The Geocaching Glossary

Geocaching Term

The process of transferring ownership of a geocache or travel bug/trackable item from one geocacher to another.

If both cachers are active and in agreement about the transfer, the process can be performed by visiting the Adopt a listing page. If the current cache owner is no longer an active cacher then you will need to contact a reviewer about adopting the cache.

Geocaching Term/abbreviation

"Added Logging Requirement" or "Additional Logging Requirement." These are extra steps that the owner of the cache might ask of you in order to log their cache. They might include taking a picture or writing a poem.

ALR caches are marked as mystery/puzzles even though they are usually at their posted coordinates.  This is because they require the seeker to look at more than just the posted coordinates.

Geocaching Term

A metal military issued box often used as a cache container. Ammo cans are known for their durability and watertight rubber seal.  They come in a wide range of sizes from the small 30 caliber ammo can to the larger 25MM ammo can.

Ammo cans make great containers in the proper places. Be careful around heavily trafficked areas as the site of an ammo box can frighten people who don't know about geocaching. Be sure to remove all military markings and mark them with a GEOCACHE sticker.

Geocaching Term

An archived cache is one that has been removed from the listings of Geocaching.com. The cache page is still available for review, but will not show up when searching for caches in an area.

Caches are generally archived when they are missing, destroyed or removed by the owner. Caches that simply need attention or repair are "temporarily disabled" rather than archived.

Forum Term (mostly)

A virtual cache (normally) that can be logged from home using information found on the Internet. Also sometimes known as “couch caches” or “rainy day caches.”

This is generally considered to be poor form by most geocachers.

Geocaching.com Feature

Attributes are a series of icons added to a geocache page that spell out any hazards, conditions, facilities or other concerns about the cache. For example, if there is a chance poison ivy will be found at the cache, the owner can use the "poison plants" attribute. If the owner wants to emphasize that the cache is a good one to bring children along on, he can choose the "recommended for kids" attribute.

Attributes enable geocachers to be better prepared for their hunt. They can also be used to refine pocket query searches to either include or exclude certain attributes.