Resupply planning addresses how food, fuel, and other consumable supplies will be obtained during the Appalachian Trail hike.
A thru-hike requires repeated resupply decisions. Some sections may have easy town access, while others require more careful planning.
Resupply Goals
The goal is to create a system that is flexible, realistic, and sustainable.
Resupply planning should account for:
- Food availability
- Fuel availability
- Distance between towns
- Shuttle needs
- Mail drops
- Dietary needs
- Budget
- Weather
- Appetite changes
- Gear replacement needs
Resupply Methods
Buying in Town
Many hikers resupply at grocery stores, convenience stores, outfitters, and trail-town businesses.
Mail Drops
Mail drops involve sending food or supplies ahead to a post office, hostel, outfitter, or other location.
Hybrid Resupply
A hybrid system uses both town purchases and selected mail drops.
This may be the most flexible option for a long-distance hike.
SOBO Resupply Considerations
A southbound hike begins in Maine, where early sections may require careful planning.
The 100-Mile Wilderness and remote northern sections may require more preparation than later parts of the trail.
Food Planning
Food planning will need to consider calories, weight, cost, availability, preparation time, and appetite.
Fuel Planning
Fuel availability may vary by town and stove type.
Trail Town Planning
Trail towns will be researched for grocery access, hostels, outfitters, shuttles, laundry, and restaurants.
Resupply Questions to Answer
- Which sections require extra food carries?
- Where will mail drops make sense?
- How many days of food should be carried in early Maine?
- What foods are reliable, affordable, and easy to prepare?
- How will food needs change as mileage increases?
- How will resupply costs fit into the financial plan?