After many conversations about the merits of one GPS over another, geocachers are more interested in what’s in the bag. Your geocaching bag, of course. It could be a backpack, a fanny-pack, a purse or simply a pocket. Cachers near and far want the low-down on what to bring when out on the trail.
Here in Calgary, Alberta the weather changes every five minutes. Living under the shadow of the arch in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains has cachers in this area hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Therefore, some of the items in a geocacher’s bag may include:
• A GPS loaded with the cache coordinates. That’s just common sense.
• A camera or cell phone for photo taking. Great for collecting Alberta’s many earth caches and magnificent nature. And because of the oil fields, this province has some of the best cell phone tower coverage worldwide. Helpful if you’re stuck in the mud.
• A pencil…or Sharpie, or other cold-weather-resistant favourite writing implement. Necessary when finding micros!
• Some muggle cards. Don’t have these ‘get out of jail free’ explanations? Download yours for free here.
• A travel bug or two, waiting to be moved along to the perfect location.
• Bug spray!
• A pair of gloves for those darn pine trees.
• A hiking stick (not necessarily in the bag). Great idea: put a magnet on the end to help you find bison tubes faster.
• Some tradable items like small toys, pins in their original baggies, beaded jewellery, etc. Remember to trade even or trade up.
• A rain poncho.
• A bottle of water – for you and the dog.
• Some scrap paper for discovering a travel bug code.
• A good sense of your personal limits, both physical and mental. Warning: ego may not fit inside the bag.
Those are some of the essentials in my bag. What’s in yours?
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Comments
We always have some things for cache repairs. We have a cache repair kit with some camo tape, baggies, spare logs, magnet, etc. If we can save someone a trip out just to replace a torn baggie or make a small repair, we will.
Thanks for your comment! I've always known Calgary Area Cachers to be the some of the most considerate people I've ever met...and your insightful addition is the proof in the pudding. All cachers should take note.
Well there you go again. Another common sense article from the Cache Mistress... nice Britton.
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