Pack Security

**Rhapsodist** · 02-21-2011, 11:56

So, I really love my hammock and I want to take one as my shelter for my AT hike in a few years. The only thing that is holding me back is a problem i keep coming back to. I am really nervous about leaving my pack out in the open to other hikers, rain, and wildlife. Obviously I'm not bringing anything crazy expensive, but I also really can't afford to get my water pump stolen.

What is the concensus on security and your belongings on the trail?

**angrysparrow** · 02-21-2011, 12:00

Why would you leave your pack in a shelter?

If you're hammocking, keep the pack with you under your tarp. Hang it from the suspension at the end of your hammock (still under the tarp).

**Fronkey** · 02-21-2011, 12:01

I just keep mine strapped to one of the trees I'm hanging from. I've never had any trouble, but, most people on the trail are pretty friendly. Not a lot of thieves go on a massive hike just to take something extra to haul out. However, you could always bring a long some bells to put on your pack when your sleeping. It would alert you of animals as well.

Fronkey

**Rhapsodist** · 02-21-2011, 12:03

I don't want to keep my pack in a shelter, but leaving under my tarp/tent still seems like it is really easy to get ripped off. I'm a heavy sleeper and I don't think I would notice someone/thing rustling around in my stuff. Also, I don't usually like to hang really heavy things from my ridgeline if I can avoid it.

**Raul Perez** · 02-21-2011, 12:10

The comfort thing is all in your mind. Never had a problem with my pack but I usually have it within sight or hung from my hammock.

Put the pack cover on it and store it under your hammock in inclement weather to protect it.

**Bomber** · 02-21-2011, 12:15

I I usually hang my pack from my dutch biners or if it is a small pack i just clip it to my ridgeline and push it down in opposite sid of my feet, in the foot end....

Have you've considered a gear hammock(it wont protect your gear but make it harder to snatch - without you noticing it)

**whayneneal** · 02-21-2011, 12:15

I take along my own burglar alarm/pack protectors. Note picture. Trust me when I tell you they let me know of anything within a country mile. I sleep like a baby.

**StumpJumper** · 02-21-2011, 12:22

Originally Posted by Rhapsodist

Also, I don't usually like to hang really heavy things from my ridgeline if I can avoid it.

Use a Nite Ize S-biner and just clip it to your suspension. If someone is going to look under your tarp, then they're probably bold enough to look in a tent.

I don't worry about this kind of stuff. Long distance hikers usually have a greater appreciation for trail ethics and good hiking karma. In theory your equipment is probably more secure on the trail than locked in your car!!

I wouldn't lose a second of sleep (literally) over this though.

**Hawk-eye** · 02-21-2011, 12:25

Then there's the option to stealth camp ... off the beaten path a bit.

**Mountain Gout** · 02-21-2011, 12:32

Originally Posted by HobieCat

Use a Nite Ize S-biner and just clip it to your suspension. If someone is going to look under your tarp, then they're probably bold enough to look in a tent.

I don't worry about this kind of stuff. Long distance hikers usually have a greater appreciation for trail ethics and good hiking karma. In theory your equipment is probably more secure on the trail than locked in your car!!

I wouldn't lose a second of sleep (literally) over this though.

That is my paranoia, leaving my car unattended...

I guess ya gotta let go sooner or later...