[pct-l] Hiker boxes

[Steel-Eye]

Good evening, Jeff,

Most of the commonly-used Post Offices have hiker boxes, as well as do trail 
angel homes, resorts, etc.  The Saufley's must have about 50 bushels of 
stuff seeking a second chance on the trail, a photo of which can be seen at: 
http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=263797

Hiker boxes are a good place to divest yourself of pieces of gear that you 
hitherto felt you couldn't do without.  They are also a good place to 
lighten the food sack of items that you have in excess, or of delicacies 
that have become tiresome.

Hiker boxes can't be relied upon for location or content.  Resist the 
thought that you can hike on-the-cheap by grazing hiker boxes.  IF you find 
a box, and IF it happens to contain something you need -- great, but 
consider that someone else got rid of that item for good and sufficient 
reason.  However, if you ever wanted to try an item, such as one of the 
little half-ounce cat-food stoves, without a lot of commitment you are 
likely to find some spares in a hiker box somewhere. That, with an empty 
plastic pop bottle of alcohol, will put you in business.

Steel-Eye


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jeff Whitmer" <heynicemarmot at gmail.com>
To: <Pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 5:29 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Hiker boxes


> I've heard a few references to hiker boxes on the PCT. How widespread are
> they and where are they normally found? I've hiked a little on the AT and
> I've seen most hostels and some outfitters have them.
> If I am at the pack of the back, I figure I'll be able to pick up a few 
> odds
> and ends. I'm sure I'll have extra fuel, plastic baggies, etc to dump as
> well.
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