sending care packages

“If I wanted to send a surprise care package to a thru-hiker on the A.T., what would people recommend?

Just brainstorming with friends, we've come up with ideas like:
* handiwipes
* tiny tobasco bottles
* gum
* chapstick
* dried fruit
* jerky

I want to send something that will cheer up the hiker's day, but won't make their pack too heavy, etc.

What do people suggest? You can drop me a line at eilidh@usa.net or post here...
--
Cay Swann ** eilidh@usa.net”

“Handiwhips?

What about socks?”

“How about a little of each?”

“Nonperishable edibles are always good. Don't worry too much about the weight of something that can be eaten, hikers have ways of dealing with that problem.”

“oh, that sounds so fun!!

how about some entertainment, like a book or magazine, or a deck of cards?”

“well, yes, I am thinking of sending "a little of each" for the different mail drops.

What I was *hoping* for were the suggestions from seasoned hikers. Stuff like, "Gee, I wish someone would have sent me XYZ" or "Ack, don't ever send ABC" ...

That kind of thing. Thanks!
--
Cay”

“Well, everybody's different, but judging from what I've read from thru-hikers journals, anything that adds non-disposable weight to the pack is out. So don't send stuff like Beanie Babies and the like, regardless of how cute you might think they'd be tucked under a sternum strap.

There are plenty of seasoned hikers here, but few who have thru-hiked the AT, so I don't think you're going to get responses from the class of people you're most interested in.

From my limited experience in section hiking the AT, I know that it only takes a few days before you're dreaming about food, or at least some variety, so send something that a hiker wouldn't normally have with them on the trail.”

“The tiny Tabasco bottles are a great idea, BTW.”

“red silk stockings?”

“Always a good thing for the bounce box!”

“Neosporin. Add lots of that! Oh yeah get some of the freeze dried icecreams(cause they are yummy and spacemen eat em) and some tin foil so that the hikers can make hats to keeo the spacemen away while they eat the icecream.”

“lime green jello

ice cold beer

warm home cooked meal

a jar of frosting

a shower

friends and family

... basically anything to make the person happy, but not too depressed about what's left behind. A trip like that can be a journey of a lifetime, but it can also be very tough mentally and physically...”

“i would like porn..after being on the trail for weeks/months..i'd like a lil porn...but that's just me..nothing special..just a few loose pics/cut outs or a small mag.”

“OPIE, good idea! Better yet, how about a blonde with a pack on her back?”

“*laughs* Too funny!

How 'bout blank pre-stamped postcards? Maybe a few small colored pencils? I'm guessing he might have a journal on him already, but with a few colored pencils you can decorate the postcards before sending them....

Of course, I'm all artsy anyways, so I might be just thinking of things *I* would want on the trail.

Other things I've thought of today:
* jelly beans
* tic-tac's
* things in a ziploc bag so the bag can be reused on the trail too (like dry socks?!)
* a few bandaids
* a different candy bar in each package, like snickers one week, baby ruth the next... going with that "surprise" theme”

“* a few dollars for some hot coffee, on me
* drink packs, or juice boxes

??
--
cay”

“I still think the blond wearing a pack is a good idea.”

“Mad Money is a good idea too.”

“Twinkies!, ringdings, Yodels, things that will be instantly devoured.”

“What are Yodels?”

“They're what saved the Earth in "Mars Attacks!"”

“OOHH! I did not catch that one.”

“Nicotine gum? Dare used to loooove to get my care packages, back in the day. ;)
(He has finally QUIT smoking for good...or so he says...)

How about Altoids - they ROCK on the trail, great for negotiating dragon breath.

I love the tabasco sauce idea!

mole skin
baby wipes
citronella and/or lemon grass incense sticks
zip lock full of basil/oregano/rosemary, whatever

Reading material....hmmm
what about cutting out interesting articles or the funny pages from the newspaper, that can later be burned or used for "other" duties. lol

:o)”

“Inflatable love "ewe" doll?”

“- Little Debbies Oatmeal Cream Pies
- Clean, dry hiking socks
- Clean bandana
- Candy bars
- Mad Money”

“ohmagawd Bobo...Dare got that inflatable Ewe as a gag gift when we got married. It has lipstick and eye lashes - hysterical!!! I got a blow-up man too. We displayed them in the yard last year when we had our elopement party. Good conversation pieces. ;D”

“Personal WHAT device? Think of all the fun you could have on the trail with your very own Love Ewe!?!

And they would probably make a good flotation device for going swimming in ponds along the trail!

AmyG - why can't Dare ever have fun without you getting jealous and wanting your own PFD too?”