Sending Packages to a Thru Hiker

How to send packages to a thru-hiker.

If you are looking to have resupply boxes mailed to you or if your family and friends want to send you a care package of goodies while on the trail, you may wonder how exactly to do it. I know I did when I made my 2020 attempt!

Two things you will need to know:

1. The address of where you want the package to be mailed.
2. The ETA of your arrival.
3. What they like / need

How to Address Packages

Depending on where you plan to send your package determines how you should address it.

Sending packages to a hostel/hotel/business:

This is typically the easiest, as most will also accept UPS and FedEx packages on your behalf (make sure to check, though). They also don’t normally have weird hours like most small-town post offices. However, check for any holding fees they may charge the hiker for holding the box. The last thing you want to do is send a box, and a hiker has to fork over money to retrieve it (which could be up to $100).

For most hotels/hostels/businesses, you will address it as such:

You must also put the HOLD FOR (Insert Trail Here) HIKER wording on each side of the package AND under the address.

EXAMPLE:

So it should look something like the pictures below:

Sending a package to a post office:

You cannot send UPS or FedEx items to a post office, so keep that in mind. Also, remember that many small-town post offices have weird hours, and some are not even open on weekends. So plan ahead! Also important to note: Post Offices will typically only hold General Delivery packages for 30 days. Plan on sending when the hiker is 2 weeks out from the post office location.

EXAMPLE:

Bridget Carlson
GENERAL DELIVERY
Franklin, NC 28734

HOLD FOR AT HIKER BRIDGET CARLSON
ETA MAY 12, 2025
HIKER PHONE NUMBER 254-555-1234

Some things to remember:

FedEx & UPS cannot be sent to Post Offices
Hostels and Businesses go out of business. Always call beforehand to make sure that they are still in business and that they are still allowing mail for thru-hikers.
Most hostels and businesses charge a small fee to retrieve your package if you are not staying with them. Make sure to have small bills in hand to pay that fee.
Always include a return address in case the package is not deliverable. It is also best to include a phone number or email under the return address so there is a way to contact the sender in case it is delivered to the wrong place.
If sending to a post office, keep in mind that larger towns may have more than one post office. If you know where you plan to stay in that town, make sure you are sending it to the closest post office.
Only use your real name on packages. Many companies, along with the post office, require a photo ID in order for you to retrieve your package!

Coordinating with the Hiker

Coordinating with the hiker (or designated person) is super important. Trail plans change all the time; the last thing you want to do is to send a package to a business or town post office that the hiker has no plans to stop at (or worse, will already be past by the time it arrives).

If you reached this page because you are following me on the trail and would like to send a package, please message my Nutty Hiker Adventures  Facebook page, as my Mom will be monitoring and can coordinate with you.

What to Send

What you decide to send yourself or a hiker is hiker-specific. Get with the hiker to determine what they need/want. Most hikers greatly appreciate it when you send freezer zip lock bags (typically gallon size, but also quart size), a Tide pod (or one-use laundry detergent, which is typically found in travel isles), quarters for laundry (usually $5 worth is plenty), favorite snacks, electrolyte powder, beef jerky, favorite freeze dried meal, travel size shampoo and conditioner so they can take a hot shower upon arriving in town, etc…

**If you want our list to send us a package while on trail, click here.**

If you have any questions on addressing packages for a thru-hiker, please leave them below or ask in the Hiker Hideout Facebook Group!