Perhaps one of the greatest contributions to PCT hikers on a budget is Half-Mile’s set of PCT maps. Created with GPS data gathered by Half Mile and other hikers from 2007-2009, Half-Mile’s PCT maps are available to print for free. You can view and print the maps from Half-Mile’s website.
Half-Mile’s PCT maps include elevation profiles as well as waypoints every half mile. All maps are in 1:31,680 scale (1 inch equals 1/2 mile) – a good scale for hikers and backpackers. The maps show resupply points, water sources, points of interest, etc. You get all the important information and no fluff. Furthermore, if you can find inexpensive printing services (see “Tips on Printing” at Half Mile’s website), printing your own maps may be the least expensive choice for hikers on a budget. At $0.10 per page, printing your own maps only costs about $38.
If you cannot find an inexpensive printing service then printing your own maps can actually be pretty expensive. You’ll be printing about 380 pages. At $0.89 per page that’s almost $340! Keep this in mind when deciding whether or not printing your own maps is the right option for you.
Half-Mile’s PCT maps are available to print for free. You can view and print the maps from Half Mile’s website.
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Are you all set on gear for the Pacific Crest Trail? Check out our Ultimate Gear Guide for the PCT ->
