+yellajeep Posted April 6, 2010 Share Posted April 6, 2010 I just ordered my first gps it is the Oregon 450. The anticipation is about to kill me I can't wait for my new toy to get here. I want to know when you go out geocaching other than the usuals like the gps, water, pens, paper what is the most important items you carry with you the ones you would never leave home without? The unusual items you have that come in very handy and helpful. Like some one told me to carry a long pair of tweezers ( we stopped for a cache in Texas it was a micro and had to be pulled out of hiding spot with tweezers). Also a extendable mirror like the type mechanics use for looking at hard to see areas of a motor that it helps you look for caches in hard to reach areas. Please tell me your deep dark secrets and helpful items. Quote Link to comment
+WatchDog2020 Posted April 6, 2010 Share Posted April 6, 2010 (edited) A few pens - not just one as they always get lost or run out of ink at the worst moment. Not an item but good advice -> if you do any caches where you hike away from your car, mark a waypoint so you can find it again (learned the hard way) EDIT: Ok, I'll give you one secret item. A hand held metal detector 'wand' to find bison tubes in those D%$m evergreen hedges. Edited April 6, 2010 by WatchDog2020 Quote Link to comment
+HawkLawless1 Posted April 6, 2010 Share Posted April 6, 2010 Not in any particular order, but over time, I have found many of the below very helpful. - flashlight - extra batteries - extendable magnet - first aid kit (with a BIG tube of Benadryl) - whistle - multi-tool - extra replacement logs - extra baggies - SWAG Quote Link to comment
+Brooklyn51 Posted April 6, 2010 Share Posted April 6, 2010 Besides a couple of pens. having a sheet or two of paper is very handy too, not only for taking a few field notes for logging later on if you're into that but on more than one occasion, we've replaced a water logged or ruined log in the cache. And always, always always carry a couple of extra batteries. You'll be glad you did. Quote Link to comment
+roziecakes Posted April 6, 2010 Share Posted April 6, 2010 Here is a link to a very recent thread on this same topic http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=246019 Hope that helps. Quote Link to comment
+stites1 Posted April 6, 2010 Share Posted April 6, 2010 A camera. If you're getting out of geocaching the best it has to offer, you'll see some wonderful, beautiful and just plain odd things that you'll want to capture, either as a memory or evidence. Quote Link to comment
+StarBrand Posted April 6, 2010 Share Posted April 6, 2010 In no particular order and all kept in my everyday caching bag (more added for longer hikes): Pens first Aid kit Tweezers Pocket Knife Duck Tape Extra Logsheets Hat Extra Batteries Extra GPS Quote Link to comment
+yellajeep Posted April 7, 2010 Author Share Posted April 7, 2010 thanks! what is the most unusual item you have found to be helpful something you would not normally think of Quote Link to comment
+Firefly911 Posted April 7, 2010 Share Posted April 7, 2010 thanks! what is the most unusual item you have found to be helpful something you would not normally think of Not really an unusual item but recently I started carrying a walking stick (actually one of those collapsable treking poles). I have found it very useful for knocking the spider webs out of the way, pushing the thorny vines back and looking for the caches in the leaves etc. I have been surprised how helpful it has been. Quote Link to comment
+Triskeles Posted April 7, 2010 Share Posted April 7, 2010 Other than the obvious (extra pens, paper, batteries, cell phone, etc.) our "must haves" are: small first aid kit small manicure set (we've used the tweezers and other tools countless times, and they all fit in a nice zipper case) walking/hiking pole Quote Link to comment
+yellajeep Posted April 7, 2010 Author Share Posted April 7, 2010 Other than the obvious (extra pens, paper, batteries, cell phone, etc.) our "must haves" are: small first aid kit small manicure set (we've used the tweezers and other tools countless times, and they all fit in a nice zipper case) walking/hiking pole thanks Quote Link to comment
+dfx Posted April 7, 2010 Share Posted April 7, 2010 (edited) most important item to carry with you? a GPS receiver! Edited April 7, 2010 by dfx Quote Link to comment
+BrrrMo Posted April 7, 2010 Share Posted April 7, 2010 What ever else you take, don't forget your Geosense. Quote Link to comment
+Gitchee-Gummee Posted April 7, 2010 Share Posted April 7, 2010 thanks! what is the most unusual item you have found to be helpful something you would not normally think of A space blanket. You just never know when you may need one! Glow sticks; aka chemical lights. Quote Link to comment
+Printess Caroline Posted April 7, 2010 Share Posted April 7, 2010 (edited) In addition to many of the other items mentioned above, we always carry a compass. We have found it very handy when neither the GPSr nor we know which direction we've turned. Also, it's good back-up if our GPSrs both fail for some reason and we are out in the middle of the woods. Edited April 7, 2010 by Printess Caroline Quote Link to comment
+Chrysalides Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 Two things you didn't mention in your opening post - extra batteries and coordinates. There were a few times I left home without the coordinates. Two of those times, I actually found the cache despite that Quote Link to comment
oakenwood Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 Bug repellent. An absolute must around here from April to October. Gloves. They keep your hands clean and protect against critters that bite and sting. Notebook. Helps you keep track of what you left and took at the caches. Camera. Geocaching is so much more fun with a camera. Flashlight. Illuminates dark crevices, hollow trees and logs, etc. Things that others mentioned but that I never carry: Compass. Have one, never needed it. Space blanket. Have a few of those, too. They stay in the car. Glow sticks. I have a flashlight. Walking stick. If the spider webs are bad (and they often are) I just wave a long twig in front of me. Tweezers. I thought I'd need these, but never have. Quote Link to comment
DannyCaffeine Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 GPS (duh) Pencils/pens (a few incase one doesn't work) Knife (1000 tools in 1) Pokey stick Phone (Incase of emergency) Quote Link to comment
+Silfron Mandotheneset Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 (edited) Depending on where you live, a rain poncho can be a very good thing to have handy. Also bug spray and sun screen. Oh! and some hand sanitizer. You never know what's been touching those caches sometimes. Edited April 8, 2010 by Silfron Mandotheneset Quote Link to comment
+Viridios Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 In addition to many of the other items mentioned above, we always carry a compass. We have found it very handy when neither the GPSr nor we know which direction we've turned. Also, it's good back-up if our GPSrs both fail for some reason and we are out in the middle of the woods. Yes, a compass is important, but also as important is a map of the area you are in, and the knowledge of how to use both. What good is a compass if you don't have a map or know how to use it? I have also used a compass to help triangulate where the cache location may be. Quote Link to comment
+goldfingah Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 AS a newbie myself what came in handy for me essential. - a powerful flashlight. I like the Surefire - Some cord or line - writing utensils ofcourse - always something to trade in case you come across something really neat. - Compass - Another flashlight at least one per person - matches - NOTES on the cache! Quote Link to comment
+Morganinaboat Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 Newbie here too. These are great suggestions. I'm ashamed that we just walk with our GPSr, a pen, and a small pad. Guess I need to get a super-hero-like utility belt for all the stuff I need to carry. No way my 15 year old will go with us now. She's already too embarrased by mom and dad digging around in bushes and trees to find these things. Quote Link to comment
+Silfron Mandotheneset Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Newbie here too. These are great suggestions. I'm ashamed that we just walk with our GPSr, a pen, and a small pad. Guess I need to get a super-hero-like utility belt for all the stuff I need to carry. We have a backpack, we just leave it in the car. You know, just in case. On a side note, I've used things out of that bag (especially the first aid kit) for things other than caching, too. And I just realized one of the most important things to have with you: A TOWEL. Soooo many uses, it's not even funny. Doesn't even have to be a big one. Quote Link to comment
+bootsycat Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 Definitely hand wipes or sanitiser of some kind - even though they aren't "buried" you might still need to scrabble in some leaves etc, and my parents once had to wait for a rat to vacate the spot where one was hidden... it was probably covered in rat pee. (Maybe disposable gloves for really urban ones?) Quote Link to comment
DarkDragons Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 We carry most of the gear listed as well as water and a few snacks, just in case. Quote Link to comment
+simpjkee Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 CAMERA!!! Take some pics and post'em! Quote Link to comment
+MuzikkManiX Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 Rule number 9, never go anywhere without a knife I always bring a camera and my little stuffed rat (my luck charm) as well as a hat and long sleeve shirt (in case of bush whacking with ticks) Quote Link to comment
+DonB Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 Newbie here too. These are great suggestions. I'm ashamed that we just walk with our GPSr, a pen, and a small pad. Guess I need to get a super-hero-like utility belt for all the stuff I need to carry. No way my 15 year old will go with us now. She's already too embarrased by mom and dad digging around in bushes and trees to find these things. Check out your local army surplus store, I found an ammo bag with a nice long shoulder strap for less then nine dollars. After yesterday I'm also going to add a thin pair of leather gloves. There was a bison tube in this little pine tree that was really dense and had stiff needle sharp needles, it was like reaching into a cactus. Quote Link to comment
+Intemperance Society Posted May 4, 2010 Share Posted May 4, 2010 Well, only 27 finds so far but in that time I have used the experience, but mostly the experience gained from the forums, to have the following on me packed into a small backpack: Pens Pencils (the little ones like you get when golfing) Pencil Sharpeners Baggies of various sizes Small towel. THHGTTG is right. A towel is the most important thing to have with you at all times! Extra log books (All sorts of these can be found at a dollar store) Personal log book to keep track of trades, cache condition, notes, etc. Leatherman Multi-tool Small LED flashlight Bug Spray Magnetic compass Small first aid kit Extra batteries Matches/Lighter Always have a bit of cash on you, not just debit/charge cards. Camera - Took this on our last day spent caching. I will always carry it from now on. Gloves - Even a pair of latex gloves can come in handy Bottled water and compact snacks like granola bars Swag - A few pins, matchbox cars, coffee certificates, unique stones, etc. Variety of swag really helps when dealing with caches of varied sizes. I always pack a keychain of some sort, and something dog/cat/animal related. I wouldn't recommend anything electronic, or anything that would act as a sponge such as a stuffed animal. In the few amount of caches completed, I have come across a couple of soaking wet teddy bears in an otherwise fairly dry cache. And remember that it's not only kids that enjoy swag! Don't pack swag that you would otherwise throw in the garbage! If you think it's worthless, so will others. Do not take a quality swag item and leave your signature penny, button, etc.! Trade equally or up. This seems like so much stuff when listed, but it all fits into a small pack with much room to spare. Happy caching!! Quote Link to comment
+coffee/wired Posted May 4, 2010 Share Posted May 4, 2010 (edited) Not necessarily on me, but in my truck I keep: Toilet paper. Grocery sack for picking up trash you find (or in case of needing to use that TP...) A gallon of water. Snacks. A roll of TP. Latex gloves. Large first aid kit. Everything else mentioned. Also a list of medications you or your kids take. Keep that on you. Edited May 4, 2010 by coffee/wired Quote Link to comment
+Intemperance Society Posted May 4, 2010 Share Posted May 4, 2010 Not necessarily on me, but in my truck I keep: Toilet paper. Grocery sack for picking up trash you find (or in case of needing to use that TP...) A gallon of water. Snacks. A roll of TP. Latex gloves. Large first aid kit. Everything else mentioned. Also a list of medications you or your kids take. Keep that on you. TP will be added to the pack! I'm surprised we haven't run into the need for it yet! Thanks Coffee/wired! Quote Link to comment
+ADTCacheur Posted May 4, 2010 Share Posted May 4, 2010 For my style of geocaching, I go to the nearest caches to my house(8km away ATM), and here is what I need: GPS Either paperless GPS or cache info Pen Geocoin (they're attracted to me, so I never need other SWAG) Dog poo bag dispenser (good for CITO) Big carabiner clip to hold everything Maps, a knowledge of the local roads, or (for me this works) absolute faith that your GPS is guiding you the right way Quote Link to comment
+USMCGecko Posted May 4, 2010 Share Posted May 4, 2010 One thing I started carrying with me was a small bottle of Gorilla Glue. I went to a Cache that was hidden in a tree and when I went to open it, the bark that concealed the lid ripped off. I had to go to the local Walmart, get the glue, then go back to the Cache to put it back together again. I also Took a roll of Camo Duct tape and used a razor knife to cut it in half, so now I have two pieces only about 6 inches long that lay flat and take up less room. 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.