My touring style is such that I don't leave campsites unattended. I do my sight seeing and town visiting while still moving and tend to set up camp pretty late in the day. On a summer tour, especially this last summer, that was a good way to escape much of the heat.

I agree that campsites are typically a safe, secure environment. I generally don't worry about camping gear left behind, but definitely carry small valuables with me at all times, even for just a trip to the latrine. I do the same in restaurants--don't leave a bag of goodies and money on a table right by a door, for instance.

I think the bigger problem is ourselves. How often have you left something behind--a pair of cycling gloves, goggles, a map, your tent stakes, even a cell phone or camera? I even met a guy this year who left his helmet 30 miles back. If you're out for months, this is bound to happen, probably more likely than theft.

I think you should take precautions relative to the risk, and acknowledge that there's no way to secure your stuff every time you walk away from it. If losing your possessions is going to really change your life in a big way, then don't leave your stuff exposed. On my last tour, my approach was that if someone really wanted my 15 year-old steel bike and/or used camping gear, and were willing to cut an 1/8" cable to roll the bike away, they were going to get it. I would have been more upset about ending my tour than about the stuff.