Thru-hiking on the Cheap (Hammock edition)

[Johnny Swank]

I've posted an article on my website about budget thru-hiking (http://www.sourcetosea.net/Articles/articles/thru-hiking-cheap.html) The biggest way to save money on a thru/section hike is to avoid spending too much time in towns. Hammocks can be a big part of this equation.

If I were to do another thru-hike, I'd use a hammock. I really think that the comfort level is worth the extra few ounces, and I know that I'm more likely to spend the night in the woods instead of a hostel/motel if I can get a good night's sleep. Hammocks also open up a world of places to camp that are close to town so you can get in, do your errands, grab a big meal, then head out before dark without worrying about finding a campsite.

Check out the article and tell me what you think. It's a work in progress and I'll be revising a few things in the next month or so.

http://www.sourcetosea.net/Articles/articles/thru-hiking-cheap.html

Take care,
-John

[Bulldog]

There are some good bits of advice in there. I had not thought about the cash back feature at a lot of grocery stores. Thanks for that tidbit, and your right about taking a 0 day in the woods. I would rather spend the day up in taking photos of a certain area, than in town. Thanks for the tips.

[ThruHkngMTBer]

All of those reasons are why I chose a hammock for a shelter. The option of staying anywhere comfortably is very alluring. We are planning on using your tips as a way to keep it cheap. We are going to have plenty of money, but I would rather get into town and get out in a hurry and take a zero reading a book in the shade in a hammock in the "wilderness" is something that makes much more sense than a hotel. Plus, pizza doesn't get delivered to hammocks in the woods. That alone will save 500 bucks on the trail. Thanks you for your info. We are going to live by it my friend. :)

[Coffee]

For what's it worth I think I have $60 in my hammock, straps, bugnet, hammock sock, and tarp. We won't talk about all of my practice sewing projects.

Throw in a cheap ccp and sleeping bag for quilt and you are good to go.