How Geocaching Works?

Geocaching may also be described as a series of hide-and-seek games, where hiders provide online clues for seekers.

Seekers use global positioning system (GPS) devices to find hidden caches

. Caches are the hidden treasure. After registering online, geocachers look for coordinates (the longitude and latitude) of caches.

What are the geocaching rules?

• Take something from the cache.
• Leave something in the cache.
• Write about it in the logbook.

Is geocaching still a thing 2020?

Whether you’re a seasoned geocacher or you’re new to the activity, you’ll be happy to know that,

yep, geocaching is still a thing

. According to the folks at the official Geocaching headquarters, there are more than 3 million active geocaches located around the world.

What do you do when you go geocaching?

Can you take stuff from a geocache?

While some caches host trackables or unique SWAG items, some geocaches aren’t so lucky. The etiquette around geocaching SWAG is simple.

If you take something, leave something behind of equal or greater value

.

Are there dangers involved in Geocaching?

At the top of the dangers is that

you might not find the cache

. While this might not sound so bad, if you have an intense desire to find the certain item, you might be out in the forest or street for many hours. Sometimes caches are taken from their GPS location by people (children) or by groundskeepers.

How do I geocache for free?

It’s no surprise that one of the better free geocaching apps is

the official app, called Geocaching

. You can use it to search for geocaches, log that you did or did not find any particular cache, and more. However, because there’s also a premium version available, the free app is limited in some ways.

What should you not put in a geocache?

Explosives, fireworks, ammunition, lighters, knives (including pocket knives and multi-tools), drugs, alcohol and any illicit material

should not be placed in a cache. If someone other than you places an inappropriate item in a cache that you own and this is reported, the cache may be temporarily disabled.

What is a waypoint in geocaching?

A waypoint is

a reference point for a physical location on Earth

. Use waypoints to mark important locations such as stages of a Mystery or Multi cache, or to document your starting point at a parking lot or trailhead. To add a user waypoint in the Geocaching® app: In the cache details page, select Waypoints.

What do geocache containers look like?

Geocache boxes come in all different shapes and sizes. They can be anything, but they are usually

small, weatherproof boxes made of metal, wood, or plastic

. You might find a camouflaged Altoids tin, a can of mixed nuts, or an ammo box. The cache will be hidden (but not buried) in a safe, non-intrusive place.

What is inside a geocache?

Traditionally, geocaches are waterproof containers (tupperware containers or ammunition boxes, for example), and inside them you’ll find

a logbook

for you to sign. You can also sign the online logbook to prove you’ve found it. Some caches even contain ‘treasures’ or trinkets for trading.

What technology makes geocaching possible?

Geocaching is a hide-and-seek, treasure-hunting game that is played worldwide and uses

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology

to find hidden caches.

Is geocaching still a thing 2022?

Earn one souvenir for placing a new geocache that is published March 1, through December 31, 2022

. The 2022 hider souvenir can be earned when a geocache or Event is published but is not awarded for creating an Adventure Lab Cache. Each geocacher can only earn the souvenir once in 2022.

How do you geocache for beginners?

Go to geocaching.com to choose one of millions of geocaches hidden worldwide. Use your smartphone app or GPS to navigate to the cache. Keep an eye out so you can spy the cache’s camouflaged hiding place. Once you find the cache, sign the logbook, exchange one item and put everything back like you found it.

How do I post a geocache?

1. Submit a cache page. Before you create a new cache page, choose a good container and place your cache.
2. Create new cache page. Create a new cache page. …
3. Submit for review. …
4. Check for confirmation email. …
5. Cancel cache submission. …
6. Archived by reviewer. …
7. Submit an appeal.

What does Muggle mean in geocaching?

The word muggle was adopted from the Harry Potter series of books, used to describe someone as non-magical. In geocaching, it is used to refer to

someone who does not geocache

.

What is swag in geocaching?

Small toys, keychains, and other treasures found in the cache

– that’s geocaching SWAG – or Stuff We All Get. SWAG is often something homemade, or represents a geocacher, their interests, or where they’re from! Geocachers trade swag by replacing items in the geocache with something of equal or greater value.

What should I bring to a geocache?

1. GPS/smartphone and extra batteries/charger. Don’t lose the juice. …
2. SWAG for trading. SWAG = stuff we all get. …
3. Extra logbooks and pencils. Yes, it’s the cache owner’s responsibility to maintain their caches. …
4. Snacks and water. …
5. Sunscreen. ‘ …
6. Bug spray. …
7. Rain gear. …
8. Tools of the Trade — TOTT.

Why should you never bury a cache?

You should never alter the environment when you hide a cache, nor should you place the cache in such a spot that seekers will have to affect the environment when they look for it. Never bury a geocache or place it in thick brush that

others will have to clear

.

What is the best app for geocaching?

1. Geocaching by Groundspeak. This is the game’s official app, which is why it appears first in this list (and also because it is compatible with both Android and iOS). …
2. C:Geo. …
3. Cachly. …
4. Cache Maid. …
5. Looking 4 Cache Pro.

How much does geocaching cost?

Can I use my phone as a GPS for geocaching?

Since

geocaching required a GPS

, Android-based smartphones are a great tool to use since you normally have them with you.

Can I use Google Maps for geocaching?

Show Geocache On Google Maps. Quickly see a geocache’s location on a Google map.

Click on our icon when looking at a geocache page and its location will be shown using a Google map in a new tab

. Makes it easy to use features such as street view, measure distances and more!

Can you geocache without data?

Yes. The Geocaching® app uses your offline maps before it tries to pull data from the internet

. But offline maps are not designed to replace an available internet connection. If you don’t want the app to use cellular data, switch to WiFi or Airplane Mode.

How long does it take for a geocache to be published?

Each cache that’s submitted to Geocaching.com is reviewed by a volunteer, ensuring that the cache meets the Geocaching Listing Guidelines. It generally takes

up to 72 hours

for the cache to be posted to the website.

What do you write in a geocache logbook?

At a minimum,

the cacher’s name/initials and the date it was found

. Large caches have log books that allow you to write a complete account of your finding the cache. Other logs are barely large enough for the finder’s initials. Most Cache Owners want to know about your experience hunting and finding their cache.

What are the different types of geocaching?

• Traditional Geocache: This is the original cache type and most straightforward. …
• Mystery or Puzzle Caches: Solve the mystery or puzzle to reveal the correct coordinates. …
• Multi-Cache: A cache with two or more “stages.” The final location has a container with a logbook inside.