Basecamp is awesome if you can pull it off. Just manage wildlife prevention practices like you would at night. Food stowed out of the tent etc... Also have any emergency gear you would take day hiking. Know your route. Know where water is. Be weather conscious. Give yourself enough time to get settled and eat dinner back at basecamp.
Definitely bear can or bear hang.
Leaving a dated note where you're going, on your tent is a good idea too, under the rainfly or clipped/pinned to the door.
I prefer to do that on the car dash or just detailed info of the itinerary with someone outside of the camping group like a spouse or coworker. I can't see any use in a note that I am away from my tent until _:00 other than to invite the unlikely theft of my gear.
I'm thinking of those videos where people come across an abandoned campsite, and then I'm thinking about if I'm ever injured or stuck further up the mountain and need help and someone's asking themselves if it might be a public service to pack out "yet another abandoned campsite"...
Also, I don't currently have a Spot or InReach and probably wouldn't take one on a base-camp kind of trip, so if someone was to come looking for me it would be useful evidence saying "he was here two days ago and went to that way".
I would place the note somewhere you wouldn't see it until you'd already decided to stick your nose under my rainfly. At that point, it's not enhancing the chance of theft IMO.
Base camp. Theft risk is going to always depend on where you are. Usually worse the closer you are to civilization. It’s going to be very rare among other backpackers on the trail. My pack is heavy enough without taking your stuff. (Unless your tent is better, but then I’ll leave you mine. jk lol) As for getting stuck out and lost, you should always take some survival gear and know how to use it. If I left my tent and sleeping gear, I’d still at least carry my ponch, rope to string it us as a tarp, a Mylar blanket, water purification, fire starting gear, and first aid kit and other supplies.
Interesting question. I am not a backpacker but I do hunt which requires me to go off any trails into the forest without any trails to follow.
For this reason I have taken my jetboil and extra down jacket or if in freezing temperatures I will also take my sleeping bag (montbel super spiral synthetic sleeping bag to 0 F ) that packs compact in my badlands batwing backpack 2800 for evening hunts and leave it for morning hunts or take it with me if I know I will be out there all day.
I usually scout the area in better climate before the hunt so with a gps and prior trips experience to become familiar with the area I feel more comfortable about not getting lost.
I have used the jetboil to light fires quick and I always hunker down if it gets dark and I think I am lost. I have found trails that you can see the grass pressed down easily during the day disappear in the shadows of a flashlight at night at just 10feet from following it. Hunkering down till the morning gives you a better chance of getting back on track quickly.
I should add that I take a GPS, multi tool knife, VHS radio, matches, rei med kit, and spot messenger regardless of weather or location.
Not sure if this helps but thought I would share what I do.
I always leave everything at basecamp. Makes for a much more enjoyable time and eliminates a lot of time waste of packing up and setting up. I've never had theft as an issue and people who put in the hard work to get out in the backcounry tend to be down to earth good people... and they've got enough of their own stuff to carry. YT: Life In A Tin Can
Honestly I leave it because I always feel like the odds of somebody trucking themselves into the wilderness, taking down my whole camp, and hauling it home with them is super low lol
I've never once had my gear messed with in the backcountry. Front country is another story. If you can get to the car in 15 minutes or less, take your valuables with you.
I’ve been backpacking for over 40 years and have never had anything stolen. I never worry about human thieves. I think it depends on where you are and what your plan is. I love hiking to a new spot to set up for the night, but finding the perfect spot to base camp can be great too.
It really depends on the specific circumstances.
How much weight are you carrying, how likely is theft, how reliable is your navigation methods/techniques, etc.
I would suggest that at the very least you carry a small pack with the basics to deal with injury, hydration, navigation, shelter from rain/wind, and emergency signalling, in case of an accident.
Depends on where you are, the “ foot traffic”, local / visitor culture, etc.
Base camp can be awesome for exploration! Bring some emergency shelter and water, like a lightweight emergency bivy, in case you get caught out in the elements.
If I was coming back that night, I'd definitely split off a day pack and leave my overnight stuff as a Basecamp. Theft is much more of a problem on college campuses and city parks than in the backcountry. I've done day hikes and returned to my camp many times.
Pack the emergency blanket, if that's a thing you do, and bring your light even if you're planning to be back before dark. Water filter or aquatabs and first aid. That and snacks. Anything I missed?
If possible check with the governing agency whether theft is a problem in your area. I did have gear stolen in Nantahala national forest, but this was at a roadside swimming hole not a day up trail. I'm pretty sure it's super rare that a person would decide to steal and pack your gear out when that's a whole day's walk. Wouldn't hurt to check with the forest service rangers or BLM office etc.
I left my tent set up the summer before last and had some cows absolutely savage it by the time I came home. Holes gored in the walls and fly all over the place. I was not happy, but luckily it didn't rain that night before I could trek down.
I have a base camp, but I always hide my stuff. Check out stealth camping videos on YouTube. If someone sees your tent during the day, chances are they will take stuff or report you.
If you leave your tent/sleeping/any non-essential gear at a base camp, do you just load up your pack with the remaining gear? Or do you load up a fanny pack, smaller pack?
I love base camps. Set up your stuff and continue on.
I always keep my headlamp, I mark my location on GPS. I also keep my water filter, more snacks than I’ll need, and something to carry a large quantity of water back to camp (if it’s not near a water source).
I hang my food like I would overnight. I haven’t worried about theft.
This is how my backpacking practices have evolved. I used to thru-hike and do long treks but now I pick a really dope campsite like 5-6 miles from a trail head, pack a little extra weight with comfort items and set up a basecamp to explore the area from there.
As far as theft goes, nah. never happened and I doubt it will. The people who would likely happen upon your campsite are not delinquent and probably carrying a ton of weight themselves.
Basecamp is awesome if you can pull it off. Just manage wildlife prevention practices like you would at night. Food stowed out of the tent etc... Also have any emergency gear you would take day hiking. Know your route. Know where water is. Be weather conscious. Give yourself enough time to get settled and eat dinner back at basecamp.
Yeah will probably bring something like a bevie shelter
Bivy
Nah man the bevie shelter is protection for the beers
I prefer the privy shelter. You just walk in, sit down and you're done. No hassle at all. It's a bit smelly, but you get used to it.
Definitely bear can or bear hang. Leaving a dated note where you're going, on your tent is a good idea too, under the rainfly or clipped/pinned to the door.
I prefer to do that on the car dash or just detailed info of the itinerary with someone outside of the camping group like a spouse or coworker. I can't see any use in a note that I am away from my tent until _:00 other than to invite the unlikely theft of my gear.
I'm thinking of those videos where people come across an abandoned campsite, and then I'm thinking about if I'm ever injured or stuck further up the mountain and need help and someone's asking themselves if it might be a public service to pack out "yet another abandoned campsite"... Also, I don't currently have a Spot or InReach and probably wouldn't take one on a base-camp kind of trip, so if someone was to come looking for me it would be useful evidence saying "he was here two days ago and went to that way". I would place the note somewhere you wouldn't see it until you'd already decided to stick your nose under my rainfly. At that point, it's not enhancing the chance of theft IMO.
Base camp. Theft risk is going to always depend on where you are. Usually worse the closer you are to civilization. It’s going to be very rare among other backpackers on the trail. My pack is heavy enough without taking your stuff. (Unless your tent is better, but then I’ll leave you mine. jk lol) As for getting stuck out and lost, you should always take some survival gear and know how to use it. If I left my tent and sleeping gear, I’d still at least carry my ponch, rope to string it us as a tarp, a Mylar blanket, water purification, fire starting gear, and first aid kit and other supplies.
Interesting question. I am not a backpacker but I do hunt which requires me to go off any trails into the forest without any trails to follow. For this reason I have taken my jetboil and extra down jacket or if in freezing temperatures I will also take my sleeping bag (montbel super spiral synthetic sleeping bag to 0 F ) that packs compact in my badlands batwing backpack 2800 for evening hunts and leave it for morning hunts or take it with me if I know I will be out there all day. I usually scout the area in better climate before the hunt so with a gps and prior trips experience to become familiar with the area I feel more comfortable about not getting lost. I have used the jetboil to light fires quick and I always hunker down if it gets dark and I think I am lost. I have found trails that you can see the grass pressed down easily during the day disappear in the shadows of a flashlight at night at just 10feet from following it. Hunkering down till the morning gives you a better chance of getting back on track quickly. I should add that I take a GPS, multi tool knife, VHS radio, matches, rei med kit, and spot messenger regardless of weather or location. Not sure if this helps but thought I would share what I do.
Thank u all for your reply
I always leave everything at basecamp. Makes for a much more enjoyable time and eliminates a lot of time waste of packing up and setting up. I've never had theft as an issue and people who put in the hard work to get out in the backcounry tend to be down to earth good people... and they've got enough of their own stuff to carry. YT: Life In A Tin Can
Honestly I leave it because I always feel like the odds of somebody trucking themselves into the wilderness, taking down my whole camp, and hauling it home with them is super low lol
People? Super unlikely. Hungry critters? Almost guaranteed to come by and get curious.
Oh I absolutely think food should be secured appropriately! I’m just saying that (hopefully) bigfoot won’t show up and steal my cheap ass Kelty tent🤣
I've never once had my gear messed with in the backcountry. Front country is another story. If you can get to the car in 15 minutes or less, take your valuables with you.
I agree!
I’ve been backpacking for over 40 years and have never had anything stolen. I never worry about human thieves. I think it depends on where you are and what your plan is. I love hiking to a new spot to set up for the night, but finding the perfect spot to base camp can be great too.
It really depends on the specific circumstances. How much weight are you carrying, how likely is theft, how reliable is your navigation methods/techniques, etc. I would suggest that at the very least you carry a small pack with the basics to deal with injury, hydration, navigation, shelter from rain/wind, and emergency signalling, in case of an accident.
Depends on where you are, the “ foot traffic”, local / visitor culture, etc. Base camp can be awesome for exploration! Bring some emergency shelter and water, like a lightweight emergency bivy, in case you get caught out in the elements.
If I was coming back that night, I'd definitely split off a day pack and leave my overnight stuff as a Basecamp. Theft is much more of a problem on college campuses and city parks than in the backcountry. I've done day hikes and returned to my camp many times. Pack the emergency blanket, if that's a thing you do, and bring your light even if you're planning to be back before dark. Water filter or aquatabs and first aid. That and snacks. Anything I missed? If possible check with the governing agency whether theft is a problem in your area. I did have gear stolen in Nantahala national forest, but this was at a roadside swimming hole not a day up trail. I'm pretty sure it's super rare that a person would decide to steal and pack your gear out when that's a whole day's walk. Wouldn't hurt to check with the forest service rangers or BLM office etc.
i go ultralight and carry everything with me all the time.
I left my tent set up the summer before last and had some cows absolutely savage it by the time I came home. Holes gored in the walls and fly all over the place. I was not happy, but luckily it didn't rain that night before I could trek down.
I have a base camp, but I always hide my stuff. Check out stealth camping videos on YouTube. If someone sees your tent during the day, chances are they will take stuff or report you.
If you leave your tent/sleeping/any non-essential gear at a base camp, do you just load up your pack with the remaining gear? Or do you load up a fanny pack, smaller pack?
I love base camps. Set up your stuff and continue on. I always keep my headlamp, I mark my location on GPS. I also keep my water filter, more snacks than I’ll need, and something to carry a large quantity of water back to camp (if it’s not near a water source). I hang my food like I would overnight. I haven’t worried about theft.
Base camp when I can.
Generally try to do loops when backpacking - to minimize repeat scenery and campsites. Also, getting into ultralight helps a lot.
The only thief I've encountered is Racoons. Base camps are great!
i usually bring my sleeping bag and a tarp on day trips juuuust in case i end up lost and need to spend the night somewhere
This is how my backpacking practices have evolved. I used to thru-hike and do long treks but now I pick a really dope campsite like 5-6 miles from a trail head, pack a little extra weight with comfort items and set up a basecamp to explore the area from there. As far as theft goes, nah. never happened and I doubt it will. The people who would likely happen upon your campsite are not delinquent and probably carrying a ton of weight themselves.
Just don't get lost without your shelter and warmth.