Few things that make geocaching activity more enjoyable

A few other things can make your outing a little more enjoyable:

• Map and compass: A fair number of geocachers use only their GPS receiver to get them to a cache, but a good local map of the area can be very helpful. Although a receiver can lead you directly in a straight line to cache, it’s probably not going to tell you about the river, deep canyon, or cliffs between you and the cache. Even GPS receivers that display topographic maps often won’t show enough detail that can help or hinder you on your way to a cache. Additionally, a map and compass serve as a backup just in case something goes wrong with your GPS. (Just make sure you know how to use them.)
• Pen or pencil and paper: Carry a small pad of paper and a pen or pencil for taking notes about your route or things that you see on the way. Some geocachers keep an ongoing journal of their adventures, and you never know — you might turn into a geocaching Hemingway.
• Something to leave in the cache: When you locate a cache, you’ll find all sorts of swags, which are treasures other people have left. Don’t expect diamonds, gold bullion, or Super Bowl tickets, though. (You’re far more likely to find baseball cards, costume jewelry, or corporate marketing giveaways.) Just remember that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. The best things to leave in a cache are unique, out-of-the-ordinary items (such as foreign coins, fossils, exotic matchbooks, or anything that has a high cool factor). And, please, avoid leaving McToys, geocaching lingo for junk that you reasonably expect to find with fast-food kid’s meals
• Appropriate clothes and footwear: There are no geocaching fashion police, so wear clothes that are comfortable, weather appropriate, and suitable for getting dirty. Even if it’s the middle of summer, it’s not a bad idea to bring along a jacket in case of an unexpected rain shower or drop in the temperature. Also, make sure you’re wearing sturdy and comfortable footwear if the cache is outside an urban area. High heels and wingtip loafers generally aren’t recommended.
• Food and water: Some caches take all day to find, so be prepared with enough food and water to get you through your search; you can even plan a picnic lunch or dinner around your outing.
• Walking stick/trekking poles: If the terrain is really rough, a good walking stick or set of trekking poles can make life much easier when going downhill and negotiating uneven surfaces. A stick or a pole is also useful for poking around in rock cracks looking for a cache, just in case there’s a creepy-crawly inside.
• Digital camera: Although definitely not a required piece of geocaching gear, a number of cachers tote along a digital camera to record their adventures or to post pictures on the Web.
• Small pack: It’s much easier to put all your geocaching gear in a small daypack rather than stuffing your pockets full of stuff.