Preparing for the Adventure
By Jackie Gately

When geo cachers embark on an in-person quest to locate a specific “hidden treasure” identified on the Internet, they prepare as for any trip by thinking about what they will need, and understanding cultural norms. Consider these tips to make your own geo caching trip a success.

What To Bring

• Dress and pack appropriately for the season, including hiking boots, long pants, layers, and seasonal outerwear.
• Thoroughly read Internet notes about the geo caching location to find out if you’ll need site-specific clothing, like mosquito netting or rubber boots, in addition to basic wear.
• Check whether you’ll need special equipment to accommodate rough terrain that involves rock climbing, cave exploration, underwater diving or other advanced geo caching environments.
• Estimate the time to complete the hunt. Plan your water, food, and sleeping supplies accordingly.
• Bring a GPS unit or GPS-equipped cell phone to help locate the geo caching coordinates. Make sure the unit is in working order, batteries are charged (spare batteries are a good idea) and you know how to use it.
• Bring traditional navigation tools, like a map and compass, as routing aids and as a backup system to your GPS locator.
• Pack binoculars, a camera or video recorder, and anything else that will help you enjoy the scenery and record your travels.
• Bring basic hiking First Aid supplies, as well as sunscreen and insect repellant if you use them.
• Stock up on trinkets, dime store toys or other treasures you wish to replace or add to the geo cache.
• Remember to carry a pen or pencil to sign the logbook.

Geo Caching Etiquette

• If you remove a trinket or treasure from the cache, replace it with something of equal or greater value. Refrain from putting explosives, ammunition, knives, drugs, alcohol or food in a cache.
• Write a note in the cache logbook or simply sign the log sheet. Consider including an interesting or entertaining story about your travels.
• When you return home, log your experience online. If unable to find the cache, indicate so online. Also note missing or full logbooks and damaged caches.
• Do not move a cache or tell non-seekers of a find so other players can find the cache.
• Respect local laws and property boundaries. In the United States, do not place caches on caches on government property or in airports. Don’t enter fenced properties. Let the cache owner know a cache is fenced by listing it on the site.
• Always remember to respect the environment. Avoid damaging trails, littering and other harmful practices.

Jackie Gately is a freelance writer. She can be reached at jackiegately.wordpress.com.