Basic Equipment
Part 2
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PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
When you first get started, geocaching can eat up a lot of printer paper. You print out page after page of caches and try to keep them organized. I've seen cachers with clipboards, some with three-ring bingers and others with cars full of papers scattered all over. I hadn't been playing this game too long before I realized there had to be a better method.
 I've been a Palm user for so long it's almost become a part of me. If I go somewhere without it, I start fidgeting. On more than one occasion when I have left it behind somewhere, I've found myself saying, "Oh no, I forgot my brain!" My Palm contains my address book, my datebook, my expense reports, memos that remind me of just about everything, and even some word processing programs. There are even a couple games on it. So, when I started geocaching, the Palm became a natural extension to use in the game.
If you're planning on doing much caching at all, you should really consider going paperless—using a PDA to store cache page information. This is a very simple procedure that will help you stay organized. Geocaching.com provides premium members with the files they need for paperless caching. How you use those files depends on the type of PDA you have and your own level of "techno know-how."
Of course, you may have never considered the possibility of using a PDA until now. Maybe you've looked at prices and decided that you just can't afford one of the Palms or Pocket PC's on the market. Thankfully, geocaching doesn't require a state-of-the-art PDA and many cachers get by with older models that can be found at very reasonable prices. It's not uncommon to see models like the Palm IIIxe or Vx available on eBay for under $30.00.
Also, keep in mind that since you'll be carrying your PDA into the woods it might not be a good idea to rush out and buy the most expensive model available. Make sure you're willing to—and can afford to—replace it if necessary.
Palm or PPC?
If you're new to PDA's, one of the first things you'll notice is that they come in two basic categories: Palms (using the Palm operating system) and Pocket PC (Or PPC, using a Windows-based operating system). These are two completely different systems that will require different procedures for receiving cache information. Both systems have rabidly devoted users who will tell you why their methods are the best. Here are a few factors to consider before purchasing either type of device:
Palms are generally cheaper. This applies to both new models and used ones found on online auctions and other places.
Palm batteries last longer. Pocket PC's require a lot of energy to run their processors. Very often their batteries only last a matter of a few hours. Palm, on the other hand, can run continuously for much longer periods of time. If you're going to be out geocaching all day and away from your charger this is a major plus.
PPC's are Windows-based and may be easier for less savvy users. Palm OS is a completely different operating system than Windows and will require a bit of a learning curve. If technology is already a problem to you, you might be better off sticking with a Windows-based Pocket PC.
PPC's will accept geocaching files directly, while Palms require the files be re-formatted before being loaded onto the machine. If you choose a Palm you'll find yourself converting files from the formats you receive them from geocaching.com into formats that can be read by Palm programs. This isn't a complicated process but it does take a little time to learn how to do it. On the other hand, Pocket PC's can receive files as they are. Many times it's just a matter of "dragging and dropping" them into the PDA.
One Other Caveat: if you have a Palm you might be tempted to buy one of those GPS's that hook directly to the Palm and carry it in the woods with you. If you're like me, your Palm has way too much valuable information on it to be carrying it around out in the woods. A handheld outdoor GPS is built much tougher and will do a much better job than a Palm with a GPS attachment.
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PDA Software
Picking out the right PDA for you is only the first step. You'll also need to carefully consider what software you'll need for Geocaching. Here are a few of the basics:
Pocket PC
GPXSonar A free application that reads GPX files on Pocket PC 2003 and later. It also allows for some management of cache waypoints and even provides for jotting down notes about the caches you seek so you can log them online easier.
GPXView A simple GPX file viewer designed for Pocket PC 2002 or later. This is also freeware, though donations are encouraged.
Palm
GPX Spinner Converts (spins) GPX files into a Palm-readable format. Available for a small fee. I consider this to be essential for Palm users.
Plucker An offline web page viewer designed for Palm users. Once files are converted with GPX Spinner they can be converted and viewed with Plucker using these instructions.
Cachemate This is an extremely easy to use program. I would recommend this especially for people who have never used a Palm before and want the easiest method possible.
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Hiking Staff
 I never would have bought one of these, but one day I was on a hunt and found myself on a very steep hill. Thankfully, I had found a nice stick on the ground, but trusting a half-rotten stick takes a lot more faith than trusting a sturdy metal one specifically made for hiking!
I did a little research on hiking staffs and had settled on one made by Tracks. My first choice was the Sherlock Travel Staff, but when I finally got to see them at a local store, I purchased the Field Staff instead.
Yeah, price was a factor.
I can't say I take it along on every hunt, but there are a few places around here that I wouldn't go without it. It's great for getting a little extra hold on slanted ground. Also, the rubber foot screws off to reveal a pointed spike which is great for ice and snow. Also, with the spike revealed and the walnut knob removed from the top, it doubles as a handy monopod for photography. It's also perfect for knocking down spider webs!
If you're a little unsure as to the need for a hiking staff, here's a great article that makes some good points on the use of them.
Travel Vest (VOMP: Vest Of Many Pockets)
 This was one of those great purchases that NEVER happen to me . . . well . . . except for this one time.
It's a Columbia Sportswear Trekker Travel Vest. I had seen a vest similar to this one in a local store for $60.00 and said, "There's no way I'm wearing something that costs that much out into the woods!" Then I found this one for auction on eBay and got it for $9.99. I couldn't be happier!
The pockets on this vest are great. The one on the upper left side is perfect for my GPS. There's a pocket that's perfect for my phone, my compass, some stash items, my digital camera . . . well . . . you get the idea. Also, due to some kind of space-age fabric, it's amazingly cool even in hot weather.
Stuff to Stash
You have to remember, Geocaching isn't about the prizes you collect, it's about the hunt. But having something kind of nice or just plain fun to remember the hunt by is always a plus. Also, if you've got children and you want them to be involved in geocaching with you, prizes are practically essential.
"Dollar stores" are a great source of cache swag. Other items you'll commonly find are McDonald's or other fast-food toys (not everyone likes these), small games, music cassettes or CD's, software, first-aid kits (a GREAT idea) and on and on. The "no-no's" are food items (no matter how well wrapped), knives, matches and lighters or anything that could harm a kid that might accidentally stumble across the cache. As always, use some common sense.
A lot of people end up with a "signature item," something they almost always leave behind to let other people know that they were there. Some of these are quite involved—custom made Geo-coins, pins, patches and the like. Others are more common items which have come to take on special meaning for the cacher. Either way, it's a great way to say, "Kilroy was here." . . . or whatever your name is.
I sort of stumbled across my own signature item. One of the ministries I worked for helps people set up "Lighthouses of Prayer" in their churches and communities. One of the materials we sold were small lighthouse lapel pins. I bought several of them and attached them to my own "signature card" which I designed to look kind of like a trading card (complete with stats on the back). I try to leave one behind along with some other item.
As a general rule, try to trade evenly. Don't swap a used Q-tip for a Hummel figurine or anything like that. As a matter of practice, a lot of Geocachers like to leave the cache a little richer than they found it by trading up.
As you play the game more you'll take on your own style with the equipment that works best for you. The list could go on-and-on forever: headlamps, multi-tools, carabiners, GPS cases, battery chargers, insect repellant, energy bars and so forth. Much of what you come to use will be a matter of trial and error. Be ready to learn and pass on your experience to the other cachers around you.
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