On long trips you may need to resupply while on the trail, en route to your final destination. You can look on a map to find towns near the trail and play to buy food as you go. This strategy requires the least preparation and it gives you more flexibility to change your plans. The downside is that you will be stuck with the offerings of a small town grocery store; if some other hiker just bought the last jar of peanut butter, you could be out of luck. Also, you’re limited to buying whatever package sizes are available: a four pack of soup when you only need two; a whole family sized box of instant potatoes when maybe you are not quite that hungry. If you are picky about your food, you might not appreciate the white bread, processed cheese, sugared cereals, and preservative-filled lunch meats that are staples of small town stores. The smaller the town, the more difficult you will find resupplying on the fly.

Food Drops
One popular option, used by most long distance hikers, is to send yourself a “food drop” (or if you are traveling for an extended period of time, coerce a loving friend into sending your boxes for you). Pack a box of supplies you’ll need and address it as follows, including your expected arrival date:

Your Name
c/o General Delivery
Town, State, Zip Code
Please hold for hiker arriving on or about (date)

General delivery holds packages for 10 days. Make sure you put a return address on the box in case your plans change. Check with your local postmaster to find out which is the cheapest way to send your package; over long distances, priority mail often costs about the same as parcel post, and it gets your package where it is going much faster. Remember private delivery services such as UPS cannot deliver to a general delivery address or a post office box.

Commercial Establishments

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Some commercial establishments near major trails will hold hiker packages. You will usually find information about these places in guidebooks about the specific trail. Check first to make sure the business is still accepting packages. Ask if they charge and how much (most don’t charge a fee, but in very remote areas, there may be a small charge, either by the box or by the day) and if they have any packaging requirements. Hint

: Proprietors will be more willing to help you if you indicate that you plan to patronize their business when you’re in the area!

Deliver Your Own Mail
Another way to resupply is to hand deliver the items yourself before you hike. Some range stations, restuarants, or shops near the trail will hold packages for you. Alawyas call first, and be sure to know their hours and days of operation.

Little Things to Make Your Life Easier
In addition to food, your resupply drops can contain premeasured quantities of consumables you need on the trail, like boot goop, toothpaste, spices, vitamins, small sample-sized bottles of shampoo and soap, a resealable plastic bag of laundry detergent, personal supplies, sunscreen, toilet paper, extra film, etc. Many of these items are difficult to purchase in remote towns, and even when they are available, they might not be exactly what you’re looking for or you may have to buy a large quantity than you need.

Post adopted from Backpacker Magazine’s Everyday Wisdom: 1001 Expert Tips for Hikers.

Image from CrashBoomBang

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