Flying to Hike, and Need a Canister to Cook

>"Any tips or tricks?"

– Lie when they ask you what is in your Priority Mail package. Don't try that with carry-on or checked bags, though.

– Someone has posted about how to surface-ship fuel, but I'm not recalling the details. Google.

– Ask for some "trail magic" – maybe someone could stash a canister for you near the trailhead (hide it 10 feet south of a particular sign, say).

So, after a lot of reading I "think" I can mail (USPS) the canister, surface, with proper labels etc.

I'll take the canister, box, packing, and regulations down to the PO tomorrow to see what happens.

If that doesn't work I'll follow other suggestions for Plan B.

There are REIs and other stores all over. There must be one on the way you could stop and get a canister from.

Best link I've seen for shipping fuel:

http://www.gottawalk.com/planning/57-2/

I went to the PO to confirm I could ship a "100 gram/3.53 ounce" canister –

1) Metal Container? Check
2) No valve attached? Check
3) IsoButane? Check – showed her the label on the canister
4) Less that 33 ounces? Check
5) Sturdy Box? Check
6) Adequate Internal Padding? Check
7) Front Side Label Stating "Surface Only" and "Consumer Commodity ORM-D"? Check
8) ORM-D "In a Box" on each end? Check

The Clerk followed the HazMat guideline sheet, and said everyone knows where it is.

"We do this for hikers all the time."

Good to Go.

Edit to Add:

Cost was $6.37 from Colorado to Washington, 7 days in transit.

The Summit Inn, and everyone else there, receives mail in Pedestal Box, so USPS was confused because you can't ship ORM-D to PO box. Unless the local carrier and the destination know the drill, which they do. So I told the PO here to override to "sanity check", which they were willing to do.

Now it's a waiting game.

Greg,

I live about 90 minutes away from Snoqualmie pass. You can give me a holler if you need.

Also there is an REI in Issaquah as you are driving east on the I-90. I think it is exit 17 then south and then right at the light and head west about 1/2 mile. You will see it in a shopping area next to a Safeway.

Did you check that the canister was working before hand?

It'll get there no issues. Have a great hike!

"Did you check that the canister was working before hand?"

Nooooooo….

I'm a Cone guy. Don't need to check anything. No moving parts. No valves.

Well then, I will check it the night before I hit the trail.

Thanks.

I am sure it will be fine.
Might be best to spark it up when you get off the bus, and if it is dodgy I am sure you
could get one from someone who is finishing the trail as you start.

Greg,

There's also an REI near Southcenter Mall, which is not too far from the airport. Worse case, you could take a taxi there and back to pick up fuel. Expensive, but worth knowing as a trip-saving option.

Steve and Steve –

Air Arrival to Shuttle Departure is too tight.

Easiest Solution: Buy another canister, test it, ship it.
I'll do it tomorrow. The box is labeled. Tape is inside. I know the drill ;-)

Thanks All for the reminders, suggestions and offers of help.
This is a great community.

Have a great trip!