Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Geocaching Review: Micro Ammo Can Geocache Container by Groundspeak, Inc.

   
Geo what?

Geocaching. Collecting action figures is my number one favorite hobby but geocaching might just be my second. It's a game that's played by hiding containers outside and using a handheld GPS receiver (or a smart phone these days, but that's just not my style) to find them. Caches can be found almost anywhere (parks, parking lots, remote and wild areas of nature) and can come in a variety of sizes. While the most common caches these days seem to be smaller repurposed containers like film canisters or old pill bottles covered in duct tape, the most iconic type of cache is the good old fashioned metal ammo box. They're rugged, durable, and waterproof. Heck, I found one last August that had endured a wildfire: You could see that the contents had melted inside but the ammo box itself was still in fine shape. Anyways, a few months ago while out geocaching with my family we found a cache that was hidden in the container just like the one pictured here. I thought it was pretty nifty and was quite glad to find one just like it in my Easter basket this year! Ready for a look at this Micro Ammo Can Geocache Container by Groundspeak, Inc? Then join me after the break...





The Facts:
Dimensions: 1 5/8th inches long, 1 inch wide, and 1 inch tall.

Non-Scalper Price: $10 at geocaching.com

This could be a functional cache although it is not listed as being waterproof. You could put a small plastic baggy inside to protect the paper log that is signed to prove you found the cache, though.



I'm not sure how big the crossover market for geocaching action figure collectors is but I feel like I'm without a doubt the prime demographic for this product. It's basically a functioning 1/12th scale metal ammo box with a working hinge, latch, and handle. There's even a bit of foam inside the lid to help give it a more secure and snug fit. While I have a few of geocaches of my own hidden and plan on hiding many more, I doubt I'll put this one out. I'm more likely to use it for taking funny pictures. I love that it's emblazoned with the words "Official Geocache" and the web address for geocaching.com along with the official logo. The cache I found like this out in the wild was in good shape and was tucked under a bench out of the elements so they seem to hold up well. For me, though, this is just too cool of an action figure accessory and I'm glad my parents snuck it into my Easter basket. As a collector of action figures and a Geocacher, I can't help but give this my highest marks: Epic!

If you'd like to learn more about geocaching, feel free to ask me a question or visit geocaching.com! If you like seeing stuff like this, let me know. Geocaching involves little traveling trinkets and coins that are pretty cool and might be interesting to some of you who need an excuse to get outside and do something.

*I've had a few questions about the game, so here is a more detailed description of the game*

     Geocaching is like a high-tech treasure hunt that uses GPS coordinates to find containers of various sizes that are hidden around all over the world. There are more than 7 million geocaches worldwide! Geocachers (players of the game) both hide geocaches of their own and seek out the geocaches of others. The game is not intended to be competitive although some folks like to create their own goals and challenges. Here's how the basic game works for the hider:

1. Find a place where you want to hide your geocache. This can be a park, a nature trail, or even a parking lot. Make sure that it is a truly public place or that you secure permission to hide your cache. It should also be somewhere close enough to your home that you could provide maintenance if needed (at least somewhere that you know you could get to within an average month).

2. Hide your geocache! It can be as small or as large as you want it to be. You need to use a weatherproof/ waterproof container. Every cache has to have a paper log that finders can sign to prove they were physically present and found the cache. Some caches are easy to find, some are hidden extremely well and disguised. Larger containers might also have fun little trinkets inside that finders can trade for (called SWAG).

3. Submit your cache on geocaching.com for approval. This includes giving your cache a name, securing accurate GPS coordinates, writing up a listing for your cache, and rating the difficulty of your cache.

4. Once it has been approved other geocachers can see your cache online and start finding it! You are simply responsible for maintaining the cache. Some caches have been around since the first month of caching in May of 2000!

To find a Geocache:

1. Get a free membership on the website geocaching.com or download the geocaching app by Groundspeak, inc. to find a geocache near you. You can search by address, zip code, or by proximity if you're using a smart phone.

2. Using either your GPS enabled smart phone or a handheld GPSr, use the coordinates associated with the cache to locate the area where the cache has been placed. Once there your hunt begins! Some caches may require long hikes but are just out in the open. Others may be in public places but are small and well hidden. The search is part of the fun!

3. Once you find the cache open it up and sign the paper log inside! If the cache is large enough you might find trinkets inside. This is called SWAG and you can trade for it. The etiquette is to trade something equal to or better than what you are taking (the intention being that caches actually get better as they age and don't just fill up with junk). Seal back the cache and hide it exactly as you found it.

4. Log back into geocaching.com and log that you "Found" the cache. Write a brief log about your adventure. How was the cache? Did anything interesting happen? Did you have fun? If there are problems or if you didn't find the cache, you can ;log them there as well. There are appropriate log types ("Did not Find," "Needs Maintenance," etc.).

There are lots of variations of the game such as caches that require the solving of puzzles to find the cache, caches that involve multiple containers in a scavenger hunt like fashion, and geocaching events where folks gather together. It's a great game that can be played by folks of a wide variety of ages and physical ability. If you have further questions, let me know!

9 comments:

  1. So is the point just to find the stuff, sign the log and put it back? Or do you keep the contents?

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    1. Yeah, I'm really confused here. What the heck is this all about? I went to the link, but I don't want to sign up for a website just to get more information on what the purpose of said site is.

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    2. Yes, you find the cache, sign the log inside the container, and if there are trading items inside you can trade for them. You then return it exactly as found and mark online that you found the cache!

      I expanded my description of the activity above!

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    3. ^This link will take you to a summary without having to log in: https://www.geocaching.com/guide/

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    4. Oh cool. Thanks for clarifying.

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    5. No problem. It can be tough to explain until you check out a few caches on your own.

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  2. I have a friend that use to do this and he seemed to really enjoyed it.

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    Replies
    1. After reading the full description, it kinda does actually. Good excuse to get out in the fresh air.

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    2. It's a great way to combine outdoor activity with a game. Seriously, it really hits all the right spots for me that make collecting stuff in video games so much fun! Give it a try if you're interested! I guarantee you you'll find at least a few caches within a few minutes of your home.

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