Long-Distance Resupply Planner
Planning a PCT or AT section? Size your food by the pound and decide whether to mail boxes ahead or buy in trail towns.
Resupply section details
One stretch between towns. Enter days, party size and appetite, and we'll weigh the food and suggest a resupply strategy.
Results
How is this calculated?
Long-distance hikers (PCT / AT) typically plan 1.5–2 lb of food per person per day (~680–900 g). We use three appetite tiers — light 1.5 lb, medium 1.8 lb, heavy 2.2 lb. Total section food is simply days × people × lb/person/day, converted to kg at 1 lb = 0.4536 kg. Mail drops work for remote stretches and must be posted 1–2 weeks ahead; remember the box itself and postage add weight and cost. Town shopping is more flexible but depends on stores actually being open and stocked near the trail.
totalLb = days × people × lbPerPersonDay
kg = totalLb × 0.4536
Sources: PCTA / long-distance hiker community experience (~1.5–2 lb/person/day); USPS guidance for backcountry mail drops. Common planning values only — verify distances, store hours and current resupply logistics with the latest official trail guides.
- If towns with grocery stores are every 3–5 days, buy in town — lighter to start, more flexible, no postage.
- For remote stretches with no services, pre-mail 1 box per segment, addressed to yourself General Delivery, 1–2 weeks early.
- Weigh the empty box and packaging — postal weight counts, and boxes are a nuisance on trail.
- Stuff calorie-dense food first: nuts, bars, dried meals, chocolate; leave the bulky low-calorie items at home.