How to Make Your Own Geocache

If you have recently learned about geocaching - the outdoor treasure hunt using a GPS - you may be eager to hide your very own geocache. Before you get started hiding caches, there are a few rules and regulations to consider. These rules are posted on the official geocaching.com site. Once you have signed up for a user account (free or paid) and you have reviewed the cache placement rules, you are ready to create a cache!

Your First Cache - Let's Start Traditional

There are quite a few different cache types so we will look at traditional caches in this article. Traditional caches consist, at a minimum, of some type of container and a log book. They can range in size from being very small (micro) to very large (5 gallon bucket or larger).

For your first cache, I recommend choosing a waterproof container about the size of a plastic sandwich container. Do not choose the cheap, disposable plastic containers as water will eventually leak inside and ruin your log and any other items.

You can camouflage your container using tape or paint. This camo process is a fun craft project for kids. We use black and dark gray spray paint to mask our containers. First, we paint the container solid gray. Next, we use the black paint to spray small hash marks. Finally, we add a special geocaching sticker to the outside of the container to help identify the cache and to help prevent theft by non-geocachers.

What's a Logbook?

If you have already found several caches, then you know each geocache must contain a logbook. There is no standard format for the logbook, but you can find pre-made official for sale at Groundspeak.

To make your own logbook, cut some notebook paper into a size that will fit your container. Staple the pages together. On the front, write your cache's name, your geocaching handle, date, or other pertinent information.On the first log sheet, write your handle and date and leave a space for the first-to-find (FTF) to write their name. Place your logbook inside a plastic baggie before placing it in the cache to ensure that it stays dry.

Be sure to include a pencil for people to sign the logbook. In some cases, geocaches are too small for a pencil so get in the habit of traveling with your own pen or pencil while caching.

Trade Items - Swag!!

Most caches are large enough to contain some fun trade items. The idea is that people who find your cache take one trade item and replace it with one of their own. These items are often called swag.

You can pick up fun swag items at dollar stores, craft stores, or online at OrientalTrading.com. Be sure the item is family friendly and does not violate any rules (no dangerous items). Our favorite items to find are plastic frogs and lizards - we are getting quite a nice collection!

One fun craft project for our kids is to make swag items using Perler beads (fusible plastic beads).

Lastly, consider placing a trackable item in your cache. The most common trackable items are travel bugs and geocoins. Watch your item travel across the states or around the world as people log them on geocaching.com. You can purchase trackables online at Groundspeak.