Leaving Your gear in camp

[DougPaul]

Most thieves are too lazy to hike in very far.

Most likely true for those who start with the intent of stealing. However, I'm sure that there are hikers whose eye can be caught by a shiny/expensive object lying along the trail.

This is consistent with low (but non-zero) theft rates in the backcountry and higher rates near/at the trailheads.

Doug

 

[woodstrider]

Most true hikers

wouldn't think of lifting even the shiniest of trinkets from someone- they know that they may be endangering a life.

Anyone who steals in the backcountry set out from the trailhead with just that very activity in mind, and they ususally won't trek in far to do this.