View My 10.5lb Baseweight Lighterpack Here

Resupply & Budget

Welcome to our in-depth resource on resupply logistics and budgeting for thru-hikers. Whether you’re tackling a classic route like the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, or the Continental Divide Trail —or opting for a shorter yet demanding trek—knowing how to manage your supplies and finances can be the difference between a smooth journey and a logistical nightmare. For packing tips, see our Gear Lists page, and for broader planning, visit our Hiker Resources section.

Crafting an effective resupply plan typically involves:

Identifying major towns, post offices, or hostels for receiving mail drops or restocking in person
Deciding whether to rely on local purchases vs. pre-packed mail drops
Tracking weather patterns, seasonal closures, and other factors that affect store availability
Budgeting for gear replacements, town stays, and the occasional restaurant splurge

Key Tips: 1. Compare in-town grocery costs to postage expenses. If local prices aren’t substantially higher, buying onsite can save shipping fees (and you won’t need to chase post office hours). 2. Plan for cravings—fresh fruits or a favorite snack can do wonders for morale. Avoid sending boxes packed with items you might grow sick of. 3. Some hikers manage a long-distance trail on under $1,000, while others exceed $3,000–$5,000. Variations stem from gear replacements, motel stays, and daily food choices. 4. Track expenses with a simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app. Regular monitoring helps avoid blowing your budget early on.

Budget Basics & Approaches

Thru-hiker budgets span from ultra-frugal to more relaxed. Key considerations include:

Gear Replacements: Shoes often wear out every 400–600 miles. On a 2,000+ mile trek, you’ll likely need multiple pairs.
Accommodations: Hostel beds might be $20–$40/night, motels $60–$100+. Zero days can inflate expenses.
Food Choices: Freeze-dried meals cost more than simple ramen or instant potatoes.
Transport: Expect some costs for shuttles, buses, or occasional ride shares to and from trailheads.

Local Shopping vs. Mail Drops

One major decision is how heavily you rely on pre-packed mail drops versus buying along the way:

Pre-Packed Mail Drops

Pros: Bulk buying can save money, especially if you have dietary restrictions or brand preferences.
Cons: Shipping fees, post office schedules, and the risk of getting tired of the same foods planned months in advance.

Buying Locally

Pros: Flexibility to satisfy changing cravings, support local businesses, avoid postal issues.
Cons: Higher prices in remote areas, less variety of inventory.

A hybrid approach is common: mail specialized items (e.g., dehydrated meals or dietary needs) to select stops, and buy the rest locally.

Detailed Expense Examples

Costs differ per hiker, but here’s a rough sample for a 5-month hike: - Gear & Replacements: ~$1,000 (shoes, apparel, potential sleeping pad replacement) - Food: ~$1,500 (~$300/month average) - Town Stops: ~$1,000 (hostels, motels, restaurants, laundry) - Transportation: ~$200–$300 (shuttles, buses) Your actual spend may be higher or lower depending on personal comfort and priorities.

Post Office Logistics & Forwarding

Always confirm the correct address format and holding policy when mailing boxes to a post office or hostel. Label boxes with “Hold for Thru-Hiker” plus your ETA. Assign a family member or friend to forward boxes or redirect them if you skip a town or want items earlier.

Food Storage & Handling

Extended storage in hot or humid conditions can spoil some foods. Dehydrated meals last longer, but protein bars may turn rancid in high heat. Check expiration dates if you’re sending boxes months before your hike.

Don’t hesitate to donate surplus to hiker boxes in towns if you overpacked. This lightens your load and reduces waste. Many hostels maintain communal boxes for unopened items.