[pct-l] Thru-Hiking On A Budget

[joseph kisner]

Over the years I have met several people attempt a Thru-hike on $500. It seems to be the # that being cheap seems to put together. I also have never seen success. In fact, I can personally remember some sad failures. I could understand if they had all their gear, or maybe they got lucky finding shoes that fit and other lucky scores, but really folks, I would only believe it when I saw the hard facts. I am sure somebody has completed the PCT on less than $500, but guarantee, they had outside help. For that one person, there are many, many more who made it only half way up the trail if that. 
But, If you want to hike the PCT for as cheap as you possibly can, without relying on a lucky score in a hiker box, or degrading oneself with begging, and worse yet, crapping out by eating shitty food, then I suggest doing what ever it takes to put more money together.
Also, these are USUALLY the same people who empty trail angel caches, hiker boxes, and stay at angels houses for free and not put in their share, I have seen it first hand. We should not encourage this, nor should anyone attempt putting the well being of their personal hike, in the hands of giving people who feel sorry for them. By no means, give up on your dreams, just have a plan, a plan that includes paying your own way. The same unsaid rules apply to us cheap people as well, do not be greedy with magic. Allow the person behind you enjoy some Magic as well. Some of the Angels on the PCT are on fixed incomes, and are the most wonderful people you find anywhere. They will not say anything to you because, they are here because they love us all. Do not take advantage of them along the way, your reputation will follow you. 
In all honesty, if you have your gear, and start in campo with $1000 and do everything possible not to spend a buck, you can pull it off. I suggest leaving right behind the pack, to score on hiker box food and gear. Try and stretch every mile out of your shoes. And most important, sleep on the trail every night, avoiding town and hotel expenses.  Unless you are 100% sure of your food issues, do not send boxes. You will not save much and probably buy too much and not eat it all anyways. Avoid bounce boxes as well, the cost can get expensive. Maybe this can help.
 
I am no way encouraging this, but here are the best hiker boxes, that seem to be consistently reliable:
 
Warner Springs 
Big Bear PO  
Kennedy Meadows   
VVR
Sierra City
Shelter Cove [more than not]
  
I will not mention the Trail Angel's Hiker Boxes, because it is not my place, but as you can see, their is a lot of miles between. You can pretty much ALMOST count on these spots, but everywhere else is luck. If you stay behind the main heard, it is your best bet. But realize a late finish, is risky, ask the 07' crowd. It sorta sucks to be broke, I might not hike this year because of it, so good luck.