nusis Posted December 24, 2005 Share Posted December 24, 2005 Hello - I'm new to geocaching - I went out for the first time today (on Christmas Eve, heh), found 2 of the 3 caches listed nearby. I found it to be enjoyable experience, but I don't want to be stuck out somewhere and find out I need something I don't have, so.. I want to ask more experienced Geocachers if I'm missing any equipment. Here's what I have Garmin E-Trex GPS Factory-installed vehicle GPS navigation system Pin-on magnetic compass Waterproof hiking boots Poncho Should I be set? I've noticed a lot of caches are located out in the country, not sure if I need more hiking-type gear or not. Thanks! Quote Link to comment
+jamrasc Posted December 24, 2005 Share Posted December 24, 2005 everything you got sounds great. I would make sure you always have a pen, in case there isn't one in the cache to sign with. I also carry extra batteries for my gps, and don't forget your swag, if you want to trade stuff. We take a hiking stick with us when the terrain is a little steeper. Quote Link to comment
+New England n00b Posted December 25, 2005 Share Posted December 25, 2005 As you do more caches, you'll find some are short walks, and some are longish hikes. A cell phone for safety is a good idea on all hikes. Water might be good on longer ones... Quote Link to comment
+Bill & Tammy Posted December 25, 2005 Share Posted December 25, 2005 I carry a "swag bag" which is simply a hiking fanny pack with the following items: Silva magnetic compass Notebook and pens, pencil. Small Flashlight Spare batteries Insect repellant in the summer Trade items and our signature item Small First-Aid kit Rain poncho Leather work gloves (for reaching in crevices etc. places to grab caches). Water If it is longer hike I will add some nurishment etc. I am sure there are more items others can think of as well that they carry. Quote Link to comment
+Alan2 Posted December 25, 2005 Share Posted December 25, 2005 Mark your car's waypoint before you start your hike. Quote Link to comment
+The Waldo's Posted December 25, 2005 Share Posted December 25, 2005 Slim Jim's Don't leave home with out them. As time goes on and the find count rises You will figure out whats right for you to carry and then You will forget to bring half of it most of the time anyway. Quote Link to comment
+saxdiva and mr. vibes Posted December 25, 2005 Share Posted December 25, 2005 It all depends on what you're doing. If you're doing urban caches, the list Bill and Tammy posted, plus a cellphone if you like to carry one, should be enough. A bare minimum is the GPS, spare batteries, writing instrument, gloves, and a small flashlight. I'd strongly recommend a basic first-aid kit, as scrapes and bruises come with the territory. Also be sure you have I.D... cops seem to enjoy talking to geocachers from time to time. Trail caches? I used to backpack a bit and still do a fair bit of hiking, so my list of stuff to carry is based on what I'd need if I really screwed up and got miserably lost, forcing myself to spend a night on the trail. At an absolute minimum, I'd carry all the things mentioned above, plus water, bug repellant (with DEET), a small first-aid kit, a map of the area and compass, and some way of dealing with an emergency... maybe a cellphone (if you can be reasonably assured of having coverage), or at least a whistle or mirror. It depends, again, on where you're going and the time of year. Also consider a rain poncho... they're about a buck at a surplus store, and only weigh a couple of ounces. My whole kit is less than three pounds. Hope this helps, Leanne Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted December 25, 2005 Share Posted December 25, 2005 Should I be set? I've noticed a lot of caches are located out in the country, not sure if I need more hiking-type gear or not. Thanks! If they are out in the country and require a hike, you should bring anything you would bring on a hike. That includes emergency items. Saxdiva and mr. vibes give good advice.i Quote Link to comment
nusis Posted December 25, 2005 Author Share Posted December 25, 2005 Thanks for the replies and tips everyone - I appreciate it! Quote Link to comment
+Les Nomades Posted December 25, 2005 Share Posted December 25, 2005 Something I bought which really helped me in different micro or even small cache, is a small telescopic mirror like the ones used by mechanics. Sometimes, they do hide a cache in places your eyes can't see. Quote Link to comment
+Granitic Intrusions Posted December 28, 2005 Share Posted December 28, 2005 (edited) Sorry ...... just learning how to post. Think I've got it now. Thanks ! Edited December 28, 2005 by Granitic Intrusions Quote Link to comment
+Yellow Wingers Posted December 28, 2005 Share Posted December 28, 2005 Sounds like you have everything that you really need. Each cacher will have their own list of "must have" items. It will all depend on where you plan on caching. The most important thing is you. Make sure that you are physically able to do the cache. Make sure that you are safe when you do the cache. Have fun Quote Link to comment
+Yellow Wingers Posted December 28, 2005 Share Posted December 28, 2005 Sounds like you have everything that you really need. Each cacher will have their own list of "must have" items. It will all depend on where you plan on caching. The most important thing is you. Make sure that you are physically able to do the cache. Make sure that you are safe when you do the cache. Have fun Quote Link to comment
+Henki Posted December 28, 2005 Share Posted December 28, 2005 Bravo to you for having the waterproof boots; I should've added them to my Christmas list. I can't tell you how many pairs of squishy sneakers I have! I keep a few towels in the car to keep from tracking the mud into it. (Okay, it's really to keep DH from having a cow that I tracked the mud in!) Quote Link to comment
+tands Posted December 28, 2005 Share Posted December 28, 2005 First Aid Kit, like they said. Also tote along some benadryl. It's the magic cure-all for whatever you encounter that you didn't know you were allergic to. Another good thing to do whenever you're outside doing things away from home is to make sure somebody knows approximately where you're going and when you plan to return home. Zip Lock Bags and Duct Tape and thou. Oh yeah, and garbage bags for CITO or any of their other gazillion uses. - T of TandS Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.