchant raised prices then the merchant might lose customers. In merchant ATMs are a way to shift the expense back to the customer. You should be concerned about these ATMs as they are not monitored or maintained like a real bank's ATM. I have not seen the stats but my intuition tells me that they have a higher fraud rate so go to the bank if you can. If/when I get on the trail I might setup a separate bank account at a different bank specifically for this type of transaction. The last thing you want to have happen is for a bad actor to drain your account while you are on the trail. Granted you are probably protected by FDIC and others but it will likely delay you from getting back on the trail, replacement cards can only be shipped to particular addresses, and so on.

[@GeneralChaos1756]

you would need to be really careful about individual state laws. I know if you cross in to NY State carrying a side arm without a "NY STATE" pistol permit---- BAM, Felon!

[@revmparker]

Exactly right about the ATMs to get more money from the victum. and you will ind these scams in primarialyethenic owned stores Just speaking from local knowlage and experiance living in the rust belt

[@TrackerScout]

You really wouldn't need cash, it just shows you the place that people are at. Great video though, so don't get me wrong. I offend everyone, no one can be above the level that they are above at the moment. If a rich person was on the trail would they be as happy as you without much? So great video, and great info. Comment just helps me realize some of the higher things I know.

[@kalmykdude]

$4,000 seems high for 3-4 month hike. I'm assuming u didn't camp in the woods with a tent. My rent is $720 a month, I spend $35 on food a week, that's $2,580 in 3 months time, $3,440 in 4 months. Your telling me without paying rent on the trail it will still come out to $4,000? Did u sleep in a hotel every nite and eat in restaurants? Pitching a tent is free and cooking your own rice, ramein noodles, pop tarts, vacuumed tuna packs are not expensive, I don't get it.

[@Fj4LiFe23]

3600 for 6 months is 600 a month thats 20 bucks a day..not to bad if you ask me

[@siarlbychan]

I work a the front end of a hotel near a National Park and I can tell you that there is a difference between a debit card and a credit card. We accept both but many guests become upset due to the fact that they are not educated as to the difference. The commercials and media tell you that a debit card is the same as a credit card. Not true. A debit card needs to have the funds present in the bank regardless of what the bank says. A credit card has a line of credit that can be charged against.

[@chena3]

2 bucks per mile is a workable budget...

[@jmdf7274]

Use pre paid rechargeable debit cards and of course "weed" :) Several of the hidden hostels in the Blue Ridge Mountains of VA accept weed.

[@philipbuckley759]

on the trail, and in the whole world...ATM....end of story...

[@tito_12161]

I start my thru hike in 7 days. Thanks for the video information! Check out my videos and subscribe if you want to follow me on my journey!

[@tfrenards]

dont forget weed

[@rickycarraway3658]

you were born a man.

[@tfrenards]

You need to grow up

[@tfrenards]

o yeah i wanna hik the appalacian trail

[@BenjaminBoyceOdenPrime]

lets go hike it then redlip

[@JCHaywire]

"Side arm"? Super lame!

[@Kentuckyhiker18]

Have you ever considered doing the Continental Divide Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail?