Lori
when I used to climb a lot in Yosemite everyone would leave their pack at the bottom of the climb, street shoes etc, and I have never had a problem. Of course we had our climbing gear with us. I have heard of people leaving their gear at the bottom of a climb in remote areas not in Yosemite to go bouldering and having their pack stolen by people waiting in the bushes. Moral - carry your gear up the rock.

Backpacking I always leave the gear in the tent. Zip the tent, no one knows whether or not you're in their napping, and carry your carkeys and meds with you along with flashlight etc.

Jim
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These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.