Backpacking and leaving rig at trailhead?
Posted by Desertratk@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 37 comments
As with many of my hobbies, there's tons of overlap.
As an avid backpacker I just got into overlanding.
The idea of using my rig as a mobile base camp to get to popular hiking/backpacking trails sounds amazing.
But, as someone with anxiety... I worry about leaving my rig and thousands of dollars of gear and my roof top tent exposed, typically in remote locations.
What's your guy's thoughts on leaving your rig overnight while on a backpacking trail? Am I overthinking it?
ceazzzzz@reddit
I’ve been doing as you’ve described for over a decade, never had a problem except mice building a nest on the engine/transmission.
I feel the key to my “luck” is I leave nothing in sight, and there are no attachments on the outside of my rig.
Overlanding rigs like seen on YouTube are over the top with accessories.
A decent rig and an experienced driver can maneuver any obstacle, especially with a “take no risks” mentality, which should be the case while traversing alone.
I have curtains and a windshield shade to block being able to see in through the windows. I have always felt that a “blanket placed on top…” is an incentive to want to know whats under that blanket.
Cover all windows from the inside.
Disconnect the battery.
As for being deep in the backcountry, think, will a Nissan Altima or a Honda Accord make it on the road you’re on?
If not, most likely thieves are going to make the trek to see whatcha got.
99.9% of nefarious acts are because of an easy opportunity.
Don’t make it easy.
ceazzzzz@reddit
Not sure why I was downvoted.
I have a Chevy Silverado with an AT Summit topper, have spent well over 100 nights in it, in the past few years.
I hike often, leaving my rig at TH’s and road pull offs all the time.
I only shared my actual experiences from the PNW.
Desertratk@reddit (OP)
Good to know. That's pretty much what I've been trying to do. I have a Powerwagon with ram boxes and a deck system. So 95% of all my gear is locked away in those. Though, bulkier items like my fridge/pillows/sleeping bag are in the cab. Then of course, and all honesty what I'm most concerned about, my rooftop tent.
ceazzzzz@reddit
I believe they make a lock of sorts for a RTT?
I know one person with one, and from what I can tell, it’s pretty hard to steal one off a rig.
I know of one story, but that was in Portland, Or., in a neighborhood, and was found pretty quick.
In all honesty, I feel that most people are intimidated by an overlanding rig, and generally leave our vehicles alone. Also, it gives an impression of being a land steward, others will look out for your rig, and a tweaker thief will look out of place messing with something they don’t know how it works.
After a few trips you’ll get it figured out.
Also- homeowners (or renters) insurance will cover items in your rig. Just let your insurance person know your intentions.
WhackDanielz@reddit
As a general rule, the kind of people who would steal your shit aren't hanging out at trailheads. You're far more likely to experience theft parked outside a coffee shop on the way to the trail than you are at the trail.
Now, before the average Reddit keyboard hero steps in with the traditional "akshully," please note I said "less likely," not "it will your never happen." You can save your anecdotes for someone who will actually read them. Cuz I won't.
It's the same reason I recommend buying a house on a hill. Crackheads are far less likely to push their shopping carts up a hill.
estunum@reddit
One of the reasons I don’t have anything strapped outside my truck or the camper. My truck is often the base camp on canyoneering trips, and that’s been my journey on the two overlapping.
Weak_Friend_1463@reddit
If it is strapped outside, how do people know you are overlandy?
mcdisney2001@reddit
I have a soft bag strapped to my ladder, but I never keep anything in it that I’d hate to lose. It’s typically a gallon of spare diesel, a bottle of antifreeze, and my overflow trash.
Plus the diesel is in a red gas can, so whoever steals and uses it will get a nasty surprise lol!
refotsirk@reddit
For extended backpacking I'm really only comfortable parking at well-trafficked trail-head lots if there is anything I'm leaving behind that is valuable (including the vehicle). Day trip hiking I usually don't worry too much.
211logos@reddit
I've never experienced a human breakin, but have with various critters (rodents from mice to porkies mostly, once a bear). I've seen some vehicles get hit by thieves at trailheads, but not mine. It's rare. Have insurance. Glass in the parking area is of course a huge red flag. The critters can be very tough opponents, and I've seen them disable an unprotected vehicle.
It's just a matter of getting your regular spidey sense going. Overall, it's a rare problem.
JollyGreenGigantor@reddit
Are you worried about stuff on the outside of your truck or the inside?
Trucks and toppers lock. Secure your stuff inside or don't pack it.
Desertratk@reddit (OP)
My rooftop tent and anything that can't be secured inside.
JollyGreenGigantor@reddit
Do people steal rooftop tents? I've never heard of it given how difficult and heavy they are to install
Desertratk@reddit (OP)
Honestly don't know, that's why I'm asking. New to having one and wasn't sure how people feel about leaving them exposed.
I know before I had one, I made sure to hide and not have things in my vehicle when going backpacking. Now I have a $2000 tent bolted on the rack and exposed.
HeleWale@reddit
Lucky for me. No one is going to touch 25 years old homeless looking rig.
continuoustrail@reddit
That’s how I’ve always gone backpacking. Drive to the trailhead, park, and leave the vehicle for multiple days. Most people are decent and don’t fuck with your car.
Shmokesshweed@reddit
Key is don't park at the trailhead. Park elsewhere. Walk further.
cornishpride@reddit
Trailcam setup somewhere close. Won't prevent a theft but if something were to happen, maybe you'll have enough for police to go on. Also, if you are in area with little critters, you might want to bring some chicken wire to save your wiring. Ask me how I know...
DrZedex@reddit
My imagination is failing me. Where did you put the chicken wire?
cornishpride@reddit
Wrap it around the base of your rig. Keep porcupines, rats, marmots and others from getting into your wiring.
JollyGreenGigantor@reddit
Marmots have figured this out in high traffic areas. You basically have to drive onto a tarp and then fold up the sides over your truck now.
WelpSeaYaLater@reddit
Leave it at home, it’s not going to help you the way this guy thinks
joey12342323@reddit
I used to have the exact same anxiety. I’d leave my rig at a trailhead for a 3-night backpacking trip and constantly worry about my fridge and power station sitting in the backseat.
My solution was to upgrade the bed setup. I ditched the open bed/soft cover and put a heavy-duty aluminum cap on. Now, my entire bed is basically a locked metal vault. Everything lives back there—out of sight, out of mind. Thieves are looking for easy smash-and-grabs through windows. If they can't see what's inside the bed and it's locked with heavy metal latches, they just move on to the next car.
Best investment I made for my peace of mind while on the trail. Highly recommend looking into a solid metal cap if you backpack often.
biga888@reddit
It’s for critters like porcupines that love to nibble on rubber
Agil-lite@reddit
I think it really depends on where you're at.
I had no issues leaving my truck with a buddies Jeep on a trails head for 4 days in the Wind River Range. There where a few other vehicles there too which probably helped.
Same thing for up in BC.
chanciehome@reddit
lol my husband accidentally left te truck keys in te truck for a day here in Colorado and we came back to the truck and all gear fine. it all depends on whee you park and how lucky you are.
g00dmorning99@reddit
Have you parked your “rig” in a public parking spot before?
Desertratk@reddit (OP)
Yes, but I live in a small tourist town than it's very common to see overlanders or vehicles loaded with camping gear. So there is that common trust. I don't take my truck to the city, normally take the wife's car.
g00dmorning99@reddit
Man I live in Colorado and I’ve never really worried about people stealing stuff from my truck
g00dmorning99@reddit
As soon as you hike the marmots will come out and start unbolting stuff from your truck
Desertratk@reddit (OP)
Sneaky bastards.
Flexion500@reddit
Definitely research the area and read trail reviews to see how common break ins are at a TH you’re going to. Obviously, this varies wildly depending on location. Leave nothing flashy or nice within view. The only problem I’ve ever had leaving my vehicle for a backpacking trip is mice. I think this is one of the inherent drawbacks of having a built out rig with gear. Once you leave, it can attract unwanted attention from others.
KapitanWalnut@reddit
Backcountry trailheads that you either need to wheel to or are otherwise unpopular? I mostly trust the outdoors community that nothing will get stolen, especially if it's properly stored and secured.
Popular trailheads that get tons of tourist activity? Yeah, my trust is very low there. Especially because some spots will have low lifes that cruise the lots regularly, looking for easy marks. A rig parked for several days with $$$ equipment would likely entice someone to come back with tools.
Flashy rigs probably aren't what you wanna go for anyway, where you've got your maxtrax, rotopax, axe, shovel, etc all on display. Store your gear out of sight inside your truck cap and you're most likely good to go. RTT on top of your cap zipped into the heavy travel cover will be fine 99 times out of 100.
I figure it's the same logic with parking your car in cities or at airports: don't leave valuables like a phone sitting in a visible spot within your car. Most crimes are crimes of convenience, no need to advertise that you've got expensive stuff for an easy smash n grab.
Desertratk@reddit (OP)
Yeah, my philosophy for day hikes out of the rig is "hotel safe".
I have a deck system and Ramboxes. So mostly everything is stored away and secured, besides my propane tank... And my fridge and Jackery that live in the cab, but I normally cover them up with pillows and sleeping bags.
Mbf1234@reddit
Depends on the location. I would call the park and ask if there are any reported break-ins at the trailheads.
Somewhere like the Lost Coast Trail is notorious for theft/break-ins.
Somewhere like Yosemite, not so much.
Generally, people aren't going to go through the effort of stealing a rooftop tent, especially if you secured it very well. Thieves want to smash a window, grab some expensive electronics, and get out within 30 seconds.
dougisnotabitch@reddit
A couple of python cables help keep the mostly honest people honest. That and parking off to the side or away from the TH in a way that makes your rig look occupied. Then leave some flip flops by the door or something. Otherwise read the room, close to a city - beware, tweaker trash in the area - hike elsewhere.
ctjack@reddit
Some roof tents come with a locker - so need bits of work to steal.
Other people ride old tacomas to be able to not care.
Generally there are 2 ways: drive a car that you don’t care about or make ways to use current car since you equipped it.
I would hate the idea of getting overlanding rig and not being able to use it fully. So would either use it no matter what or build cheaper one.
You can also install 4 ways cameras working upon movement running from some sort of jackery bank.