Bounce Box

Buckets get mailed all the time.

Care to share your resupply issues? Many here have done the trail.

Ken-

Thanks for the quick response!

Are you one of those who has used a bucket as a bounce box? If so, how did you deal with the apparent security issue (i.e., a bucket can be opened and reclosed in-transit more easily than, say, a standard Priority Mail box that's been wrapped up in packing tape). How did you address the bucket? (I'm concerned that mailing labels might peel off the smooth plastic surface more readily than they would with a cardboard box). Also, I've heard of people having problems with the buckets cracking — although it seems like any impact great enough to crack a hardware-store bucket would probably crush a cardboard box, as well.

To answer your question: My resupply issues aren't particularly esoteric. It's just that I have certain items (some electronics, and some repair items) that I won't need at every resupply town, but when I do need them, I may not have enough advance notice to get a message out to my logistics person in time for the item to be waiting for me at the next town. Hence the need for a bounce box.

If I could figure out a way to avoid the bounce box, I would, as a lot of the maildrops in OR and WA are resorts & gas-stations, rather than PO's. In several cases, I may need to hike (or hitchhike) somewhat farther from the trail (eg, Government Camp, rather than Timberline Lodge) in order to deal with a bounce box.

Thanks,
Jon

You have to use a bucket when you resupply along the JMT (specifically at MTR), so there are TONS of us who've shipped buckets.

First of all, the bucket is big and heavy, meaning a bit pricey to ship. But you seal that darned thing with a ton of tape, so it won't be opened any more frequently than a regular cardboard box….

I cover my labels with clear packing tape – they aren't going anywhere.

I used a smaller 2 or 3 gallon paint bucket and it works fine. As stated above the five gallon is a bit pricey to send but if you need the capacity it's the way to go. Just have duct tape rolls inside and mailing labels and you're good to go. I used patterned tape so mine was easily distinguished from others in the piles. Also make sure you bounce the bucket only to places that will send out, some don't.

Good answers all. I have not used them for resupply though the mail. Have used them for near road caches and have shipped out all kinds of stuff in buckets, coolers, etc… through the years. Seen broken buckets very rarely.

I cover my labels with clear packing tape – they aren't going anywhere.

I have several buckets from a 2003 trip that we re-used around the garden for hauling gravel, dirt, plants, and mulch. They basically live outside.

The plain paper labels covered with clear packing tape are still quite readable and haven't fallen off. I kind of wish they would.

— Rex