Creating A High Level Resupply Plan

A high level resupply plan maps the overall pattern of where and roughly how often a hiker expects to obtain food, fuel, and basic supplies. Instead of specifying exact purchases, the plan focuses on identifying logical resupply locations such as towns, hostels, camp stores, or trailhead kiosks along the route.

Hikers estimate the number of days between each resupply point based on typical daily mileage, elevation, and known challenges like difficult terrain or extended dry sections. These estimates determine how many days of food will be carried at different stages of the hike, helping to balance pack weight against the need for sufficient reserves.

Some locations have limited or specialized inventories, making them less suitable for full resupplies. Planning includes noting where mailed boxes might be useful, such as small communities with basic staples but limited variety or specific dietary options. A high level plan indicates where boxes could be sent, without requiring immediate decisions on exact contents.

Seasonal considerations also play a role. Stores and lodgings in some trail towns operate on seasonal schedules tied to tourism or local weather. Identifying which locations may open late, close early, or shut down for extended periods helps hikers avoid unexpected gaps.

Flexibility is central to high level planning. Rather than committing to every resupply stop in advance, hikers use the plan as a reference that can be updated as they learn more about their pace, preferences, and local conditions. Actual stops may shift slightly based on how far they travel each day, how busy towns feel, or how their diet and appetite evolve.

A well-constructed high level resupply plan supports informed decision-making on trail while leaving room for real-time adjustments.