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My initial decision to thru-hike in 2021 was based on a gut reaction immediately followed by checking my bank account balance. There have been three discrete categories of preparation I’ve encountered over the past nine months: financial, physical, and mental.
Each of these categories is deeply personal, so what works for one person may not be the perfect fit for another. With that in mind, I’ve put together some thoughts on each category based on my experience: what I did, what I wish I’d done, and what I’m planning to do.
Part I: Financial
The most obvious first step to me was to start saving as much money as possible. I decided on a 2021 hike right at the beginning of the Covid lockdowns, in March 2020. I don’t think anyone anticipated the lockdowns lasting this long; it was my expectation that by summertime I would be back to my normal spending routine. This was not so.
Covid has had a major impact on my finances. Because I’m not commuting to work every day or otherwise going out, I’ve been able to put more money toward AT prep than I otherwise would have.
On-Trail Expenses
A trail budget was my first serious financial inquiry. I considered the average time it takes someone to finish a thru and how much people generally budget per month. I’m going with the standard rule of thumb, $1,000 per month, for six months. Saving $6,000 for on-trail expenses is my absolute bare minimum. Ideally, I’d like to have more of a cushion, but my account balance on April 5 will be what I have to live on, and I’ll make it work.
Gear Costs
Gear costs were the next thing I started to work through…and then I immediately stopped, because I realized that backpacking gear is expensive. I ultimately bought what I thought would work best for me, and while I definitely splurged on some items, I cut costs where I could. It probably would have been wise to set a firm budget, but I didn’t do that.
Prior to July 2020, I had never been backpacking before, so aside from athletic clothes, nothing I owned transitioned well into backpacking. I also bought all of my gear with a thru-hike in mind, so I opted for top-notch, (mostly) lightweight gear. All said, my gear has run me around $3,000.
Home Expenses
Naively, expenses at home were the last thing I considered. These expenses include my car, car insurance, health insurance, student loans, and my dog. I’ve been saving for this particular category with a long-term goal in mind: I’m budgeting for the six months I plan to be hiking, plus another six months once I return, since I don’t have a job lined up.
My first priority is my dog. My parents have graciously agreed to watch their grand-pup, but I want to make sure I leave them with money to feed and groom her, plus a little extra for incidentals and emergencies.
My car is leased, so I pay a monthly fee for that in addition to insurance.
My student loans were my biggest concern, because I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to set a fixed payment for such a large chunk of time. Luckily, my loan provider made the process seamless and the rate I requested was approved.
Health insurance was next on my list. I’ll be 27 next month, so jumping onto my parents’ plan isn’t an option. I’ll be relying on coverage through United Healthcare and my car insurance’s emergency plan.
I haven’t set a firm goal for my home expense savings. Rather, I know I need to save at least $3,000 to be covered for the duration of my walk, and anything beyond that will be part of my cushion.
Part II: Physical
When I started planning in March, the physical challenge of thru-hiking was the least intimidating aspect of it for me. I’ve heard time and time again that the only way to “prepare” is to get out there and do it. This is not to say that I’m not humbled by the challenge that lay before me; all I’m saying is that I’m confident in my athletic abilities and I’m no stranger to a “No pain, no gain” mindset. In fact, “No rain, no pain, no Maine” fits into my repertoire nicely.
At the height of my physical prep, I was walking/jogging between five to eight miles per day. In addition to going backpacking a few times this summer, I took frequent day hikes ranging from one to 25 miles. I live in Michigan and winter is now upon us, though, so I don’t plan on spending a whole lot of time outside over the next five months.
Unfortunately, back in July, I got a little too excited during one of my workouts and ended up hurting my knee. Luckily it didn’t sideline me for the rest of the summer, but it’s still not quite right. I’m hoping my doctor and I can devise a plan to get me back to 100% before April.
Part III: Getting (and keeping) my head in the game
First things first: I am both incredibly introspective and introverted, so the thought of hiking by myself for hours at a time doesn’t bother me. The thought of being alone in the wilderness at night is a little spooky, but from my understanding, the AT can get pretty crowded, so I don’t anticipate being the sole occupant of a campsite often, if ever.
The AT community is simultaneously the biggest draw for me and the scariest. I’m a quiet person, so making friends can be intimidating. Overcoming my tendency to be more reserved will be one of my biggest challenges, but it’s one I’m fully prepared to embrace. The people make the experience, and there’s no way I’m missing out on that!
This is a good place to talk a little bit about what it means to me to be attempting a thru-hike as a woman. Personally, I have received nothing but positive feedback and encouragement from every single person I’ve told about my trip. While my loved ones were initially apprehensive of the idea, they also recognize that I’m smart and capable. My parents wish I was starting with someone, but I think that’s totally normal, regardless of gender.
I recognize that I’m going to get bored of listening to myself think eventually, and I’ll no doubt experience homesickness. I have also accounted for the fact that some days are going to absolutely suck. I’m going to be cranky, sore, tired, whatever.
In those moments, remembering that I’m out there specifically to experience these challenges is going to be crucial for me.
Photo by Paul Lehmann
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