+Cache U Nutter Posted July 27, 2007 Posted July 27, 2007 Good grief, I cannot believe what I am reading! No wonder my wife thinks Geocaching is for geeks! Baden powell had an old addage about load carrying based on his experience during the Boer wars. He would prior to an expedition sort his gear into 3 piles relating to the likely hood of it's use. He would then discard the 2 piles that were less essential. Excess weight carried is a major factor in expedition failure. Also kind of looks odd on grown up men [women too] Always something strange about people carryind around large knives if you ask me! Quote
+Puma-Cachers Posted July 27, 2007 Posted July 27, 2007 Let's see... We have our usual swag items, pencils, bug spray, first aid, splinter kits, afterbite, washrag, sunscreen, tp, batteries, compass, flashlight, && a camera. Quote
+bytesnagger Posted July 27, 2007 Posted July 27, 2007 Wow, that is a lot of information! But it's great information. The last point made is one I find most important: "Visitors are reminded to tell a Responsible Person where they are going, where they plan to park, when they will be back and to make sure that person understands that they are relied upon to call 911 at a certain time if the backcountry traveler has not returned." Geocaching can take you to many places. So, with cell phones so prevalent, why not call someone when you travel to a new area or send and SMS message that includes the geocode? And I agree, make your own travel kits. Most people will have everything in their home already. If your kids are in a Scouting-type program, they teach these skills, let your kids put the kit together. Then lay everything out on the floor and make sure that you know how to use it. A map and compass is useless unless you can use them. Here's a site where you can learn how to use a map and compass: http://www.learn-orienteering.org/old/ Also, mark your starting point on the GPS! Quote
trekker84 Posted July 27, 2007 Posted July 27, 2007 Holy cow guys...looks like I need to go out to get a cache pack huh. I have just a fraction of what most of you have and I thought I traveled a little heavy! GPS Camera for the finds Extra Batts Notebook to keep track of finds TB's to drop off Pen misc trinkits The bare essentials I guess! Quote
golder98 Posted July 27, 2007 Posted July 27, 2007 (edited) Trinkets Water(sometimes) Snacks (sometimes) This is prety much all I need, don't have a cell phone, don't have a GPS, the people I cache with have all that. Usually all I bring is trinkets. Edited July 27, 2007 by golder98 Quote
+Trinary Posted July 27, 2007 Posted July 27, 2007 Here's what a GeoNinja brings on the hunt. Backpack CamelBak filled with water Flashlight w/ extra batts Heahlamp w/ extra batts GPSr (Garmin Legend) Backup GPSr / PDA (Garmin iQue M5 - also used when in a vehicle to get as close as possible on roads) Swag for trades First Aid (including Liquid Bandages) Waterproof shoes Extra Socks Deep water waders Bug-Spray/Sunscreen Gloves (Mechanix gloves are the best, light weight and tough) Cellphone (Also used to access geocaching.com after receiving new publication notices for the FTFs) Camping Saw (great for clearing trails after a storm) Pocket Knife (Just incase) compass Trail Maps Digital Camera Pens Extra Log books Extra plastic baggies an empty "Lock'n'Lock" for field maintenance Hat Sunglasses This list is constantly changing depending on where we're hunting and at what time of the day. Quote
+"ZAG" Dad Posted July 27, 2007 Posted July 27, 2007 Everybody has different needs. I think we can all agree on that! My particular situation is...I'm a new cacher, heavy, with heart and diabetes problems. So..... GPSR with 4 extra AA's Small notebook for notes, travel bug info, comments to be posted at home, and individual pages that make handy logs for micros. Travel bugs/coins Small swag A compass (for when all else fails-where was north again?) A Ham Radio HT with speaker mike that also acts as a general coverage (police/fire/weather) reciever. A whistle (for when everything electronic fails!) Work Gloves (you're going to put your hands in where?) Pens, pens, pens, and oh yes, a black permanrnt marker. Plier tool Small LED (bright!) flashlight. Trail mix Cell phone with Bluetooth All stuffed in my "Camelback" which cariries lots of cold water (when prepared with ice cubes) This leaves my hands free to carry my walking pole (artritus in knee) and my GPSR that I remove from Camelback and wear on lanyard arround neck. Tailor what you carry to YOUR needs! Cheers "Zag" Dad Quote
+abuhhhh Posted July 27, 2007 Posted July 27, 2007 Alright, here we go, GPS unit (eXplorist 400) Small notebook - this is where I keep cache notes pens pencils sunblock bandages Tecnu Extreme (this stuff is amazing!!!) http://www.tecnuextreme.com/ Heavy duty Duct Tape Rope Camera Swag Flashlight Bug repellant Pocket knife Various drinks Rice Krispie treats Garbage bag Gardening type gloves In the car, Spare socks and shoes A very good first aid kit - Field Surgeons kit (just in case) Quote
+Baron Max and Mrs. Max Posted July 27, 2007 Posted July 27, 2007 THIS IS THE SHORT VERSION OF A PREVIOUS POST AN ADVISORY FOR ALL BACKCOUNTRY TRAVELERS "We would like to take this opportunity to ask our visitors to the backcountry of Deschutes County to plan for the unexpected. Each person should dress for the forecast weather and take minimum extra clothing protection from a drop in temperature and possible rain or snow storm or an unexpected cold wet night out, insulation from the wet ground or snow, high carbohydrate snacks, two quarts of water, a map and compass and optional inexpensive GPS and the skills to use them, and a charged cell phone and inexpensive walkie-talkie radios. Carry the traditional personal "Ten Essentials" in a day-pack, sized for the season and the forecast weather. Visitors are reminded to tell a Responsible Person where they are going, where they plan to park, when they will be back and to make sure that person understands that they are relied upon to call 911 at a certain time if the backcountry traveler has not returned." Do not buy or assemble an "Emergency Kit" - carry the personal "Ten Essential Systems" in a day pack!" The Mountaineers was organized as a Club in Seattle in 1906 to meet the needs of men and women in the Pacific Northwest who hiked and climbed in the North Cascades. Their standard text for these activities is Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, now in its 7th edition. The Mountaineers became active in introducing people to the Wilderness and they began offering their annual Climbing Courses in the 1930s. It was soon determined that each participant in their activities must have certain essential equipment. This equipment became known as The Ten Essentials. It is now known as THE TEN ESSENTIAL SYSTEMS. As a teaching aid in Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills the traditional Ten Essentials were listed as follows: 1. Maps of the area; 2. Declination adjusted compass; 3. Flashlight, extra batteries/bulb; 4. Extra food and water; 5. Extra clothing; 6. Sunglasses and sun screen; 7. First aid kit; 8. Pocket knife; 9. Waterproof matches; 10. Fire starter. Across the nation, over the years, hikers, backpackers, climbing club and outdoor program participants, by the countless thousands have memorized this list. The traditional Ten Essentials have been listed and discussed in countless books and magazine articles. What it all comes down to is that all members of an outing’s group must be individually prepared for the inevitable unexpected situations. The pooling of this individual equipment such as a foot square insulating "shorty pad" or extra sweaters may help save the life of a member of the group. THE TEN ESSENTIAL SYSTEMS from Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 7th edition, © 2003 by The Mountaineers: 1. Navigation Added to the essential map of the area and the compass must be the ability to use them. This requires training, study, and practice. Navigating with a map alone is also a necessary skill. Attach a whistle to your compass lanyard. Serious navigators will add an optional GPS receiver. 2. Sun Protection Sun glasses and a sunscreen are an obvious addition to a pack. Sun protection should come from SPF 35 sun screen lotion, dark glasses approved for altitude and reflective snow fields, and long sleeves and hat rated for strong sun. Have a sun skirt on the hat or wear a bandana under the hat and over your neck and ears. 3. Insulation (extra clothing) This brings us to extra clothing - the most essential of the list. In Central Oregon, the weather can change in a very short time, leaving people shivering in shorts and vulnerable to rain, sweat and wind induced hypothermia. Hiking fast may keep your body heat up, until you "bonk" or "run out of gas" (glycogen), or have to hike slow with others, go slow to find your way or have to stop and tend an injured companion. Cotton clothing, soaked in sweat, rain or melted snow, has caused the death of too many people. Layers of polypropylene, pile and Gortex are the equivalent to the wool underwear, pants, shirts, sweaters and coated closely woven jackets of the 70s and before. Polypro, pile, softshells and Gortex had not been invented when Everest was first summited. However, they all used layers to 1. wick body moisture, 2. to insulate and 3. to cut off wind and rain. Remember, layers must be “pealed” to avoid sweat soaked clothes! All of this essential seasonal personal clothing and equipment must be accommodated in a sturdy day/summit pack large enough to hold it. Garments or equipment tied to the outside are likely to catch on something or get wet/lost. A larger day/summit pack is needed for the light but bulky pile or wool insulation layers in the winter. 4. Illumination A small flashlight can assist in finding a lost or injured person. Also, many hiking groups have returned to the trailhead after dark. Headlamps now weigh in at 3 oz.! 5. First-Aid Supplies A first aid kit sized to the trip is a must. First aid supplies can fit in a Ziploc baggie and should deal with cuts and scrapes with small and large Band-Aids, Neosporin and mole skin. In June and July, add mosquito repellent for the woods. 6. Fire Waterproof matches and a fire starter can be combined in an adjustable propane pocket lighter. Remember, when you most need a fire, it will be windy, wet and cold. Do not depend on being able to start a fire. Learn how to stay warm without a fire. Don't try to be a survivalist. 7. Repair Kit and Tools A small knife should be light and sharp - a tool kit knife is heavy and of little use. I carry the smallest Swiss Army knife and six feet of duct tape. 8. Nutrition (extra food) Extra food should be in the form of easily digested quick acting fat-free fig newtons, jelly filled breakfast bars or ClifBars which have a bit of protean to aid utilization. Glycogen (sugar or starch) is the one essential fuel that must be replaced during a hard hike or climb or an unexpected cold wet night under a tree - most people have ample stores of the other essential fuel: fat. A small package of ten ClifBars contains 2,300 calories, with only 300 calories of (unneeded) fat and a small amount of protein. 9. Hydration (extra water) Add extra water or the equipment to obtain it (stove for snow or a filter for summer), to your list. In the summer you may need to drink a gallon or more. In the winter you may be able to get by with three quarts if you are careful not to sweat. Use electrolyte replacement powder such as Gookinaid or Gatorade. Remember that only two quarts of water weigh almost four pounds plus 12 oz. for the two Nalgene bottles! Use Nalgene or Platypus plastic bags that weigh one ounce per quart. I am not a fan of bladders, but they are popular at this time. (The body purges liters of fluid from the blood in the early stages of hypothermia; if this occurs it is necessary to aggressively hydrate with electrolytes.) 10. Emergency Shelter Emergency shelter can range from a 9oz. Emergency Bivy Sack sold by Adventure Medical Kits for about $30. to a four season Gore-Tex $200. bivy bag, an ensolite pad and 20 degree sleeping bag. You can not shelter on snow without an insulating pad such as the Cascade Designs RidgeRest three-quarter length, 9 ounce ensolite foam pad, strapped to the side of your day or summit pack. Bring your cell phone turned off in your pack but available in an emergency! Consider the possible agonizing alternative. Do not overlook the very inexpensive handie talkie citizens band radios. Let your Responsible Person know your chosen band (#9?) and schedule. --On Belay! Bob Speik Copyright© 1995-2007 by Robert Speik. All rights reserved. from TRADITIONAL MOUNTAINEERING ™ www.TraditionalMountaineering.org ™ and also www.AlpineMountaineering.org ™ Contributed by Baron Max and Mrs. Max Quote
+cowpill Posted July 27, 2007 Posted July 27, 2007 Let's see.... A GPSr A Small first aid kit Power bars, old but not moldy MRE (spaggetti w/meat sauce) Poncho Camelbak bladder(72oz) AA batteries Waterproof Matches Leatherman mp3 player parachute cord duct tape machette and finally a mini mag and sometimes my cell phone but not always. Quote
Pythagoras6(MM) Posted July 27, 2007 Posted July 27, 2007 My Geocache bag is a very well used Deuter backpack. It's contents are as follows: - 1 x Engineering Compass - 1 x Mil-spek notepad case (black) - 1 x 4 by 6 inch writing pad - 1 x List of local emergency contact numbers for the area I'm caching in - 3 x Retractable Pen (black) - 2 x Mechanical Pencil - 10 x Mechanical Pencil Graphite - 1 x Safety vest (red) for those caches in hunting areas (doubles as visual signalling device) - 2 x Spare paracord lanyard - 1 x PDA, containing all geocaches for the area I'm in - 1 x Cellular Phone with full battery - 1 x Gerber Multitool - 1 x 3L water bladder with hydration hose - 1 x 1L water bottle - 1 x spare socks - 1 x mini mag-light - 1 x vehicle rearview mirror (the easier to see under or over obstacles) - 4 x spare rechargable AA batteries - 4 x Alkaline AA batteries - 1 x Digital Camera - 1 x Magellan Meridian Gold GPSr - 1 x large black trash bag, for areas in need of a little CITO - Randomly sized Geo-Swag - Photo ID and Health Card Quote
+codge-wv Posted July 28, 2007 Posted July 28, 2007 One thing I added recently to my bag is an automotive inspection mirror. Found at Sears in tool department, mirror is about 3 inches in diameter, with a telescopic handle - out to about 36 inches. Very useful for inspecting those hides in holes and crevices where you might not want to stick your hand...... Quote
+beagle_camper Posted July 29, 2007 Posted July 29, 2007 I've got my: path-tags geo-jellies first aid kit Compass batteries (both AA and AAA (my legend takes AA snd my fortrex takes AAA) stamp swag and my GPSs Quote
+dguyellison Posted July 29, 2007 Posted July 29, 2007 I keep two different bags, one for all day deals and one for easy caching. Easy bag: a digital camera case (simple black cordura, about as big as a coffee mug) with a mini pen, GPSr (eXplorist), and whatever coins I have at the time. All day bag: multitool (SwissArmy tool); tool kit with an extendable magnetic probe, picks, and a mirror with an extendable handle; water, USGS maps and 1:24,000 protractor for plotting, my old army lensatic compass, a pace counter cord, snacks, wipes, leather work gloves, swag items, a notebook, pens, blaze orange hat in the fall to keep from getting shot as a deer, 550 cord, SwissArmy knife. Should have a first aid kit, but I know enough first aid to improvise supplies if necessary. The Ivyblock is a great idea. I will never carry a weapon (gun, etc.). If caching is so dangerous to require protection like that, caching ain't worth doing. I also wear a Tilley hat with a sewn in pocket in the crown where I keep $20 in small bills (last I checked it had 20 Euros and a 20 British pound note from my last trip overseas) and a spare car key. I always carry a cell phone dummy corded to a pants belt loop. Quote
+Lee Ofsted Posted July 29, 2007 Posted July 29, 2007 Unless I geocache in town I have a light-weight collection of the usual 10 essentials for day hiking to put in my small daypack. Glad to see a few people mentioned whistles and space blankets--the things most commonly left off of peoples lists. My nephew who's in the military gave me a great tip for fire material. That hand sanitizer in your bag makes a great fire starter--just throw in some waterproof matches. Thanks for the idea to take some baggies. I could start replacing the ones needed instead of just wishing I could. Quote
+shmidly1909 Posted August 2, 2007 Posted August 2, 2007 Travel Bugs Trinkets Pen Pencil Pencil Sharpener Bug Spray Water GPS Compass Phone Pocket Knife ....ETC ETC Quote
+27E_20 Posted August 4, 2007 Posted August 4, 2007 Heres the way I see it. Unless youre going to be at it all day, just take along a good pen, a few geo-swag items, your GPS, and the cache info- everything should fit in a cargo pocket or two. I like to travel light- especially if Im taking the mountain bike along. Now if Im benchmarking, thats a whole different story. Quote
eldercyclist Posted August 8, 2007 Posted August 8, 2007 Golly, I can't believe I am the only one here who carries a small mirror with handle!!! Quote
+jkern Posted August 10, 2007 Posted August 10, 2007 Let's see.... -Gps -Camera -Palm -Plastic bags for CITO -A folder with a few Geocaching procures and Faqs -Swag and travel bugs if any -A large pile of extra batteries -Pens and paper for those puzzles And sometimes for benchmarks -Measuring Tape -Water bottle -Paper towels to dry and clean it. All in a small backpack that I used in 1st through 3rd grade That's pretty light and wouldn't be good for any long hikes but in most cases it's more then enough. Quote
+mm_dancer Posted November 21, 2007 Posted November 21, 2007 (edited) and i thought i had lots! i have two pockets and a pouch gps goes in the pouch on the strap large pocket-swag i wish to trade, 1 TB, camera, phone, mittens, granola bars, extra batteries small pocket-swag i find that im probably going to keep (if im no im doing a quick micro, the pack usually stays in the car and i take the gps, pen and camera) thats all i carry, usually i right out all the specs of the caches i wish to complete that day on a sheet of paper, unless im with mTn_biKer65 who has them all paperlessly so i dont need to bother. maybe i should consider adding some more things, all these lists seem pretty similar. The cache repair items seem like a good idea, I hate getting to those that need it and don't have anything to help with! thanks for the ideas, I will be rethinking my pack soon, mm_dancer Edited November 21, 2007 by mm_dancer Quote
+Jhawk0769 Posted November 21, 2007 Posted November 21, 2007 (edited) This is too funny. I just found my 4 year old in my pack, what's in yours? Anyway, that's it for now, nothing else, as he had already removed the entire contents and was munching on the Bag of Beef Jerky I just loaded in it earlier this evening. Kidz - gotta luv 'em. Edited November 21, 2007 by Jhawk0769 Quote
+Sioneva Posted November 25, 2007 Posted November 25, 2007 Ummm... Let's see. I bought a standard school-type backpack a few months ago. On the outside: 2 carabiners, both with blue penlights built in. 2 pens collapsible walking stick In pouch #1: Three travel bugs that need to be moved different places. Legend GPS Palm Pilot Extendable magnetic 'grabber' tool for retrieving nanos, bisons, etc, that are out of reach (I'm short!) In pouch #2: 2 mini maglites with fresh batteries 1 Nebraska national guard penlight headlamp for night caching that needs batteries (!! I forgot I had this!) 2 unopened 2-packs of Duracell AA batteries In pouch #3: Multi-tool in case Serrated folding knife In the main compartment: 1 roll of camo duct tape One bright orange cap (it's hunting season, after all) One pair of binoculars A plastic bag full of small swag and/or small cache-making materials A plastic bag with multiple geocoins. Most of them are mine A spool containing 1200 yds of transparent fishing line A can of deep woods Off Standard first aid kit I was wondering why the thing was getting so heavy. I usually offload a lot from it unless I'm doing a major hike, but it's one way to keep organized! Quote
knowschad Posted November 26, 2007 Posted November 26, 2007 Backpack? I have one. It stays in the back seat. I tend to travel very light. I carry just my GPS, a pen (always, unless I forget) and (usually, when I'm very prepared) a piece of paper with the cache names, waypoints, size and diff/terrain ratings handwritten on it. Maybe a flashlight if its close to sunset or after dark. Oh yeah... and then there's my Swiss Army knife, in case I need to use the scissors or the tweezers. But that's it except for the moleskin (in case I get blisters). Oh yeah... the beef jerky and trail mix. Must-have. And a can of beans just in case I become lost. And if I need to warm those beans, I find there is no fire-starter quite like a propane torch. I did mention the pen, right? Well, to be honest, several. Gotta have spares. They do run out of ink, and to be honest, not all will write upside down or at 40 below. So at least one has to be a Space Pen. Extra shoes. And socks. They get wet. They wear out during long hikes. They get gravel in them. The laces become untied. Yeah... you CAN re-tie them, but I prefer to don a new pair rather than risking bad laces. But that's just me. And underwear. You never know. Oh... a roll or two of toilet paper, for the same reason. Snow shoes. Yeah, it can snow here, even in July. A moose rifle and plenty of ammo (this IS Minnesota, even if there isn't a moose for 200 miles. Hey... it COULD happen, OK?) Quote
+Team Idasam Posted December 1, 2007 Posted December 1, 2007 Hmmm, let's see here: swag wire rope/twine flash light batteries an assortment of containers clip board pens & pencils note pads GPS of course and my gun! Quote
+f8lranger4x4 Posted December 6, 2007 Posted December 6, 2007 Notebook notepad pens batteries flashlight GPS Quote
knowschad Posted December 7, 2007 Posted December 7, 2007 What is a "geocaching bag"? My car keys are (hopefully!) in one pocket. My billfold is (hopefully) in another pocket. If I am prepared, I do have a pen or pencil somewhere on my person. And if I don't have my GPS in my hand, something is seriously wrong. Only partially kidding. I don't carry one. I do have one in the car. It is stocked with a little bit of swag and a few cache repair items, but frankly, it has been in the back of the car for a long time. Quote
+ChiefWings Posted December 20, 2007 Posted December 20, 2007 (edited) This is whats in my bag (all compartments) a couple of micro cache containers my calling card 1 tissue(all thats left) 2 log books(note book size) 1 letherman 1 surefire torch 2 caribiener led lights(small flash light) 1 tire pressure gauge 1 cell phone charm 1 pen knife 1 hand made ground speak picture painted on a piece of cloth sawag items 1 pair binoculars asorted zip lock bags 1 hat the pouch for my digital camera deodarant tire pressure gauge?? Edited December 20, 2007 by ChiefWings Quote
Snarf93 Posted January 25, 2008 Posted January 25, 2008 I dont bring as much as some but i still bring enough. my pack holds: cheap folding knife (kept razor sharp) leatherman wave batteryless flashlight (the kind you shake) LED flashlight swiss army knife cooking kit (alchohol stove, pot, foil, disnatured alchohol, fork potstand) food modified bottle of swag sig items extra zip locks extra normal logs extra micro log books micro container many times i strap a larger or more custom cache to the outside of the pack! Keep On Cachin. Quote
+srt4guy Posted January 25, 2008 Posted January 25, 2008 (edited) Here's what i carry, same pic from a previous post. Cache on!! Tim P.S. as for the gun, this is the only reason. http://www.thebostonchannel.com/consumer/8833811/detail.html http://huntingclub.com/Community/Forums.as...sts&t=74668 Edited January 25, 2008 by srt4guy Quote
+rabid-chihuahua Posted February 1, 2008 Posted February 1, 2008 Let's see. I have a notebook a rubber stamp a stamp pad my GPS rubber bands a scrunchie chap stick tweezers leatherman pocket knife emergency poncho gloves sun block bug repellent itch cream garbage bag pen and pencil water bottle compass digital camera binoculars flashlight extra batteries cell phone tissues lighter travel bug bandaides pack of gum sunglasses a sticky candycane assorted swag items and a can of mace in case I meet a bear or a wacko in the woods. Quote
+5-4-Fun Posted March 16, 2008 Posted March 16, 2008 (edited) Wow...some of you carry a lot of stuff! Our pack typically carries: Our two GPSr's pencils pencil sharpener pens individual wet wipes various swag items PDA (love that paperless caching!) pad of paper extra blinkie logs in case they are full when we get there TB's if we have any snacks for the kids water (if we are in for a long hike) small first aid items camera With that said, we have only been caching since 11/2/07 and in SD it's cold. I would imagine that we will start carrying bug spray, etc. as the temeratures rise. Edited March 16, 2008 by 5-4-Fun Quote
fishdirt Posted March 16, 2008 Posted March 16, 2008 Dang I carry a note pad printouts of the caches a pen the gps cell phone and the prizes when I can I'll be getting a bag soon. Good idea on the first aid kits and extra zippys. Quote
+qlenfg Posted March 21, 2008 Posted March 21, 2008 (edited) Here's what i carry, same pic from a previous post. Cache on!! Tim P.S. as for the gun, this is the only reason. http://www.thebostonchannel.com/consumer/8833811/detail.html http://huntingclub.com/Community/Forums.as...sts&t=74668 Looks like a Raven or Jennings. A pointed stick might be more deadly to a coyote than a .25 auto -- and more reliable. I was glad I stole some ideas off this list for some cache repair items. I found one the other day with a wet log and a rusty pen. Someone had placed a second dry log, but the bag was leaky. I hooked them up with a new bag and a fresh pen. Edited March 22, 2008 by qlenfg Quote
krashalaska Posted March 23, 2008 Posted March 23, 2008 hmmm seams most cachers carry the same things Alaska cacher's do things a little different I guess I can add to this list hand wand metal detector ( people put nano's in spruce tree's ) telescoping magnetic retriever ( people want you to crawl under bridges ) and a .454 casull ( actually the most common caliber I know three cachers that carry this same pistol ) reason for pistol Quote
fishdirt Posted March 23, 2008 Posted March 23, 2008 Recently had a snowstorm here and yet I still tried for some caches. Did get some and no luck on others. The good note on this is a realization of things I still need. A small shovel (tiny hand shovel no more then a foot long) Extra pair of socks and possibly shoes Flashlight Spray de icer couple plastic bags (from stores) to cover shoes Snow, when 1.5s turn into 4.0s Quote
keri Posted March 23, 2008 Posted March 23, 2008 (edited) Let's see..... GPS...duh numerous old printouts folded water bowl for my dog 1/2 roll of TP 1 water bottle 2 pens #9 pool ball, picked up at a cache a while ago a piece of bark..no clue where that came from 2 quarters swag 2 AA batteries digital camera state park map .40 cal. glock That's it Edited March 23, 2008 by keri Quote
keri Posted March 23, 2008 Posted March 23, 2008 Golly, I can't believe I am the only one here who carries a small mirror with handle!!! I just snap a picture in the hole with my digital camera (with flash on) then look at the display to see if there is anything in the hole. ....and I hope nothing in the hole will be angered by the flash Quote
keri Posted March 23, 2008 Posted March 23, 2008 (edited) i was looking for a geocoin in our geo back pack and couldn't belive the mound of stuff that i pulled out ! sunblock, bug spray, bandaids, chapstick, an ace-wrap and kleenex zip-ties, duct tape, and ziplock bags 4 space blankets, 4 hats, 4 pairs of gloves and 4 disposable rain poncho's 3 bottles of water and a box of chewy granola bars. a camera, my gps, spare cell phone and a pack of 16 AA's a big bag of trade items, a geocoin and a travel bug. a tube of 15 glowsticks and $20 and a bunch of quarters (for emergencys) 5 pencils, pencil shapener, sharpie, and couple of pens several pine cones, acorns and hickory nuts (i think the little bunnys were collecting) seems like stuff keeps getting added but never taken out whats in your backpack ? edited to add : i just found 2 pairs of sunglasses in a side pocket too I had to laugh when I read your post. I know darn well that my pack is getting heavier so just out of morbid curiosity and your post...I decided to dump the thing out to take a look. Let's see..... [rummaging around main compartment] ziplock bags-4 large and 4 small. 2 kitchen garbage bags an extra log book for cache maintenence an extra micro log sheet a shirt pair of socks a fully stocked first aid kit. (I'm not known as being graceful on or off the trail) my letterboxing journal my signature rubber stamp for letterboxing orange safety vest where did this photo album come from?? 5 toe warmers and 1 body warmer 4 mosquito badges (they don't work trust me) 2 rain ponchos 5 pages of old coordinates for caches that I've already done and two that I haven't..so the whole lot stays. 1 bag of stale combos ...the deer dont' eat them. They look at you like you're nuts. 2 bottles of very warm water. YUM! 1 unsharpened pencil Top section 1 skateboard TB 1 whistle 3 geocaching patches 1 small bottle of hand sanitizer 1 cemetary ediquette card 3 mini markers 1 mini highlighter 1 "princess lisa" wooden nickle 1 Polynesian Franc? How did those nail clippers get in there? 4 extra batteries 1 digital camera 1 GPS'r (oh..that's where I left that receipt) 4 sticks of gum and a partridge in a pear tree. Map pocket holds no map...but I finally found my work gloves. The very bottom compartment contains SWAG items. Looks like I need to get to the clearance aisle...I'm down to... 3 pencils 2 mini sharpies 1 mini highlighter 1 mini pen where did that cookie cutter come from? and who put the fly strip in here? the air freshener was supposed to go in my car...but I like the smell of old McDonalds burgers and spilled beer. I can't believe all the stuff that was in there. It's really not a lot but when you itemize it, it appears that I'm carrying 50 lbs. I guess I could finish eating the Combos and lose about 4 ounces. 1 cemetary ediquette card ?? Edited March 23, 2008 by keri Quote
+goathag Posted March 23, 2008 Posted March 23, 2008 2 small ziploc bags 2 large ziploc bags 5 rubber duckies 2 super balls 2 clif bars 1 squashed bag of mini fig newtons 2 bottles of water 1 pack of gum 1 large folder of cache paperwork (still haven't figured out how to go paperless) 2 pairs of socks 2 pairs of gloves 1 spare log book 3 pencils 2 pens 2 pencil sharpeners 19 AAA batteries 1 disposable camera 1 digital camera 1 can pepper spray 1 utility knife 1 large bag of swag 1 whistle my spare stethoscope I've been looking for for a month Quote
+Ice-Man28 Posted March 24, 2008 Posted March 24, 2008 Leatherman small trade items 2-3 travel bugs new logs micros & nanos two new log pads many small zip log bags write wet pen sharpie pencil & sharpener 2 camaras one color one black & white nano caches compass binos mini mag 2- 3 personal logs art supplys ( pastels and art pad) 6 batterys (AA) water bottle field guides ( usually bird, trees, & wildflowers) Cord fire starter matches needle & thread hand warmers (instant) first aid & survival guides one time use poncho banaids & of course a gps Quote
+Sembei Posted March 24, 2008 Posted March 24, 2008 (edited) I'm curious to know what type of bag people use as well. I'm currently using a slung-over-the-shoulder field medic bag (vintage replica) that I've framed with pins and buttons I find...but am thinking of upgrading to a sling over backpack. Bag of sig items/swag Separate bag of TBs/coins Werthers Originals Chapstick Mini leatherman Small flathead screwdriver LED flashlight GPS (naturally) First Aid kit Water bottle At least three pens Whistle Cell phone Extra AA batteries Plastic bags, multiple sizes, all rolled up together Kleenex I occasionally have: iPod Touch (when I'm in a WiFi area, I can use it to access geocaching.com) Digital camera w/ lens cleaner cloth I don't go up into the mountains/off-the-beaten path areas too much (no need to in my neck of the woods, plenty of caches in parks, etc) and I never go alone - smallest group is two, largest is about six. Due to weather, I usually keep a rainjacket on me at all times (and sweatshirt - layers are my friend). I need to dig out my sunglasses next...forgot what this sun thing is like. ID in pocket at all times, just in case. When I'm doing a grab-and-go, I ditch the bag and just stuff my pockets - GPS and pen. And a Werther, naturally. Edited March 24, 2008 by Sembei Quote
+KernewesLaura Posted March 25, 2008 Posted March 25, 2008 (edited) GPS (!) Pens Spare Batteries Cache Details Bottle of drink Torch Mini torch Pocket Stamp for log book Notebook First Aid Kit Wallet (Money,Driving Licsence etc) Mobile Phone Digital Camera Ibuprofen I also take: Walking Boots Waterproof Coat Waterproof overtrousers Hat Gloves Scarf CAR! (!) - But clearly not in my backpack.... This is for a few hours caching. Its seemed to work out so far!! Travel light! Edited March 25, 2008 by KernewesLaura Quote
+qlenfg Posted March 26, 2008 Posted March 26, 2008 ...and a .454 casull ( actually the most common caliber I know three cachers that carry this same pistol ) reason for pistol <bear photo> Some of the urban caches we have around here are in less savory areas where a stray pit bull or 2-legged vermin might want to ruin your day. Doubtful anything chambered for a cartridge that large (other than the Bond Arms derringer) would be easy to conceal -- but we make due. Quote
+tokencollector Posted April 10, 2008 Posted April 10, 2008 Wow, lots of laded caching bags. Typically I try to carry: compass spare batteries pen signature item (tokencollection / tokens) a few other trade items including an unactivated geocoin or two TBs Quote
+oldsoldier Posted April 10, 2008 Posted April 10, 2008 I was, until recently, carrying all my gear in my 3 day patrol pack by Blackhawk. However, I found, like I usually do, that, true to science, nature abhors a vacuum, as do I. So, I would end up cramming the pack with everything I could! My daypack weighed as much as a weekend pack. BUT, I was recently turned on to maxpeditions shoulder bags...and have trimmed down my gear alot! I essentially carry everything I'd need for an unplanned overnight stay, plus additional items for caching. All this fits into a small bag, with room left over. Quote
Jantaculum Posted April 15, 2008 Posted April 15, 2008 oh my....... I just carry my foretrex plus whatever's in my handbag (which always has my caching stickers and a few of my signature silver charms) Most of my caching is urban (London) or safe suburban parks though, so it's easy to travel light. A few co-ordinates and hints scribbled on a piece of paper and I'm good to go. Quote
+qlenfg Posted April 16, 2008 Posted April 16, 2008 After donating quite a bit of blood to snag a cache in a local park full of briars, I decided I had better add some leather work gloves and a pair of pruning shears to my bag of tricks. I had just recently added a telescoping inspection mirror to the kit, and I'm thinking a very long pair of hemostats might be useful as well. Quote
+zimsworld Posted April 21, 2008 Posted April 21, 2008 in my caching backpack: CamelBak Spare batteries (6) LED Flashlight (2) SOG multi tool Knife (2) small can operner waterproof matches TP in ziploc glowy sticks (4) Bandana's (2) folding dog bowl (our dogs picky ,but will drink when she's tristy) flint swag munchies (granloa bars,candy,fruit snacks,fruit by the foot,etc...) spare sweatshirt first-aid kit (tweezers,bandaids,etc...) asprin,benadryl Off wipes (they do work) sunscreen toothpicks penicls headlamp glow in the dark star map various state park, city park maps compass whistle nothing worse than being out on a hot july day with no water,no hat and a crabby kid and dog,makes for a long day of caching. Won't do that again , so pack is always ready Quote
+qlenfg Posted April 21, 2008 Posted April 21, 2008 Hey Zimsworld, if you carry one of the Victorinox SwissChamp models you can ditch the tweezers, scissors, toothpick and pencil, and probably a few more things. Check it out... Quote
+PrincessBTigress Posted April 21, 2008 Posted April 21, 2008 Things carried for caching: Laptop (and wireless card if we find a wifi spot) GPS random swag notebook paper with cache info logbook paper pens (lots of em since I recently hosted a party that required all 30-40 attendies to have a pen) tuperware pill fobs black tape camo tape clear tape sandwich bags small "jewlrey/beading" bags knife I also tend to keep a frisbe and a card game in there, can be useful for looking "innocent" and/or a good excuse to hang out and enjoy the area more. If I had a good cane I'd add that in to since my knees are bad. Things that stay in my car or purse that come in handy for caching also: two flashlights toilet paper paper towels clorox wipes sunscreen blanket and pillow tweezers mirror granola bars And of course we never leave home without cell phones, ID and keys (and on the keys is a pill fob holding ibuprofen, beyer, charcol (for upset stomaches) and cyanne pepper pills (works for asthma attacks), hubby's pill fob holds kelp which helps him with dizziness brought on by thyroid acting up) Quote
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