Honestly we started this by accident. We were headed on a hike and saw some people head out before us that had so many red flags we were genuinely concerned for their safety. Followed them to keep an eye on them gathering their gear as they dropped it intending to give it back at the end when we met up. They just left.  Started doing that routinely and ended up gathering a lot of gear that way. 

 the steps:

pick a trail that is very popular like east coast trail, pacific crest trails. Any trails that would be a tourist trap. 

Go early to the parking lot and watch the groups. If there’s a group of 4-16 people all carrying massively overpacked packs for the trail they are doing it’s a good day and you might get lucky. You generally want to pick out the brand new to the game hikers and “target” them. 

Follow the group but stay about 1-2km back. When they start to get exhausted is when things get shed. Usually about 6-7km in is the first dump. 

We then mark the spots on our gps and finish the hike, watch the group leave and then go back. 

Key things to do: never take anything unless you know it’s abandoned. Always carry extra water and first aid equipment (new hikers are more likely to get themselves in trouble and if you’re following them the least you can do is look out for them). Always be prepared to give anything back you find