Thread: security of camping gear

Like everyone else has mentioned...if it's something a deviant would be likely to flog, take it with you or lock it in the car.

I've never had anything stolen thankfully. One time I was out camping with an ex and we went for a mission to get some firewood just after setting up camp (the only one in the area). I think the main attraction for what happened was because it was a brand new tent (and figured the rest of the gear was new also). I'd heard some dirtbikes in the distance while we were halfway up a track swinging axes and packing the Jeep, had a sixth sense about the bikes and decided to return to the campsite. I saw a couple of teenagers hanging around suspiciously near the tent, and when I pulled up played ignorant and said g'day. They were all smiles and keeping a decent charade up, said they were exhausted, happy to have setup camp and were looking forward to an early night. Errrrrr....you reckon sunshine?!

Jumped out of the beast with a broad smile and asked for a cuppa. With a Maglite in hand and knowing what they were up to, I quizzed them at what was in the tent, and how they could carry a 6-man canvas tent which packed 90x90x10cm's on a bike. Needless to say the buggers took off rather quickly n weren't seen again, plus all the valuables were locked in the car, but the lack of sleep that night sucked. I reported the incident to the local cops just in case.

My advice is keep the expensive or opportunistic stuff locked in the car, keep a keen sense of awareness, and don't take pricey items out with you. You don't need to spend the earth to have a good time outdoors anyway.