Packing a Resupply Box

Kyoto: Hiking from Kibune to Kurama

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You already know that a lighter pack means a happier hiker. But the truth is, a lot of the weight we hikers haul around isn't optional.

Especially not our food, which can weigh more than anything else in our packs. And if we're going for a long hike—say a week or more—that food weight can be downright oppressive.

Long distance hikers have the answer: Resupply en route. Even if you're only hiking for a week, you might be able to break up your load if the trail you're hiking on passes near or through a town. Here's how to do it.

Using the map, guidebook, or a telephone call to the management agency where you plan to hike, check to see if there is a town near the trail. Then call the post office to ask if they will hold a general delivery box for you. Most will, but in a few remote areas, you might run into a rural P.O. that can't. Also, check the hours of operation to make sure that the P.O. will be open when you plan to walk past it.

Pack up your box of supplies. Liquor store boxes and book boxes are best, because they are built to handle heavy loads. In addition to food, you can throw in extras of other consumable items, including film, socks, mosquito stuff, and sunscreen, as well as guidebook pages and maps for the upcoming section of trail. Also include a sample-sized bar of soap and bottle of shampoo—you might be able to get a shower somewhere, perhaps in a nearby campground.

Address the box as follows:

Your Name c/o General Delivery Town, State, Zip. "Please hold for hiker arriving on or about..." and the date. Put a return address on the box in case your plans change.

Do some comparison-shopping. Priority mail often about costs the same as parcel post over long distances (and it's much faster). Over short distances, parcel post is much cheaper. Priority mail includes return postage (should that be necessary); parcel post doesn't. Important: UPS (and other private delivery services) cannot deliver to a general delivery address or a P.O. Box.

On some trails, nearby hotels, lodges, or other businesses accept boxes for hikers. Some may charge a fee. Others may require that you use UPS and not the Post Office. These establishments frequently go out of business or change hands, or they may not be open during the season you plan to hike. Be sure you call before sending a box.