How to Hide Your First Geocache (Without Rookie Mistakes)
So you’ve found a bunch of caches, and now you’re ready to place your very own. Hiding your first geocache is one of the most exciting steps in the game — but it can also be a little intimidating. After all, nobody wants their brand-new hide to get archived right away.
Here’s a simple guide to help you hide your first cache like a pro and avoid those common rookie mistakes.
1. Find the Perfect Spot
Location is everything. When picking your hiding spot, ask yourself:
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Is it safe and accessible to the public?
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Is it an interesting or scenic spot worth bringing people to?
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Will the container survive here (not get crushed by mowers, flooded, or stolen by curious muggles)?
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid private property unless you have clear permission. Nothing gets a cache archived faster than unhappy landowners.
2. Choose the Right Container
Don’t grab a flimsy sandwich bag or dollar-store plastic box. They won’t last. For your first cache, use a sturdy, waterproof container like a Lock-n-Lock, ammo can, or quality micro container.
👉 At Big B’s Cache Supplies, we carry waterproof tins, bison tubes, and log strips designed to last in the field.
3. Make the Logbook Durable
A cache without a usable log is basically useless. Use weather-resistant log strips or waterproof paper (like Rite in the Rain) to keep signatures legible. For bigger caches, a small notebook inside a baggie works great.
4. Hide, Don’t Bury
A common rookie mistake: burying a cache. According to geocaching guidelines, caches should never be buried. Instead, tuck it under a log, behind a rock, or use camouflage to blend it into the environment.
5. Test the Coordinates
Take multiple GPS readings at your hiding spot to make sure your coordinates are accurate. A cache with poor coordinates frustrates finders and gets flagged quickly. Walk away and approach the spot a few times, averaging your readings for better accuracy.
6. Write a Fun Cache Description
The story matters! Write a description that explains why you chose the spot, what makes it special, or even a clever puzzle or hint. A little personality goes a long way toward making your cache memorable.
7. Maintain Your Cache
Hiding it isn’t the end — it’s the beginning. As the cache owner, you’re responsible for replacing logs, fixing broken containers, or moving it if the spot becomes unsafe. Regular maintenance keeps your cache alive and loved.
8. Don’t Go Overboard Right Away
It’s tempting to hide ten caches at once, but start small. Place one or two well-maintained caches first, learn from the experience, and then expand. Quality beats quantity every time.
Final Thoughts
Hiding your first geocache is your chance to give back to the community and share a bit of adventure with others. With the right container, solid coordinates, and a good description, your first hide can become a favorite for years to come.
👉 Ready to get started? Check out Big B’s Cache Supplies for containers, waterproof log strips, and swag to make your very first hide a success.