The Backpacking Box
by Jason Klass
Get Free Backpacking Stuff, Give Some Back
Want some free backpacking gear? Have some to share? Get on the list and get in the loop!
What is it?
A box that gets shipped around the US by fellow backpackers who like to trade gear. It's a "grab bag" of backpacking-related knick knacks that you can take or add as you like--as long as you promise to send it on to the next person on the list.
What's in it?
You never know--that's the beauty! It could be anything from a brand new, slick piece of gear that someone wants to give a better home or a beat up homemade stove that someone wants to ditch. One person's trash is another's treasure! It's all for the taking--and giving! Here are some examples of things people have put in the box previously:
- water bottles
- carabiners
- eating utensils (sporks, Lexan spoons, etc.)
- homemade alcohol stoves
- camp towels
- compasses
- tent stakes
- guy line
- containers (film canisters, plastic bottles, etc.)
- maps
- books on backpacking
- CDs with backpacking photos, gear lists, etc.
How it Works
Add your name to the list. After the deadline (check the forum for the schedule), I will put together a preliminary box of gear and ship it to the first person on the list. When received, the first person will be able to take whatever they want from the box, but they must add at least one item. They will then check off their name on the included checklist and ship it to the next person. When the next person receives the box, they will do the same and so on.
There are no restrictions on what you can take or add. I only ask that you try to keep things you add related to backpacking or outdoor sports. The last person on the list should mail the box back to me. Then, I will collect the next batch of addresses and ship it out for round two, three, four, etc.