Garmin Geko 301 ($246):
To uninformed outsiders, geocaching sounds like a sport that has you skedaddling on a scavenger hunt like a rat in a maze. Some would say that adds up to serious potential for getting lost. So thank the heavens for the military-inspired constellation of GPS satellites all geocachers employ. A unit that quickly comes to this sport’s forefront is the Garmin Geko 301 GPS, festooned with features over which any geocaching aficionado would drool: WAAS technology, for pinpoint accuracy to within three meters; an electronic compass; a barometric altimeter with a 12-hour pressure-trend tool to forecast weather; 500 waypoint storage, plus room for a further 20 routes and an IQ-sapping 10,000 trackpoints; waterproof construction; nine hours of long-lived battery power; yada, yada. But here’s the kicker for geocachers: The Geko 301 also features Garmin’s unique suite of geolocation games—with three levels of difficulty—turning the outdoors into a virtual maze that’s always a challenge to play, even if the thrill of the geocache hunt becomes a bore. Sport practitioners will also like the special geocaching icons that let them match a symbol with the found stash. Contact 800-800-1020, www.garmin.com.
La Sportiva Venture XCR Mid ($125):
There’s gonna be a lotta ground to cover, and you never know what you’ll be up against. So geocachers assume they'll see it all: water crossings, mud, rock, pavement, dirt, hardpack—the works. In sum: be prepared. And for that, the La Sportiva Venture XCR Mid boot has you covered with exceptional out-of-the-box comfort and all-weather construction. Did we mention exceptional comfort? Of course we did, and we'll say it again, because you won't—repeat won't—get blisters from these babies, even on the longest schleps. The cool-running mesh-leather uppers fit like your favorite Levis, and they're backed up by an ultra-breathable barrier of Gore-Tex XCR for weatherproofing. La Sportiva obviously tapped into its climbing shoe quiver with the Venture, because its FriXion outsole uses a rubber compound that's grippy on the loose stuff and downright sticky on smooth surfaces. The outsole isn’t as unforgivingly rigid as many hikers, and that's an advantage where sensitivity and precision maneuvering on tricky terrain come into play. Not to sound like a skipping CD, but as multi-mile trail comfort goes, the contoured heel checks blister-causing heel lift, and the cushioning of the entire heel area eats up bumps like shock absorbers. Contact 303-443-8710, www.sportiva.com.
CamelBak Cloud Walker ($60):
Funny thing about thirst is that by the time you feel it you’re already in the first stages of dehydration. Not a good thing for geocachers who are likely focused on the wayfinding tasks at hand and would rather not fumble for those water bottles in their pack. So it makes a boatload of sense to opt for the convenience of hands-free hydration afforded by the CamelBak Cloud Walker, which happens to be the stalwart seller by this notable company—and for good reason. No wimpy, shoulder-flaying straps like you might find on econo models of other hydration-pack makers. The Cloud Walker treats you to the real-deal Independent Suspension Air Mesh harness and back panel, something you’d expect on a full-blown backpack twice the size of this 1,346-cubic-inch pack. The main compartment is voluminous enough to stash all sorts of geocaching paraphernalia for done-in-a-day antics, and a secure outer pocket fits CDs, your GPS, a small digital camera, or other quick-grab items. New cool factor: near the business end of the 72-ounce reservoir’s drink tube, you'll find a clever little Bite Valve Garage on the harness that lets you park the sucker to keep it clean, but still easily deploy it whenever the urge strikes. Contact 800-767-8725, www.camelbak.com.
Exped Explorer Trekking Poles ($85):
There's little explaining that needs to be done on the merits of trekking poles—the benefits are a no-brainer, right? We all know how they lessen cumulative tons of impact force on wobbly joints, provide stability on sketchy terrain, let the upper body do work to relieve stress on the legs, and so forth. Anyone doubting the attributes of modern adjustable trekking poles should try the Exped Explorer. The extruded, aircraft-quality aluminum poles are super stiff with just enough lateral rebound snap to take the edge off of hard rock plants. No, they aren't designed with shock absorbers or twist-to-adjust mechanisms that can sometimes slip. Instead, the Explorers use a push-button locking system that collapses the telescoping four-pole sections from fully extended to a mere 22 inches. The payoff? You get a solid-feeling shaft that can handle pole vaulting over streams and other acrobatic maneuvers occasionally employed by crazed geocachers (hey, our research doesn't lie). Contoured hand grips and a padded buckleless loop cap the poles, which post a paltry nine ounces each—a featherweight to which the most weight-obsessed ounce counters cannot object. Contact 888-609-7187, www.exped.com.
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