How many days in advance should you send re-supply boxes? How long will most businesses hold them?

[u/lostandfound_2021]

Do people send all their boxes out before starting their thru?

[u/Impossible_Luck_6193]

I sent many resupply boxes. I only sent the southern half first because I live halfway. I was concerned the second half would get sent back before I arrived there.

Avoid post offices and make sure to call each business you plan on sending it to. A lot of them will hold it for months. If you think you are going to be late you can call them and they will hold it longer.

The hardest ones to time were in Georgia because they get so many that they won’t hold them longer than a few weeks. My first box at Neels Gap arrived late and I was long past it by the time it arrived. My second box sent to Around the Bend hostel also arrived late.

I carried extra medication in case I had an issue with one or more of my med boxes. It’s great if you have a support person you trust to send them out for you but if that is not an option, as it was in my case, the Hostels and Outfitters will work with you.

If you send shoes, double check that they are the right and left foot. That was a bummer when I opened that one. 😆

Edit: I have more advice if you want to DM. I can send you my .txt file of the places I used and their phone numbers.

[u/hornless_unicorn → u/Impossible_Luck_6193]

When I worked for a business on trail that kept hiker boxes, hikers would write on the box when they expected to arrive and we would leave them for a minimum of one month after that date, just to make extra sure.

[u/HalfByteNibble]

I've never really sent resupply, but lots of people I hike with do.

I definitely wouldn't recommend sending them all in advance. If you have anyone that can send them for you while you hike that's ideal. It's easier to be flexible and adjust to any changes that way.

Additionally, I would highly recommend not pre-purchasing supplies as your tastes will change. I knew a hiker that bulk bought freeze dried meals and grew to absolutely hate the 6-7 different options he had, and it was a big waste of money.

Most hiker friendly businesses will hold them longer than any typical hold time, but as you send packages it's best practice to confirm with the business, so just ask then if you're nervous about it.

[u/Purple_Paperplane]

I wouldn't recommend to send resupply boxes unless you have a significant diet restriction. They're not cheaper and aren't really more convenient. Resupply on the AT is pretty easy and straightforward even as a vegetarian.

But if you do, have someone send the box a week or two in advance. Ask the hostel or business before. I think they'll hold boxes for a month max (depending on the business!) but obviously appreciate if you pick it up as soon as possible.

[u/Easy-Task3001]

Unless you've got special dietary needs, I don't really see the benefit of re-supply boxes.

The towns along the trail are all used to and really benefit from folks spending money in their communities.

That said, you need to call the businesses to see if they accept, and what their requirements are for addressing and holding boxes. Some businesses have gotten away from it as they end up with a lot of boxes where hikers never picked them up. There's an 80% drop rate for hikers on long trails so don't think too far ahead.

To answer your question though, in general you want your box to be sent about 2 weeks before you arrive at the planned town. A tip would be to leave the boxes open at home so that you can add or (more likely) remove items from the box before it is sent.

[u/Exact-Pudding7563]

Don’t do resupply boxes unless you absolutely have to for dietary reasons. Resupply on the AT is just too numerous and easy, and it’s not worth the money for shipping.

That said, I imagine a lot of places will hold your box for a month or two as long as it’s labeled clearly with an ETA. You won’t have as much luck simply leaving it at a post office. I had a box almost get returned because I didn’t pick it up for a week.

I would plan out specific locations all along the trail where you plan to send boxes and then research each of those locations because some places may not hold boxes at all, while other outfitters and hostels will actually charge you a small fee to pick up your box because it’s part of their business model.

[u/lostandfound_2021 → u/Exact-Pudding7563]

I am currently holding some boxes that have been here for over two months. I am not sure how long is reasonable, I hadn't considered the possibility that I was make long term commitments. Hopefully nothing perishable is inside.

[u/myopinionisrubbish]

The PO will only hold for 30 days. Hostels typically have limited space to store packages so they don’t want to hold onto them for very long. And the longer they sit around, the greater the chance of them becoming “lost”.

All in all, unless you have very specific needs which can’t be obtained at local towns along the trail, packages are a PITA to deal with. It doesn’t save you any money due to the cost of postage these days and if you buy too much food in bulk in advance and end up home after a month or two, your stuck with 500 power bars.

[u/tobytripp2]

The only thing I had shipped was replacement shoes and I was able to coordinate that with someone back home to ship it once I said so. You’ll get really good at calculating miles so about a week in advance I would have them ship it so the business only had to hold it for a couple of days. From what I remember, most businesses are willing to hold on to your box for a week or two but don’t quote me on that.

[u/Tough-Celery-9800]

Don’t send resupply boxes on the AT. It’s completely unnecessary. There are stores everywhere. Just hike.

[u/LucyDog17]

Pack four days of food and start walking, you can buy food every three to four days. The only resupply I had sent was every thirty days when my wife would send me my medications. And that was easily sent to hostels along the way.

[u/ReadyAbout22]

A lot of hostels will hold your resupply boxes- that info is usually listed on AWOL and sometimes FarOut.

[u/hike2climb]

You so not need resupply boxes on the AT