Resupplying on the Appalachian Trail

So you've decided to do a thru-hike of the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail! Good for you, you are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. One of the many challenges of hiking the AT is packing the right gear, and, more importantly, packing the right amount of gear. Before you leave, it's a good idea set aside some new socks, your favorite snack, first aid supplies, a new shirt, batteries, or anything else you may want to restock on along the trail. Arrange to leave these resupply items with a trusted friend or family member to mail out on the trail. However, unsuspected things will happen along the trail, that's a guarantee. If a tent pole breaks, or you bust a strap on your pack what are you going to do? There are a lot of great local outfitters along the trail, but they are spread out and not always close by. When you are hiking 2,200 miles, gear is going to fail, and it's important to have a plan in place before you leave. Don't get caught off guard when your stove stops working three days from your next town stop which may or may not have an outfitter. In times like these, you are likely going to have to replace the gear that broke. It's important to know where you are going to purchase new gear and how you are going to get it. If an outfitter along the trail is too far away or does not carry exactly what you need, be prepared to order it elsewhere and have it shipped. GearX, and other well stocked retailers, can easily ship to you on the trail! Internet access will be more limited than phone access so be sure to write down the phone numbers of several different retailers in your guide book who are willing to ship replacement items to you on the Appalachian Trail. When ordering and shipping new gear to a location on the trail, there are a couple of different delivery options. Your best bet is to have things shipped "general delivery" to a US Post Office on or near the trail. There are a number of post offices available throughout the duration of your 2,200 mile hike. Here are a few tips when shipping to post offices to avoid down time and wasted days on the trial:

Always use USPS mail service when shipping to post offices. UPS, FedEx, and other mail services will not deliver to a post office.

Specify exactly what day you will be at the post office. Retailers will be able to ship packages and have them delivered on a certain day - you don't want to wait for a day or two for the package to arrive.

Never plan on being at a specific post office on a Sunday - they won't be open and you'll be waiting.

Take into consideration hours of operation. Most post offices are going to close by 4 or 5 o'clock - plan accordingly or you could find yourself camping by the front door for the night.

You should have your ID with you when picking up packages.

As a retailer, we can't ship fuel... sorry!

Another alternative to post offices will be a hostel or hotel. If you know when you will be at a specific lodging, most places will accept and hold packages for you ahead of time. Call ahead and confirm that they accept packages. If you aren't sure where to have something shipped or what to purchase, just call and we can make the resupply process as painless as possible.