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Post by NorthWes on Mar 20, 2011 7:11:57 GMT -9
Our March 2011 newsletter suggested readers share their ideas about necessary TOTT for caching in Alaska. I've got a well-stuffed cache bag I'll be pulling apart and photographing for inclusion here.
What do you consider necessary tools for geocaching here in Alaska?
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Post by SSO JOAT on Mar 20, 2011 15:32:07 GMT -9
How about a good GPS receiver that is loaded with the caches of interest in the area you're traveling to. I prefer one with quality topographic maps and have found the Garmin 76CSx to be perfect (same as the 60CSx, just a different outer case). These have been replaced by the 78 and 62, which now have the ability to store entire gpx data files, making them totally paperless.
Spare batteries. I like to use rechargable NiMH. My digital camera also uses AA batteries, so I only need to carry one size of battery to cover everything. My camera and GPSr have a total of 6 batteries in them and I have another 8 spares. The batteries are marked in pairs or sets of 4 and I rotate them regularly. After a couple years, the run time of NiMH will degrade. When it gets to the point where they won't run a GPSr for more than about 4 hours, it's time to retire them and get a new set.
If you don't have a gpx-ready GPSr, then some other method of having access to the cache listings via smartphone or pre-loaded into something like a Palm Pilot to make caching paperless.
A pocket notebook to keep track of cache details, travel bug numbers, info about Benchmarks you happen across, answers to Earthcache questions, etc.
A "Space Pen" for writing on nearly any log without problems. They work on damp logs and Rite-in-the-Rain paper perfectly.
Stockpile of signature items to leave in caches.
If you like to trade, then a swag bag for trading.
A travel bug bag. Always use a separate bag for trackable items. Picking up a TB and just tossing it into your pack or with other swag is a top reason why TBs go missing.
A few of each size Ziploc bag (snack, sandwich, quart, gallon) to replace damaged bags in caches or to place travel bugs into their own bag when leaving them.
A few different sizes of spare logsheets to leave in a cache that has a full or nearly full log.
Small digital camera with a flash. Scenery, TB photos, Earthcaches, and Benchmarks need you to have a camera along.
Some pink or orange surveyor's flagging in the event you stumble on a new Benchmark. Some fresh flagging on the witness post or a tree branch that is visible from the road will help others locate the Benchmark.
A real magnetic compass and a real paper topo map if going out into the wilderness.
The rest of the gear depends on the season and area that we are traveling to.
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