What equipment do you use for caching? I'm currently using a combination of my Garmin e-Trex H and my Galaxy Note 2. I download all the caches that I want to find onto the Galaxy for offline use as I don't have the data cable for the Garmin. The Galaxy is also handy for finding nearby caches if I'm out and about and don't have any caches downloaded for that area.
I am thinking about changing my GPS for something like the Garmin e-Trex 10. Nice and cheap but packed full of great features.
So, what do you use?
| 05-01-2013, 13:37 | #1 |
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Caching Equipment
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| 05-01-2013, 15:37 | #2 |
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Join Date: Dec 2012
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Can you not do it all on your phone?
Feck Garmin and all their overpriced crap, big thanks to google maps for putting them in their place. |
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| 05-01-2013, 15:52 | #3 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2009
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Also, the garmin handheld gps devices are second to non and very cheap! No need for any maps either. You don't navigate by maps when geocaching. 
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| 05-01-2013, 16:00 | #4 |
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I use my Iphone
Garmin Nuvi in the Bus Garmin GPSMap 62SC Main Device I started off using the Iphone and it was fine. The Gps units are a bit more accurate and some like the one I use is geared up for Geocaching holds all the cache details etc. |
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| 05-01-2013, 18:23 | #5 | |
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I really need to read up on it but the size of the wiki page is putting me off. 
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| 05-01-2013, 18:31 | #6 |
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The Gps or App just gets you close, how close depends on the equipment.
Basically you will see your current location and the location the Cache was logged at. You could be within a few feet or a few metres of it. Then its just a case of looking, some caches will give a hint. Start off with the easy ones until you get the hang of it, you soon get used to the type hiding places and types of cache Some can be quite large about the size of a sandwich box or a bit bigger some are a lot smaller, Nano cache oftren magnetic around 5-6mm in diameter 10mm long, these only contain a log book. Some are right sneaky branch of a tree A Rock A Snail Pine cone Grass these are some of the types ive found and can take a bit of finding The one advantage of the phone app is it is live, so wherever you go you can do a live search for Caches. With a GPS you have to download the caches to it. So if you downloaded caches for Dublin for example and ended up in Belfast chances are you wont have all if any of the caches on your GPS device Last edited by Vaperus; 05-01-2013 at 18:34. |
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| 05-01-2013, 21:09 | #7 |
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I was using an etrex10 for a while, grand bit of kit. Someone was very nice any upgraded me to an etrex20. It's more or less identical to the 10 except with maps.
Using your phone on it's own is grand for a while, only problem is the gps function absolutely kills your battery, and of course it isn't as accurate. It should do okay for finding the odd few caches, but if you plan on putting any caches out then a phone will be useless because you won't get a good enough accuracy for decent co-ordinates. The phone app is good for logging on the go though. Anyone looking for an etrex 10 give me a pm
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| 05-01-2013, 21:34 | #8 |
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Yes A dedicated GPS is more accurate but you have to keep it up to date.
For example if a new Cache gets published or one gets archived, the GPS may not show them Thats why I use both. Worst case is you can enter the cords shown on the app into the GPS at the time for more accuracy |
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| 06-01-2013, 12:19 | #9 |
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Just starting and have found a grand total of two caches. So, basically, I don't have a clue what I'm talking about! But, using an iPhone 5 so far and I don't really see what a dedicated GPS will do extra? I have had some past experience (marine) with GPS handhelds so I know a bit about them. But, what is the advantage beyond increased accuracy?
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| 06-01-2013, 12:36 | #10 |
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accuracy and battery life are the main advantages for me.
If you are placing your own caches you really need a GPS as the phone app isnt accurate enough GPS are usually also more rugged and can be water proof Dropping the iphone on the rocks or in water isnt good |
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| 06-01-2013, 14:14 | #11 |
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 Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 13,301
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A reliable old Garmin eTrex and the iPhone for me. Being out routing around is as much part of the fun for me.
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| 06-01-2013, 14:52 | #13 |
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Depends on what you go for but a few examples are
GPSMap 62SC around 250 garmin etrex 20 around 190 etrex 10 around 110 A couple of good links http://www.geocaching.com/about/buying.aspx http://www.geocaching.com/reviews/gps |
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