Geocaching GPS Units
At the moment the geocaching GPS brands preferred among geocachers are Garmin, Delorme, Magellan and Lowrance. For everybody who is thinking of a very simple no frills geocaching GPS you’ll want to check out the Geomate Jr. Geomate is a relatively cheap GPS that comes pre-loaded with 250,000 geocache coordinates, but is deficient in the functions of other units. It is a perfect unit for children who want a GPS of their own. Most of today’s geocaching GPS manufactures produce incredibly good reputable units, the challenge is deciding on which options do you really require and which are nice options. With GPS selling prices ranging from approximately $50 for a rudimentary model, to upwards of $500 or more, purchasing your first GPS for geocaching is certainly a substantial consideration. A little bit of investigation now can help you save a lot of money (and dissatisfaction) later on.
Below is a list of what are looked upon as the minimum features for the best GPS for geocaching
Accuracy: Accuracy isn’t ordinarily regarded to be a key point of difference between different GPS receivers due to the fact they all get their readings through the same set of satellites. But WAAS enabled gps models will be the most reliable. WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) was developed by the Federal Aviation Administration as an air navigation aid designed to enhance the Global Positioning System (GPS), with the purpose of maximizing its dependability, integrity, and availability.
Durability: Ultimately, you’re going to drop your geocaching GPS and, at some time, it will get wet! So don’t forget to look for a GPS which is solid and waterproof (or at least water resistant)
Good Battery Life: The easiest way to spoil a day of geocaching is to have to abandon your hunt due to the fact you ran out of battery power. Exceptional battery life is furthermore a big safety factor. Following a day of geocaching particularly in difficult terrain, you’ll need your GPS to help you get back to safety. Consider a GPS that uses replaceable AA or AAA batteries, and definitely carry a spare set on hand. Rechargeable lithium batteries definitely are a great choice given that they last for much longer than regular alkaline batteries.
Backlit Display: While easily readable in full sun should you be in an area with dense tree cover, particularly on a cloudy day you want to have a backlit display. This is imperative if you accidentally get caught outdoors in the evening.
Base map: A base map is just simply a map which is permanently stored in the GPS’s memory. This is usually not a high-definition or highly detailed map, however does feature primary highways and terrain features like rivers and lakes. This will make the task of identifying a specific location much easier and can help you steer clear of major obstacles. Basic GPS units without base maps simply display Speed, Bearing (Direction of travel), Distance traveled, and Distance to your final destination.
Topo (topographical) Map: A vital thing to remember when geocaching would be that your GPS points the direction to your desired destination in a straight line, or as “the crow flies”. It isn’t like a automotive GPS that takes into account the roads you’re traveling on and shows exactly how much further you must go. In the event you have to go up any hills or detour around a pond or lake the actual distance you will need to walk can be a lot more than what your GPS is indicating. A topo map allows you to see these obstacles before hand and save you a considerable amount of time and energy.
Computer Interface: Nearly all new gps for geocaching can be hooked up to a personal computer through a USB cable. The higher end models can likewise link up through a wireless network or a Bluetooth connection. Having the ability to connect to your computer will allow you to download cache coordinates and other related information straight onto your GPS at the click of a button. It can be quite time-consuming to enter all of those coordinates to your GPS manually and if you happen to make a error you will not pinpoint the cache.
Waypoint Saving: This feature can be used to store a specific location (waypoint) within your GPS unit’s memory. Routine storage of waypoints can enhance your safety in complex terrain as it will enable you to retrace your steps back to your former place. Some geocaching GPS units include a “Track Log” feature that permits you to use previous waypoints as “breadcrumbs” to find your way back to where you began. The best gps for geocaching will have an “Auto Tracking” function that can repeatedly store waypoints.
Memory: The best geocaching GPS devices make use of microSD cards for retaining maps and geocache locations. The microSD cards are also great if you decide you would like to go geocaching in another part of the country, (or the world) you are able to store all of your new maps and geocache coordinates on a spare card and simply switch it for the card you typically use.
When thinking about the best GPS for geocaching, be sure you contemplate the different available features. Even though a fundamental geocaching GPS is without a doubt cheaper, it could be in your best interest to purchase a more expensive unit that has all the features you desire, rather than compromising for a low end model that may lead to dissatisfactory results and will require upgrading in the future.
Geocache Containers
Despite the fact that the majority of geocache containers are standard tupperware or ammo cans, occasionally you will find a container that is ingenious and distinctive. The best geocache containers are disguised to look like something else or to blend into their surroundings.
In urban areas, making the cache blend into the background is extremely important. You want to make sure that those walking by don’t spot anything out of the ordinary so they will leave it alone. Tiny caches like nanos and micros work well in an urban location. Micros are typically the size of a 35 mm film canister. Nanos are even smaller – with reference to the size of your fingertip. Nano and micro caches are common choices in urban settings due to lack of other hiding places that would sustain a bigger cache. Since these caches can be located practically anywhere due to their size, they can be exceptionally hard to find even without any camouflage on the container.
Nano caches are typically magnetic which makes them ideal for hiding under benches or on fences. They can easily be mistaken for a bolt. The typical muggle (non-geocacher) most likely won’t observe anything out of the ordinary. Some of the best nano caches are hidden in plain sight and can baffle even seasoned geocachers.
However, you aren’t just restricted to nano caches in urban areas. Adding magnets to a regular electrical outlet cover and painting it to tie in with the background is a simple way to hide a cache in plain sight on utility boxes. Of course this type of cache won’t have room for SWAG, but it will hold a baggie with a log when the plate is in place.
If you want to hide a micro in an area that has a fence, look for loose fence post caps. You can simply attach a micro container to the inside of the cap that will hang down into the fence post.
A hollowed out book makes an excellent cache for hiding in a library or bookstore. Of course you must make sure you have the owner or manger’s permisson first.
A number of ingenious geocachers disguise their urban caches to look like junk. A cache concealed in a stinky old shoe and hidden in an area with trash will have other cachers scratching their heads. Skillful geocachers have also fashioned caches from old cans and bottles.
If you are hiding your cache in a wooded area, it is still advisable to disguise your container in some way so it stands out less. Interesting cache containers are much more fun to discover than ordinary Tupperware. The camouflage can be as simple as gluing some leaves, twigs, and moss to the top of your container.
Consider duplicating things you find in nature for your cache containers. You can acquire reasonably priced bird’s nests at craft stores and hide them up in a tree. The one downside is that a bird might decide it looks like a good home! If you choose to hide a cache in a rocky area, think about those hide-a-key rocks. If you need a larger cache, you can obtain a plaster mold and create your own rock cache. .
If you are looking to up the difficulty rating a bit, one ingenious purpose is to drill out the end of a small log and insert a 35 mm film canister into the hole. Then hide your cache in the woods surrounded by fallen limbs.
When it comes to geocaching containers, you truly are limited only by your imagination. If you don’t possess the tools or know-how to make your own, you can search eBay or Amazon for geocaching containers. Regardless of whether you concoct your own or purchase one, a creative container can make the difference between a so-so cache and one that gets people excited about visiting your caches.
What is geocaching?
Geocaching is a fun adventure for adults and kids where people from all over the world look for hidden treasure (geocaches) with a gps unit. By entering the coordinates of the geocache location into a gps you are on your way to your own hi-tech game of hide and seek .
Geocaching is a hobby that is great fun for the whole family. It’s a great way to get the kids away from their video games and computers and get then outdoors for some much needed fresh air and exercise.
