Geocaching without a GPS, is it possible?

[lemmykc]

While spending some time with a friend of my grandpa's (also making a very creative cache soon to be released), I introduced him to Geocaching. He would be the perfect cacher as he loves bike riding, the bush, and especially maps. He has many fantastic mapping programs, some very advanced as well. He has an very old GPS that is practically not working and also a great road GPS, but it only works on the roads. He asked me if it was possible to take Geocaching to the next level: use maps, a compass and prepare very well before you head out and search for geocaches. He would mark a spot on maps before using his computer and other various tools (I am not so sure what, but he has ways) and go out and use the map and compass to find it. Be assured, these maps are very detailed along with very detailed Topo maps.

So basically, what do you think? Do you reckon it would be easy for him to find caches using all of the software and advanced maps he has? Or do you think he should just fork out the $100 and get a Garmin eTrex?

[Laighside Legends]

Bob from elsewhere found his fist 1000 caches without a GPS and only using google earth printouts so its certainly possible...
Multis would be annoying though...
I don't know whether topo maps would be better or worse...

[roundcircle]

I answered yes, as you can find geocachers with out a GPS. I think Bob From Elsewhere has found over 1000 caches with out one.

However I don't think it'd be easy. No matter how detailed your maps are, it's usually that last 10 meters where you really need a GPS. Maps just don't get you that close.

Given the cost of a good, low end GPS, I'd be buying one. (Actually I'd buy a high end one.)

[SamWalkers]

I made my first 50 finds without a GPS and there after occasionally borrowing form a friend for five months.

I was going to say I have never hidden a cache with out a GPS but actually I have.
I smashed the screen of the Dakota just prior to the first movable race and set and re-placed all the caches for that month with out GPS.
No one noticed.

Five FTF without GPS.

Multis area real pain though as you have to do them one stage per visit.
I only did that once.

... But then I am a map nut too.

[Yurt]

Only for masochists I think. People who still use typewriters and VCRs perhaps.

We DNFed about the first four, bought an Etrex for $99 and never looked back.

[JABs]

We did our first twenty or so with out a unit. Sometimes we still go out and will find a few over a day out with out a GPS just for the extra fun. It can be done and is a great challenge to do.

[Richary]

When I was caching in the Melbourne CBD a couple of months ago I had the iPhone and eTrex with me. In those narrow alleys surrounded by high buildings the GPS unit was next to useless, and I found it much more helpful to look at the google map image on the iPhone app to work out where the cache should be. Yes it plots about 1/3 of the way down the narrow alley (even though the GPS might still be claiming I am 100 metres away).

Caching in the bush would be more of a problem to find recognisable landmarks from the mapping and then on the ground.

[Marcus Vitruvius]

I found my first 4-5 caches without a GPS, due mostly to the description of the cache on the cache page being so detailed...and of course using the hint!

[Just a cacher]

I didn't want to purchase a GPSr until I knew I liked caching, so I did quite a few before I got one. Basically, I read the cache details, and zoomed the map in as far as it would go, then printed it out and took it with me. Some caches are a bit hard to find this way, but most are do-able.

[Bronnie_1990]

Yep, it's painful, but do-able!

[J_&_J]

JackHenry found his first geocaches using only a paper map and compass, and that was in 2006!

[Devar]

Pirates found treasure with only a map and compass, and that was in the 17th century!

[Alansee]

I ticked yes although it is not necessarily easy. Two examples from me -

1. Years ago I went to a Shepparton event, and my GPS played up. I tried a several-point mullti, and was able to work out from each new coordinate, the approximate direction and distance each next point was, and ultimately, was able to find the Cache!

2. Recently, I was looking at a puzzle cache overseas. From the information in the cache page, and then a number of photos placed on the logs, and additional photos on streetview I was able to exactly place the hide.

So it can be done!

[Bronnie_1990]

I just found two gnomes (And an accidental GC cache, hehehe!) in the middle of the bush, using a google maps print out. (note to self: grab gps before setting off..)


it's bloody difficult (hmm, 12 trees over from that trail, means about......there? no, there?), but it can be done. Wouldnt recommend you using just a map for caches in the bush/under lots of tree cover, but it can work.

(And it definatly works for more urbanish caches)