Geocaching » Modern treasure hunt via GPS
This text is machine translated.
Published: 08.06.2021 | Reading time: 7 minutes
In recent years, geocaching has become a popular leisure activity for people who enjoy outdoor activities. It is a kind of modern scavenger hunt that involves finding hidden treasures in the great outdoors or in the city using geographical coordinates. The hiding places are known as geocaches or caches for short.
A cache is a watertight container containing a logbook and a “treasure”, usually in the form of a small present or an item to be exchanged. You enter your name in the logbook and then set off in search of the next cache.
Before the scavenger hunt can begin, you need to find out the coordinates of the caches. These are listed on the relevant geocaching platforms on the Internet.
As a rule, each cache is given a D value and a T value on a scale of 1 to 5. The D value (D = Difficulty) stands for the level of difficulty and provides information on how difficult or easy a cache is to find. The T value (T = Terrain) refers to the nature of the terrain and provides information on whether the paths are easy to master or whether a certain basic physical constitution or special equipment is required. For newcomers to geocaching, it is advisable to start at level 1.
Once you know the coordinates, you can start your treasure hunt. You will need either a GPS receiver or a smartphone with a geocaching app. After entering the GPS coordinates, the GPS device or app will show you on a map where the destination is located. To ensure that the scavenger hunt does not come to an abrupt end, geocachers are not led directly to the hiding place, but only to a closer radius and have to search for the treasure themselves.
Classic geocaches
Geocaches are divided into different categories depending on the task and area of use. So-called “traditionals” are used most frequently. These are classic geocaches with a logbook and treasure, each of which forms a self-contained station.
Multi-geocaches
There are also multi-geocaches, or “multis” for short, which consist of at least one start and one end station. Here, the first geocache refers to the second and so on. You can usually obtain the necessary information by searching for clues on site or completing a specific task. The treasure is waiting at the end.
Mystery Caches
Mystery caches (“mysteries”) are another variant. The focus here is on solving puzzles. The special feature is that the coordinates for the start and end stations are not known in advance. They have to be determined by solving a puzzle in order to be able to start the treasure hunt at all. The required information is publicly accessible.
Virtual caches
So-called virtual caches are a special form of geocache. There is neither a container nor a logbook at the destination. Instead, you have to complete a task at the location, such as reading something or taking a photo and then uploading it. Virtual caches are no longer listed everywhere, as it is disputed in the community whether they are real geocaches at all. They were originally intended for places where no container may be hidden for reasons of monument protection or nature conservation.
Basically, you don't need much for geocaching. The most important tool is a GPS receiver or a smartphone with a corresponding app. Nevertheless, a few items of equipment should not be missing. These include a pen and a notebook. You will need the pen for entries in the logbook if the corresponding writing utensil is not available in the cache or is no longer functional. On more challenging tours, it may be necessary to solve puzzles or carry out calculations. For this reason, it is a good idea to have something to write with you.
Batteries or rechargeable batteries for the GPS receiver or a power bank for the smartphone should also be carried so that you can quickly provide energy when the charge level is low. It is also advisable to have maps and a compass with you to be on the safe side, so that you are not disoriented if the worst comes to the worst.
A flashlight, pocket knife and wire can also be very useful when geocaching. Caches are often hidden in cavities, niches, cracks or holes in walls, which you can illuminate with a flashlight to get a better view. Pocket knives or multifunctional tools are helpful utensils for outdoor activities or excursions. For example, a loop can be formed from wire to help you pull geocaches out of tubes, holes or other hard-to-reach places.
Correct behavior in nature
Geocachers should observe a few important principles on their tours. In nature conservation areas, the use of paths is prohibited, i.e. going cross-country and leaving the paths is forbidden. If you make your way through the undergrowth, you can destroy animal and plant habitats and cause damage to nature. During the search, you should not only move carefully, but also behave inconspicuously, especially when you have arrived at a station. This is to ensure that strangers who are not familiar with geocaching do not tamper with the cache and possibly remove the contents.
Exchange items in geocaches
With regard to swapping, the code “Trade up, trade equal, or don't trade!” must be observed. If you take an item from the cache, an item of equal or greater value must be put in. Items that have a strong odor, are perishable or have an expiration date are not suitable trade items.
Coins, key rings and other small treasures that you can take with you as souvenirs are a better choice. Occasionally, practical utensils such as can openers, bottle openers or flashlights are also exchanged.
To ensure that all subsequent geocachers have the same search experience, the cache should be hidden exactly as it was found.
Geocaching with children
Geocaching is suitable as a hobby for all age groups and as an activity for the whole family. If children are involved, it is advisable to ensure in advance that the geocaches are actually available. If the search is not successful, children in particular can quickly lose interest in the activity. In addition, care should be taken not to cover too great a distance. The rule of thumb is age x 1.5, which corresponds to the number of kilometers that children can usually cover.
GPS receivers are the be-all and end-all for a successful geocaching tour. The fun of the treasure hunt is quickly spoiled if the GPS device does not work properly or fails. When choosing a device, it is important to ensure that it has the best possible antennas so that you can find your way in areas with poor reception, such as in the forest or between house and rock faces. It is an advantage if the device can access another satellite system such as GLONASS in addition to GPS. This enables even more precise navigation. In general, it is important that the GPS device has up-to-date map material.
Whether you opt for a grayscale or color display depends on your individual preferences. Grayscale displays may seem old-fashioned, but they are practical when hiking as they are less distracting. In general, the display of your outdoor navigation device should be easy to read even in direct sunlight. Many devices for geocaching are IP-certified and offer protection against dust and water, which is particularly useful when out in the open. Additional functions such as a compass or barometric altimeter can be very practical for experienced geocachers.
Is geocaching free of charge?
That depends on which platform or app you want to use for your treasure hunt. If you use a free version, geocaching is basically free of charge. Most apps offer free basic models, which can be purchased as a full version or premium version. We briefly explain the most popular apps in the next section.
If you purchase items for little money in order to exchange them for caches you have found, a small fee will be charged.
Which are the best geocaching apps?
The most popular geocaching apps include:
Geocaching
A basically free app, which can also be used in the premium version. In the basic version, you can search for locations, tracking codes or even some geocache types. Geocaching Premium enables better searches, downloading of maps for offline use and much more.
c:geo
This version is completely free, but can only be used on Android devices. Even without an internet connection, you can display caches in offline mode and filter them according to criteria such as difficulty, distance and many other options. Some of these functions are not available in the official geocaching app.
GeoCaches
This app is relatively simple and only compatible with iOS devices, such as iPhones or iPads. You can select the map type, show or hide caches that have been found or are inactive, and display the difficulty type of the route. However, GeoCaches does not offer many more customization options.
However, special online platforms can also be used for this purpose. These include the US database geocaching.com and the German equivalent opencaching.de. Anyone interested in geocaching can register for free on these sites and view the coordinates of caches that are hidden nearby.
What do caches look like?
As a rule, caches should be hidden in existing cavities or in places that are difficult to reach (caves, niches, tree roots, cracks in walls, old buildings if the owner agrees, etc.).
In order to respect nature, burying caches is undesirable. Hiding places close to the ground are often covered with leaves, twigs or stones, but it is also possible that magnetic foils etc. make it difficult to see the treasure.