What are Trackables? - How to Start Your Own Moving Treasure
Geocaching is an adventure full of surprises, but one of the most exciting aspects is trackables—special items that travel from cache to cache with a unique mission. Whether you're new to geocaching or looking to launch your first trackable, here’s everything you need to know about starting your own moving treasure!
What is a Trackable?
A trackable is a tagged item—like a Travel Bug or Geocoin—that has a unique code allowing geocachers to log its movements online. Some trackables have specific missions, such as traveling to all 50 states, visiting famous landmarks, or simply seeing how far they can go.
How to Start a Trackable
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Choose Your Trackable
Pick a Travel Bug, Geocoin, or another trackable tag. You can attach the tag to a small object like a toy, keychain, or themed trinket to make it more fun! -
Register It Online
Go to Geocaching.com and enter the unique code on your trackable. Give it a name, write a mission, and add a fun description to engage geocachers. -
Set a Mission
Decide where you want your trackable to go! Some common missions include:-
Visiting a specific country or state
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Traveling to historic sites
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Moving between high-terrain caches
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Simply exploring the world
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Drop It in a Cache
Find a geocache large enough to hold your trackable and place it inside. Be sure to log the drop so others know it’s there!
How to Help a Trackable Travel
If you find a trackable, follow these steps to keep its journey going:
✅ Log it online using the unique tracking code
✅ Check its mission and try to move it closer to its goal
✅ Drop it in another geocache within a reasonable time (don’t keep it too long!)
Trackable Tips for a Successful Journey
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Use a Durable Attachment: Secure your trackable with a keyring or zip tie to prevent it from breaking.
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Include a Note: A small laminated card explaining the trackable’s mission helps other geocachers know what to do.
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Avoid High-Risk Caches: Placing trackables in frequently stolen or poorly maintained caches can result in them going missing.
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Monitor Its Progress: Check its logs online and see where it has traveled!
Launch Your Own Trackable Adventure!
Starting a trackable is a fun way to connect with geocachers around the world and watch your treasure travel. Want to customize your trackable experience? Big B’s Cache Supplies offers creative trackable tags, stickers, and logbooks to enhance your geocaching adventures.
Start your trackable journey today and let the adventure begin!