Resupply on the CDT

Last updated:April 18, 2021

Resupply on the CDT. When Thru Hiking I like to resupply in towns where possible. Luckily I’m not a fussy eater. I can put up with average food for a short period of time. Resupply on the CDT can be difficult at times.

Like most thru hikers I start slowly with plenty of neros (low mileage days) and zeros. Possibly more than most. I’m fine with that.

When hiking and resupplying on the Continental Divide Trail you first need to get through the desert of New Mexico uninjured. Take your time.

By the time I reach Colorado I should ‘trail fit‘.

Bounce Box on the CDT

I post a Bounce Box when thru hiking. When I resupply on the Continental Divide trail I also used a bounce box. The bounce box contained my computer and other assorted things I may need while on the trail.

I would send it to places where I plan to have rest days. If I chose not to pick up the bounce box at the post office I would forward it to the next destination free of charge, hence the name, Bounce Box!

CDT Schedule

The resupply schedule below had me finishing the trail in about 21 weeks, including rest days. The snow in Colorado beat me up and slowed me down.

Illness in the form of Giardia, which I got in Colorado. Cryptosporidium made me ill and weak in Wyoming and Plantar Fasciitis caused immense pain later on in the trail. In fact, it took me several months to recover after I finished hiking

Having said that was neither foolish nor too proud to admit defeat. I bailed from the San Juan Mountains cause of dangerous snow conditions. And made unplanned stops many times to rest and recover. The trail is brutal.

You may be the same when thru hiking the CDT so don’t overplan your CDT resupply.

Hiking Food

Most small towns on the CDT have good backpacking food options. There are some, however, that are little more than a gas station. If you are a fussy hiker you may want to send food to many more places than mentioned below.

Breakfast

My normal meals consisted of high calorie oats for breakfast, usually 4 packets, with powder milk added. Washed down with a cup of coffee.

Lunch

I like to mix up my lunch, sometimes it is cheese and salami inside a wrap, other times it is granola bars (sometimes mixed with either peanut butter). There are times when I don’t really eat lunch, I just continue eating snacks all day.

Dinner

Packet pasta mixed with salami is a favourite. When I can get dehydrated refried beans (very common in New Mexico) I mix them with Doritos for a high calorie tasty meal. I ate Freeze dried meals when I get bored with pasta. I hate ramen, can’t stand eating it.

Snacks

Depends on the weather. In the cold I like chocolate and cookies. When it’s hot I like salty nuts and Doritos. Other times I’ll get whatever I can find in a gas station, I’m not fussy.