Only a very naive hiker puts down a pack and walks away from it. Stay with your gear!

LOL! It can feel like paranoia sometimes. And then you hear a story like this. A few key items on her person could have made a big difference. A few key decisions made differently surely would have made a huge difference. Hindsight may be 20/20 but forethought can save the day.

I think it would be better to phrase it as "Only a very unprepared hiker puts down a pack and walks away from it."

Setting a pack down while out hiking to explore around is very common. However it is incumbent on the person(s) to ensure that they always have basic survival gear in their possession at all times and that they are also dressed for the expected terrain and environment.

In other words, don't put all your survival gear in your main pack. Lose it, and you've lost it all.

A broken leg and no gear. *shakes head*

Sue

If I ever become lost, please remind me that I read this thread!!!

Love this forum!