How much does the PCT cost? | Pacific Crest Trail

[@mjavor]

Fast forward button: 10:52

[@NinaKoniu]

thank you

[@davemoorhead8336]

Well played

[@c.cannon1102]

@Running Deer she is a girl.......

[@Lue_Jonin]

I hiked for 6 years straight living on only spending half of my monthly social security check ... So around 600 bucks a month.

[@Suzifully]

My brother spent around $6,000 :) but he bought a new zpacks tent and other gear, so it makes sense. I appreciate the informative video, and organized spreadsheet! Happy trails!

[@christinem2911]

After watching the one video you did of "girl" issues while hiking...I I subscribed! I love all your videos & how thoughtful and detailed they are!! I recently moved to a awesome location, not too far off from the PCT & have been devouring every UL hiking video I can find! I did my very first overnight backpacking hike...with my dog, BF, & his brother...but your videos have totally empowered me to hike/backpack solo (or at least with my dog), when my BF goes out of town. I hope you make more videos, because I only just began watching you...and only have a few of your videos left, since I've binge-watched them all! Thanks for the awesome content :)

[@DavidWilliams-tk3dy]

Hi Ingrid You're videos are fascinating to this English backpacker who has never been to the USA but who has read all about the big trails you have. Thanks for posting them and well done with your hike. A great achievement.

[@AwayWithIngrid]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@vince5288]

3500$?? I just finished the PCT 2 weeks ago (5,5 months) and when I did the maths at home, I realized I spent around 10 000$ :((.... (ok that includes a couple of expensive side trips in Yosemite + 2 weekends here and there). So I decided to check further and I broke it down: lodging in town (hostel, motel): 1200$, food (restaurants + resupply): 3500$ (I guess I eat twice more than you), gear (2800$), the rest would be phone subscription, post office, plane ticket, health insurance, etc. What really makes the difference is the zeros in town and the quality of food for resupply (I was between the cheap ramen and the expensive mountain dehydrated food package). To be honest, I don't think I was going expensive, I went the cheapest hostel/motel/camping, I was almost never buying mountain food packages. I'm really surprised you managed to resupply with 35$ for 7 days though. Congrats. It's crazy how easy it is to spend more than planned. Many people I met were staying at best western and good hotels etc. I did not and still go above 10 000.

[@talderson1]

Five months of living for 3500 dollars. That's pretty spectacular!

[@Biciklom_oko_sveta]

You can travel the world by bicycle with 10$ per day...

[@area51junkyard]

3 months of living here .i spent about 6 thousand $$$$

[@dirtribbonaddiction]

Thanks for being so detailed. It is appreciated, as I have seen one or two videos about how much to expect to spend on the PCT and the people just seemed to be pulling numbers out the air. No help at all. You did a great job!

[@AwayWithIngrid]

well it is tough to remember everything, but I did my best! :)

[@aaroncorsi]

I'd be very interested in hearing about how you managed to check out of your life for 5.5 months. I want to do a thru hike but I just can't figure out how to make that work. I'd also be interested in hearing about how other people you met on the trail managed that. Thanks for the great videos!

[@mikek5631]

If you have to ask a complete stranger that question than you're not ready.

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

Also, it might just be the wrong question. For many hikers, the long hike is not a departure from life, but instead a better manifestation of living life. But to experience life at that level, it requires a reprioritization, a major change of choices. One cannot expect to swim while hanging on to a crapload of deadweight. So much of the "things" of "life" that ppl think of as essential are not only nonessential, but they keep ppl from growth experiences. When a person "gets it" they will often find both a compelling desire for the new experience and an amazing willingness to let go of obstacles (posessions, percieved obligations, even houses sometimes) happen at the same time. How to do the thing can be complex, but it's relatively minor compared to the dedicated WILL to do the thing. It may be cliche, but it still holds true - where there's a will, there's a way.

[@longhauladventures]

great stuff, Ingrid! thanks! you know you seem to have come in well under many other budgets Ive seen out there. Obviously you're one smart cookie. look forward to the upcoming Dad perspective (As I am one of those).

[@taniaM107]

Great video! That's a lot less then what I've seen and heard of other people spending so bravo to you! My friend spent $8000 NOT including hear some she already owned! Lol Question for your dad: What was your reaction when she said she wanted to hike the PCT? How was send her resupply box? Did you find it difficult on your end? What was your biggest concern? And last what advice would you give to a family member of a thur hiker? Thanks Ingrid and looking forward to your new video!

[@AwayWithIngrid]

Great questions! Dad is excited :)

[@dogfoottrailing1770]

the details that went into this video is not unnoticed, thanks so much for breaking it down. This is a more reasonable money goal to reach. I was thinking like 10 grand.

[@derekferden7552]

Thanks for taking the time to post these videos! I'm a big fan of solo backpacking, and it's nice to see others having the courage to explore this amazing planet. I have so many questions! First, how was the Oregon section of the trail? I'm backpacking around the Three Sisters next month and I was curious what you thought about that area. Also, did you break off the PCT and take the Eagle Creek trail before you hit Washington?

[@godsxplanet7772]

Great vids! Im making plans to do the hike and this helps

[@wtr7]

Thanks for the information, this helps. Thinking PCT in 2020.

[@bearburritobuffet8079]

Hopefully see you there!

[@tboicelli]

Awesome videos, love how detailed you are!

[@mostipp]

Great video series. So informative, thank you! Any idea of how much your pack and gear weighed on an average while hiking?

[@annevisser9341]

thankyou so much for being so open:) its really helpfull! thankyou

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

It's interesting that every hiker I've seen who offers an estimation for either of the long trails (especially the PCT & AT) all say to budget between 3K and 4K. As with you I'm certain they're including gear costs for before they started as well as the "along the way" costs. Since I'm planning on attempting in '18, I'm already getting most of the gear I'll need this year and next. I'm also saving for it as well, so I thank you for your input as well. :-) Looking forward to the next vid!

[@AwayWithIngrid]

Great idea! :)

[@mightytruth]

Thanks for that. I had it in my head to have 10 grand but I could do this on a credit card. And I am starting from scratch.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

you did great. look at some of the AT hikers spent 5k not counting gear.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

+Brisdad53 go look at what AT hikers say they spend. i thought it was very high. typically it involves lodging.

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

@@adventureswithfrodo2721 also high priced eateries and alcohol. The type that spends a lot tends to also be the type who cant or doesnt count what they spend. I've met guys who would drop $200 a day treating themselves with absolutely nothing to show for it after. This can even go on for 2-3 days running.

[@mikeholmes5824]

Your cat lurking behind you was freaking me out at first. Thanks for the info.

[@carmenripley]

Finding pearls in your videos for sure! On my list of things PCT thru hike just not sure thte year yet. Why a had shell jacket vs just using your raincoat? seems like a lot of coats. Wouldn't a solid down coat w/hood and quality light raincoat do it? over base layers? thanks

[@AwayWithIngrid]

+Carmen Ripley yes, I think I mentioned how I had wished I had purchased a nicer down jacket with a hood and just used my raincoat as a hard shell. These clothing items are items I had and used in the past so I didn't want to purchase new ones. As for base layers, I used those every night. I wouldn't change those items.

[@carmenripley]

I heard the upgrade the down part missed the shell part. Tx.

[@BackpackingBen]

Great detailed list on breaking down what you spent. This is seriously the most detailed expense video I've ever seen on thru hiking. Thanks for going into so much detail. You mentioned you would pick a different sleeping bag, what makes you say that about your bag?

[@AwayWithIngrid]

My sleeping bag wasn't too warm and had too many cold spots around my hips. I also would opt for a normal size and not a short one. Even though I am only almost 5'4, it just seemed too small to fit my pillow and head in when I wanted to.

[@2chill2]

I have many sleeping bags, I find well fitting sleeping bag most comfortable. Very roomy bags allow cool air to circulate around you. Every time you move, warm air is pumped out from the sleeping bag and cool air comes in to fill the empty space. Now your body needs to warm the air all over again. Kelty sleeping bags are on the low quality side. A good quality well-fitting down bag will give you the best long term value, but it tends to be the most expensive backpacking item in terms of upfront cost. Avoid ultralight fabric if you want durability.I also like to put the pillow inside the hood. My REI sleeping bag is designed to fit the pillow inside. Check their high end bags. :)

[@AwayWithIngrid]

Thanks for all the info! I do have other bags, but I purchased that one just for the PCT because it was a bit lighter and knew I didn't need anything super warm. It was also pretty cheap and I wouldn't be sad if I ruined it on the hike. haha :)

[@amber6980]

Hey Ingrid, Can you upload your excel sheets either on your blog or in the description here? Unless they are already somewhere that I missed. That would be much appreciated and helpful!! Thank you!

[@AwayWithIngrid]

Hi Amber! I'm sorry, but it's not available. I spoke pretty specifically about what I spent money on in the video though. Did you have a specific question that I might be able to answer for you?

[@FredOroz]

Will you be posting you're spread sheet? Thank for the another great video.

[@AwayWithIngrid]

I don't think so... Thanks!

[@FourThreeSeven]

I went to amazon and added up everything someone would need (no electronics) it came out to $1,300. Mostly ultralight stuff (not the tent).

[@chimppyboy]

Hi ingrid, great video series, so much good info to help plan s thru hike, is the spreadsheet available to download somewhere as I can't find a link?

[@AwayWithIngrid]

I did not post a link or the spreadsheet. Sorry!

[@jamestamlyn8471]

Thank you for the excellent videos! What are your thoughts on going stoveless?

[@AwayWithIngrid]

+James Tamlyn thanks! I can tell you it's definitely doable, but I also can't tell you how much I looked forward to that hot meal at the end of the day. Food is pretty much all anyone thinks about and having something warm to eat really kept my morale up!

[@jamestamlyn8471]

Thanks!

[@2chill2]

Very useful info. I love your channel.

[@johnalway2719]

Thanks for the video. Keep hiking!

[@coulter281]

not bad at all. if you don't mind me asking... what do you do for work? for me it would be hard to take so much time off of work, lost income and a family of 5 it would hit hard not having me at home. once the kids get older im hoping I can start with the AT and become a triple crown member! thanks for the vid, got a new sub!

[@AwayWithIngrid]

Hi Kevin, I am self-employed. It is very difficult to take off time with a family to support and a career to maintain. I haven't started my planned career yet, but I'm sure that when I do I won't be able to do the things I do now so I'm just trying to make the most out of it! Good luck to you in your future hikes!

[@mountaincat8]

I may be too late for any questions for your Dad but in case you want a few more, here they are.....How hard was it to get Ingrid to start backpacking many years ago? Did the Pacific Crest Trail change Ingrid in any way? and at what point during Ingrid's PCT hike were you able to rest easy, knowing that she knew how to take care of herself?

[@AwayWithIngrid]

Good questions! I'm adding them to the list. :) ...But my Dad didn't get me into backpacking years ago... I'm not sure if I confused you with something I said in another video or not, sorry. We both have had our own interest and experiences with hiking and mountaineering.

[@SouthWestWildernessScotland]

Thanks for that, It was very interesting to see how much you spent on your thru-hike. Did you keep a diary when you knew how much money you spent in each place. I can't remember the things I bought last week never mind spread over a few months. Lol Atb Glenn

[@AwayWithIngrid]

I kept a list of places I resupplied in my phone... most places are pretty memorable so I'm able to remember where I stayed/ate/etc... but I am like you, usually I don't remember too much :)

[@sethmear]

@awaywithingrid First thank you for the in-depth video of your expenses. I'm aspiring to complete a thru hike of the PCT in the next few years. (Allowing my kids some time to grow so they can understand where I'm going). My wife's biggest issue is my ability to keep in contact with her and the boys while I'm gone. Also what words of encouragement could you say for my wife, who's still on the fence with me doing this? Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@AwayWithIngrid]

+CapturedinCaptivity hi there, thank you so much for watching. I think doing a thru-hike or any kind of long distance traveling is always toughest on the loved ones left at home. I know how hard it is for my Dad to let me go do things on my own and alone, but I bought a satellite messenger that allowed me to send a message every single morning and night (you could send more) and that really allowed my dad to have some peace. I also called about once a week when I got into towns. Honestly, it's an amazing experience and if it's something you truly want to do, just ensure that you'll be safe and keeping in contact isn't impossible. I hope that helps! I did a Q&A video with my dad where he answers some questions from his perspective that might be helpful! Cheers!

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

Hiking by section should not be ruled out. Don't let the marathon runners who do the PCT like speedreading the abridged version of War and Peace convince you that doing "The (whole) PCT" matters. It does't. Your wife and children matter so much more than that, but you can do both. It might just require moderation. Would your family be able to connect with you at some points along the way? Something like that could make it more understandable and meaningful for them. Just some random thoughts. I did a section hike this past Fall and caught the bug. I'll be attempting the whole trail this year 2019 starting in a few weeks. However, if I only get 600 miles, 1600 or only 60, I'll be fine so long as my priorities are straight. It's that thing about stuff in our control and stuff not in our control and knowing the difference.

[@carmenripley]

why not just the jetboil? curious how you decided the twinpeak cup/pot and pocket stove vs just the jet boil? thanks

[@AwayWithIngrid]

+Carmen Ripley I remember shopping for a stove and I just liked how small this one was and the jetboil seemed heavy and larger to me. I only saw a few jetboils out on the trail...

[@carmenripley]

Thank you. Curious and I appreciate your response.

[@mumblic]

Really surprised about the cost on the trail itself. I was expecting something like $5000 in total (+/- 1000 per month). Great video and video series. Best so far on the PCT Good luck with your next adventures (in Europe and CDT)

[@AwayWithIngrid]

+Mum Blic ah thanks! The next trail will be the Camino de Santiago!

[@mumblic]

Off course, Sounds logical. #Vigo ;-)) Many roads are leading towards Compostella. Curios witch "camino" you're gonna take, because you almost seem to live near the finish line ;-) Totally different atmosphere (then the PCT) but probably great in his own way! "Buen Camino"

[@WillSimpson-Maker]

Thank you! Hard to wait to meet your dad.

[@navajopride13]

Did u go by yourself on the trip or u have someone go with u?

[@izbiz671]

Ingrid, how much tip do you give a trail angel in average? do you give tip when you hitch too?

[@AwayWithIngrid]

In the video I mentioned $20 per night. Obviously you can tip whatever you feel is appropriate. :)

[@kevinwonder3492]

did you have a down or synthetic sleeping bag? and why would you have gotten a different bag? also do you have a link to your equipment list?

[@lillysummer3546]

Hi, you mentioned about the sleeping bag here, what kind of sleeping bag would you go for if not the same one?

[@AwayWithIngrid]

+Rose Reema just a warmer one because I felt cold quite often!

[@lillysummer3546]

Away With Ingrid thank you so much! :)

[@olivemeartsie6507]

Great video as always

[@joemfk1]

Good vid. Thanks for the info!

[@new2gold]

Great channel! Thanks for sharing..

[@phgjenn]

where can we get your excel sheet? Thanks for the videos!

[@AwayWithIngrid]

I never made my excel sheet available, sorry!

[@lovehandles16]

Wow that was work lol. The satellite messenger is a gotta have for me to man✌️

[@AwayWithIngrid]

It was! ha And I hated carrying that thing around... haha

[@theorangebell8612]

How did you survived with that little Money? I used up pretty much the double amount.

[@AwayWithIngrid]

+The Daily Bell I'm pretty frugal, I suppose! Haha

[@liltimmy93]

wow you really didn't spend that much... most people say it's about 6000$ o.O Did you only shower and wash your clothes when you got a hotel room or stayed at a trail angels place? that would make just about 15 showers? Thanks for your awesome videos!

[@AwayWithIngrid]

I did laundry at laundry facilities when they were available as well. I'm not sure how many showers I took, haha.

[@liltimmy93]

+Away With Ingrid Thanks for the quick reply... this video makes me much more confident that I can afford the pct (plus the flight from Germany) :D

[@willbertorres3899]

Hi! How many days did you stay there? Sorry if you said! There are some works I really don't understand. Thank you very much!

[@AwayWithIngrid]

+willber torres how many days did I stay where?

[@willbertorres3899]

Away With Ingrid there in pct

[@AwayWithIngrid]

almost 5 1/2 months

[@willbertorres3899]

Away With Ingrid Ok. So during all that time you spend less than 4000 $ right? Thank you very much for your answers. I'm really appreciate.

[@sonnydayz2118]

Psychotic bird? I love it. Thank you for the laugh.

[@alimerchant5545]

Heyyyoo Thank Youuuuu for the awesome info 💪😊.. Going to do it next year.. Wat time of the year should I start? N where should I book my flight tickets to.. I am coming from India Thanks a ton Wishing you Only Awesomeness Ahead 🚀

[@AwayWithIngrid]

Depends on which direction you're going. Visit the PCTA website to get more info and good luck! :)

[@israelsarabia8327]

I think that after your're done doing the pct videos....you should pursue modeling with Revlon make up..... Your Fan...

[@1000unicorns]

What do the pct winners get?

[@Hudson4426]

New to your channel and love the vids. Beautiful face and great info!

[@AwayWithIngrid]

Thanks for watching!

[@georgepena9927]

I could see why people would want to spend 3,500 to 5,000 on a hiking trip. But 1,000 on just a 3 to 4 month hike is just enough for someone who is already fit with plenty of muscle mass and stamina can do it with plenty of protein powder and oats let’s not forget the water. Hydrated beef as a treat works wonders. I’m just talking food here. But yes the real deal is the camping gear and satellite phone if u can afford it more power to you will be around $5,000 $ 6,000 to sleep comfy and able to carry your gear with the perfect backpack. Anything military helps a lot as far as gear goes so shop around take your time. Being out in harsh elements can crack a person in one day so prepare wisely. Remember one thing if you’re doing this alone the mind can play tricks on you especially hiking at night don’t let that put a fear on you it’ll pass once you try it once. If your going to hike at night do it on a full moon there’s reasons for that but I’ll let you see for yourself why it’s worth it. I’m not saying everyday but you’re going to understand why. Have a safe trip be safe. Sorry I have lots to share but not enough time right now. Maybe a video soon

[@azaz...]

whoa did i see "casino" on the list ?!?! thats not in my budget!!

[@AwayWithIngrid]

It was my birthday celebration and the ONLY time I've ever been to a casino, haha.

[@azaz...]

did you win?

[@bowrudder899]

LOL. no reply! ;-)

[@JOHNFMKN]

She is so cute!

[@Loathomar]

Seriously, that is only like $21 per day, seems so cheap for the time you spend.

[@AwayWithIngrid]

Well you are living outside for months, haha. It's not too bad!

[@jinnybrown7196]

DID YOU NEED CRAMPONS AND ICE PICK ?

[@AwayWithIngrid]

+Jinny Brown no definitely not in 2015 when I hiked.

[@fredhubbard7210]

$3.5k is great, you are very sensible, but you are also very slight. I don't think many men could survive on so few calories, so your resupply costs are probably pretty low.

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

I'll be giving it a go. Starting in a few weeks.

[@39Thorns]

$3,500 five months.

[@carmenripley]

last question.. do you carry a small amount of cash? so you can pay the trail angels for a night stay and then credit card for other things?

[@AwayWithIngrid]

+Carmen Ripley I did carry cash. I also had cash sent to me in my resupply boxes (only received 5 of those).

[@terribletheo8401]

$3,462.90

[@ericdavenport5465]

never buy from REI, Campmor.com or amazon are much better places to buy gear.

[@groundpounder8855]

That's cheap great work on pinching pennies!

[@Kasino80]

Great video, but one thing. Could you slow down a bit when you speak. Sometimes when you read from a list, you talk very fast and the words get a bit slurred.

[@jacobwestfall3247]

Thats not much at all, Thanks!

[@pedrovelasquez8680]

WTF. Hurry up!

[@gustavovazquez6045]

we should camp together some dayb😄

[@imbradandyouarenot]

Creepy.

[@jacechamberlain1864]

well im not as pretty as you so imma double that price lol

[@yonkers39]

takes forever to tell how much she spent

[@zacharygray3442]

I could do it for less than a grand