Friday, August 26, 2011

From my Experience: Resupply

To use a maildrop or not to use a maildrop?

In regards to the Long Trail, there are plenty of road crossing that provide a place to resupply every 2-3 days. I would recommend increasing resupply points and decreasing pack weight along the trail with the exception of the area north of VT 15 to the Canadian Border. I did see traffic on the road crossing in that area but I don’t think getting a hitch is as easy since there are not resupply points close to those roads. VT 118, for example, had a gas station 4 miles east but that might have everything you’re looking for. VT 105, 2.5 miles south of the Canadian Border, has NO resupply points near the trailhead…not a single one.

A maildrop at the Inn at the Long Trail was nice but not necessary unless you have specific dietary needs. You must ship UPS to the Long Trail! The PO in Jonesville, VT is right on the trail but you can hitch on VT 2 into Richmond, VT and eat some good food at the local diner and finish off with a resupply.

This decision is completely personal but I found that resupplying is not an issue along the trail until the area north of the VT 15 road crossing. I would encourage the reduction in pack weight by carrying out less days of food which can be accomplished by resupplying more often. Keep in mind that that might require more hitching but Vermontians are quite friendly and I did not have a problem hitching.

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