"I learned this trick online from one of the Jacks (JRB), who in turn said it was taught as an old Army trick to avoid losing items at night, under attack, etc. "

Yep, we did this in Basic, and after. It is amazing what new recruits lose because they didn't buy it themselves and are careless. But, we all forget sometimes regardless on how careful we are. I remember having to tie EVERYTHING to either our belt or pack (mostly belt). In Iraq, I had a friend who tied his gerber multitool to his belt and never took it off. He never lost it. He was a little absent minded, so it works. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />