Geocaching vs. Letterboxing: What's the Difference?
Geocaching and letterboxing are both outdoor recreational activities that involve searching for hidden containers. While they share similarities, they also have distinct characteristics. This article will delve into the history, equipment, processes, community aspects, and more to help you understand the nuances of each activity and decide which one is right for you. You might be surprised by what Geocaching offers compared to letterboxing.
1. The History of Each Activity
Geocaching
Geocaching emerged in the year 2000, shortly after the U.S. government discontinued Selective Availability, which had previously degraded the accuracy of civilian GPS signals. This newfound GPS accuracy allowed for precise location coordinates, inspiring Dave Ulmer to hide a bucket of goodies in the woods near Portland, Oregon, and post the coordinates online. This marked the birth of geocaching, originally called the "Great American GPS Stash Hunt." The name quickly evolved to "geocaching," reflecting the global nature of the game and the use of GPS technology.
Letterboxing
Letterboxing has a much longer history, dating back to 1854 in Dartmoor, England. A Dartmoor guide, James Perrott, placed a bottle for visitors to leave a letter or postcard inside. Over time, this practice evolved into hiding boxes containing a guestbook (or "logbook") and a rubber stamp. Finders would stamp the letterbox's logbook with their personal stamp and stamp their own personal logbook with the letterbox's stamp. This exchange of stamps became a central element of letterboxing. It’s a tradition that continues to this day.
2. The Equipment Required
Geocaching
GPS-enabled device: A smartphone with GPS capabilities and a geocaching app (such as the official Geocaching app) is the most common tool. Dedicated GPS devices can also be used.
Geocaching app or software: This provides coordinates, descriptions, logs, and other helpful information about geocaches.
Pen or pencil: To sign the logbook inside the geocache.
Small trinkets for trading (optional): If you take something from a geocache, you should leave something of equal or greater value in return.
Appropriate outdoor gear: Depending on the location and terrain, this may include hiking boots, water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Letterboxing
Clues: Letterboxing clues are typically found online or in printed guides. These clues can range from simple directions to complex riddles or puzzles.
Compass: A compass is often necessary to follow the clues, especially if they involve bearings or distances.
Pen or pencil: To sign the letterbox's logbook.
Personal stamp: A unique rubber stamp that you use to mark the letterbox's logbook and your own personal logbook.
Inkpad: For your personal stamp.
Personal logbook: To collect impressions of the letterbox stamps you find.
Appropriate outdoor gear: Similar to geocaching, this may include hiking boots, water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
3. The Process of Finding Locations
Geocaching
- Find a geocache: Use a geocaching app or website to find geocaches near you. Each listing provides coordinates, a description, difficulty and terrain ratings, and recent logs from other finders.
- Navigate to the coordinates: Use your GPS-enabled device to navigate to the geocache coordinates.
- Search for the geocache: Once you are near the coordinates, use the description and hints to help you locate the physical container. Geocaches can be hidden in a variety of locations, such as under rocks, in trees, or behind signs.
- Sign the logbook: Once you find the geocache, sign the logbook with your name and date.
- Trade items (optional): If the geocache contains trade items, you can take something as long as you leave something of equal or greater value in return.
- Log your find online: After you have found the geocache, log your find on the geocaching website or app.
Letterboxing
- Find letterboxing clues: Search online databases or printed guides for letterboxing clues in your area.
- Decipher the clues: The clues may involve riddles, puzzles, compass bearings, or distances. Carefully decipher the clues to determine the location of the letterbox.
- Navigate to the location: Use a compass, map, and the clues to navigate to the letterbox location.
- Search for the letterbox: Once you are near the location, use the clues to help you find the hidden letterbox. Letterboxes are often hidden in natural settings, such as under rocks, in trees, or near landmarks.
- Stamp the logbooks: Use your personal stamp to mark the letterbox's logbook, and use the letterbox's stamp to mark your personal logbook.
- Return the letterbox to its hiding place: Ensure that the letterbox is carefully concealed after you have finished logging your visit.
4. The Emphasis on Trading and Swapping
Geocaching
Geocaching often involves trading small trinkets or items of equal or greater value. This is a common practice, especially in larger geocaches. The idea is to keep the geocache stocked with interesting items for future finders. Travel Bugs and Geocoins are trackable items that move from geocache to geocache, often with a specific mission or goal.
Letterboxing
Letterboxing does not typically involve trading items. The primary focus is on the exchange of stamp impressions between the letterbox's logbook and the finder's personal logbook. The stamp is the treasure, not physical items.
5. The Community Aspect
Geocaching
Geocaching has a large and active online community. Geocachers can connect with each other through online forums, events, and social media groups. The Geocaching website and app provide a platform for logging finds, sharing experiences, and connecting with other geocachers. Geocaching events are also common, offering opportunities to meet other geocachers in person and participate in group hunts or activities.
Letterboxing
Letterboxing also has a dedicated community, although it may be smaller and more localised than the geocaching community. Letterboxers often connect through online forums, regional groups, and letterboxing events. The focus is often on sharing clues, discussing letterbox locations, and showcasing personal stamp designs. You can learn more about Geocaching and its community.
6. Which Activity is Right for You?
Choosing between geocaching and letterboxing depends on your personal preferences and interests.
If you enjoy using technology and GPS devices: Geocaching might be a better fit. The reliance on GPS coordinates and geocaching apps makes it a more tech-driven activity.
If you prefer deciphering clues and using a compass: Letterboxing could be more appealing. The emphasis on riddles, puzzles, and compass navigation provides a more traditional treasure-hunting experience.
If you like trading items: Geocaching offers the opportunity to exchange trinkets and trackable items.
If you enjoy collecting stamps and creating unique designs: Letterboxing allows you to express your creativity through personal stamp designs and collect impressions from various letterboxes.
If you are looking for a large and active online community: Geocaching has a more extensive online presence and a wider range of events.
If you prefer a more localised and intimate community: Letterboxing offers a smaller, more focused community with a strong emphasis on regional letterboxes and events.
Ultimately, both geocaching and letterboxing offer exciting ways to explore the outdoors, challenge your problem-solving skills, and connect with like-minded individuals. Consider trying both activities to see which one resonates with you the most. And remember to check the frequently asked questions if you have any further queries.