How Much Does It COST to Hike The Appalachian Trail? -- Actual Credit Card Statement!

Find out the real cost of hiking the AT!
Watch the Complete AT THRU-HIKE DOCUMENTARY SERIES!
🌄PACK & SOUL 🌄
• 🌄 Appalachian Trail Do...
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:22 ALDHA / Trail Maintenance
2:06 How It's Calculated
2:38 Getting to Trail
3:16 Gear Repair
3:54 Food
5:23 Lodging
6:31 Maps
7:10 Mail / Shipping
7:43 Experiences
8:01 Shuttles
8:46 Medical
9:11 Cash
9:48 Total on Trail
9:58 At Home Expenses
11:49 Grand Total
Social Media
Instagram: / packandsoul
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COOK SYSTEM:
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Long Handled Spoon - Sea to Summit Alpha Light: alnk.to/5ua2E3Z
Stove - MSR Pocket Rocket: alnk.to/eDLndUl
Fuel - MSR IsoPro Fuel Canister: alnk.to/9T2UJZ4
FAVORITE MEAL:
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CLOTHING:
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Camera Bag Fanny Pack (large) - Eagle Creek:
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Tripod: Cheap Plastic One With Phone Adapter: amzn.to/3uHWFf0
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Best Water Bottle -- Hydro Flask: app.rockporch.com/prdlink/YX5...
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CONTACT:
[e-mail]

[@jamesadams2334]

$1800 the first hike, $2300 the second hike. both were 6 months each.

[@PackAndSoul]

Dang, you did a great job keeping costs down! What was your strategy?

[@spruceg00se]

@@PackAndSoulguessing close to no zero days in hostels

[@Tg-in5xi]

Burger and a beer!!! Perfect. I couldn’t resist that either. I cut corners all the time too, but don’t want to sacrifice an experience, delicate balance, so I’m right there with you.

[@PackAndSoul]

Exactly!!

[@michaelstudelska5607]

I binged your Pack and Soul. That was the best AT documentary by far. Heart felt, entertaining, and informative. I run a business that I can’t walk away from for more than a month. So I am planning a 3 week section this summer. Your videos really encouraged this 66 year old man to get out there.

[@PackAndSoul]

Thank you so much for this comment, means the world! Your 3 week section will be incredible, where you planning on doing it??

[@michaelstudelska5607]

I live in Wisconsin. My son lives in Pennsylvania. My son is going to join me for the first four days starting at Harpers Ferry going northbound. Then I will be on my own for how ever far I get (I am not going to be in a hurry). This is kind of a test to see what I can do in the future. I am replacing a dream with a memory.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@michaelstudelska5607 LOVE this. Harpers Ferry was a super memorable part of the trail. Get those memories! Keep in touch

[@nameyname1447]

Awesome, I am from Wisconsin too! . I am currently planning to hike of half the trail during one of the summers of my college.@@michaelstudelska5607

[@DrKeithMcNally]

Yeah, he did a good job.

[@alumnimentor5664]

keep em comin! It's worth every penny.

[@rufolyons5185]

Thanks for posting this vid definitely helping me plan my future trip

[@PackAndSoul]

Rufo!! Glad it helped, thanks for watching! Anything you need, let me know

[@livesutton]

Well said, love it. This is going to be very helpful for so many people.

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks for watching, appreciate that :-)

[@MigJimB52]

Thanks very much for this and all the other information you have shared.

[@PackAndSoul]

Appreciate you watching!!

[@wildflowersadventures]

Great video! Thank you so much! 🙏🏼We’ve learned a lot from your videos. We can’t wait to get out there in 2024!

[@PackAndSoul]

Heck yeah!! Thanks for this. Hope to see you all down trail!

[@TheCivilWarriorProj]

Thank you for shedding light on this subject as most don't talk about this.

[@PackAndSoul]

Appreciate you watching!

[@BigCountryOutdoors325]

This video is a great help in my planning. Thanks!!

[@PackAndSoul]

So glad it helps, thanks for watching! When are you headed out??

[@vjhurstcreations5473]

What a great resource this is....and thanks for the ALDHA shout out...was SOOOOO great to see you ...I'm tellin' people here at home that I cried half way thru NY on way home to IN because I was already missing everyone so much...and was so happy to be with everyone...tears of joy and sadness....until we meet again on down the trail, my friend. hugs....

[@PackAndSoul]

100%! Already counting down the days to next year :-)

[@martinjcamp]

What a very nice presentation you have given us. Thank You!

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks a lot!

[@bobv7753]

Hi Nick "Hollywood" I just discovered your channel & now a subscriber after watching your AT expense video. It was one of the best cost breakdowns I received. I not only appreciate the cost data but your valued experience based commentary. Absolutely priceless (pun intended). I hiked a bit of the AT many years ago in my youth and am looking forward to another attempt one day soon. Understanding expenses is valuable info for anyone attempting a through hike. This content is appreciated. Best Always......Bob V

[@PackAndSoul]

Hey Bob! Really appreciate you watching and definitely appreciate this comment. Thanks so much for the support. Hope you get back out on the AT soon! Keep in touch, especially if you have any questions

[@mainebeefman1]

Great video!! Thankyou this was extremely helpful!

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks so much for watching! Really glad it helped :-)

[@tompoplawski5740]

The most concise argument for a thru hike I"ve seen on the web so far. Good job!

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks a bunch for watching! Appreciate the comment :-)

[@CraigCalabrese]

GREAT DOCUMENTARY enjoyed it greatly

[@PackAndSoul]

Appreciate you watching!!

[@kbaarnaud2677]

Fabulous summary! I loved that you detailed the things that could lead to spending more or less money for each category and how YOU personally handled your journey expenses. Great info. Hike on!

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting!! Truly appreciate it :-)

[@LazariusAuditore]

Great video , appreciate the detailed information!

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks for watching! Appreciate the comment

[@mattgreene6810]

Wow. That’s more then I thought it would be but spread over 4-5 months it’s not that bad. Awesome vid!

[@360Investigations]

You're confusing what someone personally chooses to spend, over the actual cost when done properly, It doesn't cost as much as he made it cost. Some of these people over spend, and they over spend a lot then try to pass it off what they spent is the cost.

[@nameyname1447]

Did you do it fully, and if you did what do you think the bare cost is purely for trail cost? Ignoring other life expenses such as rent and insurance.@@360Investigations

[@Emoji-ATTrailangel]

You did really well, Hollywood❣️on the video, and on Trail❣️🥰 Thanks for sharing, a great foundation to work with❣️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😃

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks for all you do! The trail wouldn’t be the same (or as affordable) without angels like you!

[@mtadams2009]

I just hiked the Long Trail this past summer and you did great financially. I and very impressed. I hiked with my dog so hitching was a no go and I stayed at two hotels. I am retired and it’s not like I am rich but hiking is very inexpensive so I spend what I wanted when I wanted. I plan on doing the Colorado trail and that’s going to get costly because I live in the east coast. Transportation I think will be expensive. Because I hike with my dog I will be driving out. Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience. Though I stayed in two hotels I never took a zero. To be honest my next trip I don’t plan on staying in hotels much, like you I prefer the forest. Take care

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks so much for sharing this! What kind of dog do you have / How’d they do out there? I’d love to take my dog out for one. And good luck on the Colorado trail, that’s gotta be one of the more beautiful ones

[@mtadams2009]

@@PackAndSoul Maggie is a 50 pound hound mix. She was four and half when we did the hike. She does great on the trial. I did have her carry two days of her food and I carried the rest of her food and snacks and sleep system. We did run into a problem with her pack rubbing under her front legs after about six days. From then on I carried everything. Are big days were in the high teens, and our short days were about 14 or so. I hiked with her a few days a week for about a month or so before our trip. She truly loves the trail and gets very happy when she knows we are going on a trip. Take care

[@PackAndSoul]

@@mtadams2009 That's outstanding, thanks for sharing! Lots of great hiking for you and Maggie in the future, cheers!

[@justtryhikes]

Great video! 👍

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@dbstewart4496]

Well done! You laid it all out and highlighted what I would consider the biggest money sucks. I am a little surprised at how little you spent on shuttles. I guess you worked that thumb a lot. Also, did you mention clothing costs other than footwear? One usually has to replace clothing items like shorts, tees, socks. Anyway, for any one considering a thruhike or section even, your video is definitely not a waste of time. 👍👏😀✌

[@PackAndSoul]

TRULY appreciate you watching and this comment! Very kind of you. Definitely worked the thumb a lot lol. Clothing all held up the entire way! I did replace socks, but Darn Tough is amazing and lets you replace your worn out socks with brand new ones for free at participating retailers (which were pretty much all of them). All you gotta tell them is you’re hiking the AT and you drop the socks in a bin, and grab a new pair! Fantastic brand.

[@nilesdelta8636]

I think that’s pretty good going and good advice thanks it’s a good place to start and see if anything can be saved cheers

[@PackAndSoul]

Appreciate you watching!

[@richardmack2962]

Hey Nick thanks for the trail cost video. So many talk big bucks. I like you want to keep it simple and on trail. Well done and I will try to do the same this year.

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks for watching! I hear ya, simpler the better! Keep in touch, would love to hear about your progress!

[@richardmack2962]

@@PackAndSoul KZbin is out of my league but I'm on trail journals and Facebook I will report in on my costs.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@richardmack2962 fantastic, looking forward to it

[@lauracolorstoo]

Thank you so much for this breakdown. I plan to camp in the woods as much as possible too. Appreciate your perspective.

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks so much for watching! Reach out if you have any questions

[@lauracolorstoo]

@@PackAndSoul Luckily you've answered many of them - and I've dropped lots of unnecessary gear as a result.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@lauracolorstoo Love it!

[@richardross7219]

Good video. Nice to see Warren. Did you include the fees like the Smokies? You did very well at keeping your budget low. Happy Trails. Good Luck, Rick

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks for watching! You know, when I thru'd in 2020, they didn't make us pay any fees in the Smokies, maybe they were officially closed at that time or something. We just had to register and list which shelters we'd be staying at. Also didn't see a single ranger while hiking there.

[@woodsman335]

Good job. Done well. Thank you. that helps bro

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks for watching, Glad it helped!!

[@sef5090]

Ohhhh this is good information, actually not as much as I would've thought! And he's always thinking of food...what a surprise ;-)

[@MelB868]

My boyfriend always thinks of food too well not always but you know what I mean I am surprised he's not obese he's like 6'1" and 210 pounds so he's not fat he thinks he is but no he's not

[@jhonyermo]

What a great ass video. Very subjective and thought provoking .

[@PackAndSoul]

Appreciate you watching!!

[@scooty46805]

I came back broke twice from AT and CDT. Very difficult emotionally for me as well. Getting better everyday.😊 Probably done with long distance hiking now.😊

[@PackAndSoul]

That seems like a super challenging situation. Glad to hear it's all improving :-)

[@OnixMox]

very helpful, thank you

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@FiveOClockSomewhereWalks]

great recap

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks

[@ToadyWoods]

Planning to start March ‘23 … and plan to be frugal frugal frugal and disciplined. 😊 Let’s hope.

[@PackAndSoul]

Outstanding!! Enjoy every step. Please let me know if you want to chat anything out beforehand :-)

[@nyujtxawjkub-ej1np]

Thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks for watching!

[@outdoorguy1343]

Great! When’s the next trail maintenance?

[@PackAndSoul]

They're ongoing! Depending on where you live, your local hiking club typically organizes them quite frequently. I can help you find one if you're interested :-)

[@sigmalife0570]

dang.i didnt thought about this thing.😢.tysm

[@PackAndSoul]

Yeah - Those costs can sneak up on ya. Thanks for watching!

[@DrKeithMcNally]

I have some saving up to do!

[@PackAndSoul]

Ha I hear ya!

[@myleftthumb2294]

Good summary, but I wouldn't necessarily include food since you have to eat anyway. If you were at home, you'd be eating and buying groceries and occasionally going out for a beer and a burger. And your at-home expenses aren't anything extra either. You only really spent $2,059.01 on your adventure which works out to $14.40/day. Seems pretty efficient to me.

[@PackAndSoul]

Not so bad at all huh. Appreciate you watching

[@thefonzkiss]

I live for this

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks fonz!!

[@jackpoage5419]

In 1993 my wife and I did the whole trail on $6k using equipment we already had. Postage for our bounce box was exponentially less than what it would be now.

[@PackAndSoul]

Love that! Would have been amazing to hike the trail in the early 90s, sure it was a phenomenal experience

[@terrylaurie]

Especially in Hanover NH 😂😂

[@PackAndSoul]

bingo

[@appalachianwanderseeker]

Good video. Thanks for sharing. I hope to thru hike in 2024, and am hoping $10,000 will be enough for the hike, not including at home expenses. The shuttles and hostels (and slackpacking) seem to be a big part of the expense, with many more seeming to use these services a lot.

[@PackAndSoul]

10k should be just fine! Hostel life can definitely add up quickly, but work for stays can help with that too. You're gonna have a wonderful experience!!

[@lanceputnam523]

This is great info !!!

[@PackAndSoul]

@@lanceputnam523 glad it helps!

[@rachelmcmurray5297]

I'm planning for 2024 too!!

[@PackAndSoul]

@@rachelmcmurray5297 outstanding!!

[@sandchar9640]

Was waiting for this video!! Great info. You feel like you missed anything by not staying at more hostels?

[@PackAndSoul]

On the AT, I wish I could've been on trail longer. Cause of Covid I had to start later, which meant I had to finish sooner cause Katahdin would've been too cold. So I suppose I missed a bit, but I don't regret sleeping in the woods instead...not for a second.

[@sandchar9640]

Yeah that makes sense. Thanks again!

[@PackAndSoul]

@@sandchar9640 Anytime. Appreciate you watching :-)

[@MoBo71]

Dude thank you so much for sharing this info. I had planned to through hike in 2022 but I kinda only had given myself like six months to prepare and financially I didn't feel I had enough. No one really breaks down on trail costs. Your information has given me hope and encouragement to take this year and make it happen in 2024! Thank you for sharing sir!

[@PackAndSoul]

@@MoBo71 heck yeah! Really appreciate you watching. Let me know if you need anything, gonna be an outstanding journey!

[@LadySlippersHikes]

Nice, thanks for sharing. I’m a flipper and I’m spending more for sure! 😂 ~~Lady Slippers

[@PackAndSoul]

Spend away!! As long as you’re able to hike your own hike :-) enjoy every step.

[@babyboomerbackpacking]

Thank you for the information and tips. I would have thought your medical visit for your shin splints would have been more expensive. I am curious about how many days you were off trail total. I saw on "Pack and Soul" that you took time off to heal you leg. You must have been flying when you were on trail. Thanks again.

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks for the comment!! I thought it was going to be more expensive as well...it was at a Virginia walk in clinic, definitely affordable. For the shin splints I took 6 days off at my family's vacation home in North Carolina. My brother was staying there, so he came to Virginia and picked me up. When I got back on trail I skedaddled a bit to make up some time. Gotta look to see how many total zero days I took, wasn't many. Too excited to be on trail! 🙂

[@babyboomerbackpacking]

@@PackAndSoul finished watching Pack and Soul today. I really enjoyed it and now know how you completed your hike in 4 and 1/2 months. You are a speed demon at 30 miles a day! By your example, I also realize that I need to stretch several times a day. Thanks again for the docuseries.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@babyboomerbackpacking Thanks so so so much for watching! And ha... yes stretching is KEY. No idea how some people don't stretch at all, just get up and go. Not me!

[@TomB898]

Nice video. Just curious. Food cost divided by weeks on trail = weekly food cost. How does weekly food cost match up to what you spend when home? May not be a large difference.

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks for watching! Good question. So I honestly think it came out to be pretty similar. Sure I was eating a lot more on trail, but it was mostly crappy cheap food. As opposed to at home (where my wife is a foodie) I end up spending more on better quality (less quantity) food. So, probably even saved money on trail to be honest. No $18 avocado toasts for brunch lol

[@wadeschwartz4677]

I bet I spent double that I did a flip/ flop food and transportation was my biggest expense I also did mail drops It also took me just over 7 months I had some injuries that slowed my pace

[@PackAndSoul]

Yeah a flip flop and a couple extra months would prob make it more costly.... sure it was worth every penny though ;-)

[@cordelianoelle3644]

I would also add how much loss of earnings to the cost. Thanks for the info!

[@PackAndSoul]

Great point! Thanks for the comment!

[@bensanders7392]

Question: as you proceed further and further north( for NObOS) does EVERYthing....food/ clothing/ shelter/ transportation....etc continue to get more and more expensive....as you progressively get broker and broker??

[@PackAndSoul]

Yes, that’s exactly right! As soon as you hit the Mason Dixon line, everything gets more $$$

[@ellefrankiemack]

I’ve wanted to hike the AT for close to 10 years now (since I was 14) and I’m still on the fence about whether or not I’ll ever be able to do it, especially because of finances. I’m thinking 2026 might be my year, but it’s so hard to say.

[@PackAndSoul]

It’s not impossible! You got this!! It definitely takes a big change in your life leading up to it, but sooo worth it.

[@ComeWalkAroundTheWorld]

food is always my biggest expense too. what did you typically have in your pack after a resupply? did you try to stay healthy?

[@PackAndSoul]

FOOD! Our fuel. I start every trail trying to eat healthy, and it never works. Lots of chocolate (my favorite), cliff bars, and tons of tuna packets. It's gross to think about, but it's a calorie counting game for me :-( Wish healthy food had more calories. I'm sure I could learn some more about this and fix my abhorrent eating habits on trail

[@meganmcdonald5229]

@@PackAndSoul that sounds like the perfect pack. Chocolate and tuna. I always bring sriracha packets from Starbucks for my tuna.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@meganmcdonald5229 Oo nice! Spice things up a bit

[@SylvainSybaris]

I understand that everyone's sustenance needs is different (regarding food/drinks)... Therefore, that is always a personal choice.... As for me, I fed off the land by foraging nearby plants along the trail, especially eating lots of pine needles & weed plants along the way (Knowledge of wild edibles takes years).... I won't speak of fishing & small game hunting because I know each state requires a license.... Ok, so in town, if possible, I ignore restaurants when there is a grocery store instead (I buy under 5 LBS of food) and keep the food packed inside OPSAK zip bags (anti-scent) and double bagged to prevent bears from smelling my stash.... and I would ONLY drink water for free... BECAUSE I'M CHEAP!!!! LOL.... No, it's mostly because being on the trail for most of the year with NO INCOME until I returned back home, so I cut financial corners.

[@PackAndSoul]

Being cheap, you’re speaking my language haha. I’d love to learn how to forage, would be incredible. How are you on wild mushrooms?

[@SylvainSybaris]

@@PackAndSoul ... Hello Mr. Hollywood (I heard that was your nic-name, right? I've been on a couple TV Shows myself back in the 90's, but I met a girl, got married, had kids which changed my life far far far away from the Hollywood scene, oh well.... Now that I'm divorced, perhaps I will pursue my dream... Ok, so to answer your question regarding mushrooms... I tend to ignore mushrooms unless I see "Chicken of the Forest" mushrooms (orange & yellow) which can grow to HUGE stacked layers off of tree trunks... Nothing else looks like them, so you can't go wrong... The other kinds are too sketchy and it ain't worth getting horribly sick and/or dying on the trail.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@SylvainSybaris ha! Would love to see some of the stuff you were in! I’d imagine mushrooms are a whole different beast, just too dangerous if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. Thanks for sharing all this

[@SylvainSybaris]

I haven't really been keeping up with modern times regarding videos... When I started traveling (Van-Camping & hiking) in the 80's & 90's, I only had a regular "FILM" point & shoot 35mm film camera back then, so the pictures are the basic "tangible paper pictures" to me physically mounted in those old fashioned "Photo Albums", as seen at our grandparents house for instant.... I never spent the money having my pictures scanned, but I did take actual pictures "of the paper picture" simply laying them on a table under a lamp (a quite crude way of doing it) with my digital camera I obtained in 2001, and some are on my Facebook... Since then, I got rid of my "35mm film camera" only only use a digital camera, and my most current pictures are on my Facebook.... When my Facebook was "Censored & Deactivated" by the Facebook owners due to the new "Cancel Culture" we live in (over some minor non-threatening, non-vulgarity political disagreements & arguments I got into with people on Facebook back in 2017, I LOST HUNDREDS OF ALL MY PICTURES on Facebook), but I still have them all on Photo CD's in a box in my closet.... I just can't seem to find a laptop computer that has a CD ROM, so I can't download my older pictures...... As far as video, I had a SONY Mini-DV tape video camera from the early 2000's until 2013, but never got another video camera, so all I use now is a simple SONY Cyper-Shot digital "still" camera.... Things may change in the near future after watching so many KZbin videos of all you guys.... I just have to learn how to download & edit video, and then I need to learn how to create a KZbin Channel for myself.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@SylvainSybaris yeah! Start making some KZbin stuff, makes me feel like I’m right back on trail

[@orion7741]

dang, that is excessively expensive for a thru hike! lol. I have done the PCT and AT now and my PCT total cost was a little over 4,000, and my AT hike was just under 3,000! what the heck were you spending so much money on???

[@PackAndSoul]

you did a good job keeping costs down, don't know too many people who were able to do it that cheaply. I outlined everything I spent money on in the video, food was my biggest expense, which I do not regret in the slightest. with low costs like that for you, sure you'll be able to keep hiking without worrying too much about money, that's awesome

[@Homelessnomad]

I’m a newbie to the hiking world. Are trekking poles a necessity?

[@PackAndSoul]

Hey! Thanks for watching. I made a vid about poles, check it out if you’d like :-) kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2rPk3iZq6uUh7csi=1md6UBvy4EMYLXmb

[@philipbuckley759]

I offered to pay the way, of someone if they would assist in food preperation and camp set up, etc....only one, out of several potential prospects took advantage of that....

[@PackAndSoul]

Wow! That's a pretty generous offer, interesting you didn't have more bites. Why do you think that is?

[@philipbuckley759]

@@PackAndSoul your guess is as good, as mine.....

[@PackAndSoul]

@@philipbuckley759 hmm interesting…

[@jamesbailey9838]

Nobody mentions what I'm about to say.... Investments will pay for my hike and then some. Hiking a long trail is actually an early retirement plan. 500k at 6% for 6 months is $15,000.00. One year CD's are paying over 4% guaranteed currently. That pays for your hike and then some. There's a lot of people raking in the $ while hiking. I love the video. Can't wait to make one on how much money I made hiking the trail. Have you ever heard anyone say this?

[@PackAndSoul]

Cannot wait to watch that video! that’s the dream. You got an eta on when that’s coming out??

[@jamesbailey9838]

@PackAndSoul The ATC never wants a video like that released to keep the number of hikers down. So I had better be careful. But right now if the numbers work for you... the more you hike the more you make.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@jamesbailey9838 early retirement it is!

[@bensanders7392]

Even if you don't go for a walk in the woods/ stay sleeping in your house....you're still going to spend 200 a week on food, almost matter where you're at.

[@PackAndSoul]

Good point! Might as well enjoy the woods while you’re at it

[@snowcrash512]

Would you happen to have even just a rough guess at how that food spending broke down between trail food and town food? Im honestly not big on sit down eating places, never have been. Just curious what the food costs are like with minimal town meal splurging.

[@PackAndSoul]

That's a great question. I don't have it mapped out specifically, but I'd say when in town for a resupply, I typically bought one meal at a restaurant / fast food / hot and ready food from a grocery store, then went back out to trail. That'd cost me around $10-15. And then when I stayed in town for a zero I probably bought three or four meals, so maybe averaging around $40-$50. Eating out of your pack is certainly an option, but for me I felt like I deserved the reward of a great hot meal I didn't have to make myself lol. It really put a smile on my face, so I leaned into it. Granted I wasn't in town all that often, but when I was there, I thoroughly enjoyed myself!

[@MelB868]

@@PackAndSoul how did you even remember where you were on the trail

[@PackAndSoul]

@@MelB868 I kept a fairly good log of everything, especially in my journal. Not perfect, but it helped going back over everything

[@Yetithruhikes]

This seems reasonable. You spent 143 days on the AT (I assume including zeros) so 4.77K$ is very average. There are some youtubers from 2021 that claim to spend north to 12k$ which is just insane. But that's what you get when you platinum blaze and slac pack half the trail. I spent 3.5k$ including international flights and switch of tent spread over 107 days in total on the AT thru hike. Or if you want 1050$ a month on the AT. Similar to your numbers per month. The northern states are substantially more expensive then the southern states and mid atlantic.

[@PackAndSoul]

12k!?!??! Wow! Luxury hiking, if only… Yeah, 143 including zeros. 107 days, you were flying! Northern states def more expensive. It’s like as soon as you hit the mason dixon line, the switch is flipped. Wild. Appreciate you watching!

[@Yetithruhikes]

@@PackAndSoul I think I felt it more when I hit the NJ/NY state line. But I was enjoying the deli section at that point. NY sucks though. The trail is terrible in that state. The worst of them all.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@Yetithruhikes I preferred the other states as well. Could never really get in the groove while hitting a road every mile and a half. I’d take the woods over delis any day…. Not to say I didn’t partake in my fair share of meatball subs though ;-)

[@chriskelly6559]

You can't predict your costs, but be prepared to spend more than you think while on trail. My monthly budget was $1,000 and I spent it. Worked out well. Crackerjack.

[@PackAndSoul]

You're right, def hard to predict, but 1k a month is a good bet. If you had all the money in the world, would your trek have been different? Or you feel like you did everything you wanted to?

[@chriskelly6559]

More money would have probably hindered my hike(s) more than helped. I didn't really budget as I hiked, things just worked out to about that 1G. You can hike 4-5 days without spending a penny in order to "enjoy" town. And I always held back a little for not guaranteed gear. Money was never a problem at 1G, and lots of hikers do it on less, just don't make a mistake on the low side. I'd rather have more "food" than not enough. Good talking at you, Crackerjack.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@chriskelly6559 Yeah I agree, more money more problems lol. Thanks for the comments! See ya down trail

[@Pommeswerfer3499]

Where can I book flights in America for that price? I literally have to pay 950$ for a one way flight going from ATL to Newark?!

[@PackAndSoul]

That’s wildly expensive! Just checked on Expedia, You can get a flight from ATL-Newark for $100 one way. When are you looking to go?

[@Pommeswerfer3499]

@PackAndSoul In december when my trip ends. I‘ll have a look at Expedia though thanks!

[@PackAndSoul]

@@Pommeswerfer3499 Sometimes when you look so far out, it's expensive. Usually like two months before the departure date is when it's cheapest. Reach out if you need any help!

[@CowpoteAdventures]

I have 10 grand ready o am going 2 split 3 month AT A TIME

[@PackAndSoul]

Amazing!!!

[@norlinblack5017]

You forgot to add in lost wages from not being at work.

[@PackAndSoul]

Good point

[@marksc1929]

Congrats.. I’m jealous “

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks :-)

[@Heritage3911]

It costs at least $7,000 plus what you would’ve made at your job in 5-6 months. So, if you’re a personal injury lawyer or a surgeon it costs a hell of a lot more than if you’re a landscape technician.

[@JM.5387]

Yeah there's an opportunity cost. On the other hand, if you have a high paying job, you can probably recover those lost funds pretty quickly, just by taking a few extra cases or procedures or what have you. If you're a low wage earner, it's harder to recover if you dig yourself into a hole, so saving up in advance is more important.

[@andreameigs1261]

How did you only spend 635 on gear if you got the nemo disco 15, nemo tensor and nemo hornet? That like 800 bucks right there. Pocket rocket is like 50, water filter is 30, a couple of headlamps was probably 80-100, pack. Toakes pot isn't cheap, socks are 20-30$. Shoes were probably 80-130 if you got a sweet deal..

[@PackAndSoul]

Good question, so like I said in the vid, I left off most of the initial purchases since I got them over the course of several years, would be kinda hard to pin down exactly how much I spent on that. And then most of the gear I bought, I got on super sale, or second hand. Tried to save every penny I could!!

[@1161byron]

That’s why I hike off the beaten path

[@PackAndSoul]

Good idea

[@wjbslick67]

How much money did you save by being on the trail for 4 1/2 months on food? I’m guessing you probably spend more on food when you’re not on the trail.

[@PackAndSoul]

That's a great point. Figure every time I leave my house these days I spend $100... Trail might be the best money saver there is! ha.

[@wjbslick67]

Great channel. Getting ready to do section hikes in the next few weeks and months and years.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@wjbslick67 heck yeah! See ya down trail :-)

[@bfg216]

Just kinda curious, 600$ for lodging, how much was it at each hostel versus motel? Just curious

[@PackAndSoul]

Good question, hostels typically cost like $20-$40 for a bed. Can get it cheaper if you’re tenting there and just using their shower / laundry. Motels were standard motel prices, like $100-$200, but split between a few (sometimes more than a few) hikers brings it down. Adds up quickly, so I tried to sleep in the woods as much as possible.

[@bfg216]

@PackAndSoul ah, okay How did you keep devices (phones, watches, headlamps, etc) charged between if you were only doing a stop every 2 weeks or so? Also, how was keeping your clothes clean with so few breaks? I am looking into a hike, and trying to figure out how to cut costs down to make it easiest 🤣

[@PackAndSoul]

@@bfg216​​⁠I went into town like every 4 days or so, but I wouldn’t sleep there. I’d just resupply at a grocery store (while charging my devices for a few hours), eat at a restaurant, etc. By the time I left later in the day to camp in the woods, my electronics were mostly charged. My clothes were disgusting lol. I would jump into lakes and stuff, but generally my hygiene was atrocious. Don’t recommend it. In town costs are by far the biggest expense for most people, so if you can cut down your time in town, it’ll help for sure. Of course, being in town is super fun, so gotta balance it I suppose

[@debraoliver505]

I'm following now a girl named Taylor who must be spending a FORTUNE! She stays at a lot of motels, hostels, restaurants, tons of junk food (cookies, candies) a coffee every time there is a Dunkin' Donuts nearby, shuttles, etc. I'm betting she is spending well over $12,000 and is not doing the hike like a true AT hiker like you. I have read several books on thru hikers over the years and she is doing glamour hiking. Very disappointing. She is almost to Maine. Glad you did it the right way!

[@PackAndSoul]

We all gotta hike our own hike, If that’s gonna make her happy, and she has the means, then I say go for it. It’s so freakin hard to get to Maine, whatever you gotta do to make it happen. If my wallet was bursting at the seems, maybe I’d be a glamour hiker too haha.

[@djg5950]

She hiked a couple of years ago (think 2020 start was cancelled due to Covid and she went back out in 2021) and has a summary of expenses for that hike. She owns her own business and saved (first time around) and her mother met her a few times along the way. Saved her money on hotels paid for by her mother and shuttle rides. It's called Platinum hiking. Most people can't afford that but why not if you can ? Not really what is considered a true thru-hiker (smelly, dirty, always hungry, poor -- to mention a few things thru hikers are known for) but thru hiker is just hiking every mile between Georgia and Maine and she did do that. She caught a lot of flak (I followed her and read the comments - wasn't a fan due to the nature of her hike and her attitude) for her type of hiking but got a lot of praise, too. I imagine this years hike is more of the same. I didn't follow anyone this year.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@djg5950 as long as she was having fun and doing it her own way. And yes, I was definitely smelly and dirty and hungry and poor! Haha.

[@williampennjr.4448]

I eat the least when hiking. Out of sight out of mind. That's actually why I go hiking.

[@PackAndSoul]

Wow! No hiker hunger for you huh???

[@williampennjr.4448]

@@PackAndSoul I could go days without eating. No temptation why would I be hungry?.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@williampennjr.4448 strong willed. Not me lol

[@MelB868]

@@williampennjr.4448 wouldn't you be weak and ready to pass out I would

[@amazingthingsfromaroundthe2057]

I was guessing it more around $10,000.

[@PackAndSoul]

It really could’ve been, and is for some. But definitely doable for less!

[@creaturesandhabitsfilms2009]

When you think of someone going on trail, you don't think about how much money it costs. Important video. However, I can't stop thinking about these rugged nomads stopping on trail to pay their credit card bills haha

[@PackAndSoul]

They definitely exist. There are people who make trail their home in a big way. A guy named Too High To Hike calls himself and people like him “Still Hikers”. When everyone else has gotten off trail at the end of the year, he’s “still hiking.”

[@michaelmontana0804]

I did not sell anything nor had to use my acting skills. It was a no brainer.

[@PackAndSoul]

Haha sounds like a smooth transition out into the woods

[@360Investigations]

It does not cost as much as people are saying. They made it cost that much because they chose to make that way. These people are spending needless money on shelters, hotels, alcohol... etc. My through hike is only going to cost about $2500 which includes all gear, food, resupply, and spending money.

[@PackAndSoul]

If your goal is to spend $2500 on everything, I hope you hit that! And seems like you’re pretty motivated, so you probably will. I spent that on food alone lol, but I was a hungry guy and enjoyed every bite I took haha. Curious to know what you end up spending, maybe even less! Good luck :-)

[@MelB868]

I couldn't never hike something like that my idea of hiking is walking trails in a park that's just way too much for me

[@PackAndSoul]

Ha yeah it’s a crazy thing to do for sure

[@MelB868]

@@PackAndSoul have you ever hiked the gorge trail at nocculula it was hard maybe not for you but for me it was I thought my heart was going to give out 3 times we went to where you payed ride the train first went down to the trail they have two ways to get behind the falls now take water and a snack but it doesn't take months to do the falls clothes by 5 and you have to be out of there but anyway you should try it

[@MelB868]

@@PackAndSoul it's saying it takes 1 hour and 19 minutes but it took us longer so don't go by that and there's not a need to rush it's 2.9 miles but there's even some climbing it was hard for me believe me

[@PackAndSoul]

@@MelB868 That sounds lovely! Is it in Alabama? I live in Los Angeles, so may not be able to make it that way anytime soon lol. Wish though

[@MelB868]

@@PackAndSoul yes in Alabama there's steps to get to it now but if you pay $10 you get to see the animals get a train ride get to hike the trail and play minature golf but after the trail we were too tired for minature golf my brother and nieces went my brother helped me my balance isn't that great and he helped me with stuff too

[@devinreed2003]

Did you shower? I have to shower every day or i feel like a zombie

[@PackAndSoul]

Lol no, I showered like once every two weeks! Was very dirty. An every day shower would’ve been mighty tough out there.

[@devinreed2003]

@@PackAndSoul at least a navy shower .

[@PackAndSoul]

@@devinreed2003 Yeah to be fair, I rinsed off in lakes and rivers a lot, so there's definitely that.

[@MelB868]

@@PackAndSoul gross I shower daily that's not enough for me 🤢

[@vinnyt42allday]

and here i am eating ramen, jerky and berries for weeks 😂😂😂

[@PackAndSoul]

Haha I hear ya

[@vinnyt42allday]

@@PackAndSoul Just found your channel and I'm loving it! very helpful and straightforward

[@PackAndSoul]

@@vinnyt42allday appreciate that! Let me know if there’s a specific topic you’d like to see covered

[@vinnyt42allday]

@PackAndSoul Do you have a video on how you actually plan your stops and your supply drop offs? I'm typically super off grid when I hike (just compass and paper maps)

[@PackAndSoul]

@@vinnyt42allday I sort of refer to it in a couple vids, but nothing specifically dedicated to that. I honestly didn't do too much planning in terms of resupplies. When I was out of food, or getting close, I simply went into town and got more. Then sometimes, if people wanted to send me a care package, I'd look ahead two weeks and see where a town would be with a post office. And they'd hold it there. Love your off the grid mentality! I want to do more of that!

[@idmo86]

$3 per mile!

[@PackAndSoul]

In that case, not bad huh?? I'd take that lol

[@MelB868]

I can walk a mile outside for free and I did today

[@jeffdur1330]

$4700 😂😂😂😂😂

[@PackAndSoul]

Damn!!! Way to keep it cheap!

[@stephengarfield4691]

Everyone spends $6k

[@PackAndSoul]

Seeming to be about the consensus

[@Elsie64]

What about laundry cost.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@Elsie64 Great question. The laundry was always included in the hostel stay, so I really only washed them every couple weeks. Gross. lol

[@JM.5387]

@@Elsie64 some hikers share laundry, since each person has only a few clothes -- you can easily fit 3 or 4 people's laundry in one load. Just make sure you can recognize your Darn Toughs.

[@WitcherOnTrail]

What kind of insurance did you have during the trail??? This is my biggest concern - I'll be quitting my job in order to do this.

[@PackAndSoul]

Thanks for the question! I just had my regular medical insurance, didn’t purchase anything additional. I’ve heard of people getting travelers insurance, but personally didn’t think it was necessary. What’s your thought process on this? It’s obviously a huge decision to do something like this, so totally understand your concern.

[@WitcherOnTrail]

@@PackAndSoul I'm thinking I'll have to get a high deductible gov option - start shopping around. Since I'm voluntarily leaving my job, COBRA coverage wouldn't apply. I wouldn't go without insurance of some kind - I've seen the Internet memes about the cost of a snake bite treatment lol.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@WitcherOnTrail I purchased mine through Covered California, it’s the state coverage out here. Was like $200 a month. I went to the hospital to get an X-ray on some shin sprints (thought it might’ve been a stress fracture) and it wasn’t expensive at all luckily. But yeah, those horror stories of helicopter extractions etc are insane! 20k for ride over the Smokies….no thank you. Where do you live? Does your state offer insurance at all?

[@JM.5387]

@@PackAndSoul if you have a Garmin, they sell evac insurance that costs under $20 and might be worth looking into.

[@PackAndSoul]

@@JM.5387 that’s good to know, I’m gonna look into that

[@HummingbirdHoller]

🏕️🥾🥾

[@jameswilson4732]

Do you need a white Privilege card?

[@PackAndSoul]

Not sure if this is a joke or a jab.