This page provides details on sending me packages if you would like to support me!
Send me Packages!
I have been so touched by how many people have asked me if they can “send me a package” on the trail! The answer is yes. Here are some things to keep in mind and some instructions.
- Please read everything on this page.
- In addition, Halfway Anywhere does a great job outlining what to include in a care package and advice for making the package stand out. Please read if you plan on sending a package!
- Sign up for my map to see the mailing locations with estimated arrival times. Before picking a location, see if anyone has already pledged a package and information on shipping. Expect 2 week shipping times for remote areas. Places will hold packages for 30 days. Watch out for opening days and hours (listed on the map) for stops. If a mailing location has limited hours, then it may be restrictive for me to wait around on a Sunday until the post office opens. I have indicated where I plan to spend overnight at stops, but my plans are subject to change.
- Indicate that you’re “pledging a package” on the map.
- Pack the package according to my wishlist later on this page and the guidance from Halfway Anywhere. I have written my wishlist with the thought that people will be sending me “goodies,” not necessarily a full resupply to make it to my next location. If a full resupply is what you had in mind (only recommended if you’ve backpacked before), please take care to calculate calories needed (2500-4000 calories per day) for the next stop based on upcoming terrain and distance to the next stop.
- Address the package according to the address on my map. Dress up the package to make it stand out! Add stickers or colorful tape and put my name all over it. (Some mailing locations actually require a name on all 6 sides of the box).
- On your pledge entry on the map, add details about the package such as the tracking number and what I should look for on the box (e.g., “it’s the box with the pink and green tape all over it”).
- Ship it!
My Wishlist
What NOT to include:
- NUTS – I’m allergic! If a package says, “processed in a facility with nuts,” “may contain nuts,” or something similar, then that’s ok.
- Meat – I’m generally pescatarian. I would be ok with something like jerky in the name of protein and calories but won’t want anything like Spam.
- Heavy food items such as cans
- Perishable food items that require refrigeration
- Gear – see Halfway Anywhere’s advice on gear. I appreciate the thought but anticipate getting my own.
- Anything unnecessary that I’ll have to carry
Some ideas on what to send:
- Cards, letters, art that I can read then send home for later
- Stickers for my water bottles
- A playlist for the trail (e.g., a link to a Spotify playlist in an email or text)
- An audiobook (I plan to use Audible and Spotify Premium)
- Some new hairbands (seamless elastic)
- A replacement flosser pick
- Travel toothpaste
- Food 🙂 see my wishlist:
- Gourmet dried or freeze-dried fruits I wouldn’t splurge on myself:
- Did someone say dried mangoes? Did someone say chili spiced mangoes?!
- Goji berries
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Banana chips
- Kiwi
- Pineapple
- Apple
- Dates
- Yogurt-covered pretzels
- Trader Joe’s crispbread grain crackers
- Trader Joe’s spicy ramen
- Dehydrated backpacker meals
- Homemade baked goods to share with trail friends!
- Dehydrated hummus
- Interesting spices
- Dried, pre-cooked beans
- Textured vegetable protein with a seasoning
- Dehydrated vegetables (maybe something extravagant such as sweet potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms)
- Salmon or tuna jerky
- Electrolyte packets (examples include Liquid IV and LMNT)
- Hearty energy bars (remember, no nuts!)
- Granola (again, no nuts!)
- See some general backpacking food ideas
- Gourmet dried or freeze-dried fruits I wouldn’t splurge on myself: