I have never had the problem of people stealing things. That doesn't mean it isn't possible. The farther you walk, the less likely you will run into someone who will steal your stuff. Not only is there just less people, but for the most part, those people that you do see are not thieves.

That being said, if I ever leave my stuff somewhere, I just put it in the bushes. Sometimes I cover it with my camo poncho. I never leave it ON a trail, or very close by. It is always off into the woods a ways.