Geocaching is an exciting way to explore the outdoors and is a great way to travel. You can walk or drive, but if you’re going on a road trip or vacation, you’ll need some planning to make sure that your next adventure isn’t ruined by forgetting something important.
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Geocaching road trips are a fun and exciting way to explore new areas and find hidden treasures. |
| Planning and preparation are key to a successful geocaching road trip, including creating an itinerary, choosing the right gear, and researching caches in advance. |
| Safety should always be a top priority on a geocaching road trip, including packing a first aid kit, telling someone your plans, and using caution while driving and searching for caches. |
| There are many resources available to help plan a geocaching road trip, including articles, blogs, and websites dedicated to geocaching and outdoor adventure. |
| The thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of finding a cache make geocaching road trips a unique and rewarding experience for people of all ages and skill levels. |
Here are 14 things you should always bring with you:
1. GPS
A GPS (Global Positioning System) is one of the most useful tools for any geocacher. It can assist you in finding caches, as well as knowing where you are on the map and how to get from point A to point B.
Whether it be your smartphone or a dedicated GPS unit, having a way to locate your position is an extremely helpful piece of equipment.
There are many different brands of GPS devices available such as Garmin, Magellan and TomTom. All have their own pros and cons so it’s important that you do research before purchasing one if this is something new for you!
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2. Map (or GPS Backup)
Maps are essential tools for geocachers. They can help you navigate your way around, find your car if you get lost and plan a route to visit new caches.
There are many different types of maps that are useful in geocaching: road atlas, topographical, aerial photo or satellite image (Google Maps).
The most popular map used by geocachers is the Garmin Oregon 450t GPS receiver which comes preloaded with topographical maps of most of the world’s countries and all U.S. states as well as some Canadian provinces and Mexico City area coverage–it even has trails marked on it!
3. Geocaching App
You can find geocaches with a smartphone by downloading an official geocaching app, such as one of these:
- Geocaching App (iOS)
- Geocaching App (Android)
- C:geo is an easy-to-use and popular option that has offline maps and offers tracking features, as well as the ability to import photos from your camera roll. It also includes a compass feature for navigating through the wilderness on your hunt!
4. Extra Maps
Maps are important. They help you navigate, and they make it easier to find places to stay the night or eat lunch during the day. I recommend bringing two maps with you: one of your destination city and one of your route.
Think about all the things that could go wrong at any given moment on this trip your car breaking down, being lost for hours without a map, etc. and realize that sometimes things do not go according to plan. It’s better to have more than one backup than not enough!
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5. Geocache Containers
With the right container, you can make your geocaching adventure even more fun and exciting.
Geocache containers come in many shapes and sizes, so it’s important to select one that will hold your prize(s), be easy to open, and most importantly not fall apart while you’re out on the trail!
Here are some tips on what kind of geocache containers work best:
Waterproof. If you’re planning a rainy day road trip, it’s best to go with a waterproof container that won’t leak if it gets wet (or if you drop it in a puddle).
These containers are typically made from plastic or metal, and some can even float! They’ll help keep any items stored inside safe from water damage until they reach their final destination.
Biodegradable/reusable. If there’s no chance that someone else might need this particular item again sometime soon (e.g., afterall its purpose was just for fun), then why not go with something biodegradable?
This way when someone finds the cache again later down the line after yours has disappeared into nature forever they’ll still be able to see what was originally inside before all traces of physical form were erased by time passing by…
6. Pencil/Pen and Logbook
I’m sure you’ve heard your parents say it before, but I’ll say it again: “Lose the pencil and pick up a pen.” If you’re going to take the time and effort to plan a geocaching road trip, you might as well do it right.
It may seem like a minor detail, but having the right writing utensil can make all the difference in this game of hide-and-seek.
Geocachers often use pencils while they’re out hunting for caches because they’re easy to carry around (they fit nicely into your pocket) and work even when wet.
However, if you want to keep track of where each cache is located (as well as its clues), then a pen is what you need for recording all that information in your logbook and not just any pen will do!
7. Camera
A camera is a great way to capture some of the memories you’ll make on your trip, plus it can help you find the cache if you’re having trouble.
If you have a digital camera, take pictures of the GPS coordinates and write down any other clues on your phone. If not, just use your phone for those tasks instead!
If there are any activities planned around the cache (i.e., hiking), be sure to bring along anything else that might be necessary food/water/snacks/etc. to ensure everyone has enough energy for whatever fun things lie ahead!
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8. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is an essential piece of equipment for any geocaching road trip. You should include bandages, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, and pain reliever in your first aid kit.
Your kit should also include any special medications that you may need on the trip. If your dog might be joining you on your geocaching adventure, make sure to have a separate first aid kit for them with all of the items listed above as well as some additional supplies if needed (i.e., flea/tick medication).
9. Water and Treats
You’ll want to bring water and snacks on your road trip. You might not want to stop at every geocache, but you don’t want to get too dehydrated or hungry either!
Bring along a few treats for your dog as well they deserve it after all the work they did finding all those caches! Don’t forget a water bowl for them too, just in case you’re stopping somewhere that doesn’t offer one.
Finally, don’t forget your map if there are multiple routes available for getting from cache number 1 to cache number 5; you’ll need it when trying to figure out how far away each one is located from each other so that you can plan out an efficient route through them all.
It’s also important not to forget any other essentials such as cameras (if applicable), cell phones/chargers/wifi hotspot devices so people can share pictures later without having access while driving around looking for the next geocache location
10. Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Whether you’re exploring a new city or hiking through the woods, sunscreen is always important to remember on your road trip.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your hands, neck and ears as well! If possible, bring an extra bottle with you just in case it runs out.
It’s also important not to forget about reapplying every two hours; if there’s one thing that can ruin an otherwise perfect day of fun in the sun (and there are many), it’s getting burned.
Keep this in mind as well: don’t forget sunglasses! Whether it’s sunglasses for driving or just something stylish for everyday use when walking around town, make sure these are part of your packing list too.
As an added bonus tip: many glasses companies offer prescription lenses at reduced prices!
11. Bug Spray and Ease Stick
Bug spray is a must-have on any outdoor adventure. It’s the best way to prevent insect bites, which can lead to painful itchiness and even infections if left untreated.
There are many different bug sprays available at your local pharmacy, but one of the best is Repel 100 Insect Repellent Spray.
It has natural ingredients like citronella oil that provide lasting protection from mosquitoes and other biting pests. If you’re planning on spending time in warmer climates, this product also offers sun protection!
Ease Stick is another great way to relieve bug bites if you don’t have access to bug spray during your trip (maybe because it’s in your car?). Just rub some Ease Stick onto the affected area until it turns white then enjoy relief within minutes!
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12. A Flashlight and Extra Batteries
A flashlight is the most basic piece of equipment a geocacher needs. This can be anything from a headlamp to just a simple flashlight (preferably with multiple light settings). If you plan on doing some night caching, bring extra batteries for your group as well as extra bulbs and lightbulbs.
Flashlights are essential because they help you see where you’re going when it’s dark. The problem is that flashlights can be expensive and often only last one season before needing to be replaced.
I would recommend using rechargeable batteries so that if your batteries run out from night caching, then at least there’s no need for an immediate replacement cost!
13. Extra Clothes and Towels (rainy day)
Make sure you bring extra clothes, a towel, and rain protection as well as a change of shoes. This will help you stay comfortable no matter what happens on your trip.
14. Shoes For Hiking Or Walking Off The Beaten Path!
Finally, remember to pack the right shoes for your trip.
Hiking boots are the best choice for long walks on trails or uneven terrain.
Water shoes are a great option if you plan on walking in shallow water or mud, like at the beach or through puddles where they can come in handy is if you’re planning on hiking up and down hills where there may be tall grasses or other tricky plants that could cut up your socks.
Sneakers should only be worn as far as they’ll take you without breaking down—they’re not suitable for off-roading adventures!
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Conclusion
And that’s just the start of your trip planning! There is so much more to think about, but now you have a firm foundation to build on.
Don’t forget to check out some of our other articles if you want more information on planning your first geocaching road trip or finding a new cache location for an upcoming adventure with friends!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you plan the perfect geocaching road trip:
How to Plan a Geocaching Route and a Geocaching Road Trip: This article provides tips on how to plan your geocaching route and create an itinerary for your road trip.
Five Tips for a Stress-Free Future Geocaching Road Trip: This blog post offers practical advice on how to plan and prepare for your next geocaching adventure.
Top Five Geocaching Road Trip Tips: This article provides five tips for making the most of your geocaching road trip, from packing the right gear to staying safe on the road.
FAQs
How do I plan a geocaching road trip?
To plan a geocaching road trip, start by choosing your destinations and creating an itinerary. Research caches in the area and make note of their difficulty and terrain ratings. Use a map or GPS device to plan your route and be sure to pack all the necessary gear for your trip.
What should I pack for a geocaching road trip?
When packing for a geocaching road trip, be sure to bring a GPS device or smartphone with a geocaching app, a pen or pencil for signing cache logs, water and snacks, a first aid kit, and any other necessary gear such as a flashlight or rain gear.
How do I find the best geocaches on my road trip?
To find the best geocaches on your road trip, research caches in the areas you will be visiting and pay attention to the cache ratings and descriptions. Look for caches with high ratings and interesting themes or locations.
How can I stay safe on a geocaching road trip?
To stay safe on a geocaching road trip, be sure to pack all the necessary safety gear such as a first aid kit and flashlight, and always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Use caution when driving and be aware of your surroundings when searching for caches.
What are some tips for a successful geocaching road trip?
Some tips for a successful geocaching road trip include creating a detailed itinerary, packing all necessary gear, researching caches in advance, and staying flexible and open to new adventures along the way. Remember to enjoy the journey and have fun!
Hi there! My name is Hellen James, and I’m here to talk to you about treasure hunting. I’ve been a fan of treasure hunting ever since I was a kid, and if you’re a fan of treasure hunting or just like the idea of finding a long-lost fortune, then this blog is for you.