Geocaching Terms

Here’s a comprehensive list of geocaching terms to help you navigate the exciting world of geocaching:

Cache: A container hidden by a geocacher that typically includes a logbook for finders to sign and may contain small items for trading.

Geocacher: A person who participates in the activity of geocaching.

Geocache: The hidden container or location that geocachers search for.

Logbook: A paper or digital record inside a geocache where finders sign their geocaching username and the date of their find.

Muggle: A non-geocacher who might inadvertently discover or interfere with a geocache.

DNF: Stands for “Did Not Find.” This is logged when a geocacher is unable to locate a cache.

FTF: Stands for “First To Find.” The geocacher who discovers a cache before anyone else is awarded this title.

TFTC: Stands for “Thanks for the Cache.” It’s a common abbreviation used in online log entries.

Trackable: An item with a unique code that can be moved from cache to cache and tracked online. Examples include geocoins and travel bugs.

Travel Bug: A type of trackable item with a mission or goal set by its owner.

Geocaching.com: One of the most popular websites for geocachers to find and log caches.

GPS: Stands for “Global Positioning System,” a satellite-based navigation system used by geocachers to find cache coordinates.

Coordinates: The latitude and longitude coordinates that indicate the location of a geocache.

Terrain Rating: A numerical value (from 1 to 5) that represents the difficulty of reaching a cache location, considering the physical terrain.

Difficulty Rating: A numerical value (from 1 to 5) that represents how challenging it is to find the cache once you reach the location.

Puzzle Cache: A type of geocache that involves solving a puzzle or mystery to determine the final cache coordinates.

Multi-Cache: A geocache that involves finding multiple stages or waypoints, with each leading to the next until the final cache is discovered.

EarthCache: A type of cache that focuses on educational and geological features rather than physical containers.

Traditional Cache: The most straightforward type of geocache, typically consisting of a container with a logbook at the posted coordinates.

SWAG: Stands for “Stuff We All Get.” These are small items often found in geocaches, which can be traded by geocachers.

CITO: Stands for “Cache In, Trash Out.” It refers to organized events where geocachers gather to clean up litter and improve the environment around cache locations.

Reviewer: A volunteer who assesses and approves geocache listings on geocaching websites to ensure they meet guidelines.

Mystery Cache: A cache that requires solving a puzzle or gathering information from various sources to determine the cache’s final location.

Virtual Cache: A type of cache without a physical container; finders answer questions or provide information to log their visit.

Cache Owner (CO): The person who hides and maintains a geocache.

NANO: A tiny geocache container, often very small and challenging to find.

Spoiler: Revealing information about a cache location or solution, which can spoil the fun of finding it.

Groundspeak: The parent company of Geocaching.com.

GPSr: Stands for “GPS Receiver.” It’s another term for a GPS device used in geocaching.

Cache Page: The web page on a geocaching website that provides information about a specific geocache.

These terms should give you a solid understanding of the language used in the geocaching community as you embark on your geocaching adventures. Happy caching!