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what to carry when geocaching


dogwhisperers

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I started off on my first trip with a notepad and a pen, I didn't think to bring anything to put into the cache. I also had my gps and a camera. I quickly found that I needed a pair of wellies for long wet grass and a pair of gloves for thorny bushes. They got put into the boot of the car. After one long trip uphill I realised I would need to bring water along and a mini first-aid pack, for scratches/cuts etc. I also started collecting things to exchange in caches, I need to learn a lot more before I get into geo coins etc.

 

So to recap: in my car I now have:

 

wellingtons

gloves

raincoat

backpack containing:

water

trade items

camera

gps

notepad & pencil/pen

first-aid box

 

The list seems to grow with each trip. I was just interested to find what other geocachers bring on their trips? Is there any other vital pieces of equipment I am missing?

 

regards

 

dogwhisperers

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Don't forget the ever-working compass.....

 

Fire kit (never trust a lighter)

spare batteries

extra logbooks/pencils/baggies for replacement if necessary

small flashlight (I guess a torch, for you) :rolleyes:

 

There is more, but these and what you have are probably the essentials.

A good (unbreakable) stick can be a lifesaver (getting the FTF before someone else).

 

Now that you are loaded up like a packhorse, have fun! ;)

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Things I have with me, or have in the car and can take as the situation warrants:

 

GPS

PDA/Phone/Camera

Collapsible treking pole

Hand wipe, in the secret pocket of my Tilly hat

Small labels for signing logs

Fisher Space Pen for signing/dating logs, regardless of condition

4" blade locking knife

Extra batteries

Inspection mirror

Rubberized fishing gloves for digging through shrubs and trees

High-powered LED flashlight

Insulated 1L water bottle with shoulder strap

Notebooks and pens, for cache repair

Multi-tool with pruning blades, for thorny vine extraction

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I never would have thought of the long handled grabber! that would be handy, also a pack of hand wipes. The flash light would be handy too in dark places. I have this terrible fear of rats, I often imagine they are sitting there in the dark, nibbling away on a cache lid, just waiting for me to stick my hand in for breakfast!

 

Thanks for the tips

 

regards

 

dog

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I made a GeoSnippits video for Michigan Magazine TV (RFDTV Network) which will be coming out in a month or so on this very subject. But in the meantime here are a couple of helpful posts that will help.

 

Hope you like them...

 

What's Your Geocaching Must Have Thing-A-Ma-Bob?

http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2...have-thing.html

 

So What's In Your Backpack?

http://headhardhat-geocache.blogspot.com/2...r-backpack.html

 

-HHH :huh:

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Here are some things I'm eyeballing :anibad: Will get at least a few but like to do lots of research to make sure I'm getting the BEST small LED flashlight, the BEST multi tool, etc :lol:

 

Stuff sitting in my Amazon cart:

 

LED Flashlight (so cute to boot):

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...ZF&v=glance

 

Leatherman Scissors Multitool (people say can double as little pruner) - also comes in pink and gray:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...ZF&v=glance

 

Nitrile Gloves:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...UF&v=glance

 

Fisher Space Pen someone mentioned above:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...ER&v=glance

 

Stuff I want but haven't narrowed down to any particular brand:

 

- Safety goggles (for brambly areas so my eyes don't get poked out)

- Telescoping walking stick

- Grabber tool (for caches inside trees or under/by rotten trees)

 

This is just a wish list item since it's $80+ but sure looks awesome for cutting down brambles in my way, or at small child eye poking level.

 

Fiskars-Telescoping-Pruning-Stik

http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-Telescoping-...534&sr=1-13

 

Very wish list would be a Garmin Oregon/Colorado for better precision - currently have a Garmin Nuvi and iPhone with geocaching app.

 

Carry a bag with small swag, pen, ziploc baggies, travel bugs at all times in my purse :anicute:

 

Going to be buying a snazzy new backpack to stash my stuff.

 

Week two of geocaching :)

 

PS. What would you use an olive fork for??? (listed by a cacher in a link in post above mine). Love the plastic fork for burr removal idea :D Definitely need to add wet wipes to my arsenal and pack more trash bags.

Edited by Opalblade
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Hmmnnn, Here in Alaska... pretty much everything y'all have mentioned depending on time of year.... ;D

 

I am a mountaineer.. so I tend to always carry more then I really need on a short/ easy cache... I somehow always seem to end up on a mountain eventually anyway.. much to me kids disdain :lol:

 

The 10 essential are a must though... and good idea to have 2 of everything-- a primary and a backup.. y

 

( You can carry all this in a small light pack.. probably around 20lbs

 

1. Navigation BESIDES your GPS!!!!

 

2. Hydration & Nutrition

 

3. Pocket Knife/ Multitool

 

4. Sun Protection even in Winter!!!

 

5. Insulation ---Outer Shell

 

6. Fire! Something to start it with..

 

7. Lighting Headlamp works great... spare batt

 

8. First Aid

 

9. Shelter.. Bivi/ emergency blanket/ poncho at least

 

10. Whistle.. ( Always works a cell phone doesn't) SPOTS are great as someone else mentioned

 

11. Sense of Humor/ Determination

Edited by RodekillZ
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Hmmnnn, Here in Alaska... pretty much everything y'all have mentioned depending on time of year.... ;D

 

I am a mountaineer.. so I tend to always carry more then I really need on a short/ easy cache... I somehow always seem to end up on a mountain eventually anyway.. much to me kids disdain :lol:

 

The 10 essential are a must though... and good idea to have 2 of everything-- a primary and a backup.. y

 

( You can carry all this in a small light pack.. probably around 20lbs

 

1. Navigation BESIDES your GPS!!!!

 

2. Hydration & Nutrition

 

3. Pocket Knife/ Multitool

 

4. Sun Protection even in Winter!!!

 

5. Insulation ---Outer Shell

 

6. Fire! Something to start it with..

 

7. Lighting Headlamp works great... spare batt

 

8. First Aid

 

9. Shelter.. Bivi/ emergency blanket/ poncho at least

 

10. Whistle.. ( Always works a cell phone doesn't) SPOTS are great as someone else mentioned

 

11. Sense of Humor/ Determination

MOUNTAIN MONEY more commonly known as toilet paper 1/4 roll, crushed flat and placed in quart sized zip lock freezer bag. ( the zip lock not only keeps it dry ... it keeps it contained

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Something that people haven't mentioned, but I've found really useful is new zip-lock baggies, Camo-colored duct tape, and fresh printed copies of the "so you found a GeoCache" notification, and a few pencils. If I come onto a cache that is in need of light repair, I'll go ahead and replace the moldy/broken baggies or put a patch over a crack in the plastic, or replace a stuck together notification.

 

However, if the Cache needs more than a quick fix, I inform the caretaker; and I'll inform them that I made the patch up anyway. (It has received nothing but Kudos... Seldom do people like having to drive out to repair those things.)

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It all depends on my mode of transport.

 

Car:-

  • GPS and paper print outs (soon to be paperless)

  • road map

  • Satnav

  • pen/ pencil

Maybe a few specialist items assuming the cache needs anything like that.

 

Pushbike:-

  • Puncture repare kit

  • general cycle accessories

  • GPS and paper printouts (soon to be paperless)

  • paper map (1:50,000 scale marked with rough locations of caches)

  • pen/pencil

  • map board

[listmap case (unless map is laminated)

  • Water

  • Snacks

  • water resistant soft shell (keeps the wind off, and keeps you dry in showers)

  • Waterproof jacket (if out when their is heavy rain predicted)*

  • waterproof trousers (if there is heavy rain)*

*Soft shell usually good enough for most of the time.

 

Walking:-depends on the lengh of the walk,Less than 6 miles total distance (2 hours)

  • GPS and paper print outs (soon to be paperless)

  • paper map (1:25,000 scale)

  • pen/pencil

  • water resistant soft shell (keeps the wind off, and keeps you dry in showers)

  • Waterproof jacket (if out when their is heavy rain predicted)*

  • waterproof trousers (if there is heavy rain)*

*Soft shell usually good enough for most of the time.

 

If on a longer hike (over 6 miles/ 2 hours)

  • GPS and paper print outs (soon to be paperless)

  • paper map (1:25,000 scale) and compass

  • pen/pencil

  • water resistant soft shell (keeps the wind off, and keeps you dry in showers)

  • Waterproof jacket (if out when their is heavy rain predicted)*

  • waterproof trousers (if there is heavy rain)*

*Soft shell usually good enough for most of the time.

  • Water (1-2 Litres depending on total lengh of walk and availibility of water along route)

  • water purification kit

  • Small backpack

  • general walking gear

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Something that people haven't mentioned, but I've found really useful is new zip-lock baggies, Camo-colored duct tape, and fresh printed copies of the "so you found a GeoCache" notification, and a few pencils. If I come onto a cache that is in need of light repair, I'll go ahead and replace the moldy/broken baggies or put a patch over a crack in the plastic, or replace a stuck together notification.

 

However, if the Cache needs more than a quick fix, I inform the caretaker; and I'll inform them that I made the patch up anyway. (It has received nothing but Kudos... Seldom do people like having to drive out to repair those things.)

 

Well done, you sound prepared for anything! I am glad of the tips, especially about replacing moldy bags etc, great idea.

 

Thanks

 

dog :)

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