Even if it doesn't rain, bags are sometimes left out at night and can get wet, damp or moist from the evening dew. Make sure the bags are washable. Rich Schick Don't ever put anything in a drop bag that you aren't prepared to part with permanently. Things happen, runners, crews and interested third parties all pass through drop points. Runners can and have in innocent confusion taken items from other's drop bags.
Honest mistakes occur.
Bags come apart and spill and attempts at sorting out mixed contents is less than an exact science. John Thieme I have experience with trying to keep and people and their gear together and return when they've been separated from it. Folks, the easiest thing to do is get your name on your gear. It's not hard, it does mean planning ahead- which is something I've notice Ultra runners are good at, and it removes the burden from the people who are left with a pile of good stuff but no way to know who it belongs to. Good Will and the Society of St. Vincent dePaul used to get lots of clothes and camping gear at the end of season from Camp Y-Koda in Sheboygan.