There are many outdoor activities that can only be done in one season or another. Luckily for the people who enjoy it, geocaching is not one of those activities. Geocaching is a game where people look for objects that have been hidden, based on the object’s coordinates using a GPS, or a Global Positioning System. Because of this, geocaching can be enjoyed all year round. There are some things to take into consideration, however, if you are going to be geocaching in the winter. Here are five ways to make your winter geocaching successful.
Making Winter Geocaching Successful
Safety
While it is always important to be safe while geocaching, it can be especially important during the winter. One important step is to always tell someone where you are going, and travel with at least one other person. This way, you will always have backup, no matter what happens while you’re looking for the cache. Bring food, water, and a flashlight with you, and always be aware of the time that the sun will set, so you aren’t stuck out in the cold and the dark.
Weather
Weather can change quickly in the winter. There can be snowstorms and dropping temperatures, but there can also be thawing in some places. Before heading out on your geocaching adventure, be sure to check the weather report. Try to check for the most up-to-date information available, so that you can avoid any unpleasant weather.
Gear
Having the proper gear and clothing is very important in the winter. Layers will keep you insulated and toasty, while you should also have a hat. Not only should you be properly bundled up to protect against the cold and snow, you might also need a shovel to dig out the cache. Of course, you will also need to have boots and gloves that are waterproof, since you will be walking and digging in the snow. If you are looking for boots, companies like woodburyoutfitters.com offer a wide selection of outdoor gear. Having the correct gear is a critical part of successful winter geocaching.
Batteries
When it gets cold, the batteries in your electronic devices will drain much quicker than they normally do. Because of this, it is important to remember to have extra batteries or a portable charger for your GPS. If you are using your cell phone and an app, you might also want to invest in a protective bag, like an Alosak. These allow you to use the app without getting your phone wet.
Findable?
One important thing to consider when geocaching in the winter is how easy it will be to find the cache. While finding the cache is half of the fun, if the cache you are looking for hasn’t been found in two weeks and that area has had several feet of snow recently, it may be best to find a different cache. Save the ones that are buried under snow for a later date.
Geocaching can be a lot of fun, no matter the season. Just like other activities, however, there are some things to remember when geocaching in the winter. By following these five tips, your winter geocaching will be much more successful.
