Do I need a GPS device to go caching?

[+Mumblizzy]

I am new to this activity and want to know if a GPS device is essential and if so what is the best basic one to start with?

I appreciate all advice

 

I live in Scotland if this is relevant

[+StarBrand]

It certainly is not required for finding caches. There are several cachers that use a compass and good topo maps to find caches. In areas that have hi-res photos - google Earth is used to find caches. Sometimes all you need is the listing page and knowledge of the area.

 

However, a GPS unit certain makes things much easier and you will tend to find many more caches and much more quickly with a good unit.

 

A very nice starter GPS is the Garmin eTrex Venture HC. Long battery life, mapping memory, Geocaching mode, color screen, USB connections and rugged.

[+Team CowboyPapa]

It certainly is not required for finding caches. There are several cachers that use a compass and good topo maps to find caches. In areas that have hi-res photos - google Earth is used to find caches. Sometimes all you need is the listing page and knowledge of the area.

 

10-4! One time I was sitting here looking at the Google Earth Satellite View of the cache while talking to my daughter by cellphone and the grandkids found it.

Check this and zoom in:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=N+33%c2%b0+3....084+(GC1M931)+

[+Chrysalides]

I found a cache once without the coordinates, just my memory of what I read in the cache description page. In case you think my memory is phenomenal, the reason I didn't have the coordinates is because I forgot to load it into the GPSr

 

Without a GPSr you're limited to urban caches and places with clearly identifiable landmarks nearby.

 

I have the GPSr StarBrand mentioned. I'm not sure what prices are like in Scotland, but it is definitely a great value for money.