I protect my gear as if my life depends upon it. After all it helps me to put bread on the table. However, no matter how careful you are or what you do, natural circumstances can remove the wrapped arms you throw around it.
Just after I took the above light and shade image from Rannerdale Knott, an extremely violent gust of wind literally blew me off my feet and my tripod followed suit. It had been weighted down with my rucksack hanging on the hook but that was no match for nature!
It crashed over a ledge and hit the ground with some force. Sadly, there was not a bit of soil to be seen or any cushioning tussocks of grass. It was all rock.
The resultant images are proof of the damage.
Moral of the tale? I am glad I am insured!