Here are some of the basics.
1. Before you go out there and hide your cache, it is important that you read through the guidelines provided by geocaching.com. Click here for the Cache Listing Requirements and Guidelines.
Essentially you must keep your cache within accessible areas, never buried, and family friendly. Remember, safety first, for you and other geocachers, keeping in mind that some out there are young children.
2. What you will find out when reading the guidelines and requirements is that there are certain contents needed for your geocache. This includes a note to geocachers and a log book. It is recommended to include a writing utensil for the geocachers.
When you are choosing the container you are going to use for your geocache, there are a few tings to consider:
- Make it somewhat hard to find by camouflaging the outside of the container. Click here for some great camouflage duct tape products.
- Use a container that will stand the test of time - flexible, thick plastic containers, or some metal containers (that wont rust) are your best options.
- A screw on top helps keep the container sealed from water damage. I recommend some of the mid-sized containers that things like mayo, and other condiments come in.
- Keep the container a decent size so that others can leave objects.
Here is an example of a geocache container. Small dry-roasted peanut container from the dollar store with some camouflage tape to cover it up. I included a small notebook and pencil (again from the dollar store), my note to cachers and a few trinkets for geocachers to find.
Duct tape seems to be best (as opposed to paint) as it lasts a long time in all weather. It also sticks to a number of different containers quite well.
Here is a link to some duct tape choices.
If you choose to paint your container, either with a brush or a spray paint, make sure to use an outdoor, all-weather paint. If you live where you get snow, your geocache likely will be in the snow for a part of the year and it is best to cover your container with something that will last.
3. When you start to look for a place to hide your geocache, make sure you follow the guidelines I provided above. While some geocaches can be very easy to find, called park 'n grab, you can make it a bit of challenge and that creates more excitement and an enjoyable experience.
Sometimes people pick the obvious hiding place and can be spotted a mile away, so get creative. It is best to conceal your spot so that your geocache container is not visible to passers-by.
Once you have found the spot for your cache, you will need a device that will be able to "grab" the coordinates you will need when you submit your geocache. There are numerous GPS devices out there that will do just that. Click here for a few of the better GPS device choices available to you. While you are at the site, take note of specific information you will include in your submission, including terrain, general features, hints, proximity to parking, accessibility, and other guidelines to help the geocacher.
When you get home, submit your geocache and wait for approval. Once approved, you will soon see other geocachers locating your hidden cache, sometimes within hours of your geocache going live!
You are ultimately responsible to maintain your cache and should check on it from time to time to ensure everything is intact and in good shape.
I have found that hiding geocaches is just as exciting as finding them. You are creating a great experience for others, and challenging yourself to hide caches that are fun and lasting for years to come.