Geocaching Cheatsheet
Equipment
- GPS device or smartphone with GPS capabilities
- Geocaching app or website account
- Pen or pencil
- Swag items (optional)
Terminology
- Geocache: a container hidden at a specific location with a logbook and sometimes trinkets or treasures
- Waypoint: a set of coordinates for a specific location
- Cache listing: the information about a geocache, including its location, difficulty, and description
- Travel bug: a trackable item with a unique code that can be moved from cache to cache
- Logbook: a paper or digital record of geocachers who have found a cache
- DNF: “Did Not Find” - when a geocacher is unable to locate a cache
- TFTC: “Thanks for the Cache” - a common message left in a cache logbook
Finding a Geocache
- Use the geocaching app or website to search for caches in your area.
- Choose a cache based on its difficulty, terrain, and size.
- Enter the cache’s coordinates into your GPS device or smartphone.
- Follow the GPS to the cache location.
- Search the area for the cache, using the description and hints as a guide.
- When you find the cache, sign the logbook and optionally trade swag items.
- If the cache contains a trackable item, you can take it and move it to another cache or leave it in the same cache for someone else to find.
- Return the cache to its original location for others to find.
Hiding a Geocache
- Choose a location for your cache that is safe and legal to access.
- Create a container for your cache and include a logbook.
- Choose a unique name and description for your cache.
- Obtain the coordinates for your cache location using a GPS device or smartphone.
- Submit your cache listing to the geocaching app or website for review.
- When your cache is approved, hide it at the chosen location and record the coordinates.
- Monitor your cache regularly to ensure it is in good condition and the logbook is not full.
Resources