Buying fuel on thru hike

imported
#1

On our thru hike, we are resupplying at (1) Breckenridge; (2)Twin Lakes; (3) Princeton Hot Springs Resort; (4) Creede, and (5) Silverton. We are using a Jet Boil stove. Does anybody know if Jet Boil fuel cannisters are available at stores in any of these locations? I tried to ship via the post office and they said no. I am still looking at UPS. But I would prefer to buy it along the way.
Also, should we worry about carrying bear pepper spray for the threat of black bears or mountain lions? Thanks.

Janet & Allie

#2

Not sure on the fuel, as I’ve never resupplied in those towns. As to the pepper spray, leave it at home. In my experience and all the reports that I’ve heard, most people have NO problems with bears or lions on the trail whatsoever.

Corey

#3

Take a copy of the USPS regs when you take your box. We were successful shipping from CA to 31 states. (Fuel shipped to Nevada never arrived and never came back home except the box to Duckwater Indian Reservation. Hmmm.)

Of the towns you listed we resupplied only at Twin Lakes while on the CDT and the little store did not have canisters in 2002. Google.map the other four towns and look look for outfitters.

http://gottawalk.com/shipping_fuel.htm cites postal regs

or go to usps.com

We can ship up to 3 small canisters of isobutane fuel via ground mail (domestic mail only). That works fine because we don’t want to carry the extra weight of more than 2 canisters at a time. The package must be sturdy. The cartridges need to be packed for protection. The package must have the following label on attached on the address side of the package:

Surface Mail Only

Consumer commodity ORM-D

Marcia

#4

Don’t sweat the bears or lions. After 800 miles of high country trail in Colorado, I’ve seen one bear and zero lions. I don’t think either poses an appreciable risk of danger.

Matt

#5

No fuel likely at Twin Lakes or Princeton Hot Springs. Other places you mention will be no problem. Consider hitching to Salida, Buena Vista, and Leadville - they have it all.

We only have nice bears in Colorado. Take some pepper for the ramen, not the animals. If a mountain lion decides to eat you then you will be eaten. You won’t know about it until its too late.

Worry about the weather - not the critters.

bearcreek

#6

There was a black bear hanging around camp about 10-12 miles from the start of the trail in Waterton Canyon in late June. That’s pretty close to civilization and he may be used to “people food”.

Beverly