The following is one of two tips I have for geocachers who are looking to hide and have their own geocache published.
There are two elements which are needed to create a good quality geocache:
- an appropriate container,
- and a good location.
A good quality geocache - one that will become a favorite for finders and require minimal maintenance for you, the hider - begins with selecting an appropriate container.
While there is an endless list as to what could be a geocache container, the ones presented here have been tried, tested and found true; they are the standards to which all other containers are compared, and they are the ones that I would highly recommend anyone hiding a geocache use.
TRADITIONAL AMMO CAN CACHE
- One of the most durable containers is the surplus military ammunition can, or "ammo can."
- These are sturdy, waterproof containers that have plenty of room for a logbook, trade items, and Travel Bugs. They tend to be the favorite size with younger geocachers.
- One concern with the ammo can is that to non-geocachers they may appear "dangerous," which is why it is extremely important to clearly label the container with "Official Geocache."
"TUPPERWARE IN THE WOODS"
- The next most common geocache container is the Lock-n-Lock style plastic storage container.
- Unlike other types of plastic storage containers, the Lock-n-Lock uses a silicon gasket to keep the seal from deteriorating, as well as ensuring that the contents remain dry. They are also easy to open and close.
- These plastic containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes; provide plenty of space for logbook, trade items and Travel Bugs; and can be spray painted to match the surrounding environment, but again, should still be clearly labeled "Official Geocache."
THE CRAFTY MICRO-CACHE
- A "micro-cache" can vary in size and form. The traditional micro-container is the 35mm film canister, or waterproof match container (shown above). Other "micros" can be bison tubes, plastic pre-form tubes, and small magnetic nanos. Micro-caches rarely ever hold more than the logsheet, and perhaps a "stubby" pencil.
- Micro-containers are best suited for Urban-Caches, "evil" hides, and Park-n-Grab geocaches.
- Of all the geocache containers, "micros" tend to require the most maintenance. Due to the fact that many Urban-Caches require micro-containers, they are often found and mistakenly removed by non-geocachers.
- The seals on these containers are usually made of rubber, which deteriorates over time, leaving the contents of the micro-cache vulnerable to the elements.
NANO'S - THE TINIEST OF TINY
- While not an official geocache size, nano-caches are smaller than micro-caches.
- Typically, nano-caches are small magnetic containers that contain a very small, rolled-up logsheet.
- Nano-caches can be placed in many places, which makes them very common for urban-geocaching.
THE "OTHER" GEOCACHE CONTAINERS
Just about any type of container can become a geocache container, as long as it holds a logsheet. Some are good and quite clever (see the pinecone in the upper right corner), while others are not so much (I once found just a zip-lock bag stuffed into the crack of a rock).
What makes a good geocache container comes down to its appropriateness and longevity. The outdoors is unforgiving and even the lock-n-lock that survives the "harshness" of a common kitchen will quickly fall apart after just one hard winter season in the northern Rocky Mountains.
If you are planning to hide a geocache, and you want it to be enjoyable for the finders, and able to withstand the effects of the outdoor environment, look to place one of the containers showcased above.
