Is hiking expensive? 11+1 technical and practical tips to save money on every route
Over the years, I have seen how many people are held back from taking up hiking by a barrier that is not always real: the price. And it's true that this world can get very expensive... if you let it. Between brand marketing, the obsession with the latest in ultralight materials and social media, it seems like you need a mortgage to go into the mountains. But you don't. Technical is not synonymous with expensive. And expensive is not synonymous with necessary. With the right know-how, you can optimise your spending without sacrificing performance or safety.
You don't need to spend €2,000 on equipment to start walking. What you do need is judgement, common sense and, above all, desire.
Here is a list of strategies (they may save your wallet more than once) to enjoy more, spend less and not give up the adventure.
1. Use what you already have
90 % of the routes can be made with basic materialA decent pair of shoes, a functional rucksack and some warm clothes. You don't need a €400 jacket or a Dyneema fibre rucksack to walk on a GR.
👉 Technical advice: If you are just starting out, prioritise layers: a breathable T-shirt (not cotton), a windproof jacket and a light fleece. Don't buy an expensive garment before you've been out at least a few times.
Remember: the best way to save is not to buy what you don't need... yet.
2. Borrow or rent specific equipment
For one-off activities (mountaineering, snowshoeing, snowshoeing, winter hiking), renting is the smartest option. Buying crampons or an ice axe to use once is a waste of money. Many local shops, or Decathlon itself, or even a specific website, offer rentals at a good price, and even reconditioned equipment.
And if you have a regular mountain group, sharing technical material is common practice. That's how I started: the first cooker I used was borrowed, as was the first tent.
3. Buy wisely: value for money over the brand name
Outdoor marketing can be aggressive. They sell us that more expensive is safer. But there are brands that offer a very competitive value for money. Do your research, compare and, if you can, wait for sales.
And if you don't know if an item of equipment will work for you, borrow or rent it first. Try before you buy saves you from expensive mistakes.
4. In a group: share transport, equipment and knowledge
Going in a group is not only more fun. It's logistically more efficient. You share cars, fuel, materials and even food. Plus, learning from more experienced colleagues is pure gold.
Real example: On one trip, we shared a tent and took turns with the cooker. The result: lighter rucksacks and less empty wallets.
5. Explore what's close to you
We obsess about the Alps, Iceland or the Himalayas, but ignore gems 40 minutes from home. Local microadventures reduce the cost (without giving up the adventure).
👉 Practical exercise: open the map and draw a 100 km radius. Look for little known areas, secondary peaks or less travelled valleys. You will be surprised.
6. Avoid crowded areas
Ordesa, Carros de Foc, Picos de Europa... yes, they are spectacular. But so are their prices in high season. Saturated accommodation, restrictions, compulsory rates... And also, less enjoyment.
Lesser-known areas offer more freedom, lower prices and the peace and quiet you are looking for. Make planning your savings tool.
👉 Extra tip: many alternative (unsaved) shelters are free of charge.
7. Camp (legally)
Sleeping outdoors can be magical and cheap, but beware: regulations vary from park to park or community to community. In the Pyrenees, for example:
- At Ordesacamping is only possible in designated areas (such as next to the Góriz refuge), and by prior reservation.
- In many national parksbivouacking (sleeping without a tent) is legal only above 2,000 mand keeping to timetables (mounting at dusk, dismounting at dawn).
- At FranceRegulation varies, but there is greater permissiveness in non-protected areas.
👉 Wear a ultralight tarp or a bivouac cover gives you flexibility and self-sufficiency. It weighs less and costs less than many tents.
8. Low season: less people, less expenses
In autumn or spring, prices go down. Some French refuges remain with open areas without guard (winter mode), and you can use them for free.
Technical eye: There are fewer facilities in the off-season, but if you have a cooker and a suitable bag, it's a great option. Just make sure the degree of thermal insulation of the bag (comfort and limit) and is fitted with a closed cell mat to prevent heat loss.
9. Eat well, spend little
Freeze-dried food is practical, but very expensive. You can substitute it with options from the supermarket:
- Instant couscous
- Mashed potato flakes
- Dehydrated Ramen
- Soup in sachet
- Nuts and sausage
10. Consider hitchhiking or creative logistics
Many linear routes end far from where you started. Transfer companies exist... but they cost. The Hitchhiking is still common in mountain environments.. And it's part of the game. They have got me out of countless routes in the Pyrenees with a smile and a shared conversation.
Not convinced? Look for circular routes or use groups to leave cars at both ends.
11. Walk faster, spend less
It's not about running, it's about optimise stages. If you do a route in 5 days instead of 7, you reduce meals, nights of accommodation and days away from home.
👉 Technical note: An efficient pace is not synonymous with pushing yourself to the limit. Plan ahead, but extend stages if your physical condition allows it. Especially on well-known routes where water and bivouac points are well defined.
BONUS: Repair and reuse
Patch, sew, grease zips, change insoles. There is a new culture around equipment maintenance. Patagonia, NNormal and other brands are already pushing it.
And so can you. The sewing kit is part of my permanent equipment. A torn trouser is not rubbish: it is living history.
The mountain is free. The rest is optional.
Hiking can be cheap, flexible and 100% enjoyable without having to spend your salary on technical equipment. It's a question of mentality, strategy and knowledge.
Be resourceful, share, plan. And get out there. Because the luxury of walking in the mountains is still - for the moment - free (in many places).
Don't miss any adventure in the Pyrenees!
