Pre-supply – The Trek

Having already covered 1000 miles of the PCT self-sufficiently. One thing I knew I wanted to try was sending me resupply boxes. I hope this helps you spend less time in the city. To do this, my dad will help me ship boxes. The length of the PCT is what makes planning difficult. I have prepared and dropped off resupply boxes on Benton McKaye Trail and Sheltowee Trace.

In December I started researching resupply places. Curious about where other hikers were sending boxes, I did a quick search on TheTrek.co. I found Maggie ‘Chuckles’ Wallaces’ PCT Refill Comparison Spreadsheets. This was a useful tool and I quickly started editing my own copy.

Arriving at my dad’s house in Iowa, I parked the truck. Everything I have in the back of his minivan. Taking advantage of the unusually warm February afternoon, I begin to unload my life. It’s time to start a new chapter.

The next morning I sat in front of my laptop and looked at my spreadsheet. I have 20 days to execute my plan. Order online, shop local, prepare and package 25 mailers plus starter food.

My rule of thumb when preparing my backpacking food is to replace 1 full day of meals with quick, easy, no-cook options. This gives me flexibility. Yes I need to get up early and go on a hike. If I get to camp and I’m not hungry, I’m tired, it’s raining, or I’m camping surrounded by aggressive wildlife and I haven’t cooked before.

Knowing I needed to order freeze-dried meals to reduce prep time, I previously found out the cal/oz for each variety of food on the Mountain House website and chose my favorites. Looking at the website I thought I was ready to order. I knew how many miles I would walk between each resupply location. I had no idea how many days or calories each box would need to contain.

This was going to be some complicated math. Using my own personal experience and knowledge. At first I thought I would probably average 13-27 miles a day. Next Using a total daily energy expenditure (GDEE) equation, I calculate between 2750 and 5000 calories per day.
Both calculations together gave me the total calories per box.
I finally ordered my freeze-dried meals, placed a large order online at my local bulk chain store, and made a shopping list.
Waiting for my orders to arrive gave me the opportunity to help my dad with some projects around the house, spend some much-needed time with the family, and take a mental break.

I taped 26 file cards on the wall. One for each replenishment box. 26 bags/boxes labeled with the corresponding replenishment delivery and a spreadsheet on my laptop to keep track of the contents and calories in each box. Lihat juga fdsm. With the house to myself, most of my orders were delivered 9 days before my flight. I finally started dividing the meals for each box. Using the spreadsheet, I filled in the gaps by being able to jump from frame to frame.

The boxes are messy but everything is divided. 2 days before my flight I focused my attention on my team. Confident, I had just backpacked after Christmas on the Georgia Pine Mountain Trail. I quickly check my gear and pull out any gear I want to bring. Lastly, I take pictures of any potential backup equipment before putting it away.

The day before my flight to California I mailed my first 2 resupply boxes.

This is getting real.

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