How much does thru-hiking cost?
$500 buys all 5 essentials. $225 of that is the half that has to fit you, and the rest can wait.
5 priced items · checked 10 Sept 2026 · retailer prices, we earn a commission
Everything essential, cheapest sensible pick
$500
5 items, nothing rented
Cheapest real way in
$225
The half that has to fit you. Borrow or rent the rest.
Against 247 hobbies
Top 6%
Dearer than 94% of them. Median hobby: $84.
What each thing costs
Every essential item, cheapest sensible option first. Mid-range and top picks alongside.
Buy this first
$225The cheap half of the kit, and the half that has to fit you. You keep all of it whatever you decide about the rest, so this is where the first money should go.
The main buy
$275The expensive part, and the part worth deferring. Rent, borrow or buy used until you have done thru-hiking enough times to know you are staying.
Thru-hiking costs more to start than 94% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median is $84.
Cost questions
How much does Thru-hiking cost to start?
About $500 for the 5 essential items, taking the cheapest sensible option for each. $225 of that is the cheap half, and the remaining $275 can wait until you know you are staying.
What does each thing cost for Thru-hiking?
Thru-Hiking Backpack: from $275. Ultralight Tent or Tarp: from $64. Sleeping Pad: from $60. Backpacking Quilt: from $51. Stove System: from $49.
Is Thru-hiking an expensive hobby?
Thru-hiking costs about $472 to start, dearer than 94% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median hobby costs $84, so this is one of the pricier ones to get into.
What should I buy first for Thru-hiking?
stove system, sleeping pad, backpacking quilt, ultralight tent or tarp — $225 together. They are the cheap half of the kit and the half you keep whatever you decide about the rest.
Hobbies that cost about the same
The 6 nearest to thru-hiking by startup cost, out of 247.