Originally Posted By: Lono
Originally Posted By: scafool

Often they stash heavier articles just off the side of the trail.
They might be intending to return for them, but they almost never do.


Er, how do you know they never return for them? If you pick up the articles, how do you know they aren't coming along on the trail right behind you?

Articles of value (cameras, etc) I take to the nearest Forest Service office; trash I pack out; articles that may be cached or cast off I leave in place. Let someone else battle the ethical demons of removing someone's stuff.


Well I am glad that someone also agrees on this. I thought I might be the only one who felt this way and kept my thoughts to myself initially.

Every spring and summer, we are out hiking somewhere as we live very close to some of the greatest mountain country in NA. It is not uncommon to see gear left beside a trail when people need to lighten the load for a steep hike up a peak, lookout point etc. The unwritten rule / code of conduct is that you never mess with nor touch another persons gear without their permission...period. We have never had a problem following this nor have we ever worried that our fellow hikers may not abide by it.

The only exceptions to this if it is apparent that an item was dropped by accident. If the item is a shirt, jacket, water bottle or other small piece of gear, we pick the item up and move it to a safe but very visible spot beside the trail.

On the other hand, if the item is of any real value we will pick it up and ask people along the trail or in camps if they lost xxxxxx item then ask them to describe in detail what brand/model, possible identifying marks etc. For items that no one claims, it is turned over to the proper authorities.