Sharing the journey. One thru-hike at a time.
Care Packages:
Care Packages for thru hikers are a pretty cool thing. When I hike long trails, I found the care packages to be very uplifting and motivating. In addition to my family and friends, I unexpectedly received many care packages from blog followers I had never met before. Many sent small things just wanting to thank me for the blog and wish me luck on the rest of the hike. It was inspiring to feel so much support and love when I was so alone and removed on the trail. Amazingly motivating! If you are interested in sending a care package or gift of some kind please go over the information below.
Where To Send Packages:
*Since I am going to be out of the country, I will not be receiving packages at this time.
Have A Question?
Please review the information below. If that doesn’t answer it, email me directly at erinsaver@ixr.0db.myftpupload.com
* If you really want to send a package directly to the trail, email me to make arrangements.
What To Send:
If I haven’t met you, it’s always fun to get a scanned picture of you included in the letter to get an idea of who all is sending me such gifts, but only if you’re comfortable with that. If you can label each item in permanent marker with your name, that would be great….even write a fun note on it if you’d like to!
You will notice I DO NOT have a donate button on my journal. I like earning and paying for my own hikes as I feel the word “donate” belongs to those in true need. Having said that, some have found it simplest to send monetary gift cards or checks. That is understandable and very much appreciated. It will go towards all the headphones I will probably lose, gear I’m sure will need replaced/fixed, and town stays/food. You can send a check/giftcard to my resupply address or though PayPal addressed to erinsaver@ixr.0db.myftpupload.com.
I’ve listed some items that would be a very special treat on trail for me, but that my budget will not cover.
- Mountain House Entrees (*Serves 2 Size)
Please DO NOT send desserts, breakfasts, spicy, seafood, lasagna, or mac & cheese. Personal Favs include…Pasta Primavera, Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Beef Stroganoff w/Noodles, Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Breast & Mashed Potato, Chicken Teriyaki with Rice. - Backpacker’s Pantry Entrees (*Serves 2 Size)
Please DO NOT send desserts, breakfasts, spicy, seafood Lasagna, or Mac & Cheese. Personal Favs include…Pasta Vegetable Parmesan, Beef & Broccoli Stir-fry, Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy with Beef, Spaghetti & Sauce - PROBAR Meal Bars: (Found at Whole Foods and REI) Wholeberry Blast, Oatmeal Raisin, Original Blend, and Superfruit Slam
- Dinners: Kraft Mac & Cheese, Knorr Pasta Sides-Chicken or Alfredo flavor(with broccoli is okay).
- Protien: Small or medium sized foil packets of tuna or salmon.
- Candy Bars: Kit Kats, Reeses PB Cups, 3 Musketeers, Peanut M&Ms, Snickers, and Peanut Butter Snickers
- Odwalla Bars: Berry GoMega, Blueberry Swirl, Strawberry Pomegranate, Banana Nut
- Clif Bars: Blueberry Crisp, Maple Nut, Oatmeal Walnut Raisin, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Sierra Trail Mix
- Chips: Mini Bags of Doritos, Sour Creme & Onion, Cheetos, and BBQ Chips.
- Pringles: Original, Sour Creme & Onion, and BBQ
- Cookies: Chips Ahoy or Oreos
*Don’t forget I’ll have to carry anything sent
- Host: If you live near trail and are interested in hosting me (and possibly some stinky friends) when I get to town, email me!
- Creative Letters
- Small Trinkets
- Mini SD Cards with Music: Here is a list of my PCT Soundtrack…I’m a lyrics person and range from folk to current pop, but mostly current and somewhat mainstream.
- Mini SD Cards with Audiobooks: I’ve been lax on coming up with a good list this year. I like things that are light, fun, and good for passive listening.
What Not To Send:
- Unless we know each other, please DO NOT send homemade goods…I will only take prepackaged food from people I don’t know.
- Many people try to wait to send big packages at the end of the trail, but when everyone does that, I can’t use it all. Try to spread it throughout the trial if possible.
- I’m a picky eater, so don’t get too creative with food. I know that organic soup might look good at home, but remember I need a diet on trail that is very high in calories, fats, and carbs. No matter how hungry I am, my stomach will not take seafood, spicy food, Larabars, fruit leather, or most types of trail mix.
- Anything HEAVY! Remember I have to carry anything I receive.