Chat with a thru-hiker at the laundromat changed how I plan resupplies

Ran into a guy yesterday who did the Colorado Trail last summer. He said he stopped planning food drops more than two days out because he got sick of Trail Mix Number Four. Said he just buys whatever looks good at the closest store now, even if it means eating instant potatoes for dinner. Made me wonder if I'm overthinking my maps and mail drops when I could just... grab stuff along the way. Anyone else simplify their resupply strategy after talking to someone who's done it?

2 comments

2 Comments

mason_ward1mo ago

Instant potatoes for dinner sounds gourmet compared to the protein bar I found melted to my tent floor last trip. You are definitely overthinking maps and mail drops when the gas station nacho cheese is calling your name. Guess the real wilderness is learning to embrace the chaos of shelf-stable snacks.

lee.lucas29d ago

Three days old is nothing @mason_ward, I once ate a backpacking meal that expired in 2019 because I forgot to pack anything else. The real chaos is realizing your stove fuel can and your coffee grounds weigh the same on a scale.