On whitewater raft trips, we talk about always “rigging for a flip.” On any trip, your boat might flip, and anything not firmly attached could fall out or be ripped away by strong currents.
I don’t exactly rig my backpack for a flip, though I do attach critical exterior pieces like my inReach. Most stuff is inside the pack with a roll-top and a top strap; many items in pockets have a strap across or hide beneath a zipper. Exceptions include water bottles, maps, and back mesh pocket stuff including lunch, wind shirt, water filter, and TP. The mesh snags most things, so I don’t really worry about it.
I’ve taken very few falls while wearing a backpack. Just one time a water bottle fell out and landed about five feet away – no big deal. OTOH, I have dropped from my hands and lost several small items; now my pocket recorder lives on a strap around my neck.
Apparently some people worry more and make sure everything is attached to something much bigger – like their backpack or body.
How much do you worry about losing stuff from a trip or fall or branch snag while you hike?
— Rex
