Crimes on the Trail - Part 2 Safeguarding Your Gear

While you are resupplying (or enjoying a treat) it's important to safeguard your gear

Having hiked over 4,000 miles along the Appalachian Trail and continuing to section hike to this day, I have found it necessary to make sure my gear and valuables are safeguarded. Each year there are reports of hikers' backpacks getting lifted. Would-be thieves have no issue making off with a pack that could house some nice treasures, like a good tent or that expensive sleeping bag. One hiker even had her belongings taken out of a tent last year as she was cooking dinner a half mile away at a shelter.

So what are my tips for safeguarding your gear and personal belongings?  

• Never leave your gear unattended at camp. Always have it within your sight.

If you plan to tent in a shelter area, don't leave your tent alone with your gear and then go make your food at the shelter, especially if it is out of eyesight and near another trail. Be sure you can see your campsite from the shelter. If you can't then choose to cook in the vicinity of your campsite. Or cook first at the shelter then set up your campsite last.

I have been known to carry my backpack down to the water source to get water for the night (I always get water first before anything else when I arrive at camp for the night). Leave your gear to get water only if you know a buddy will watch it for you at the shelter site. I have also seen hikers leave backpacks at trail junctions to take in a view. I don't do that. I carry my backpack to the viewpoint. You are carrying it many miles anyway. You can carry it a half mile round trip to a view. 

•  Always keep your hiker wallet and cell phone on your person when you take off your backpack. 

For example, like at the shelter area when you are getting water, going to the privy, etc. Or if you are at a hostel. If for some reason someone does take your pack, you still have money, ID and a cell phone. A few hikers choose to subdivide their money into various places. That is up to you. Be sure you are not carrying a lot of cash. If a debit card, credit card and / or ID are lost or taken, report it immediately. I have also taken my camera as well. Pictures are important to me, and if my camera is stolen, a lot of memories are gone too      

• Be careful with your gear at town stops and while in town.  

Say you are going to the store to resupply. Ask if you can store your backpack in a corner of the store or restaurant. If the store has a shopping cart, put it in the cart. Or if a convenience store or a restaurant, put it in a place outside where you can keep an eye on it. I have also asked a fellow hiker taking a break to keep an eye on it. Once or twice I did hide my gear behind a dumpster as there was no other safe place, imo. I was taking a chance. With that I kept dirty socks on my pack, etc. The more unappealing it looks, the better. 

Be careful also with your gear in open hostels. Most are safe, but still you are taking a chance if there is no way to "lock" up your gear at a hostel. Again, keep your valuables (money, cell phone) on your person at all times, even in a hostel.  

Crimes on the Trail - Part 1 Cars Vandalized

Wow...it's hard to write about topics like this when we seek fellowship with the wilderness but instead still find evil lurking about. I blogged last year on Hiker Safety after a hiker on the Appalachian Trail was found murdered near Cow Camp Gap Shelter.

Yesterday, right on the Appalachian Trail, there was a report of multiple cars vandalized at Rt 522, Chester Gap near Front Royal, Virginia. Windows were smashed in and a trunk was forced open. I have used this trailhead myself several times and was shocked not only at the crime but at the sheer audacity of the ones who committed the acts in broad daylight along a major US route.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy posts on its website trouble spots with parking. Be sure to find out where there have been incidents and avoid parking there. But in all honestly, one does park at their own risk, no matter where you are at. 

Some things to keep in mind to avoid possible theft and car damage -

• Take your oldest, beat-up vehicle to leave at the parking lot. Or get a ride to and from the trailhead (better to pay someone for the ride then to pay lots of money for a broken window or lose money to stolen items). Another option is to look for alternative parking near to the trail and get a ride up or walk to the trailhead. A place of business, for example. 
• Consider leaving the car unlocked to avoid windows being broken (though most safety sites advocate locking it). But with that said, if you do choose to leave it unlocked, leave NOTHING valuable in the car! Take ALL ID, loose change (conceal change under a rock at the trailhead if you forget to take it out at home), and take wallet, cell phone, IPOD, etc with you. Better yet, leave everything at home you can't carry with you in your backpack or day pack. Locking items in the trunk doesn't mean the thieves can't force the trunk open or break a window to get at it. 
• Leave some unsavory items on the seat and / or back window to discourage thieves. Underwear. Dirty socks. Grungy clothes, etc.
• If you see vandalism or are a victim of vandalism, report it immediately to the local authorities and to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Part II - I'll talk about your backpack and personal items while on the trail and in towns