BearOakDruid's Geocaching Site

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for gps users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a gps unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they get something they should try to leave something for the cache.

For more information, see http://www.geocaching.com/faq

How did I get into it?

My wife first heard about geocaching from a friend and mentioned it to me as something fun for the family to do. I did a little research on the Internet and decided to give it a try. I found my first cache with a friend and a borrowed GPS. In January 2006, I bought my own GPS, a Magellan eXplorist 400, and have been caching ever since.

What equipment do I use?

People often ask what equipment is needed for geocaching.  Well, the first is obviously a GPS receiver.  I am currently using a Garmin 60csx.  To get more use out of my GPSr, I use recharable batteries by Duracell.  The next thing I would recommend is a toss up between my Tracks Sherlock walking stick and my Outland Mid Waterproof hiking boots by Merrell.  I can't stress enough how important a good hiking stick is or a great pair of hiking boots.  Your boots should be comfortable to walk in and waterproof at least above the ankle.  To make them even more comfortable, I would suggest SuperFeet insoles and a good pair of wool socks.  That's what I would consider the essentials.

Since I mentioned a good pair of hiking boots, insoles and socks, we might as well discuss other clothing options.  I really like the convertible cargo pants by REI as they are light weight and dry fast, plus having all the pockets to carry things is a big plus. Likewise, wearing ExOfficio boxer briefs (also available at REI) are good to prevent chaffing and also dry quickly.  My other favorite apparel accessory is my Tilley hat, a LTM6 air flow.

Other things you might need in the field are a good pen, tweezers, a compass, a pack of some kind, a camera, and a phone.  I don't have the statistics behind this but I bet just as many geocaches are found using the phone as a GPS receiver.  I also use my smart phone for paperless caching via CacheMate.  Of course, the best tool I have when I am not out in the field is GSAK.  Its a software program I run on my desktop computer to help me manage the geocaches in my area via a very powerful database with great filter options.