BW gear getting stolen?

[neilmny]

Corvus' post on BW gear insurance has me wondering how prevelant is gear being stolen out in the bush.
While I have read of numerous thefts from the car accessable camps, I've always figured that the location aspect increases or decreases the possibility.
If i'm not far off the beaten track I assume the risk is high that a walker/felon could easily steal my gear.
At the same time, If the distance is not day walkable, the potential thief would be loaded with his/her own gear and not be able to knock mine off.
Stealing anything is low but stealing someones equipment which is in fact a lifeline is as low as it gets.

Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated.

[ErichFromm]

I honestly never think about it when hiking...

If I'm camping (particularly at music festivals) I'm more security aware, even hide my alcohol, but when hiking I (perhaps naively) assume everyone has best intentions. I mean who drives for 5 hours up to a mountain with the intent of taking something?

[Hermione]

If leaving my tent set up while heading off on a day walk I will take small portable gadgets like GPS/camera etc that might be appealing, but generally of the opinion that someone already carrying their own gear doesn't want to add the weight of mine. More concerned about airlines sending my gear off to parts unknown if I'm travelling to walk somewhere.

[wayno]

not common in NZ. although the huts nearest the road ends often attract the attention of some trouble makers. steer clear leaving your gear in those and you're OK, I did hear about someone having an expensive camera stolen on a great walk from one of the huts. not sure which one, one of the huts is an easy 6 stroll from the road end...

[aloftas]

must be reasonably common, although how annoying would it be.
I believe they are referred to as two legged marsupials...

Off Topic (who me?)....that $2 grand wouldn't even go close to covering most bushwalkers gear...

[Travis22]

Off Topic (who me?)....that $2 grand wouldn't even go close to covering most bushwalkers gear...

I dont know, bushwalkers would have to be one of the most diverse bunch of folks i know.

Most of my friends wouldnt consider spending over $1000 on gear.

Then there would be others with $10,000 of gear and easily double that with professional camera gear (altho that would be seperately insured also).

Travis.

[aloftas]

Off Topic (who me?)....that $2 grand wouldn't even go close to covering most bushwalkers gear...

I dont know, bushwalkers would have to be one of the most diverse bunch of folks i know.

Most of my friends wouldnt consider spending over $1000 on gear.

Then there would be others with $10,000 of gear and easily double that with professional camera gear (altho that would be seperately insured also).

Travis.

Right...

Yes, I see it, a $19 KMart tent and a garbage bag poncho.

Gumboots and a straw hat.

How silly of me.

[ErichFromm]

I've collected a bunch of equipment over the years: tarptent, osprey backpack, scarpa boots etc. New they'd be on about $2k combined but I doubt I'd get there with them being used...

[Travis22]

Yes, I see it, a $19 KMart tent and a garbage bag poncho.

Gumboots and a straw hat.

How silly of me.

What are you smoking Aloftas, your now saying people who spend less the 2K are fools and must be out there with your above gear list???

$2k can buy oneself a hell of a lot of good gear. Just because some people (myself included choose to spend a hell of a lot more doesnt mean anything at all).

Travis.

[aloftas]

Yes, I see it, a $19 KMart tent and a garbage bag poncho.

Gumboots and a straw hat.

How silly of me.

What are you smoking Aloftas, your now saying people who spend less the 2K are fools and must be out there with your above gear list???

$2k can buy oneself a hell of a lot of good gear. Just because some people (myself included choose to spend a hell of a lot more doesnt mean anything at all).

Travis.

Im not smoking anything Travis.

I am merely saying, that outdoor gear is very expensive.

I think that art of generalization is possibly a little jaded.

Work it out, boots, gaiters socks, pants thermals, tent sleeping bag, hat, Mitts ....etc etc

I defy anyone to PROPERLY equip for $1000.

I reckon $2000 is pushing it.


Anyway... I am sure you would have much more idea than me.

[Travis22]

Well one of my friends has just kitted himself out for about $600-700, buying a combination of stuff on sale and second hand. Sure his stuff isnt suited to snow camping in exposed areas or extreme expeditions but for everything he will doing his gear (all known quality brands) will last for years to come and serve him well.

Travis.

[aloftas]

removed by admin

[Travis22]

removed by admin

Wow...

Prepared for what Aloftas? You do realise that a great many hikers go hiking in places where being adequately prepared doesnt mean you need to have spent more then $2000 on gear.

Travis.

[GPSGuided]

The cost doubles and triples when kitting out a family.

My sense is that any theft out there are mostly on individual items than a wholesale robbery. Those high value and pocketable items like GPS/camera/Ti pot/stove/jacket/beanie etc. are most likely the common targets. A bit of sense and care in storage should be able to avoid the grief.

[wayno]

i did numerous early hikes on a few hundred dollars worth of gear, did the job fine..

[aloftas]

removed

[JulianS]

Ran into another walker at Lake Barracoota a couple of years ago who was pretty irate about a stash of food he'd hidden there a few days prior being knocked off. Think the food was of the sweet/non-essential variety, but still...

When out in the bush and heading off for a day- or side-trip I've never had qualms about leaving my tent up with gear in it or leaving my pack at a track junction, etc. Never had any issues, but - in line with what Hermione & GPSGuided have already alluded to - I'll always take small valuables with me.

[Travis22]

Sorry Aloftas i was genuinely wondering why so many of your posts are you attacking everyone.

I havent said anything about the gear i choose to use hiking as that has no bearing on what other people must use to go hiking and if we all told newcomers that they must spend thousands and thousands to get out hiking then there would be no new hikers out there today.

Do you think uni students spend thousands on hiking gear?

Wow your really going full attack on me now arent you? My pretentious high end gear???

God up until a week ago all ive had and wanted to use for for cooking is a Trangia.

What does my new found love for One Planet have to do with anything either? Its taken my till im closer to 40 then 30 (or so it feels) to be able to afford such brands.

I hope you look back on your posts here at a later time and realise just how unwarranted and inappropriate they are.

Travis.

[aloftas]

Point taken Travis.
I will spend some time in reflection.
Is the ashes and sack cloth department this way?

[wayno]

+ 1 travis..
we're a friendly bunch here, some people misinterpret peoples tone here sometimes and it can lead to some unecessary argy bargy... trying to have the last word all the time isnt necesarily the answer, take some time and chill a bit.

[Out_Walking]

I must admit, even I'm surprised how a generalised topic became angry so quickly. I used to think hikers/bushwalkers (must get the terminology correct) were these zenned out mellow-types. I'm starting to reconsider though, as in the outdoors I seem to bump into plenty of angry, social misfits, ready to pour scorn on others. As a social experiment, I actually find it quite entertaining.

Oh, the topic? If one is prudent, then of course you can hike with stuff under $2000. Sure, you might not be able to saunter up K2, but who cares? I like to consider Grandma Gatewood who hiked the AT with a shower curtain as a shelter. Yeah, I know there are huts along way, but it's not the point. 67 years old, doing the AT in runners, shoulder bag and shower curtain? Come to think of it, I wish they'd binned that Cheryl Strayed 'Wild' movie and made one about Gatewood instead, as her story sounds a million more times fascinating.

I may officially be off-topic, but I was side-tracked putting on my fireproof suit.

[neilmny]

I'm heart broken......I'm going to have to give up bushwalking because my gear cost me a lot less than $2000

I think winter is a diffcult time when cabin fever can cause all kinds of outrageous behavior.
Such is life

[aloftas]

*sigh*

Anyway...

good luck to those who can do it on the cheap.

I actually do buy things on special, but even on special, my boots cost $300

My Sleeping bag was $550

I must be a sucker

but I will be a warm sucker.


Peace and all that stuff.

[wayno]

Grandma Gatewood on the Appalachian Trail
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandma_Gatewood

[kitty]

What about leaving your pack at junctions when doing side-tracks? For example, OLT side tracks?
Is that wise, or should you just take your pack with you?
Ive always wondered about that.

[MickyB]

What about leaving your pack at junctions when doing side-tracks? For example, OLT side tracks?
Is that wise, or should you just take your pack with you?
Ive always wondered about that.

For walks like the OT (where there are plenty of people around) I am happy to leave my pack at the junction but take any valuables like phone, wallet, GPS, camera etc. If I'm in more remote places I generally hide my pack in bushes etc. if I'm doing side trips.

[neilmny]

What about leaving your pack at junctions when doing side-tracks? For example, OLT side tracks?
Is that wise, or should you just take your pack with you?
Ive always wondered about that.

From the bits I've read kitty the big risk in doing that is the Currawongs getting into your pack after food.

[north-north-west]

What about leaving your pack at junctions when doing side-tracks? For example, OLT side tracks?
Is that wise, or should you just take your pack with you?
Ive always wondered about that.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of people do this every year and the only theft issues I've heard about relate to currawongs and the like helping themselves to food. Things are more likely to be stolen from huts (although most walkers would be reluctant to add to their loads) and especially cars.

Mostly if I'm dong a sidetrip from a well used track I'll leave the pack where it can't be seen, but the majority of people don't worry about that in Tassie.

[perfectlydark]

Not trying to argue but ive certainly spent maybe $1000 tops over about 5 years and consider myself properly equipped for where i go and what i do. I also make some of my gear which cuts costs and generates some good conversation. No need to be kitted out with Kathmandu RRp gear to be considered a 'proper' bushwalker.
Generaliaations are indeed a.silly thing.

Back to topic i dont worry about theft too much (a bonus of cheap gear lol) but as others mentioned ill take anything small of value if i go for a.wander, but have no qualms leaving most of my gear at camp.

[kitty]

Thanks for the replies MickyB Neilmny and NNW. Its good to know the general consensus on the matter. Cheers, Kitty