Being a better hider begins long before a lucky geocacher claims an FTF (First to Find) on your brand new geocache. It even begins before you submit your freshly-hidden geocache for review. Some geocachers have had years to perfect their geocaches, while others are just starting out. Whether you’re currently a cache owner or a future one, here are four quick pointers to be a better hider.
- Access granted
Make sure to get permission from the land owner or manager before placing a geocache. Even some public locations require permission. This step will help to offer a great experience to geocachers without them feeling unwelcome about looking for the cache at that location. It also alerts the land owner that people may be coming to the area to look for it, and that they should not be concerned. Lastly, it means you won’t need to worry (as much) about the cache being removed. - Location, location, location
The GPS coordinates are what guide geocachers to the geocache, so it’s no surprise that retrieving accurate GPS coordinates when placing your hide is important. You should double (even triple) check your coordinates before submitting your geocache for publication so geocachers are set up for success when searching for it. - All weather, all the time
Do your best to ensure the cache and the log book are weatherproof. A soggy log sheet can dampen the joy of geocaching. See examples of great geocache containers on our Instagram to gain some inspiration for ways to uplevel your existing hides or gather ideas for protecting future geocaches from the elements. - Make a lasting impression
Place the geocache in a spot you would like people to visit. Ask yourself, Would I show my favorite person in the world this geocache? Is the geocache placed at a scenic overlook? Does it reveal a hidden history? Or is the finding experience creative? If you answered “yes” to at least one of these questions, you’re on the right track to placing a great cache. Check out some creative cache ideas and start brainstorming!
An important note: it’s ok for geocache containers to change over time. The cache container placed five years ago may not be in the best shape any longer. Be sure to check the condition of your cache container as a whole when visiting your hide. The logbook may not be the only thing that needs replacing!
You can learn even more by reading Geocaching Etiquette: Cache Ownership, getting familiar with the geocaching guidelines, and by getting out there and finding geocaches to spark some inspiration for your own hide!
What’s the most memorable geocache container you’ve found? Share in the comments!
Source: Geocaching