Photo Credit: Adam Bautz on flickr
1. Join a group.
The larger the group, the more the costs will be distributed. For a climb, a group of 16-18 would optimize the expenses of the rented jeepney that has a maximum capacity of around 18. However, take note that this principle is secondary only to primarily considering the carrying capacity of a mountain. One must strike the balance between maximizing resources and not causing a big impact on the trails and campsites.
2. If you’re a student, always bring your student ID.
Parks sometimes have a discount for students. Sometimes, they check if the student ID is updated. Likewise, if you are a senior citizen, bring your ID as well. Don’t laugh — we will all be old someday and old age should not be an impediment to hiking.
3. Take your time.
If you have a lot of time but you’re short of cash, then taking your time might help. After all, doesn’t the famous motto say, “Kill nothing but time”?
4. Book early and plan early.
Airfares are no longer expensive in this age. When I went on a hiking trip to Korea, I just spent 2500 for my roundtrip airfare, and it just cost me 9000 to do the five-country ASEAN Adventure in terms of flights!
5. Don’t spend too much on food.
Before, I used to splurge on trail food, buying expensive granola bars and the like. But I realized that sometimes it is better to be more resourceful. For instance, for day hikes, I just buy food from the local bakery and I also buy fruits.
6. Just bring house water.
It makes little difference which water you get, so better just bring water along especially when day hiking. Also, if the climb is manageable, you can make do without expensive drinks, and just bring sachets of fruit juices which you can add to your water for glucose loading along the trail. Energy drinks are not necessary in climbs, though feel free to bring them if you think you’re gonna need them.
7. Do more than one climb in one destination.
To maximize your time and expenses, why not climb two or more mountains in one destination?
8. Take good care of your gear.
Your hiking gadgets and gears are an investment – so take good care of them so you don’t have to buy new ones! I’ve been using a Ground Zero trekking pants for 6 years, and since I bought it in 2005 I’ve never replaced my Kovea stove!
9. Follow the Golden Rule.
If you live in a place with a nearby mountain, why don’t you offer to guide hikers there, or help accommodate them? For sure, hikers you have guided will be glad to accommodate you when it’s your turn to visit their place.
10. Finally, bear in mind there are things in the climb that you cannot try to bargain for.
For instance, if you impose a very low fee for your guide, he might not cooperate well with you. Looking for a very cheap transportation option might lead you to a substandard vehicle that might break down in the middle of the road. Moreover, sometimes you have to splurge to celebrate a triumphant climb – or a near-death experience. Lastly, don’t uselow on budget reason to evade registration fees. Remember that the climb is more important than the budget!
I hope this article helps. If you have your own budget tips feel free to share them.