+Lil Weed Pot and Flower Posted November 24, 2007 Share Posted November 24, 2007 My grandson is really into geocaching and one member of the family is getting him his own GPS. I've been thinking of putting together a gear bag with items which would be useful while caching. Some of the things I've considered are: protective gloves, bug repellant, log book, extra logs for caches needing replacement, plastic bags, hand cleaner, 1st aid kit, cloth to dry wet caches, flashlight, etc. I would appreciate any suggestions as to what else may be considered without adding too much weight. He's 11yo but carrying 20 pounds may challenge him. Quote Link to comment
+PJPeters Posted November 24, 2007 Share Posted November 24, 2007 I think you're on the right track here. You're helping teach him to help keep caches in good condition, by drying out and adding ziplocs and logbooks as needed. A couple other things you may want to consider: Duct tape - black or camo is better than silver. In case he finds a container that's cracked or broken. A couple mechanical pencils - pens leak or freeze up (depending on location), but pencils are cheap, and will hold up in just about any environment. Spare batteries - you never know when you'll need them! Sunscreen There's more, and I'm sure others will jump on the bandwagon here. Quote Link to comment
+Abiectio Posted November 24, 2007 Share Posted November 24, 2007 I've found a small multi-tool to be invaluable. Especially one that has tweezers. Quote Link to comment
+team lagonda Posted November 24, 2007 Share Posted November 24, 2007 Pj peters..the trouble with pencils is they get dull n i think having knives to sharpen them with is against the club laws.... Quote Link to comment
+TheWhitesRCaching Posted November 24, 2007 Share Posted November 24, 2007 Pj peters..the trouble with pencils is they get dull n i think having knives to sharpen them with is against the club laws.... you can get small mechanical pencils that are decent & pretty cheap. So if ya have a few, you can put one where needed if you choose, but also if it runs out - leads could be added - or they could take the empty pencil & replace with a new one. The visitor could then refill the pencil if s/he chooses, or throw it out. . or whatever;) ~~Tara Quote Link to comment
+zafwon Posted November 24, 2007 Share Posted November 24, 2007 This is my daypack: Bug spray/cream GPSr BlackBerry (Paperless Caching) Knife Marker/Pen/Pencil Harmonica Notebooks Extra AA batteries TB's Stamp First Aid Kit Gloves Flint Back Pack Water Camera/Case Not shown: Emergency whistle Poncho rain liner Emergency blanket Plastic bags/100 mph Tape Parachute cord I'll be adding some field manuals soon. To identify plants and bugs. Quote Link to comment
+tomfuller & Quill Posted November 24, 2007 Share Posted November 24, 2007 Stop by your local Forest Service or state forestry office and pick up some Smokey Bear SWAG including pencils and sharpeners. They may even give you rulers. Quote Link to comment
+TeamMahoney Posted November 24, 2007 Share Posted November 24, 2007 I'd definitely throw in a few SWAG items that he can trade. I mean you can't go to an ammo can without taking something to leave. Also, you may want to purchase at least one Travel Bug tag so that he can place his own first Travel Bug. What kid wouldn't love that?? (Or what adult?) We ordered and it only took three days to get our TB tags. We just placed our first Travel Bug today, and it has a little short story to go with his reason for destination. You may be able to volunteeer to help him think of something for his first TB! And while you're at it, maybe a GeoCaching sticker he can put on a notebook or even his bag if that's his style. (Of course, I'm asking for a Signal Doll for Christmas, but that may definitely NOT be his thing at that age.) Of course a GeoCoin is an option as well. Don't just think safety and practicality, Think FUN! Quote Link to comment
+uxorious Posted November 24, 2007 Share Posted November 24, 2007 I have a small round machinist mirror, mounted on a telescoping handle. Very handy for some caches. Quote Link to comment
+Dread_Pirate_Bruce Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 I also carry a telescoping magnet and flashlight. In addition, I have a muggle repellant kit. It includes: (1) Subpoenas - If I'm in an inhabited area like a residential area or business area, and someone asks me what I'm doing wandering around, I explain I'm a process server looking for the guy I'm supposed to serve. Then I ask: "By the way, what's your name?" -- as I rummage through my subpoenas. This usually gets them to leave. (2) Yellow "Caution" Tape - Sometimes the best way to be ignored while examining something is to make a big show of it. Once the caution tape is up, I can examine to my hearts content with impunity. I look like I'm supposed to be doing whatever it is that I'm doing. (3) Fired Bullet Casings - I'll carry one in my hand when I'm looking under newspaper machines and the like. If someone asks what I'm doing, I explain I'm looking for evidence and after a minute or so, hold up a casing. Then I pull out a notebook and ask the witness for his or her name. That gets rid of them. (4) Digital Camera - When I feel police or security folks are watching me, I'll pull out the camera and take some pics of the roadway or walkway (depending on where I am). Then, I'll approach the officer and ask if he or she happened to have taken a report on a car crash (or slip and fall) last week. I never say there was a car crash, etc. or that I'm investigating one, but they sometimes make the incorrect assumption and leave. Sometimes they will even call in to see if anyone else may have taken a report... and then leave. Quote Link to comment
+shellbn4 Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 wow what a creative way to get rid of mugglers.All i could come up with the other day when getting busted by a muggler was "were looking for acorns. it worked she gave us a weird look and walked away Quote Link to comment
GeoPirates2007 Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 Pj peters..the trouble with pencils is they get dull n i think having knives to sharpen them with is against the club laws.... you can get small mechanical pencils that are decent & pretty cheap. So if ya have a few, you can put one where needed if you choose, but also if it runs out - leads could be added - or they could take the empty pencil & replace with a new one. The visitor could then refill the pencil if s/he chooses, or throw it out. . or whatever;) ~~Tara let me get this right. You cannot carry a knife but you can carry a pistol? Am I the only one that sounds weird to? Quote Link to comment
GeoPirates2007 Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 This is my daypack: Bug spray/cream GPSr BlackBerry (Paperless Caching) Knife Marker/Pen/Pencil Harmonica Notebooks Extra AA batteries TB's Stamp First Aid Kit Gloves Flint Back Pack Water Camera/Case Not shown: Emergency whistle Poncho rain liner Emergency blanket Plastic bags/100 mph Tape Parachute cord I'll be adding some field manuals soon. To identify plants and bugs. Wheres your swag? Quote Link to comment
+zafwon Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 Wheres your swag? Thats in my other bag.... Quote Link to comment
+sbell111 Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 (edited) This is my daypack: <snip> Wheres your swag? It's right there. Seriously, I used to pack a ton of stuff with me, but I never really needed it. Now I almost always leave the pack in the car and geocache with my GPSr, PDA, phone, and small flashlight on my belt, compass and swag in my pocket, and water in my hand. Edited November 27, 2007 by sbell111 Quote Link to comment
+Scare Force One Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 wow what a creative way to get rid of mugglers.All i could come up with the other day when getting busted by a muggler was "were looking for acorns. it worked she gave us a weird look and walked away You should have told them you were hiding from Ninja Pineapples. That really makes them leave... quickly. Use this tactic with caution beacuse it may reasult in being commited to a local mental instutution. ~.~Scare Force One Quote Link to comment
+robbymcdobby Posted November 28, 2007 Share Posted November 28, 2007 Tell them you're looking for the perfect place to go #1. Quote Link to comment
+Driver Carries Cache Posted November 28, 2007 Share Posted November 28, 2007 Tell them you're looking for the perfect place to go #1. That's a good one Someone once suggested that when approached you should ask the muggle for spare change... usually sends them running! DCC Quote Link to comment
me_chris Posted November 29, 2007 Share Posted November 29, 2007 I know he is only 11 - but a good folding knife is really the most useful thing anybody can carry, especially if caching in the woods. I was given my first knife by my grandfather when I was about 6, and really, if taught to use them properly and with respect, a kid can have a knife when hiking :-) Quote Link to comment
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