Esbit and USPS

Yes

Succinct is good. Thanks.

Succinct can also be wrong. Technically, no, you can't. Of course, many people do it anyway.

Ah……

So better not? I don't want my entire Bounce Box contents being blown up in an empty lot :-)

See: http://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_010.htm

I'm basing my answer on the belief that esbit would fall under category 4, flammable solids.

You can ship it ground within the US, but you can't ship it internationally, and you can't ship it priority because priority uses air.

Thanks Doug I'll check it out.

I guess Scotch falls into the same category. Shame.

Scotch (alcohol) is in a whole 'nother category. Not mailable, and then there are individual state laws about bringing alcohol across state lines. It's a bit of a joke, really.

Edit to add: I will personally, however, deliver at least one bottle of scotch to you along the trail. Just tell me where/when and your preferred Scotch. Not kidding. We simply can't have you doing any kind of long hike in the U.S. without some quality Scotch.

All sorts of things get mailed that are not supposed to. Without incident. A lot. Just sayin'

"All sorts of things get mailed that are not supposed to. Without incident. A lot. Just sayin'"

Yup.

Doug

You make my heart soar :-D

I would no concern about esbit causing a problem with a USPS drop box. (1) they check almost nothing, (2) they're allowed to check almost nothing (only media mail packages can be opened to check for compliance so maybe don't try for that cheaper rate), and (3) esbit wouldn't look suspicious on x-ray.

Sure, hexamethylenetetramine ("hexamine") is the base component to produce RDX and, consequently, C-4, but TSA is concerned about pre-cursor chemicals, not the USPS.

Postal clerk: "Is there anything flammable in the package?"
David: "Yes, oatmeal, sugar, and the cardboard box itself are all flammable"

Customs agent: "Do you have any animal or vegetable products with you?"
David: "My pants are cotton, my sweater wool, my belt and shoes are leather, I still have the Toblerone chocolate from duty-free, and these postcards are made from wood fiber."

My wife has made it clear that I need to shut up at airports and international borders.