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I've been considering it for a while, multiple sites quote "$8 - 12,000 ". This includes the official PCTA website, backpacker.com, and Reddit. It's gone up significantly since 2018 when the pcta website suggested four to eight thousand.Out of interest (I doubt I will be doing it!), who quoted 10k, how many days etc, or did you work it out yourself?
Ah thank you! Gosh it sounds such a fantastic thing to do, as does the AT! I’m useless with a tent, scared of heights, bears and all sorts!!I've been considering it for a while, multiple sites quote "$8 - 12,000 ". This includes the official PCTA website, backpacker.com, and Reddit. It's gone up significantly since 2018 when the pcta website suggested four to eight thousand.
Logically enough it is also suggested that is significantly cheaper for domestic hikers.
Its probably not for you then.Ah thank you! Gosh it sounds such a fantastic thing to do, as does the AT! I’m useless with a tent, scared of heights, bears and all sorts!!
I used to “hike” thirty-some odd years ago. This involved a backpack with survival items (water, food, small med kit, and emergency shelter blanket with item for signaling for help). A cellphone with a wilderness outreach capability was not a thing then.What is the distinction between the two?
This was in no way similar…unless you’re on the primativo?
My son has hiked half of the AT (1000 miles). He carried a tent and rarely used the shelters, even though he had a lot of rain in the Spring.There are some simple huts along the AT, I believe, but many just pitch a bivy or tent to avoid rodents and other pests that also have taken up residence in some of the shelters.
You and me both!I’m useless with a tent, scared of heights, bears and all sorts!!
Of the long distance backpacking hikes my son has done, the John Muir Trail has been his favorite, the Colorado Trail next. He liked the AT the least. It is often called the green tunnel and has far fewer views. He also felt it was actually more difficult than the others because it constantly goes up and down staying on the high ridge lines.(Multiple times having hiked the JMT/HST).
I guess that he had a support crew, is that correct?Incidentally it's 4,265 km long. Elite hikers have done it sub 100 days, most take five months.
Karel Sabbe (a Belgian dentist) beat his own record this year, and ran it - yes, ran - in 46d 12h 50m.
Correct, I believe a crew of three. From memory the fastest unsupported time is 55 days.I guess that he had a support crew, is that correct?
Hiking sounds, to me, like some sort of sporting activity or what the survivors and avoiders of the First enormous.?!; up did in the 20’s & 30’s. Anyway, my gran told me “walk. That’s what we do.” So that’s what I do
I agree with you. I'd rather walk to destinations enjoying sights and people along the way. I live near the 48 mountain peaks in New Hampshire USA, part of the Appalachian Trail...zero interest. I did climb many of the 4000 footers years ago, but there needs to be something a bit more than trees and stones to keep me interested now.I think about this occasionally when friends invite me for a hike, but the hiking spot is an hour or more drive away, meaning that we would spend more time in the car than on the trail. I usually decline these invitations. While I like to walk and hike, I'm really more interested when I have a destination to walk to, even just around my own town. There are plenty of hiking spots within a half hour of my house, and I'm happy to meet my friends to hike nearby, but I'm not a "hardcore" hiker who is always looking for a new trail.
Anyone else?
When I was getting ready for Del Norte, I walked and hiked. I did have to find some hiking trails around where I lived and most the time they were about 20 minutes from where I was. I was also able to hike the same trail to get into the 20 km a day rhythm. Although my days on the Del Norte were longer, it was still a good practice. I have to say that I agree with you that when I walk, I do need to have a destination, and when I hike, I need to reward myself when I finish hiking.I think about this occasionally when friends invite me for a hike, but the hiking spot is an hour or more drive away, meaning that we would spend more time in the car than on the trail. I usually decline these invitations. While I like to walk and hike, I'm really more interested when I have a destination to walk to, even just around my own town. There are plenty of hiking spots within a half hour of my house, and I'm happy to meet my friends to hike nearby, but I'm not a "hardcore" hiker who is always looking for a new trail.
Anyone else?
I remember Thoreau bragged about living on “ the Pond” for his daily bread , but enjoyed walking into town for the Tavern. I consider him a lazy dreamer .Enjoyed the humor, but, humor aside, Thoreau's laundry has been a topic of serious discussion. See, the short essay, linked here:
https://austinkleon.com/2019/08/30/thoreaus-laundry/
Not sure I agree with you here. For me, hiking is when the terrain is such that I have to watch every single footstep to ensure I don’t twist an ankle, and perhaps where there’s a bit of scrambling and maybe ropes and ladders, and I come home the same day. When you carry a home with you, that’s backpacking. I don’t do backpacking.When you carry a home with you it's hiking.
I agree completely with you - right up until you say that carrying a home with you is backpacking. I spent 10 years backpacking, and then I used hostels; the generosity of friends, family and sometimes complete strangers, or other such accommodation. I also slept under Bridges, in train stations, and a few other - sometimes oddball - places.Not sure I agree with you here. For me, hiking is when the terrain is such that I have to watch every single footstep to ensure I don’t twist an ankle, and perhaps where there’s a bit of scrambling and maybe ropes and ladders, and I come home the same day. When you carry a home with you, that’s backpacking. I don’t do backpacking.
Perfect definition!Walking is just getting from place to place on foot.
When you carry a home with you it's hiking.
Walking is just getting from place to place on foot.
When you carry a home with you it's hiking.
I disagree. I can go on a short day hike with nothing more than a water bottle.Perfect definition!
On the Caminos I usually consider myself mostly walking, but sometimes I need to apply more energy when the trail morphs into a hike for a while; it's not exclusively just one or the other.In my thinking, “walking” is casual and hiking is more energetic. I wear the same shoes for either and the environment is also not a distinction for me. I walk a lot, and bike. “Hiking” in the sense of applying more energy, is rare for me.
Perhaps the appropriate verb is chosen for us by location or circumstance:
I’ve rambled on the Yorkshire Moors and tramped the Milford Track,
Hiked half the Appalachian, still hoping to go back.
I’ve trudged up half the Munros, been trekking in Nepal
Bushwalked in the Dandenongs where Kookaburras call
I’ve scrambled, slogged & struggled to Kokoda in the wet.
Once fifty miles in fifteen hours I stomped to win a bet
Paras tab and Royals yomp, to them I raise my hat,
And wistfully remember days when I was part of that.
I’ve clambered up and stumbled down some mighty peaks and fells.
Then wandered lonely as a cloud by nodding daffodils.
I’ve drifted, sauntered, ambled, strolled on many pilgrim roads
I’ve traipsed along without a care not noticing the load
For fifty years on ANZAC Day I’ve marched beside the blokes
To be in step behind a band still grabs me by the throat
Me encanta caminar. I hope I always will.
While legs and back can do their job and get me up that hill
What’s a word? It matters not. The essence is the same
Put one before another, then put it there again.
I’m the universal walker. I’m everyone who knows
The simple and unfettered joy of being on the road.
And when they ask how I’ll depart … as compost or as soot?
I might reply, “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll go on foot.”
Absolutely true! Thank you for highlighting this fact.I think that many people who are accustomed to hiking in the US often initially associate the Camino with hiking the Appalachian or Pacific Crest trails. They imagine it as a wilderness form of hiking where a tent, stove, etc may be needed. At least at first that was what I thought. I pack differently for a hike, a walk, and a Camino.
I identify myself as a long walker.I think about this occasionally when friends invite me for a hike, but the hiking spot is an hour or more drive away, meaning that we would spend more time in the car than on the trail. I usually decline these invitations. While I like to walk and hike, I'm really more interested when I have a destination to walk to, even just around my own town. There are plenty of hiking spots within a half hour of my house, and I'm happy to meet my friends to hike nearby, but I'm not a "hardcore" hiker who is always looking for a new trail.
Anyone else?
I chanced on this thread today - it’s ANZAC day. A most significant day for many who remember.For fifty years on ANZAC Day I’ve marched beside the blokes
To be in step behind a band still grabs me by the throat
Me encanta caminar. I hope I always will.
While legs and back can do their job and get me up that hill
For you, and your people: no words of mine, just this - when will we ever learn?I chanced on this thread today - it’s ANZAC day. A most significant day for many who remember.
Buen camino.
I would consider myself more of a hiker than a walker. I like multi-day outings with a backpack and the necessary gear for the hike. Although, I've always been a biker and have rediscovered the fun and benefit that comes from two-wheeling trails. Not too mention how much farther I can travel, and how much more I can see in a day. Walker, hiker, biker...whatever you see yourself as or prefer, just keep on keepin' on and enjoy the outdoors!I think about this occasionally when friends invite me for a hike, but the hiking spot is an hour or more drive away, meaning that we would spend more time in the car than on the trail. I usually decline these invitations. While I like to walk and hike, I'm really more interested when I have a destination to walk to, even just around my own town. There are plenty of hiking spots within a half hour of my house, and I'm happy to meet my friends to hike nearby, but I'm not a "hardcore" hiker who is always looking for a new trail.
Anyone else?
I am in the Northeast part of CT and looking for new trails in CT to hike. I am looking to doing a Camino soon.Trecile, thanks for this post! I, too, have thought about this and have found the discussion very interesting, especially how language can shape our perceptions. Very thought provoking.
I, too, consider myself a walker, not a hiker - I just like to walk, mostly locally from my house without having to drive somewhere to get started, but also at least once/week I do drive to a local nature preserve to walk on trails in nature and get more elevation - my pace is slower there than walking on roads because of uneven surfaces and having to pick my way up and down rocky or wet areas. I usually walk about 12 miles, usually at least 5-6 hours, so it feels worth the drive (walking locally, a 12-miler would be more like a 4 hour commitment). I would do it more often if I lived closer to open areas (admit I'm a little jealous of the posters who have this!), because I don't enjoy having to drive 30 minutes to get there and get back in the car when I'm done. I haven't really been tempted to drive farther for other places - I mostly explore "new" places on trips to other states or countries (New Zealand is next, Feb 2024 walking trip on South Island!).
I've never really thought of what I do as "hiking", that in my mind conjures up something more challenging in terms of gear and more technical or otherwise challenging trails - definitely not on local streets, ha!
I live in hilly Connecticut, in a town where there's not a lot of heavy car traffic, town center about 3 miles away, and a NY town 4 miles in the other direction, but I seldom walk to a "destination" or run errands, I just walk one of several loops and return home, 4-12 miles, depending, rarely stopping - there's something very satisfying about feeling the miles accumulate, watching the seasons change, and just plain moving. It's not like being in nature, but it is beautiful here in all seasons and enough variety that I enjoy it, and one of the reasons I think I was attracted to walking the Camino - can't wait to go back!
There is the New England Trail.I am in the Northeast part of CT and looking for new trails in CT to hike. I am looking to doing a Camino soon.
I think walking vs hiking based upon a definition of countryside, or not, is rather relative, depending upon one perspective of countryside,if that is your criteria on defining it. Surely hiking the Napoleon route, and perhaps its parallel lower route might be considered countryside? And what about leaving Astorga to Molineseca, or Villafranca to O'Cebreiro. In fact for someone who lives in a city, I can imagine most most of the Camino Frances ,outside its cities, as being considered countryside. The distinction is relative to one’s experience.I think that many people who are accustomed to hiking in the US often initially associate the Camino with hiking the Appalachian or Pacific Crest trails. They imagine it as a wilderness form of hiking where a tent, stove, etc may be needed. At least at first that was what I thought. I pack differently for a hike, a walk, and a Camino.
My thoughts from 7 years ago post Camino.I think about this occasionally when friends invite me for a hike, but the hiking spot is an hour or more drive away, meaning that we would spend more time in the car than on the trail. I usually decline these invitations. While I like to walk and hike, I'm really more interested when I have a destination to walk to, even just around my own town. There are plenty of hiking spots within a half hour of my house, and I'm happy to meet my friends to hike nearby, but I'm not a "hardcore" hiker who is always looking for a new trail.
Anyone else?
True for so many issues and questions here on the forum. One reason why it is very difficult to give any definitive answers to any but the simplest of questions. "Is SJPDP to Roncesvalles too far to walk in a single day?" is one of my all time favourites. How can you answer a question like that without knowing the fitness and experience of the person asking?The distinction is relative to one’s experience.
Rick, not far from me is the "Ice Age Trail" that meanders nearly 1200 miles all through Wisconsin. Problem is that many sections are little used and overgrown. Volunteers are always needed to keep little used sections open. I assume the New England Trail has similar related issues.There is the New England Trail.
I haven't been on it for close to 50 years. I did around 90 miles in Massachusetts and an adjoining trail in New Hampshire on a multi-day hike once. I only had one problem with it, the trail and it's markings disappeared at one point. I saw a faint path through the woods and followed it. It came to a good trail with a tree marked as being part of the trail I was following so off I went. A half hour later at the top of a good sized hill there was a lovely view. The same one I had seen an hour previously. I had only noticed the trail markers in the north direction for a few days and none of the ones for heading south. Once I returned to the path I made sure I took the trail going north, not south.I assume the New England Trail has similar related issues.
I thought this forum was about walking to Santiago, ref. the domain name. For the rest of the world, outside USA. (we are quite a few), the trails in the US are completely uninteresting. I wish we could stick to discussing the Camino trails leading to Santiago, if you don't mind. There is a big world outside USA.I think that many people who are accustomed to hiking in the US often initially associate the Camino with hiking the Appalachian or Pacific Crest trails. They imagine it as a wilderness form of hiking where a tent, stove, etc may be needed. At least at first that was what I thought. I pack differently for a hike, a walk, and a Camino.
What is surprising to me at least is the number of international travelers I've met on the trail. I mean I've met Italians, French, Dutch, British, South Africans, Kiwis, Australians, Asians, and every 5th person seems to be German. I would qualify your statement with "me" rather than the "rest of the world."For the rest of the world, outside USA. (we are quite a few), the trails in the US are completely uninteresting.
Indeed. Tired of reading about some strange US bush walkings as/when this forum is dedicated to Santiago in Spain. Surely, there must be other forums discussing these US walks which are of completely no interest to the rest of the world?What is surprising to me at least is the number of international travelers I've met on the trail. I mean I've met Italians, French, Dutch, British, South Africans, Kiwis, Australians, Asians, and every 5th person seems to be German. I would qualify your statement with "me" rather than the "rest of the world."
The forum is targeted to people looking for an adventure of a lifetime.Indeed. Tired of reading about some strange US bush walkings when this forum is dedicated to Santiago in Spain.
Indeed. Tired of reading about some strange US bush walkings as/when this forum is dedicated to Santiago in Spain. Surely, there must be other forums discussing these US walks which are of completely no interest to the rest of the world?
No. This forum is dedicated to pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.The forum is targeted to people looking for an adventure of a lifetime.
Disagree.This forum is about walking to Santiago in Spain. Hence the URL of this site.A. You can opt out of reading any thread on the forum that you want.
B. This thread is about the concept of walking vs hiking, and for many people where they are doing the activity makes a difference. People are just giving examples.
Disagree.This forum is about walking to Santiago in Spain. Hence the URL of this site.
Edit: Various trails in the US are of no interest to the majority of the members (unless they are American, in which case this forum is of no interest to me). Please respect that a world outside the US exists.
This is a fair enough comment, but @trecile points out how the discussion is connected. We tolerate and even enjoy some diversion, to some degree.I wish we could stick to discussing the Camino trails leading to Santiago
I don't understand how you can speak for the rest of the world! That generalization is simply an unkind jab.For the rest of the world, outside USA. (we are quite a few), the trails in the US are completely uninteresting.
Having climbed Mount St Helen's in the Cascades before it blew its top as well as McCartney Peak in the Olympics (Washington State), I confess to having walked over the Pyrenees four times... but it can be a strenuous walk...On a slight tangent on the vocabulary we use. Does anyone else wince or shake their head when someone describes walking from SJPDP to Roncesvalles as "climbing the Pyrenees"?
Well, I am one of those from the 'rest of the world' and I am very interested. In point of fact, I came across the concept of the camino when I was researching the PCT. To specifically tie this in to the title of this thread: for me the PCT is a hike, the camino is a walk.I thought this forum was about walking to Santiago, ref. the domain name. For the rest of the world, outside USA. (we are quite a few), the trails in the US are completely uninteresting. I wish we could stick to discussing the Camino trails leading to Santiago, if you don't mind. There is a big world outside USA.
Indeed it is. However the comment you are replying to specifically says:Disagree.This forum is about walking to Santiago in Spain. Hence the URL of this site.
This thread is about the concept of walking vs hiking,
I typed a long post much of which is covered above but deleted it.Well, I am one of those from the 'rest of the world' and I am very interested. In point of fact, I came across the concept of the camino when I was researching the PCT. To specifically tie this in to the title of this thread: for me the PCT is a hike, the camino is a walk.
If you personally are uninterested, fine, rather than being so mean spirited why not just leave the thread.
Whilst others were purely discussing some of the hikes available in their area (which does relate indirectly to the topic of this thread) - Damien specifically said that whilst on the PCT he is talking about the Camino to fellow travellers. He raises a few parallels, which relate directly to the topic of this thread 'Are you a hiker or a walker.'
Indeed it is. However the comment you are replying to specifically says:
And in case you have forgotten we have a sub forum entitled
'Pilgrimages walks and events around the world.'
Presumably because Ivar recognises the fact that people occasionally wish to discuss walks other than just in Spain.
Finally, I think it's valuable to discuss walks in other countries. Yes, all of the recent examples above are in the US but that's only logical because the responders are from the US.
Why is it valuable? Because many of us use those walks as training for the Camino - or simply, so that we can keep walking whilst we save for the next Camino.
@Kirkie posted while I was writing, I can but Echo her sentiment : let's not fight about such Petty stuff.
I don't believe that trecile said anything to the contrary. She just pointed out that you can always opt out of reading threads that are uninteresting to you and that the thread is about walking vs hiking in general and not specific to US trails.Disagree.This forum is about walking to Santiago in Spain. Hence the URL of this site.
Edit: Various trails in the US are of no interest to the majority of the members (unless they are American, in which case this forum is of no interest to me). Please respect that a world outside the US exists.
My favourite post this year was on Facebook. When the idea of a fee to enter the Obradoiro was suggested in response to a similar proposal in Sevilla. Someone objected that it would stop people completing their pilgrimage because "all Caminos end at the carved stone in the middle of the square." I have been walking Caminos on and off for 30+ years and that was the first I'd heard of that!"Where is the trailhead for the camino" takes the place of "What shoes should I wear on the camino" as my favorite question LOL.
I have no idea where that is either! But there's probably a group of cyclists standing on it.My favourite post this year was on Facebook. When the idea of a fee to enter the Obradoiro was suggested in response to a similar proposal in Sevilla. Someone objected that it would stop people completing their pilgrimage because "all Caminos end at the carved stone in the middle of the square." I have been walking Caminos on and off for 30+ years and that was the first I'd heard of that!
Good value?Also, just to comment on the cost of the PCT, my daughter hiked it in 2017 for about 6K US$, including airfare from the east coast of the USA, but not including gear. Hotels/motels about every 5 days.
I guess so - she had a wonderful time and met amazing people she is still close to. But any camino is luxury compared to wild camping for 5 months!I
Good value?
Thx. It sounded pretty good to me but wasn’t sure!I guess so - she had a wonderful time and met amazing people she is still close to. But any camino is luxury compared to wild camping for 5 months!
It will be interesting to see what Darren's costs come in at in due course. We've all seen how much the Camino costs have increased over the past few years, so much so that anyone's costs from 2017 are now completely irrelevant. I have no idea what inflation rates in the US are like, but I do recall that it hit something like 8% during covid. I'd assume therefore that it's probably around a 20% increase over the last seven years. Which would put your daughter's costs over $7k. in today's terms. Not bad for 5 months!Also, just to comment on the cost of the PCT, my daughter hiked it in 2017 for about 6K US$, including airfare from the east coast of the USA, but not including gear. Hotels/motels about every 5 days.
I don't know how much hotels/motels in small West Coast towns have increased. Airfares for sure. $7K is still good! When I saw estimates of $12K I was surprised - most long distance hikers are self-confessed dirtbags and "splurge" on stuff like entire tubs of ice cream. But I am also surprised in the other thread about how many people stay at Paradors and expensive places on their caminos. I actually try not to add up my camino costs!It will be interesting to see what Darren's costs come in at in due course. We've all seen how much the Camino costs have increased over the past few years, so much so that anyone's costs from 2017 are now completely irrelevant. I have no idea what inflation rates in the US are like, but I do recall that it hit something like 8% during covid. I'd assume therefore that it's probably around a 20% increase over the last seven years. Which would put your daughter's costs over $7k. in today's terms. Not bad for 5 months!
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