Thread: security of camping gear

It depends on the site and what time of year. For example, public holidays/school holidays where it can be crowded, forget leaving anything behind. Lots of scum bags go to the bush for a big booze up...

However, going to a remote camp site with a few 'serious' campers, I dont see the problem. You should be able to tell from who is there if the stuff is at risk. Worst case scenario, someone from the group is left behind to guard the stuff.

insurance my freind... insurance ....

cheers

Try and say hello to people who are camping close to you. You'll soon know if they are the shifty type. Most of the time they're just normal, regular people, doing the same as you.

There's the unwritten rule that you don't steal from other campers, if you catch someone doing it you're allowed to hit them over the head and bury them somewhere.

MY rule is to leave "nothing of value" at the site. Laptops, phones, gps, camera stuff, wallet, jewellery etc. Lock it all away some how and don't make it obvious. Tent, bedding, cookware, cloths I don't worry about.

Just think: Does this look "attractive" to someone opportunistic (and without scruples)? If the answer is yes then secure it. Most theft is simply using the opportunity to grab what they can quickly before anyone notices.

Not always easy, particularly when you have a canvas top vehicle.

This year while living under canvas for a week near the Murray River someone, most probably in our own group, decided to leave their own broken blue camp chair and remove my unbroken example.

I would be tempted to use the same S.. word but hey that's life.

At least is wasn't something very expensive.

The rule of thumb, if it looks tempting lock it away, carry it with you or at least put it out of sight.

I am pretty sure I can say we have never had anything stolen while camping....

maybe it is just where we choose to camp


Mrs ho har

never had a problem leaving the campsite for a drive

just spent the last week on fraser and our camp site was left un-attended everyday, the only thing missing was a stubby cooler.......thanks to the wind

All good advice.
It's part of the risk of going camping I guess.
We try to make our camp as unattractive as possible to would-be thieves.
They probably wouldn't bother pulling down and packing up a tent but anything loose and transportable is fair game.
You need to assess each situation and make a call. Anything valuable and easy pickings goes in the car with you. We've been known, on occassions and when the locals look dodgy, to even pack up the Thermarest mats and Mont sleeeping bags and take them with us - which would be about $1000 worth of gear to replace.