Geocaching: Everything You Need To Know

If you love the idea of a treasure hunt but want to take it outdoors with a modern twist, geocaching might just be your new favourite hobby. It’s a brilliant way to explore new places, get some fresh air, and enjoy a bit of adventure - all while using your smartphone or GPS device to track down hidden containers, called geocaches. 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started - from choosing your first cache and the gear you’ll need, to tips for creating your own geocaches and joining the global community. Plus, we’ll cover some handy tech know-how and answer the most common questions people have about geocaching. So, if you’re ready to add a little adventure to your outdoor time, let’s dive in!

Geocaching is a global outdoor activity where participants use GPS devices or smartphones to hide and seek containers, called “geocaches” or “caches,” at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world. These caches can be found in urban parks, forests, mountains, and even underwater, making it an accessible and exciting hobby for people of all ages and abilities.

• Find a Cache → Use a geocaching app or website to search for nearby caches.
• Navigate → Enter the cache’s coordinates into your GPS device or smartphone.
• Search → Follow the device to the cache’s general location (known as “Ground Zero” or GZ).
• Sign and Swap → Sign the logbook, trade SWAG (Stuff We All Get), and re-hide the cache for others to find.
• Log Online → Record your find and share your experience with the community.

Geocaching began in May 2000, shortly after the US government improved public GPS accuracy. The first cache was placed in Oregon, USA, and the hobby quickly spread worldwide. Today, millions of caches are hidden across every continent, with a vibrant online community sharing stories, tips, and new challenges.

• Adventure: Every cache is a mini adventure, often leading you to beautiful or unusual places.
• Technology: It combines outdoor activity with modern tech, appealing to a wide range of interests.
• Community: Geocachers share a global community spirit, often collaborating on events and challenges.
• Accessibility: There are caches for every skill and fitness level, from urban micro-caches to extreme wilderness finds.

• Traditional Cache →The original and simplest form-a single container at the listed coordinates.
• Multi-Cache → Involves two or more locations. Each stage provides clues or coordinates to the next, culminating in the final cache.
• Mystery or Puzzle Cache → Requires solving a puzzle to reveal the final coordinates. These can range from simple riddles to complex ciphers.
• Letterbox Hybrid → Combines geocaching with letterboxing, using clues and sometimes a rubber stamp.
• EarthCache → Focuses on geological features, with no physical container. Finders answer questions about the location to log a find.
• Event Cache → A gathering of geocachers, often featuring group hunts or workshops.

• Smartphones: Convenient, with built-in GPS and geocaching apps. Best for urban or casual caching.
• GPS Devices: More accurate, rugged, and reliable in remote areas. Popular models include Garmin GPSMAP and eTrex series

• Pen/pencil (BYOP)
• Torch/headlamp (for night caches)
• Tweezers (for extracting tiny logs)
• Mirror (for inspecting tricky spots)
• UV flashlight (for special caches)
• Swag/trade items
• Spare batteries or power bank
• CITO kit (gloves, rubbish bags)

• Waterproof jackets (e.g., Rab, Arc’teryx)
• Breathable base layers
• Hiking boots or trail running shoes (e.g., Salomon, Merrell)
• Weather-appropriate accessories (hat, gloves, sun protection)

Every cache is rated for difficulty (mental challenge) and terrain (physical effort) on a scale from 1 to 5, in half-point increments.

• Urban Geocaching → Caches hidden in cities, parks, and public spaces. Often small (“micro” or “nano”) and cleverly camouflaged.
• Rural and Wilderness Geocaching → Larger caches are hidden in forests, mountains, or the countryside. Offers scenic hikes and wildlife encounters.
• Extreme Geocaching → T5 (Terrain 5) caches that require special equipment-kayaks, climbing gear, or scuba diving.
• Themed and Series Caches → Some caches are part of a series or themed trail, such as “Geoart” (caches forming a shape on the map).

• Multi-Caches → Involve multiple stages, each providing clues or coordinates to the next. Good note-taking and patience are key.
• Puzzle (Mystery) Caches → Require solving puzzles-riddles, codes, cyphers, or logic problems to reveal the final coordinates.
• Night Caching → Caches designed to be found after dark, often using reflective markers or UV clues. Always bring a torch and let someone know your plans.
• Trackables and Travel Bugs → Trackables are items with unique codes that move from cache to cache, often with a mission (e.g., “visit every continent”). Log their movements online and help them achieve their goals.
• Geocaching Challenges → Community-created challenges, such as finding a cache every day for a year (Project 366), or completing the full D/T grid (Project 81).

GPS (Global Positioning System) is the backbone of geocaching. It uses a network of satellites to provide accurate location data anywhere on Earth.

How GPS Finds a Cache

• The cache owner lists the coordinates (latitude and longitude) online.
• Geocachers enter these coordinates into their device.
• The GPS receiver calculates its position based on satellite signals and guides the user to the cache’s location.
• Accuracy can vary due to terrain, weather, and satellite positions, but modern devices are usually accurate to within a few metres.

• Geocaching® App: Official app with maps, hints, and logging features.
• Other Apps: c:geo (Android), Cachly (iOS), GSAK (Geocaching Swiss Army Knife) for advanced planning4.
• Websites: geocaching.com, opencaching, geocaching Australia.

• Handheld GPS units offer greater accuracy and battery life for remote adventures

• The Geocaching Blog: Official updates, tips, and stories.
• PodCacher: Podcast and community news.
• UK Geocaching Blog: Local stories and advice.
• Geocaching Puzzle of the Day: Puzzle-solving practice.
• Smashingcaching: UK-based adventures and tips.

Understanding geocaching lingo is crucial for beginners. Here are some of the most common terms and acronyms.