Money on the Appalachian Trail & Things That People Don’t Quite Understand... 

$5,800 is a steal for 4 months on a life changing event

I'm surpised some of the negative comments you received. I am not a thru hiker but I hiked The Camino in Spain back in 2013. One common saying I heard on the Camino is, "It is your Camino, no one else's". There was no judgement on how far you hiked, how much you spent or anything really. It was very refreshing. I am sure that there are many amazing thru hikers that do not comment on others choices. After listeing to the comments you read through it seems there is quiet a bit of judgement and opinions on how the thru hike the "right" way. To me there is no right way. I liked how you answered the questions. Thanks for sharing.

I firmly believe we can't live our lives and make decisions based on the criticisms we receive. I had a wonderful mother, but she was outraged when I had the "reckless audacity" to purchase a canoe at the age of 23. I purchased that canoe 54 years ago and I still have it today. I love your videos Taylor.

I could live my daily life a lot cheaper too, if I wanted to turn off my A/C, eat bread and water three meals a day, stop watching the TV/internet, and never shower or flush the toilets. But NO….like most people, I work hard so I can enjoy a comfortable life. Not your bizness how I spend my hard earned money. There’s not a rule that says you have to SUFFER on trail in order to be validated as a thru hiker.

My husband and I spent 39 days on the AT this year. We were surprised at how expensive it was with shuttles, hostel/hotels, resupply, restaurants, etc. We are debating ways to save money, but it is tough to figure out. I love being out there, but I want to wash my hair after a few days and I was so hungry, I can't imagine eating less or not having a nice restaurant meal in town. Everyone needs to find a balance that works for them. It's just fun to experience the AT, no matter how you do it.

I hike the trail in 2021 also. I spent around $11,000 over 5.5 months. I love trail towns and i ate well while in towns. Plus i met my wife several times and we would stay in hotels. Also when at hostels i usually grapped a private room. My goal was to enjoy the hike and to see small town america. In hindsite i would have hiked slower.. fyi - im retired

I spent more than $5800 for a two week vacation in Scotland/Ireland. I sure hope people don’t feel I’m not worth having fun adventures. You also needed some of those hotels and hostels because you were putting out excellent RU-vid content. I for one really appreciate every penny you spent.

I love the comparison of a four month vacation to a one week Disney vacation. A thru hike will be SO MUCH more rewarding for me. Super good point!!

There is no way that dude did the trail and only spent $900 lmao. Maybe it was like 30 years ago.

people are such jealous haters. im sorry you even had to address those people. just bc they could never do it themselves they assume no one else can do it on their own. your mom helping at at your biz is an immense privilege but you’re the one who built your business. thank you for sharing your journey!

To me, it all comes down to, "Hike Your Own Hike!" And you summed it up at the end that you wanted to have fun and have the time of your life, and you did! You hiked your own hike. I watched every one of your videos and I could see the joy and fun you were having and that made me feel good too. I feel a lot of these people never followed you enough to really get to know you. After watching someone on the trail for four months or more, you get a real feel for what this person is like. I watched many other hikers and not all of them were so happy and enjoying themselves the way you did. You have done a great job making all of your videos and it is always a joy when I see a new video of yours come up. Keep up being who you are!

I don't think people realize that it rains a lot on the AT and it's almost impossible to spend every night in your tent. You almost have to go into town and stay somewhere to dry things out at times. It also helps you keep your sanity when you go into a town. It's a pick me up. Another point; Sometimes when you get to a hostel, you want a private room to just regroup without other people around. Yes, you are alone in your tent but it is not the same as a private room in a hostel. Yes you can also spend time in the common area talking with the other hikers. I'm with you on that one. John from MI

First: you are so correct - people spend that kind of money on one vacation!! And second - you paid $5800 to keep me entertained by watching your videos for four months!! 😂

Jealousy is a thing…Consider it a compliment. People are ridiculous and you owe no one an explanation. Thank you for all the information on the AT. I’m going to attempt it 2024. You are an inspiration. I made my LMNT ORDER off your link.

Girl, let the bashers bash, if they would have followed your adventure most of those questions were answered as you went along. I enjoyed every video as you posted them, and so glad you brought us along. Be Safe, Be Happy!!

People really find any reason to rain on someone’s thru hike 🙄 I’ve been researching this trip for about five years and have consistently heard $5k-$7k is needed to do the trail. That’s for food, new and replacement gear, shipping things home, resupplies, the occasional hostel, etc. this number isn’t crazy. Thank you for sharing your break down! Videos like these are really helping me know how to plan and what to plan for with my thru hike this year.

I have heard people talk about the “trust fund” comment on other channels as well. Some people just can’t accept that there are ways to do almost anything if you can figure it out. Such an odd accusation to make about someone 🤣🤣🤣 I really enjoyed this video. Keep it up Tay!!! ❤❤

I've been following PCT thrus over the past few years. I'd say pre-pandemic PCT costs were about $1k a month. Now its above 1500 a month, and I would plan on 2k a month for a PCT attempt in a normal to high snow year.

Very well said, this is one of your best videos. I started my hike 2 weeks after retiring (2020) at age 60. I spent about $300/week but could have spent way less by reducing hotel/hostel stays. Sleeping on a real mattress, and a shower at least every 5 days can't be underestimated. I also made 2 short trips back home to Michigan, and my wife visited 3 times, which could have been reduced to further cut costs.

You make many excellent points. I particularly appreciated you addressing the misconception a lot of viewers have that you have to be rich to do this. The most important thing is the burning desire to get out there. Once you have that, you'll find every possible way to make it affordable for you, and arrange the time. So thank you for addressing that point and explaining how people of all means do this.

If I were a trust fund hiker, I'd still be hiking! With no shame. Sheesh, people are jealous of you, accusing you of all these wacky things. People are too judgy (I say, judging them). 10 years from now you'll have forgotten how much money you spent and remember the experiences and the people. Totally worth it. Have a laugh at the critics; they're sitting at home and should probably get out more!

Wow, it sounds to me like most of the negative commenters are just jealous. You handle their pettiness with grace and style! Keep having a great time hiking!

I don't understand why people feel the need to get online and be rude. Those people need to take a chill pill. Anyways, thanks for sharing. I enjoy your videos a lot!!

I’m 71 and have hiking experience and am returning to the CDT this spring. I have watched many of your videos and have enjoyed them all and have learned much from you. Thank your for posting on YT as it is extra work and commitment. You are a giving person and I admire you. Best wishes to you in the future.

the trail is hard enough without counting the pennies while in town. i splurged on hotels and food, money well spent

You don't need to explain your choices, especially financial ones, made on your through hike. You seem to have really enjoyed yourself and that is all that matters. Some people like to enjoy plenty of off-trail amenities. That is just a personal choice. The fact that you have managed to get yourself to a financial position to afford to comfortably through hike at your young age is fantastic. I think one thing many non-hikers don't understand about the AT, and really all eastern US hikes, is that you aren't all that removed from civilization. Supporting the near trail businesses greatly helps keep trails open and maintained. HAPPY HIKING AND MERRY CHRISTMASS.

This was hard to watch, some of the comments were just gross. 🙁 I think you did great on your food budget! Food is soo expensive! Hiking isn't a rich person's game either. In my early 20s, I was broke a lot. All my gear was heavy, outdated, and second hand, but I made it work. A complete thru hike is in my retirement, and I plan to enjoy it how you did Taylor. 😊 People, if what you're watching doesn't jive with you...change the flipping channel. Great video Nahamsha ✌️

First!!!!😂 NO I do not sit in my recliner 24-7 waiting for Taylor to drop a video so I can hurry and be first!😂

Well said! I can’t believe how judgemental and negative people can be - everyone hikes for their own reasons and has their own goals. You are open and honest about your hikes and experiences and that’s why I watch your videos. Thanks 👍

The main thing I learned about the AT from this channel and Stella hikes is about all the hostels and the availability of places to stay besides a tent. This makes it seem more appealing, staying in a tent is fine, but night after night, plus the weather..the excursions into town also make for a more varied/interesting video. Thanks!

Excellent video. For an accurate incremental cost of food, subtract the cost you would have spent on food (and restaurants) at home from your trail costs. This lowers the trail cost dramatically.

"The point of thru hiking?!... There is no point of thru hiking." Love it. Hike your hike. Thanks for the video!

The best part of you is that you do what you want and the negative comments actually make us chuckle. ❤U, mom

It's so funny how people perceive things so differently. When I watched your videos they motivated me more and gave me hope. This is something that I've always loved the idea of doing, but due to injury and genetic disease, I have physical disabilities and would need to go slower, perhaps having more zero days. I loved knowing that I could get a place just about anywhere, so maybe it's not impossible and I can start hiking.

People who make negative comments are negative people , keep making videos, l love them ! and have those negative people been to a grocery store lately?

Great video! I missed my window out of college to thru hike. I'm now 47. I hope to thru hike the AT when my kids are grown and when I retire. One thing I know. It ain't about the money. Or how light your pack is. Or whether you sleep in a tent or hostels. Or whether you blue blaze. Those arguments are for young people who still have their ego in the way. Yes, money and weight is important, but as long as you do what works for you, all is good. When it comes down to it, it is about the journey. And everyone will have a different journey. So do what is important to you and what makes your journey enjoyable. Happy hiking!

Great video, love how you broke down your hike on a previous video, you put alot of info in this fairly short video that was so informative, thank you.

Hiking and vlogging also help her business from a marketing perspective, so that's being called business savvy. As far as her family helping her; that's called being raised from a caring two-parent household where parents and children work hard and love and help each other.

1:22 Didn't FOLLOW YOU ? , Didn't KNOW YOU ?.. Come on Taylor, You're the Bomb, The Queen for the AT ... we all love you

I really enjoyed your videos on the trail. I am so glad you enjoyed that time on the trail and off. Thank you for sharing.

Great takes on your trail philosophy and practices. Thank you for sharing your times!

Thank you for your videos on the trail! You make it so interesting! I watched your AT last year & really thankful like I could walk along too even tho 70 feeling too old but can go along on video at least. Thank you again!

I love your videos so much! I am planning a 2024 thru hike and you have been one of my main resources for planning. So insightful. I hope I have as much fun as you did on your thru hikes! Cheers!

Thanks again for taking us along awesome adventure !!

Taylor, you were amazing in this video ... great answers/replys to all the questions

Keep posting. I love your videos and have learned so much. Thank you

Kudos for having the hike you wanted and needed, and for embracing that fact!

THANK YOU for sharing this. THIS is actual practical advice that the people who are curious about making this trip need! I wish people weren't so bitter towards you. Everyone who is spouting negative feedback is just upset that they aren't achieving things they want in their own life. Thank you again for sharing all this helpful information for us people who are genuinely curious and interested in achieving the AT or any thru hike. ❤

HATERS GONNA HATE. Love your stuff Taylor! Keep me entertained!

Thank you for the information. You are a successful, responsible, hardworking woman living your best life!! You don’t need to apologize for it!!! The video of your last day in Main made me cry…. I truly felt every emotion you described… thanks again for sharing… I would probably have spent 20k on mine . I’m old , fell down in the Smokies , limped to Hot Springs…. Drove myself home in an expensive rental car … crying and listening to John Denver the whole way😌 My “ now” boyfriend that I met on trail hiked the whole thing. We are doing another section leading up trail days!! I ❤️your videos!! Have a great life!!!

What happened to the phrase “Hike your own hike”.? If you want to be a purist good for you, if you want to stay in a hotel every night good for you, if you need to blue blaze or yellow at times good for you! Hike YOUR own hike! Taylor, thanks for sharing your adventures with us who live vicariously through them.

Your original money video/short is what got me back into hiking, and I ended up doing a long section (Springer to Max Patch) this year. Thanks for your content Taylor!

Hey there! I am attempting an AT thru-hike this year - so excited! Thanks for making this video! I've started watching your AT thru-hike from 2023 and it's really helping me prepare mentally for the hike. :)

Great video, Taylor! So many great points. I agree with you 💯. I’m glad to see that you have such a great attitude about these negative comments and I think it’s really great and helpful to confront them!

Great video- appreciate you getting the message out. People will always find a way to do what is important to them. Hiked throughout my whole life… it’s my way of leveling out. I plan to walk the Appalachian trail when I retire ( 3 years from now) , until then, I’ll day hike and week long hike. Have a blessed Christmas 🎄

Very helpful video. Proud of your accomplishments. Hello from Boston!

That guy who said he only spent $900 either didn't account for the majority of his expenses, or thrued in like 1965 lmao. Even the most frugal of thru hikers spend double that.

Thanks so much for this great video. I’ve always wanted to hike the AT but didn’t in my youth and now I’m nearing retirement as a teacher. You answered a lot of questions but I love that you shared your passion for the outdoors, you’re really positive, and if ppl don’t like what you spent then keep on scrolling! Best wishes for your future!

I love how you did the AT both times and that is the reason I subscribed. If I were to ever attempt the AT, I would follow your example of alternating camping and hostels, plus recharging myself in the towns along the way. Your videos are enjoyable and inspirational, thanks.

You are such a down to earth and humble person. Your videos are great. HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE!

I did a pilgrimage on the Camino Frances Way in September this year and spent a heck of a lot more than what you spent. Mostly on food and hotels. I wanted to experience different foods in Spain and meet others who have hiked through Spain. All hikes are PERSONAL JOURNEYS. I think that’s what some of these people don’t understand. When I stopped at churches along my hike I left a donation. I bought little gifts/books. I ate different foods I would never have tried before like octopus cooked like they do in Spain. People need to remember that each hike is PERSONAL!

The only people who are jealous of others who have money are the ones who don’t have any…..

Each hiker is unique. As you say expenses are what you go through; choices. Personally i like my comfort in food and equipment. when one travels unexpected expenses do come up. I have gotten hurt on Blood Mountain and had to get off the trail and go home. A very nice person picked me up and took me to a fishing camp with a small cabin. They evaluated my wound and determined I would have to get medical help in a day or two. My pickup from home came the next day to get me back home. They charged me for a gas use and dinner. Just nice people being nice to others.

Taylor, I very much enjoyed following your AT adventure because it was so REAL. Your honesty about the ups and downs (pun intended!) painted an accurate picture of what someone might experience. I also admired how you were not only careful about tending to your physical well-being but also tended to your mental health as well. That is so important and that's what those hostel/motel visits were for. Keep being you and sharing your story. I am looking forward to the time when you take on another big thru hike. Have you considered trekking through the Adirondacks of upstate NY?

I love the restraint you showed :)

I watched this video a few days ago and I can’t stop thinking of the negative comments… Ugh! My takeaway is, I hope the negativity has not affected you in any way. You are such a positive, inspirational person! You should never have to explain yourself. Just keep being you. You are a gem!

You are such a blessing to follow!! You make the whole trip interesting and throughly explain the why’s, how’s, if’s and safety techniques. You come across smart, classy, and at times very funny!! I have enjoyed and learned so much about trails and hiking. I truly appreciate all of your videos!! Thank you!!

Thanks for sharing!! I agree with everything you said.....every hike is different, I hope every one is enjoyed!! I'll be starting my AT journey in 2024 after having to postpone it from this year. The trail awaits!! LOVE your videos!!!!

only want to mention that before i started the AT prepared by hiking every other weekend with various boy scout units. gathered my gear through practical use. found which stuff: stove; fuel and pots etc., backpack, tent, sleeping bag and how to pack each item and what to do without.

I was worried I hadn't saved enough for my thru hike this year. I had originally heard a very low figure, but after following journals and videos, I realized that I want more, maybe not as many hostel or hotel stays, but good food and the freedom to do what I want. It feels like you had that, and I can worry less that I didn't save enough. Thank you!

Don't let the difficult people get you down. You've done a great job. Nice segue going from your advice to LMNT. 😉

Taylor, I loved your AT hike video! I truly loved to watch your smile throughout your recording and enjoyed your enthusiasm. I can not possibly say anything negative about your video. Keep up your liveliness and energy. I would give anything to have the courage and strength to do half the task you accomplished. You go girl, you are truly amazing! 😊

I agree. Everyone should not have the same goal and all do it the same way. What that is is military boot camp. Everyone hiking is different and that is what allows a person access to different perspectives and makes it such a great learning experience.

I miss seeing you on trail. I enjoyed all of your videos ❤.

I admire your ability to stay positive and take on these comments with such grace. I don’t and will never understand why people feed the need to bash others. It makes no sense but your demeanor and response speaks volumes to your character.

Loved your video. It’s so rare to have expense summations so balanced. I hiked the trail as a LASHER over several years and spent way more than you did. My wife frequently met me and we would eat out and stay in motels. The experience was worth the cost.

This is probably one of the best videos I've watched on the topic. I didn't add it up, but my expenditures were pretty similar. I didn't want to say no to experiences.

The fact that you even had to explain your purchases is sad! Everyone’s different. You’re amazing and such an inspiration Taylor! Screw haters. Keep killing it girlie 🙂

Bravo! Such an incredibly polite way to respond to negative comments. Master of diplomacy!

Great post. Laughed about the cheating comment. It’s not a Through-Sleep or a Through-Eat. It’s a Through-Hike. Hike is the common goal. The journey you take should not matter. I am in my early 50’s, my window to through-hike closed years ago. But currently working on the ADK 46 peaks. Maybe I will give it a go at 60. If I attempt to do a section or the full hike, 100% will in a luxury style!!

Thank you for making the video - informative!

My son and I spent a lot of money hiking the AT in 2022 (tooth & kidney) because my back and knees bothered me especially at first, so we spent money on chiropractic care, new shoes, and many hotel nights. You did great money-wise! I like the saying I learned on the trail "hike your own hike" which I took to heart for miles, pace, and spending. I use it in my life today for things too. Hope to see you out there :)

Great video Taylor!! Always the inspiration..

Taylor, Big fan... Thank you not only for sharing this video but the others as well. I am through hiking the AT NoBo starting late February. I am 50 plus years old and have saved up a little money, never really enough, but going to make things work. I agree trail life is so much more than sleeping in the tent every night. Curious as to what my spend looks like in the long run. Watching your videos and seeing your breakdown gives me a better idea and some level of comfort in so many ways. Best wishes and much respect 💯💯💯💯

Hike your own hike. There is a reason that is our shared mantra for hiking and life. Good on ya, mate.

Taylor, I have followed since your first thru hike and I am a big fan. I particularly love your videos because of the family interaction. Love your mom! (Taylor the toolman). Pay no attention to the nay sayers. Your fans adore you!

Nice to hear such open and honest comments. 😊

Great explanation of YOUR hike. Happy Holidays to all. 👍👍👍

You have big good energy, don’t let anyone make you feel bad 😊. HyoH! You are a great advocate for the AT . I’ve been dreaming of hiking it for years and years. I have done sections.

I’m going to attempt my thru after I retire. I’m going to spend as much of my hard earned money (over 50 years of working) as I want or need to, hiking my own freaking hike. You do you! I enjoy your content and find your vlogging and insights very helpful!

People tend to talk themselves out of opportunities in life. Then they cope when someone else chooses to take those opportunities by discounting the sacrifices made. It's purely projected insecurities. Thank you so much for your content, and the help that you've provided us who have been preparing to take similar journeys. ATC 2024!

Making the hike fun or fulfilling. And adjust the hike to match what each person thinks is fun or worthwhile. Simple. Thank you for sharing your videos and being inspirational.

Sounds like these people sound jealous. It was you hike. Glad you shared. You are fortunate to have the support that you have. You were so fun to follow. And I learned so much. Thanks.🙏

Fantastic point by point refutation of these negative points! That's why we follow you: no dogma and rigid "shoulds".

Just think , you were supporting the people who run the hostels and restaurants and stores along the way. Win…win…I’m so proud of you Taylor and thoroughly enjoyed following your daily vlogs…and especially enjoyed meeting you in Ludlow Vermont…Merry Christmas to you and Clay!

At first, it may sound like a lot, but 5,800 ÷ 4 = $1,450 a month that doesn't even cover a person's rent and living expenses. It now has become a reasonable vacation that you get to have under your own terms and not anyone elses.

I am planning my 2024 AT NOBO hike! So excited, and I am learning vlogging skills from you too.

I’m doing the trail next year! Hoping to do it as thriftily as I can with minimal hostels and hotels. None of those mountain house meals over here lol

I loved that you took tough questions and had spot on answers ... better than most politicians

Thank you for sharing this. I've watched thru hikers spend way more than you and some less. Your video gives a valid suggestion for a target amount to save up. It's been my experience in life when it comes to cash money more is usually better than less. As you know, your body does change in ways that are difficult to predict. A few of the hikers I've followed this season had to leave trail for a few because of medical issues. Anyway, I enjoy your enthusiasm and passion for the outdoors.