Looking to start geocaching - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

BeckyW · 08-26-2005, 06:22 PM

Hi Everyone,

I've just recently learned about geocaching and what it actually was. I just joined the website, http://www.geocaching.com. I'm really eager to get a chance to try it. It sounds like a lot of fun, especially since I do a lot of off-roading already!

Obviously my first step would be getting a GPS. Can anyone give me any advice as to where I can pick up a cheap one that works well?

Thanks in advance!

Shannon · 08-26-2005, 06:58 PM

Thank you for the post, Becky.

Others will likely offer additional advice, but I wanted to note that I can highly recommend Garmin products (full disclosure: Justin and I are shareholders, though not "big time" ones, by any means). We own a variety of Garmin GPS units, and have for years. My favorite right now is their Forerunner unit, which is not really a geocaching unit (though any GPS can be used for geocaching); instead, it's aimed at runners, walkers and cyclists since it can be worn on the wrist or mounted on handlebars.)

My current geocaching unit is Garmin's GPSMap 76S -- it's water resistant, has topographic mapping capability (if you purchase Garmin's MapSource TOPO CD's), has a large, readable display and a built-in electronic compass. I'll actually be putting mine up on eBay soon to help fund some other geek-gear purchases (a new computer, for one; and a new portable GPS navigator for our vehicles). It'll be a couple more weeks before I get around to posting mine on eBay, but it's in the original box with all the original materials (manuals, etc.)

I have nothing against other GPS makers, by the way, I've just had no reason to switch from Garmin. We have their mapping products and are comfortable with the user interface on most of their models (the Forerunner took a little bit more time to get used to, actually), so it's been a logical choice every time we're in the market for a new unit.

Definitely research what's available and pick the right unit for your price range and expected use. We've found that no single GPS is perfect for every use -- we use a different GPS for geocaching and hiking than we do for biking, and different units still for more specialized things like in-vehicle navigation or flying (Justin's a licensed general aviation pilot, and a GPS is an added layer of safety and redundancy to the aircraft's built-in navigation and wayfinding systems.)

If we can provide more details, or point you toward additional geocaching websites (you've found my favorite, already), let us know!

PUNCHY · 08-27-2005, 08:00 AM

Hey Shannon,

What do you think of the RINO GPS systems. Looked at the 530s but for hiking and fishing I think the 130 will do. I also like the idea of using the communication features with the kids and all but not a necessity.

Shannon · 08-27-2005, 09:40 AM

We have a couple Rino 110's we picked up on sale at Target some time back. Justin's a big fan of them, but I never really warmed up to using mine. It was fun to use with our niece and nephew on hikes and geocaching trips, but I prefer the screen and topographic features of my GPSMap 76S over the Rino 110, so my Rino's gathering dust. It's a great little unit, and I'm sure the 130's probably are even better than the 110's. The range was pretty good, and for parents it's a terrific unit to hand your kiddo so you can keep tabs on them (or vice versa!)

Alchemist2000 · 08-27-2005, 10:19 AM

BeckyW, you will find lots of info about geocaching at the www.geocaching.com site. That is definitely the place to start. There is a special section for getting started (click on the link in the upper right hand section of the geocaching.com home page). Also ask any questions in the Getting Started section of their forums. People there are very knowledgable and very helpful.

As far as a choice of gps for geocaching (or for anything else!), let me recommend the site www.gpsinformation.net It is not visually very attractive, but it is loaded with valuable information.

I have used a Garmin GPS V for years. It works well for both on road navigation and for hiking/geocaching. I have considered upgrading to one of the newer Garmin units so I could have a faster computer connection (The V uses only a serial connection rather than usb.), more memory for more maps, and possibly color, but I have been reluctant to do so because the newer units lack the ability to switch screen direction. When I have the gps mounted on the dash of the Jeep, I much prefer to have the screen in landscape mode (if that is what you call it on a gps screen

)

By the way, I don't want to get into a debate over Garmin vs Magellan or any other gps company, because it is like asking someone to pick between car companies. I can say that Garmin is an American company and it has a reputation for absolutely incomparable customer service. I can add my own testimonial about customer service. When we were getting ready to go to Big Bend NP last summer, I e-mailed Garmin to ask when the more detailed topo maps of the National Parks in the central part of the country would be available. (These are available now, but were not available at that time.) The tech responded very quickly that it would not be available for purchase for at least several more months, but he would load it onto by gps unit if I was willing to send it to him. It turns out I did not take him up on his offer due to time constraints, but I was very impressed by that.

BeckyW · 08-30-2005, 12:17 PM

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and advice. I'm definately going to save this information about GPS units so I know what kind would be good to buy. I'm really excited, my friend just bought a GPS add-on for his cell phone. Only cost about $50 to $60 and it seems to work pretty well. I just hope it works well enough to use it for geocaching.

So looks like I'll be able to start geocaching soon!

What is everybody's favorite item to leave at caches? I'm trying to think of something good!

ploddinTod · 08-31-2005, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeckyW

What is everybody's favorite item to leave at caches? I'm trying to think of something good!

Give me a break! Give me a break of that Kit Kat Bar!

copuswalker · 08-31-2005, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ploddinTod

Give me a break! Give me a break of that Kit Kat Bar!

Funny,,,,I was thinking a cooler full of beer? Different strokes for different folks?

Shannon · 08-31-2005, 04:36 PM

I know folks are having fun, but don't ever put food items (that includes chocolate, or beer!) in caches. Most caches get investigated by critters anyway, and having something fragrant or tasty in the cache guarantees it's going to get chewed through/dragged off.

We usually forget to bring something to put in caches, so most of our log entries are "TNLN" -- Took Nothing, Left Nothing.