Different types of Cache that I've visited

Cache explanations courtesy of Geocaching.com


Traditional Caches - This is the original cache type consisting, at a bare minimum, a container and a log book. Normally you'll find a tupperware container, ammo box, or bucket filled with goodies, or smaller container ("micro cache") too small to contain items except for a log book. The coordinates listed on the traditional cache page are the exact location for the cache.

The general rule of thumb is, "If you take an item, leave an item, and write in the logbook." Some caches are themed, so make sure to read the description before going on a hunt.



Multi-Cache -A multi-cache ("multiple") involves two or more locations, the final location being a physical container. There are many variations, but most multi-caches have a hint to find the second cache, and the second cache has hints to the third, and so on. An offset cache (where you go to a location and get hints to the actual cache) is considered a multi-cache.



Unknown Cache or Puzzle Cache - The "catch-all" of cache types, this form of cache can involve complicated puzzles you will first need to solve to determine the coordinates. Due to the increasing creativity of geocaching this becomes the staging ground for new and unique challenges.



Earth Cache - An EarthCache is a special place that people can visit to learn about a unique geoscience feature or aspect of our Earth. EarthCaches include a set of educational notes and the details about where to find the location (latitude and longitude). Visitors to EarthCaches can see how our planet has been shaped by geological processes, how we manage the resources and how scientists gather evidence to learn about the Earth. For more information about EarthCaches, visit http://www.earthcache.org/.



Virtual Cache - A virtual cache is a cache that exists in a form of a location. Depending on the cache "hider," a virtual cache could be to answer a question about a location, an interesting spot, a task, etc. The reward for these caches is the location itself and sharing information about your visit.

Because of the nature of these geocaches, you must actually visit the location and acquire the coordinates there before you can post. In addition, although many locations are interesting, a virtual cache should be out of the ordinary enough to warrant logging a visit.



Letterbox Hybrid - A letterbox is another form of treasure hunting using clues instead of coordinates. In some cases, however, the owner has made it both a letterbox and a geocache and posted its coordinates on Geocaching.com. If there is a stamp inside a letterbox hybrid, it is not an item intended for trade; the stamp is meant to remain in the box so that visitors can use it to record their visit.




Event Cache - Occasionally, local geocachers and geocaching organizations designate a time and location to meet and discuss geocaching. After the event the caches are archived


Mega Event -
A Mega-Event cache is similar to an Event Cache but it is much larger. In order to qualify as a Mega Event, the event cache must be attended by 500+ people. Typically, Mega Events are annual events and attract geocachers from all over the world.


Wherigo -
Wherigo is a toolset for creating and playing GPS-enabled adventures in the real world. By integrating a Wherigo experience, called a cartridge, with finding a cache, the geocaching hunt can be an even richer experience. Among other uses, Wherigo allows geocachers to interact with physical and virtual elements such as objects or characters while still finding a physical geocache container. A Wherigo-enabled GPS device is required to play a cartridge. Learn more at Wherigo.com.



Now what are my favourites.....pretty hard to decide really. I've completed some fantastic Traditional Caches - generally the ones with higher difficulty/terrain ratings. Puzzle caches I love especially when the weather is dire or its evenings and I can't get out so I'll sit there at my computer and try and solve the different puzzles to get the co-ordinates. Can be very time consuming and also frustrating.

I absolutely love Earth Caches, Its amazing how much you can learn from just doing one cache about the history or geology of a particular area. I've also come across some amazing multi-caches that have had loads of stages but haven't been boring or repetitive.

But then again....a cache is a cache, it really doesn't matter to me what it is, it's about the enjoyment of getting outdoors and exploring new places that I never knew existed. Its also about the buzz of the hunt as well, and if you have ever seen a geocacher in action the head is down following the arrow and the closer they get, the quicker they move.....and that's still certainly the case with us.