I think there's pro's and con's. Certainly if you've got on a solid waist-belt, it's tough to keep things on your pant belt. In those cases I try and put the knife on the pack belt, but then it's a problem if I put the pack down and step off the trail or something. Which, I suppose, is a problem when it's taped to your shoulder strap as well.

Now, "tip down" on your shoulder strap would be quite the hassle to get out.

Usually I have a clip knife in my front right pant pocket. Never had a problem with it there. A fixed blade typically in my pack until I drop it for the day ,then it comes out.

I've seen one cougar in SoCal. Just had gotten to a trail to walk my dog and saw it about 200 yards off. The walk was canceled.


Yes, I'm late to the thread