[pct-l] Cost of hike

[Glen Winters]

Your right too many variable but I would have to say $1 a mile is probably way too low unless you raid hiker boxes, don't use motels, and don't pay for gas or donate to angels, note this is for the PCT I would imagine the American Discovery Trail could cost more per mile. My estimate around $1.50 low too max of $3.50 for a normal hiker, I'm usually around the $2.00 per mile range, but I'm usually on the more expensive part of the trail southern and central California where there are more opportunities to spend money and zero days. If your like "Car Hop" add insurance, gas, and maitenance for two cars doing at least 2 times the hike mileage, or if your idea of hiking is having your limo or motor home waiting at every road crossing with your personal message therapist/chauffeur at the wheel, then I can't imagine how much your hike might cost. You might save money if your like "Train" and get donated dresses to wear but the alterations cost might actually
 have increased his cost per mile. Or what if you get injured with or without health insurance, Or a family member inconveniently dies or gets married "I mean really what are they thinking" while your on trail add airfare, transportation, food, clothes, and lodging to cost to attend said event. My costs don't include all the latest gadgets I didn't own a smartphone until last week I used a prepaid phone with no text service very infrequently. I carry no other electronics devices, except for the first 3 years I thought I needed a camera (DSLR high end 3 lb camera), most people will opt to carry some sort of camera, I would also the first year on a trail, or at least a smart phone. I've had 8 years on The PCT to keep whittling away at gear and getting lighter at a significant cost, which I don't include in per mile costs, and shoes typically last me 900 to 1,500 miles or more, where most hikers are replacing shoes in the 500 to 700 mile range or less.

Hope this helps

Argentina