Second Lesson Containers!
Friday, September 25, 2009 at 10:33AM Containers
In the first installment we learned where geocaching came from. In this episode we will be learning about the containers. Almost anything can be used as a container. Each container also has a size classification like small, medium, and large that we will talk about too.
Let us start small with the nanos and move to the larges. A nano sized container is generally a little bigger than a pencil eraser and contains a thin strip of paper that the finder will write their name or initials on. These containers generally have a lid that screws on to the base and a small magnet that allows it to be stuck to a metal surface. In my experience these are usually hidden on chain link fences and other metal surfaces where they can blend in well. They can be really hard to find at times. The next size up is called a micro and is about the size of a 35mm film canister which is one of the most commonly used containers for this size classification. Other containers that are typically used for this size are pill bottles and bison tubes. The micros are generally log only meaning that they are too small for trade items to fit and contain only a strip or two of paper. I have found these in places like the skirts around the bases of lamp posts and stuck under foot bridges with Velcro or magnets. This is a truly versatile container size that can be hidden almost anywhere. Smalls are as one would guess small containers that can hold a few small trade items about the size of a quarter. Tupperware about the size of a sandwich container. Regulars are about the size of a hardcover book or larger and ammo cans are frequently used for this size. They are my favorite because they are able to hold pretty much any trade item and it takes some cleverness sometimes to hide them in plain sight. Larges are the rarest of all because it is really hard to hide something the size of a 5 gallon bucket and make it look “invisible” to those that aren't looking for it.
I realize that this sees like it is quite complex but it really isn't. The basic idea is this: there are a lot of different containers that can be camoflaged in different ways to blend into their surroundings. Some are really small and can be easily hidden but are too small to leave trade items in while some are larger that really interesting trade items can be left in but are really hard to hide. The amazing thing it that there are containers hidden everywhere in the world that we pass by everyday without ever knowing they are there. Until next time.
Here are some pictures to help get a visual~ Chris!
Nano Container
Micro
Small
Regular
Large
Reader Comments (6)
I recently had a colleague explain how this works. I am now ready to go.
Thank you for the introduction to Geocaching. We have been curious about it!
I bet I could hide a large no one would notice. Maybe with a hollowed out rock from Home Depot.
Wha tis the name of the device you buy to start doing this?
this is something i've never heard of before
A niche market...selling GeoCaching containers...thought I have no doubt it is already well covered, I imagine someone is marketing it very well :-)