As simple as it might sound, hikers are paid to hike. However, how much they are paid varies widely based on their experience, the company they work for, and their job description.
For example, skilled professional hikers may be employed by a hiking company to lead day hikes or multi-day trips in a particular area.
Moreover, others may work as independent contractors, providing GPS data or leading private tours for clients.
And still, others may find work through online platforms like Workaway or Helpx, offering their services in exchange for room and board.
No matter what the specifics of the job are, one thing is certain: professional hikers get paid to do something they love! And that’s pretty cool.
How To Make Money By Hiking (Here’s How to Start)
It may seem odd, but hiking is a legitimate way to earn an income. There are several ways to earn money, including leading hikes for others or working as a wilderness guide.
You might be interested in earning a living by hiking if you are passionate about the outdoors and spending time in nature.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Research popular hiking trails in your area and find one that is a good fit for you. Make sure to consider the length of the trail, the difficulty level, and the weather conditions before you make your decision.
- Once you have chosen a trail, start planning your hike and determine how long it will take you to complete it. This will help you figure out how much money you can realistically earn while hiking.
- Start promoting your hike by letting people know when and where you will be starting and what route you plan on taking. You can promote your hike online or through word-of-mouth.
- On the day of your hike, make sure to bring all the necessary supplies with you such as food, water, and a first-aid kit. It’s also a good idea to let someone know where you’re going in case of an emergency
- During your hike, take plenty of breaks to rest and enjoy the scenery
- Be sure to snap some photos along the way which you can sell later on as souvenirs or prints. When you reach the end of your hike, congratulate yourself on a job well done!
You can now start counting up all the money that you’ve earned from completing this adventure
How to Become a Professional Hiker
Professional hikers hike for a living.
They may work as guides, outfitters, trail maintenance workers, photographers, writers, or artists who specialize in hiking and the outdoors.
In addition to years of experience and extensive knowledge of backpacking, wilderness survival, and Leave No Trace principles, professional hikers often have extensive knowledge.
Have you ever wanted to become a professional hiker? It’s not as difficult as you might think!
With a little bit of training and preparation, you can make your dream of becoming a professional hiker a reality.
1. Get in shape
Hiking is an outdoor activity that requires a good amount of physical fitness.
You need to be able to hike for long periods of time without getting tired, so it’s important to build up your endurance by working out regularly.
Cardio exercises like running and biking are great for this, and strength training will also help you stay strong on the trail.
2. Learn about different types of hikes
There are many different types of hikes, from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips.
It’s important to know what kind of hiking you want to do before you start planning any trips.
That way, you can make sure you have the right gear and supplies for the type of hiking you’ll be doing.
3. Find a hiking buddy (or two)
Hiking is always more fun with friends, so try to find someone who shares your interest in hiking.
Having someone else along will also help if there are any emergencies on the trail – it’s always good to have someone else around who knows what they’re doing!
4. Invest in some quality gear
Cheap gear won’t last long on the trail and could even put your safety at risk.
It’s worth it to invest in some high-quality hiking boots, a backpack, and other essential gear that will last for years (and miles) of use.
5. Plan ahead
Before heading out on any hike, it’s crucial that you plan ahead and map out your route.
Make sure you know where you’re going and how long it will take to get there – otherwise, you could end up getting lost or stranded overnight.
Always tell someone else where you’re going and when you expect to be back, just in case something happens while you‘re on the trail.
Just remember: start slow, listen to your body, and don’t forget to toe enjoy the scenery!
4-Popular Jobs That Involve Hiking
When you think of a job that involves hiking, what comes to mind?
Maybe you think of working as a ranger in a national park, or leading outdoor treks for tourists.
But there are actually many different types of jobs that involve hiking – and they don’t all require you to be an experienced hiker.
Here are just a few examples:
1. Park ranger
As mentioned above, park rangers often lead hikes and give talks about the natural history of the area they work in.
But their duties also include things like law enforcement, search and rescue, fire management, and maintaining trails and other infrastructure.
In short, being a park ranger is a demanding but rewarding job that lets you spend time outdoors every day.
2. Environmental educator
Many environmental organizations offer programs where kids and adults can learn about nature through hikes and other activities.
If you love working with people and sharing your knowledge about the environment, this could be the perfect job for you!
3. Outdoor retail salesperson
Hiking gear is a big business, so most outdoor stores have staff who are knowledgeable about hiking and can help customers find the right gear for their needs.
Indeed, this is a great job for someone who loves both customer service and spending time outdoors – minus the actual hiking part!
4. Wildlife biologist/researcher
If you’re interested in studying animals in their natural habitat, there are plenty of opportunities to do field research that involves hiking (and sometimes backpacking).
You might track bears in Yellowstone National Park or document bird populations in the Amazon rainforest – just make sure you’re prepared for some long days (and nights) out on the trail!
Hiker Info Booth Job (How to Prepare for this Job)
Hikers who love being outdoors and helping others might be a great fit as hiker info booth attendants!
In fact, providing information and assistance to hikers in need would be your responsibility as a hiker info booth attendant.
In order that you have to answer questions about the local area or give directions.
The best part about this job is that it would allow you to spend your days surrounded by nature. If you’re someone who enjoys being active, this is also a great way to get some exercise while on the clock!
Plus, since most hiker info booths are located in scenic areas, you would have an incredible view every day.
If you think working as a hiker info booth attendant sounds like the perfect job for you, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First of all, it’s necessary to be outgoing and friendly, as you’ll be dealing with customers on a daily basis.
Secondly, it’s helpful to have some knowledge about hiking and the local area, so that you can answer any questions that come your way.
And eventually, being physically fit is also important, as this job does involve standing for long periods of time.
If working at a hiker info booth sounds like something you’d love to do, then don’t hesitate to apply! It’s truly one of the most unique and rewarding jobs out there.
Get Paid to Hike the Appalachian Trail
According to recent estimates, over 3 million people visit the Appalachian Trail each year.
While most come for the beauty and challenge of the hike, some are now coming for another reason: to get paid.
That’s right, there is now a program in place that will pay you $20 per day to hike the Appalachian Trail.
The program is called “Hike For Pay” and it is sponsored by an online outdoor retailer called OutdoorVitals.com.
Here’s how it works: Hikers who sign up for the program agree to hike at least 8 miles per day and document their progress with GPS tracking devices or apps. In return, they receive $20 per day, which can be used to offset the cost of food and supplies while on the trail.
So far, the program has been a success, with over 100 hikers having signed up since it launched in May 2017.
How to Get Sponsored to Hike the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a popular trail that offers hikers a chance to be paid for the experience, so if you’re interested in hiking the trail, then you may be wondering how to get sponsored by someone to hike the mountain.
Don’t Panic, I am here to assist. Here are 5 worth tips to aid you to make your dream a reality:
#1. Blog or Website
Start by creating a blog or website dedicated to your love of hiking and the Appalachian Trail.
Be sure to include lots of photos and stories about your hikes.
#2. Gear and apparel
Reach out to companies that produce hiking gear and apparel and let them know about your blog or website.
Ask if they would be interested in sponsoring your Appalachian Trail hike.
#3. Providers or Guide services
Connect with companies that provide outdoor adventure services, such as shuttle providers or guide services, and inquire about sponsorship opportunities.
#4. Brand or Values
Send sponsorship proposals to companies that align with your personal brand or values.
For example, if you’re an environmentalist, reach out to green-minded companies.
#5. Products or Services
Don’t forget to promote your sponsor’s products or services on your blog or website during and after your Appalachian Trail hike!
How to Become a Hiking Guide
Would you enjoy exploring new trails and being outdoors as well as having some hiking experience? If so, then a career as a hiking guide might be right up your alley!
Most people who become professional hiking guides have years of experience leading hikes and backpacking trips. They also generally have strong navigational skills and are very familiar with the area in which they will be guiding.
In addition, most guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid or CPR. If you’re interested in becoming a hiking guide, the best way to get started is by working as a volunteer or intern with an established outfitter or guiding company.
This will give you the opportunity to gain experience and learn the ropes from more experienced guides. Once you have some experience under your belt, you can start applying for paid positions.
Another option is to become certified through organizations such as the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) or National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
These programs offer comprehensive training that will prepare you for a career as a professional hike leader.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do You Make Money Backpacking Over Hiking?
You can either work as you travel, or save up money before you leave and then look for work when you arrive at your destination.
Working as you travel is a great way to fund your travels and see the world at the same time.
There are many different types of jobs that backpackers can do while they’re on the road, from bar work and waitressing to more unusual roles like fruit picking or tour guiding.
It’s often possible to find work in hostels or through online resources like websites dedicated to helping backpackers find employment.
Saving up money before you leave is another option, and this can give you more freedom when it comes to choosing where to go and how long to stay.
Once you’ve saved enough money, you can start looking for work at your destination using online resources or by asking around in hostels and bars.
Be prepared to accept lower wages than what you may be used to at home, as most countries have a lower cost of living than developed nations.
No matter which method you choose, making money backpacking is definitely possible – it just takes a little creativity and resourcefulness!
What Jobs Do Thru Hikers Have?
Most thru-hikers are in their 20s or 30s and have a variety of jobs, from full-time careers to students and everything in between.
Many hikers take time off from work specifically to thru-hike, while others work remotely or freelance during their hikes.
No matter what their job is before starting the trail, most hikers find that the experience of thru-hiking changes their perspective on life and work, and many choose to pursue different careers after finishing the trail.
So what kind of jobs do thru-hikers have? Here are a few examples:
Full-time career: Some people decide to quit their jobs altogether to dedicate themselves fully to thru-hiking.
This could mean working seasonal jobs along the way or simply living off savings for six months while they hike.
Others might keep working remotely while they hike, using vacation days or taking leave from work to complete the trail.
Freelance/remote work: Many digital nomads use thru-hiking as an opportunity to reset and recharge while still being able to earn an income.
With today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to stay connected and get work done from anywhere in the world – even on the Appalachian Trail!
Hikers can pick up odd jobs along the way (like dog sitting or yard work) or continue with pre-existing freelancing gigs.
As long as there’s an internet connection available, remote workers can make it happen.
Student: There are also a number of students who take a break from school to go on a thru-hike (or two).
This could be anything from taking a semester off of college to graduating high school early and hitting the trail before starting college in the fall.
For some students, this is seen as a valuable “gap year” experience – a time to explore new interests, learn more about themselves, and grow outside of traditional academic settings.
No matter what your job is before starting a thru-hike, know that you’re not alone – thousands of people each year embark on this journey with all kinds of backgrounds and professions!
What is a Reasonable Amount to Hike in a Day?
Assuming you are in good physical condition, have proper footwear, and are carrying minimal gear, a reasonable amount to hike in a day is 10-15 miles.
If you are new to hiking or carrying a lot of gear, 5-10 miles is more reasonable. Remember to take breaks often, drink plenty of water, and listen to your body.
It’s better to hike slower and further than to push yourself too hard and end up getting injured or having to turn back early.
How Much Can a Human Hike in a Day?
An average person (with average physical fitness) could hike up to 20 miles a day, but this would require training and conditioning.
Generally, the average person walks 3 to 5 mph, so it takes 4-8 hours to hike 20 miles. If someone is not used to hiking long distances, they will likely take more breaks and will be slower.
It is also important to consider the terrain when predicting how far someone can hike in a day – if it is hilly or mountainous, it will obviously take longer than if it is on flat ground.
Thus, weather conditions can also impact how far someone can hike – extreme heat or cold can make it difficult (and even dangerous) to hike long distances.
Conclusion
Making money by hiking may sound like a crazy idea, but it is possible!
One option is to lead group hikes. This can be a great way to earn some extra cash, as well as meet new people and explore new places. Another option is to start your own guiding business.
Each of them will require more work on your part but can be very rewarding both financially and personally.
Eventually, you could also consider writing about your hiking experiences. This also can be a great way to share your passion with others while also earning some income.
So, if you love hiking and are looking for ways to make some extra money, consider one of these options!
With a wealth of experience and a heart full of wanderlust, she invites you to join her on thrilling expeditions, offering invaluable tips and tricks along the way.
Whether you're an avid hiker, a camping enthusiast, or a backpacking novice, Chloe's website is your go-to resource for all things outdoor.
Discover breathtaking trails, insightful gear tricks, and expert advice that will empower you to conquer nature's wonders. Get ready to embark on unforgettable journeys with Chloe as your trusted guide.
- How to Plan a Hiking Trip: An Expert’s Tips - May 18, 2023
- How To Pack A Backpack For Hiking: Tips and Tricks. - May 18, 2023
- Hiking for Beginners: The Ultimate Guide to Start Your Journey - May 18, 2023
