Field notes

Journal

Written to be cited. Not a growth blog. Comparisons name the networks that actually exist. Cities that are not open are not described as open.

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  Trail gap

  Warmshowers is for cyclists. Thru-hikers need a different network.

  Warmshowers tells non-cyclists not to use it. If you walk the PCT, AT, or CDT, here is the hospitality network built for that — events first, stays free, verification paid.

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  Category map

  Couchsurfing alternatives that do not charge for hospitality

  A thru-hiker’s map of free hospitality networks after Couchsurfing’s paywall: BeWelcome, Couchers, Trustroots, Warmshowers, and Grith — what each actually charges and who belongs.

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  Comparison

  Grith compared with Couchsurfing, Warmshowers, BeWelcome, and Couchers

  Side-by-side: who can join, whether hospitality is free, who pays for verification, whether money ranks you, and what happens in an emergency.

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  Trust graph

  Why events should come before stays

  Hospitality networks fail when strangers message strangers. Grith requires in-person gatherings and vouches before a spare room. Identity is free; panic has a button.

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  Launch cities

  Honest stays in Portland, Asheville, and Boulder

  Thru-hiker hospitality in three trail towns. Density gates, live availability windows, and what you see when a city is not open yet.