Difference between revisions of "Things to bring in the woods"

Revision as of 09:24, 16 April 2008

The short list

The following are important no matter where you're geocaching.

• GPS receiver
• Pen (for logging)
• Cache information

The long list

If you're hiking in backcountry areas, then you should have the Ten Essentials with you:

1. Map (in addition your GPS receiver)
2. Compass (in addition your GPS receiver)
3. Sunglasses and sunscreen (or hat/clothing designed for this purpose)
4. Extra food and water
5. Extra clothes
6. Light source: headlamp, flashlight/torch, etc.
7. First aid kit
8. Fire starter
9. Matches (in addition to your fire starter)
10. Knife

The following are also very useful:

• Water bottles and water treatment filter/chemicals
• Repair kit, including repair tape (duct tape, duck tape, gaffer tape, etc.) and basic sewing materials.
• Insect repellent (or clothing designed for this purpose)
• Signaling devices, such as a whistle, mobile phone, two-way radio, unbreakable signal mirror or flare.
• Plastic tarp and rope for expedient field shelter.
• Toilet paper
• Spare batteries (for GPS receiver, lights, camera, etc.)
• Terrain-specific equipment (e.g., an ice axe for glacier or snowfield travel)

Geocachers often have the following as well:

• Trade items
• Camera
• Hiking poles or staff
• Replacement log books/sheets, stash notes, ziplock bags, pens, etc.
• Gloves
  • Heavy work gloves
  • Latex/nitrile gloves
• ROT13 key for multi-caches
• Calculator
• Bear Spray

See also

• How to use a map and compass