Do you remember how fun treasure-hunting was as a kid? Adults can treasure-hunt too by participating in geocaching. Geocaching is a global treasure hunt where participants use a GPS navigational system to find clues. Geocachers get the coordinates of the cache, and that’s when the search begins. Each cache is in a waterproof container and includes a log where people can list their name once they find it. Sometimes the cache will contain a fun item, like a keychain. The caches can be hidden, but they are not buried. There are millions of caches hidden around the world. Geocaching is a hobby that anyone can take part in. It’s a great activity to do in your hometown, with the family on vacation, or as a fun date idea! Learn more about GPS geocaching and how you can get started.
Geocaching: Everything You Need to Know
According to geocaching.com, there are over 2 million caches hidden around the world. There are a few things you need to get before starting your geocaching adventure:
- Geocaching® app
- GPS navigational system (GPS on your phone works!)
- GPS tracking device
The Geocaching® app will provide you with information about nearby geocaches. Next, use the app or the GPS on your phone to track down the cache. The app also has offline maps, which is very convenient since a lot of the time, a cache will be hidden in an area without internet or cell service. Once you find the cache, record your name in the logbook and log online. With the app, you can log the find and describe your experience finding it for other geocachers to read. If you take a trinket from inside the cache, be sure to replace it with something similar. No valuable items or food allowed! Geocaching.com mentions a list of geocaching etiquette rules. For example, don’t go onto private property, don’t disrupt wildlife, pick up trash, and record any “did not find” (DNF) logs, as those are helpful to future geocachers.
GPS Navigational System vs. GPS Tracker
As mentioned above, it’s helpful to bring along a GPS navigational system as well as a GPS tracker. It’s obvious why you need a GPS navigational system to find a cache, but what is a GPS tracker, and why should you invest in one for your geocaching adventures?
A GPS tracker won’t help you find a cache, but it will help your family members or friends easily track you down in case of an emergency. Sometimes caches are located in remote areas. The surrounding terrain might be challenging, and there’s a chance no other people could be around. Thus, carrying a GPS tracker with you on your geocaching adventure allows your loved ones to find your location at any time. It also gives them “person down” alerts, so they know if you have fallen and are potentially injured.
Personal GPS Tracker
A personal GPS tracker is easy to carry whether you are walking on city streets or traversing through a forest. The Enduro Plus 4G is the perfect GPS tracker to take with you on your geocaching trips. It’s lightweight and easy to use. It has an ergonomically designed button that allows users to signal a rapid emergency alert if necessary. Additionally, the battery life is long, making it the perfect device for longer excursions. With 5 minutes of reporting, the battery can last 140 hours. Without reporting, the battery can last 400 hours.
Another great benefit of this device is the geofencing capabilities. Geofences are digital boundaries set by GPS tracker users around a particular area. If the user crosses over these boundaries, loved ones back home are notified. Geofencing is a great feature to use if you are geocaching in a remote place where you could easily get lost. Loved ones back at home can use real-time or periodic tracking via a back-end server to check on your location.
Vehicle GPS Tracker
A vehicle GPS tracker is another excellent device for a geocacher to use. Simply put the device in your vehicle, and you never have to worry about losing your car. Finding your car after a long day of geocaching is easier said than done, especially if you are somewhere new. At the end of the day, if you are having trouble finding your car, track the location via the back end of the GPS tracker. The GPS vehicle tracker can operate at both very low and very high temperatures (between -30 degrees C and +80 degrees C), so you don’t have to worry about leaving it in your car all the time. A GPS tracker is a great thing to have on your vehicle in general, as it is extremely helpful if your car is ever stolen.
GPS Geocaching
Geocaching is so much fun! It’s an activity you can do all year long, and it’s perfect for people of all ages. Everything you need to know about geocaching can be found at geocaching.com. This website tells you how to get started, how to find caches near you, and what to do once you have found one. If you are looking for a new hobby or a way to get out of the house and be more active, geocaching is the answer. Once you have downloaded the app, grab your phone and head out there! The GPS navigational system on your phone can help lead you to the location of a cache.
In addition, bring a GPS tracking device with you. This device allows your loved ones back at home to keep track of your location. It gives them peace of mind that you are safe and sound, even if you are exploring in a remote forest or traversing a steep mountain. For more information about GPS geocaching and GPS tracking devices, contact Tracking the World today.
