[Garmin H handheld]

Adding to what Gitchee-Gummee said, there are different H models. I use a Vista H, it is very difficult to use it by itself in a paperless mode. 14 character waypoint name, and a 30 character 'note' field. Not much room. I use an iPod Touch to carry an HTML copy of the cache pages.

 

I use GSAK to manage everything. I export HTML to a directory, then use Air Sharing to move it over to the Touch. So far, this has been working OK. If I need to take notes, such as when doing a multi-cache, I can use the notes app on the Touch. The added benefit is that I have music with me when out hiking.

[whats paperless caching]

There is another way to go paperless. I use a moderately priced Garmin GPS that I got as a Christmas present. I supplement that with an iPod Touch. I use GSAK to manage my geocaching, and use it to export HTML cache pages to a directory. I then use Air Sharing to copy the directory to the Touch. Battery life is OK, and I can charge the Touch in the car.

 

I'm sure similar techniques exist for other PDA's and smartphones. I also know some people that use a NetBook sized portable computer, but that is too large for my tastes.

 

As to your first question, when my daughter started out, she did use a TomTom. Her find rate was just over 60%. Most of their finds were in town, the DNF's were in parks, or out in the countryside. I use GSAK to export to a TomTom, that allows me to drive close a cache. I review the cache on my Touch, and then use the Garmin to triangulate.

[Recipe Cache Theme?]

You might want to consider a little expansion of the theme. Make it a cooking themed cache. Include a recipe box, or use the TB idea, and ask people to put the TB back into the cache. Also include cooking items, such as measuring cups or spoons, oven thermometers, etc. (Of course, run them through the dishwasher before using.)

 

This way, the recipe swappers and non-recipe swappers would each have a reason to find the cache. (What am I thinking, it's not the treasure, but the hunt itself.)