I’m halfway thru “As Far as the Eye Can See” and the author wrote of a thru-hiker who had his pack stolen while he relieved himself in the bushes just a few yards away. Has anyone else heard of that happening? Does anyone lock their packs to a tree like one would lock a bike to a bike stand? I’m hoping to go SOBO in '10 or '11 and would be up a sh** creek if someone stole my pack.
bunk
On the AT last summer, I heard of one pack theft, but it was left in a park at the end of town while the hiker went into town. That was not the smartest move. Lots of businesses do not want packs in the store, but it’s easy enough to put the pack in a vestibule or by a window where you can keep an eye on it. Theft happens, it’s not a perfect world, but you can minimize the risk by being alert and smart.
By far the greater risk is leaving important stuff behind. I can almost guarantee you will be your own worst enemy in that regard.
Garlic
Hey Bunk -
My buddy FRED got his pack stolen this Summer when he was inside a Hostel. It was a huge bummer - luckily he had some additional gear at home that he was able to have shipped to him.
There are going to be numerous occasions on your hike where you are going to be away from your pack. I never hesitated to step away from mine to check out a view or to take care of “business”.
When I was in town however, I would keep it with me as much as I could. If I did have to leave it outside of a restaurant or establishment while I was inside, I ALWAYS took my camera, debit card, ID, journal, etc. Basically those few things that money can’t just “replace”.
Just be smart man. The trail is an awesome place full of awesome people, but you know - there will always be those who are out for themselves, no matter where you are.
Have a blast!
Low
There was a pack theft on the PCT at Cascade Locks, OR a couple of years ago that sounds just like the incident Bunk mentions, but it was right next to a major road (not smart). I personally treat my pack like my purse (it does, after all, have money, credit card, ID in it) and keep it with me at all times, especially when near “civilization.”
On the good side, a number of people in my area donated gear to the victim. I never found out if he was able to continue his hike, though.
grannyhiker
No one is going to steal your pack when you are deep in the woods. Numerous times i have set up a base camp and did day hikes leaving my stuff in camp and never had anything taken. If you have been hiking all day the last thing you want is to put more crap on your back. But close to trailheads, roads or in town keep it close.
Big B
In 2005 during trail Days, there was a pack stolen at The Place, I think from a tent but Fireball was lucky because a local outfitter helped him replace a lot of things. I think there was also a second one that lost some things from his tent, maybe just a sleeping bag, it might have been Tiny Dancer but I done 't remember for sure.
Sleeveless AT '05
Sleeveless
I wouldn’t carry a bike lock with me but try putting your most disgusting laundry up top. That should deter all but the most desperate thieves.
Like most others said: keep your irreplaceable stuff with you when in town and you should be all right.
jalan
One other caution.
I’ve known two folks who had their packs stolen while hitching. Be very wary of someone who stays in the vehicle and pops the trunk for you to put the pack in. You may find the passenger door locked when you get there to watch them drive off. Same with pick-ups.
Try to hitch with another hiker, if putting your pack in a pick-up, one of you get in the back, hand the packs up, reverse this when getting out. If getting in a car, best to open the passenger door first (pretend to want to talk with the driver) one of you stay there while the other puts the packs in the trunk. One of you get in the vehicle before the trunk is closed.
It’s terrible to have to be so suspicious, but your pack is everything you have. Gotta take some precautions.
lyle
I always hike with my dog. Each of my sheperds have been trained to guard my backpack when I have to go in a store or P O . I’m training a young dog now and he is hard to teach guarding as he truly thinks every one is his friend, I hope to teach him otherwise. I rarely hitch so havn’t had that problem. I’m out walking so never thought hitching was nessary
cowboy
This is America. Just about everyone steals, given a chance in this country. Don’t give them a chance.
hiker121
Hey, if you lose money in this country, Uncle Sam will be happy to bail you out. Especially if you lost money stealing from others. Just submit your Corporate Welfare bailout request under an incorporated name, and explain “assets lost while cheating someone else.”
Corporate Sociopath