[pct-l] 5 gal buckets bounce box

[kentr-lists at sbcglobal.net (Kent Ryhorchuk)]

Cathy and I used 5-gal buckets for our drift boxes in 2002 and they
lasted the whole trip (Mexico to Oregon). I highly recommend them, and
will be using the same buckets this year. The post office never blinked
when we brought them in, nor were we ever required to remove the
handles. They do not exceed any large package dimensions so postage is
only based on weight.

I would keep the handle on because it makes it easier to carry around
town if you have to. Write your last name on the side and use removable
sticky labels (available at any office depot, etc.) on the lid for
addressing. To keep the lids from popping off in transit we used 3M
strapping tape to supplement the snap-on lid.

The only possible downsides are the weight of the bucket (extra postage)
and the less than optimal circular dimensions. They do not pack well.
However, we never really filled them up. The last postage on our buckets
(sent partially full of extra gear and town clothes) is priority mail,
Ashland OR to Sunnyvale CA: $9.50.

Later,
Kent.

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Robert B
Smith
Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2004 8:09 AM
To: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] 5 gal buckets bounce box

I have seen a few entries where hikers stated that they used a 5 gal
plastic bucket as a bounce box.
Overall, how did this work out ?. How did the Post Office staff react to
the bucket ?. I like the idea and see how it could be a good system.
Also, did you remove the handle ?.

Thanks
Wateboy
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