Greater Guide to Geocaching

What to Pack

You’re ready to find your first cache. Before you hop in the jalopy and head out, take a few minutes to pack some essential gear and double-check your attire. Yes, you need more than a GPS unit and pair of tennis shoes. A few minutes of planning now could help you avoid problems later.
An insider’s tip: set aside one bag exclusively for your geocaching adventure. A waist pack or small backpack will do nicely. When you return home, make replenishing and repacking the bag part of your post-caching routine. Maybe do it right after you post your online logs; then you’re always ready to set out for a new geocaching adventure anytime.
In whatever bag you choose, be sure you have your GPS unit and a power cord to keep it charged while driving (not all models offer this option). You’ll want your camera to take a few pictures for uploading later. A flashlight and compass are vital too. (You might think you don’t need a flashlight for an afternoon of caching, but you’d be surprised how quickly sunset can sneak up on you when you’re having fun). Toss in plenty of spare batteries for the GPS unit, camera and flashlight. Add a detailed map of the locale, notepad and a few pens. Go the extra mile and toss in gloves and two plastic bags to gather trash (remember CITO?).
Be sure to take at least one bottle of water with you and keep extras stored in your vehicle. If you’ll be out for an afternoon, take a snack or pack a lunch to go. A few hours of hiking through the forest and you’ll be glad you’ve got some munchies. For extra measure, keep a first aid kit in your vehicle as well.

What to Wear
Geocachers like to say that there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate gear. This is an area where common sense will serve you well. No matter what the weather, long sleeves and long pants will protect you from bramble, sunburn and insects. Wear layers to add on and take off depending on the temperature. Cotton absorbs water and sweat and then keeps it there, right next to your skin, whereas apparel made of moisture wicking fabric will keep you dry all day long. (Don’t even think of wearing cotton socks, which will cause blisters on even the driest of days. Invest in a good pair of socks made for hiking, even if you only plan to walk on trails and grass. Quality hiking socks can be found for under $7 and your feet will thank you later.)
Even if it’s overcast, apply sunscreen liberally, consider packing extra in your Geocaching bag and wear a hat. For your first few cache adventures, a pair of supportive tennis shoes should work fine. If you find yourself wanting to go on longer treks over more difficult terrain, you’ll want to invest in hiking boots with ankle supports.

Safety Concerns
You’ve got the right gear, you’re dressed appropriately for the climate and terrain and you’ve packed adequate food and water. What else should you be thinking of?
Most geocachers recommend cashing with others, at the very least in pairs of two. One of you can operate the GPS unit while the other keeps his eyes on the terrain, looks for landmarks and other clues to the cache. Whether you caching with one person or several, be sure to let someone else know what you are doing and where you plan on going.
Before setting out for the cache, enter it’s location of your vehicle into your GPS so that if you do become lost during your search, you can use the coordinates to find your way back.
Above all else, be sure to do your homework and use common sense. Learn what poison oak and ivy look like and avoid them. Research the area and check the local weather forecast. If you run into people who seem unfriendly or odd, leave the area immediately.

A Final Note
There is no prize for the person who finds the most caches in the shortest amount of time. Take time in your planning, research and most importantly in the search itself. Whether you are exploring a park you’ve never been to in a nearby city or caching along a neighborhood trail you walk on every week, take time to soak up the sights, sounds, smell and feel of nature. Most importantly, enjoy the hunt!