Best products from r/geocaching

Get a Pick Punch! It's like a paper hole punch but can make guitar picks out of old credit/gift cards. I got one for my husband years ago, before we even started caching, and it's all around awesome. It's just an added bonus that it makes for awesome, super cheap, and likeable SWAG that's actually useful for the finder.

I don't think I ever went through the app basics (I started with Geocaching for Dummies) so my advice will be the things I picked up on my own.

What /u/bnelson333 says is a great foundation, especially (IMO) the part about writing something better than just "TFTC" in your logs. As a cache hider I enjoy reading people's experiences and reactions with my caches.

Beyond his advice, and beyond the obvious need for a GPS (either a dedicated one or a smartphone with an appropriate app), I would also suggest putting together a simple geocaching kit. What goes into the kit depends on how you like to do things. At bare minimum you're going to want to bring a pen/pencil; I keep this one on my keychain for those spur-of-the-moment finds. In addition to the pen/pencil, a fanny pack should provide space for the essentials: gardening gloves, small first aid kit (band-aids and antibiotic ointment), bug spray (something with DEET in it), needlenose tweezers (useful for extracting and rewrapping scroll logs, also for removing ticks), a small assortment of tokens for trading, and a small flashlight. I also recommend an emergency rain poncho as they're cheap (I get mine at Five Below for a buck apiece) and eventually you will need one. You're also going to want to bring along a water bottle as caching can be thirsty work.

Beyond that, you might want to consider adding basic field cache maintenance bits; paper towels, plastic ziplok bags, extra log scrolls/note pads, and camo duct tape, for example. I've also found that a good walking stick — a sturdy branch, maybe 5' tall, reasonably straight — is very handy for poking around in bushes and leaves, and especially holding in front of your face as you walk through brush. You know that feeling you get when you walk into a spider web? Yeah. Walking stick.

> Preferably cheaply/using stuff I can find lying around.

Please please please make it a watertight container. If it doesn't have a gasket, don't use it or make a gasket. And monitor it to be sure it stays in good shape.


I'm so tired of the amount of junk out there that isn't watertight from the get-go. And then never gets maintained. I can't even cache anymore because unmaintained, poor quality caches are the majority of caches out there. Everyone seems to think that all containers should be upcycled from the garbage receptacle. Or a cache shouldn't cost more then a buck.


No one wants to spend $3-$10 on an authentic Lock&Lock -- a proven well-made, water-tight, long-lasting container.

Most people are willing to spend $50 or more per month on a smartphone plan, but nothing on a container for hobby that they enjoy and hopefully want others to enjoy too (beyond the +1 on the smiley count).

C'mon man, I'm the first poster. And you deleted the thread? Only those of us who posted can still see it. There's The Complete Idiot's guide to Geocaching, but I can tell you it first came out before smartphones became the preferred way to cache. But it does also say it's third edition. Back in the day (like 2008 or so), it was highly revered. You'll see other choices on that page, but other than "The Joy of Geocaching", I've never heard of any of them. Don't quote me on this, but I think the joy of Geocaching too is originally pre-smartphone.

This is great advice. I tend to agree with the OP on being a little lost when it comes to certain mystery caches. That said, I'm trying to improve by doing some of the things you've suggested.

I also recently ordered the book "How To Puzzle Cache" by Cully Long, and I'm hoping that helps me get better!

At the recommendation of my kid's soccer coach, I ordered these finger lights https://www.amazon.com/Tzou-80-LED-Finger-Lights/dp/B008JE5KZY to bring with us on a Scout camping trip. I dare say they were more popular than fidget spinners (when they first started getting popular, no less) because you can wear them, tie them to strings, put them in jars like lanterns, etc.

A couple of bucks for 80 (and I didn't even look for better deals,) 4 different colored lights, and you get 20 custom sets to individually bag and drop in those ammo cans. Not bad if you are in a dense kid-friendly cache area. Anyway, I know a few of you out there are in to the DIY swag items, and this seemed like a pretty cool bargain. Cache on!

I like the Dual AV XGPS150. It's $99 at Amazon and works great for caching. Pair it via bluetooth with your iPod (or iPad in my case) or your android and you have great location (better than that in the phone) within a few meters.

I cache successfully with it and it's very reasonably priced. Add in the maps from your iPhone or Android device and you're golden.

I'm not sure where you got the idea that this game was founded on frugality. It was created when the military turned off SA for GPS units. GPS units at the time were very expensive compared to today. Plus the first Geocache was a 5 gallon bucket, which if you look at those prices, they aren't super cheap.

Plus I wouldn't call preforms expensive. https://www.amazon.com/5col-Rugged-Geocache-Waterproof-Storage/dp/B00S8Q4T0A These are about $2/piece, cheaper per if you buy larger quantities.

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But none of that is really the point. The point is that an M&M container is junk. And most CO's aren't doing maintenance frequently enough for these to work. Sure, like you said, they're cheap and easy to replace. That's true, but most CO's won't get to it until AFTER there is a problem. Plus when these do break/get chewed on etc. it creates trash. And that's the last thing we need to add to the woods, or wherever the cache is hidden.

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Why not focus on quality? If you are going to hide a cache, make it worthwhile. Spend $2 on a good container, then don't worry about it. It will be less work to maintain, won't create as much trash, and it will be more enjoyable for other players to find.

I've used Garmin and Delorme and am a bigger fan of the Garmin's personally. My current device is a Garmin GPSMAP 64s. It has built in Geocaching support, a large internal memory with the ability to expand with flash memory cards and uses both GPS and GLOSNAS satellite constellations. You're also able to load satellite imagery onto to the device which is always a boon with urban caching.

Other nice features are a barometer for altitude measurements, an internal compass for more accurate headings and the ability to pair it to your device to receive notifications on or report GPS data back to the phone.

This is the GPS I bought a couple of months ago after a 10 year absence from the hobby. It's pretty great and definitely a step up from my old Garmin.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HWL9AR4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I like having a GPS instead of the smartphone because it has maps and caches loaded onto it.

78s is a 62s, they even share the same exact firmware update. Only difference is cosmetic. But I agree, the GPSMAP series have a great rep.

Tetracove: Yea, in USD. Etrex 20x is discontinued, replaced by the Etrex 22x. You could have gotten the 30x even in your currency for just a fraction more.

Current amazon prices.. But you can get cheaper on other sites.

Etrex 20x

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-010-01508-00-eTrex-20x/dp/B00XQE6ZFG/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=etrex+30x&qid=1571795353&sr=8-4

Etrex 30x

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-eTrex-010-01508-10-Handheld-Navigator/dp/B00XQE6Z92/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=etrex+30x&qid=1571795436&sr=8-2

I like find interesting stones or little plastic figures. And I just bought a set of these to leave in caches. I thought they looked like something fun for a kid to find.

If you are ready to invest a little money to this hobby I recommend the True Utility Keychain pen. It is compact, goes on your keyring, and the pen is snapped on to the lid very securely so it does not fall off of the ring like some keychain pens. It is about 10 bucks.

https://www.amazon.com/Utility-TU246-TelePen-Telescoping-Refills/dp/B007IOHPKY

You can find a slightly lower price on Amazon. I prefer the telescoping version. It is not cheap, but totally worth it in my opinion. Extremely solid construction that holds up next to my keys and change, and I never find myself accidentally inking the inside of my pocket. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VC3FBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uwirDbR6A4FMV

I know not everyone would consider spending that much on a pen, but there are cheaper options that will fit in a pocket or on your keychain. Here's one I used for a while that is only $9. I liked it, but the thinness of the barrel made it difficult for me to write legibly. YMMV. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IOHPKY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xtirDbT4KKDY1

THESE are cheaper and more durable/waterproof. A little bit of spray paint or camo tape and it blends in just as well as the other mentioned containers. In my area we have a lot of waterways and these make GREAT paddle caches.

This looks like the right one for your GPS. Can't say much about it as my GPS is much older so uses a different style mount. But you can't beat the price of this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-010-11023-00-Colorado-Oregon-Series/dp/B0012MI7QE

*Edit:
There's some conflicting answers on the Amazon page about whether or not this is for the eTrex 10. Garmin website recommends this product number as well:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/shop-by-accessories/mounts/bike-cart-mount/prod11411_010-11023-00.html

They are soda bottle preforms (or "baby soda bottles,) which are uninflated 2 liter soda bottles. Available here and on Amazon, and other places.

I must say that posting a "these just arrived in the mail" without providing a source is a little less helpful that it might be. OP? Your source?

Travel Bugs - I prefer the plain dog tags. My mother got me some large coins, which are nice, but I can't let them go.

Hiking/outdoor equipment - trek pole, muck boots, waders, rain suit, quality bug repellent, kayak, 4x4 Jeep.....

Bag for carrying your stuff - I have one similar to this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MTG35E/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_2_w

There are cheaper versions. Also stuff to go in it; hemostats, pens, flashlight, extendable mirror, pens, multi-tool, battery packs, zip ties, writing paper, pens, ziplock bags, Rite-in-Rain logbooks, tiny screwdriver, gloves, and lastly, pens.

Take a look at the Puzzle Cache Practice blog, written by Cully Long, also the author of 'How to Puzzle Cache.'

The blog posts a puzzle (in the form of a mocked-up cache listing) every Monday. On Tuesday, he posts some hints. On Wednesday he explains & gives the solution.

Regular size is a metal .30 cal ammo can. I prefer Plano boxes over other locking containers, but I place caches for the long haul.

https://www.amazon.com/Plano-3440-10-Waterproof-Stowaway-3400/dp/B00469G31G/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1510066300&sr=8-10&keywords=plano+boxes

https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Products-Smartphone-Watertight-Clear/dp/B00VGEH12O/ref=pd_sim_200_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=24EKNWJNJKHE8E4B4HTX&dpID=31KcpwQQdKL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail