Geocaching Equipment

Going Geocaching? There are actually only a couple of MUST HAVE items to take with you as a minimum. However, there is also a longer list of items that could help you with your geocaching adventures. Below are some of the items and why they can help.

Must Have Items

• Smartphone - an essential piece of equipment loaded with your favourite geocaching app!
• GPS receiver - an alternative to the smartphone, load your geocaches onto the GPS from your computer at home before heading out.
• Pen/Pencil - take a pen or pencil. You need this to sign the geocaches.

Helpful Items

• Bag/Backpack - a bag for all your geocaching helpful items and equipment.
• Spare Pen/Pencil - make sure you have at least one spare pen with you, or several if you can.
• Phone - if you use a GPS take your phone too in case you need to contact someone for help.
• Spare Batteries - if you use a GPS you might need spare batteries to swap out for old ones.
• Power Bank - if you use your Smartphone take a power bank and cable to recharge your phone while you are out geocaching.
• Drinks - as with any outdoor activity, staying hydrated is important. Take along an ample supply of water or drinks.
• Snacks/Lunch - out for a long time, take your lunch with you or some snacks for shorter walks.
• Clothes - take a jumper or jacket with you or wear layers to start and remove items on your way.
• Tweezers - some log sheets are tiny inside tiny geocaches, so tweezers can be handy to extract the log sheets.
• 'SWAG' or 'Geoswag' - bring swag to swap items inside geocaches - remember to trade with items of equal or greater value.
• Geocache Repair Kit - take a spare geocache and some new log sheets. A Cache Owner (CO) will appreciate you helping, but remember to ask the CO if they would like their old log sheets if you replace them.
• Torch - good to have in case it gets dark. It is also useful to search in dark holes, such as a large tree hollow.
• Hand Gel/Wipes - useful for keeping yourself clean and fresh.
• Sun cream - protect your skin while you are outside.
• First Aid Kit - plasters and alcohol gel are useful for scrapes and scratches.
• Boots/Wellies - wear the appropriate footwear for the conditions, or keep a pair in your car.
• Hiking Sticks - great for hillwalking, but also for looking for geocaches in nettles or hedges.
• Maps - a real map might help with trails and footpaths.
• Compass - useful to have to help you navigate.
• Whistle - a great safety device (just in case).
• Specific Items - geocaches might need a specific tool to access; check the geocache descriptions for instructions.

With your bag full of this kit, you are ready to go on a geocaching adventure!

For more advice, keep reading on about geocache types and geocache sizes that are out there for you… Geocache Types