Don't be a junk show. When your gear is sprawled out it damages plant life that protects against erosion, which over time expands our impact at the base of the climbing area. Excessive padding while bouldering can have similar negative impacts. While climbing gyms provide us with cubbies and lockers far from the climbing, we need to reverse our thinking when climbing outside and keep our gear close to the cliff.
Stashing pads or other gear is poor form, and it's illegal on most public lands. Land managers classify stashed gear as “abandoned property” and repeat offenses jeopardize the reputation of climbers and climbing access. Stashed gear is also a prime target for wildlife to tear apart.