Top 6 Great Geocaching Apps

Top 6 Great Apps For Geocaching 

Geo Frog 

Often I get asked which Geocaching app I use to find Geocaching hidden around the world. I recently noticed that Geocaching offer's a variety of apps that each cacher can use based on their preference for the game. Certain apps are designed for IOS other apps are designed for Android, and some apps are based per country. In this blog post, I will show you the greatest geocaching apps out there that you can use for your treasure hunting adventures.

As most of you may know Geocaching is the revitalized scavenger hunt that involves finding coordinates online and sourcing a hidden object. Not to sure what Geocaching is, click here what is Geocaching. 

Geocaching has become so popular over time, that people young and old all across the world actively participate in this hobby. There are over 2 million cache locations worldwide that vary from easy to difficult to find, and the caches themselves can vary from large to small in size. Whether you are new at this game or a master treasure hunter, these apps that I will list below are designed to help you navigate your way through a fun and unexpected journey. 

1. Geocaching By Groundspeak for IOS and Android: Let's start by talking about the app that I currently use to find Geocaches. This one is designed by Groundspeak themselves. It's great for veteran cachers and newbies alike. You can download Geocaching from the official geocaching website or you can find it in the play store. The app holds detail information for more than 2 million Geocaches. Prepare yourself for a crazy adventure as Geocaches can be hidden near or far and will take you to spectacular places. Geocaches are hidden in 180 countries worldwide! Imagine the adventures that are waiting for you! Use the built-in GPS to help navigate you to your Geocaching location. Don't forget to share your stories and pictures online using the easy log this cache option. Being a premium member is very beneficial compared to being a standard member. If geocaching is something you are strongly into I would recommend purchasing it. We will go through the benefits of a premium account vs a non-premium account in another blog post. Stay tuned. 

2. Geocaching Buddy for IOS and Android: This app can be imagined as the best friend you never had. Yup an app as your best friend haha, let's elaborate on that. This app is designed especially to remember every clue you've ever found. This app is perfect for Geocachers finding multi-caches. We will talk about multi-caches in another blog post shortly, stay tuned. Geobuddy will calculate your waypoints ( coordinates ), it will even keep track of where you parked making it easy to return to your car once you have found your goods. This feature can come in handy when searching for isolated caches in the forest. No one wants to get lost looking for a Geocache. 

3. Cach.ly IOS Only: Cach.ly is another very popular Geocaching app that you will see users using. This app is only for IOS holders. Very similar to the Geocaching by Groundspeak this app offers everything you will need to set out on some treasure hunting adventures. Cach.ly is very simple to use simply select a geocache you want to hunt and begin to proceed to it. Use the built-in GPS to help locate the Geocaching. Don't forget to share your stories and pictures with other fellow Geocachers to see. Cach.ly will hold all the information you need in order to set out on an adventure. Cach.ly comes with a very clean and simple interface designed for all Geocachers of any level. 

4. CacheSense Android Only: Featuring a very interactive interface, all level of Geocachers can take advantage of what this app has to offer. This app boasts a multiple map platform and works offline making it easier to find caches in remote locations. Being able to download the map offline to use when you have weaker signal makes a difference in your Geocache hunt. This app is designed for the rugged and demanding environment.

5. C: Geo For Android Only: With an activity as popular as Geocaching the app's are not usually free; however this one is and the app is surprisingly very useful unless you are a die-hard Geocaching fan like I am. With this app, you can work offline effectively while still being able to log your finds. You are still able to manage waypoints and navigate to your next geocache using a compass, map and other apps. 




6. Hamster - Geocaching Tool for IOS Only: Hamster the Geocaching Tool, This app is available to Geocachers using an IOS device such as iPhone and iPad, it can be found in the Itunes store. With this app, you can track and watch your friends geocaching statistic, just that alone sounds really neat. Take a look at your friends log entries and read the stories they have left behind. I find this feature super cool as you can go find the same cache your friends have found. All of this can be done in a comfortable way with this easy to use app.  

I suggest trying some of these apps to see which ones work best for you. There is a hidden world waiting to be discovered. Each app has its own qualities that each Cacher may like more than another. Enjoy your Geocaching adventures and I hope you have made your Caching app searching a little easier. 😊 If there are any other apps that you would like to see listed on my list above please comment below and I will add them. 

*Happy Caching*

Top 10 Hiking Shoes of 2017

Best Lightweight Hiking Shoes

Beautiful Trail We Got To Hike / Summer 2017 - Canada
Photo Credit: Jessie C
Follow @Everyday.Fun.Day

  

Geocaching is a great excuse to take out some of that outdoor gear you have in your house! 😊When Setting out for a Geocaching adventure or a hike you can't forget to put on proper footwear to accommodate your hiking needs. I was recently looking through the list of hiking shoes on the market for 2017 and realized wow! There's so many out there to chose from. One thing I did notice was that people are shying away from the larger hiking boots to the lightweight shoes and even the trail running shoes for extra support when carrying a heavy pack. The lifted weight and feathery feeling will be an adjustment to some, however many people are falling in love with the way these shoes feel and the comfort they offer. They will be worth the investment. 
Bellow is a list of top 10 hiking shoes of 2017 to help you chose the right shoes for your daily hiking activities. 

~ You need special shoes for hiking and a bit of a special soul too ~ 

Lowa Renegade GTX lo

10. Lowa Renegade GTX low  : ( Men ) 

This specific shoe offers low-cut comfort, it offers a roomier toe box and more cushioning around the collars and tongues. This shoe comes waterproof which can be amazing when hiking in wet terrain. Weights only 1 lbs.7oz. The midsoles offer a new hybrid of Dura polyurethane and Dyna polyurethane to add cushioning and comfort, plus it comes with a Monowrap construction for some added support. Full-length-stabilizer with medium stiffness delivers stability and torsional rigidity. Comes with Evo-Trac rubber outsoles with supportive and durable Vibram. These lightweight shoes make a great option for hikers. These shoes range from a little over $200 retail. 

9. Vasque Breeze 3.0 Low GTX: ( Men and Woman )

The Vasque Breeze 3.0 would be one of the modern hiking shoes out on the marker. The Vibram rubber is a big deal for this shoe, providing it with amazing traction without the heavy feeling in your shoe. The construction of the shoe along with the fit and comfort are all amazing with this hiking shoe. The waterproof Gore-Tex extended comfort membranes will help keep your feet dry, yet breathable for comfort. Heel and toe ventilation ports that will increase airflow along the footbed. The Dual-density midsoles with EVA cushion pods offer all-day comfort and support. Thermoplastic urethane shanks will add lateral stability and structure. Vibram contact grip outsoles Megagrip rubber compound ate stickier than ever, enhancing your control in all weather and trail conditions. This shoe does weight more than the Lowa Renegade weighing 2lbs. 3oz. Retail price is a little over $150.

Vasque Breeze 3.0 Men 

Vasque Breeze 3.0 Woman

8. Salomon Odyssey Pro: ( Men and Woman )

New hiking shoe of the year, the Salomon Odyssey Pro. It aims to harness the benefits of a trail runner. It has amazing lightness, cushioning and comfort all wrapped up in one shoe. From the very beginning, these shoes have been holding their word and doing amazing in the market. The shoe feels extremely light and comes with a bouncy midsole that you will definitely feel and enjoy. These shoes are made to last and withstand any form of hiking with its durable uppers and stronger lateral support than a typical running shoe. These shoe weight only 1lb making them very lightweight. The shoe doesn't come waterproof which was the only thing I didn't like about it. The Odyssey Pro aims to be your ideal companion, your trustworthy partner. Retail price for these shoes is around $140. 

Salomon Odyssey Pro Men / Woman

7.The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack :

When fastpacking having the most lightweight shoes would be a must. You want to be able to cover as much ground as you can with the less weight possible. This shoe does come waterproof and weights 1lbs.14oz. Abrasion-resistant and breathable textile mesh lining. It has a thermoplastic urethane quarter welds for structural integrity. One feature that this shoe has that the other companies never mention is a rustproof hardware. This feature could make a difference depending on the terrain you will be hiking. Thermoplastic urethane cradle heel-stability technology. Dual-density, compression-module EVA midsole with cradle platform. Each shoe comes with a thermoplastic urethane shanks that offer protection from sharp objects. It also comes with exclusive Vibram rubber outsoles. The retail price of these shoes is around $120. 

The North Face HedgeHog Fastpack Woman

The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack Men       

6. Altra Lone Peak 3.5:

The Altra Lone Peak 3.5 has shown itself as being a really good foot-wear option for hikers. This shoe is padded with a lot of cushions however it very lightweight. It weighs 1lbs.4.8oz. What I really like about this shoe is the drainage ports that are built inside for creek crossing. The flexible StoneGuard rock plates that are built inside the shoe offer the soles added protection under the foot. Natural ride system encourages a natural gait effective transition as it supports every step of the way. It's reinforced mesh upper for increased durability and protection. The GaiterTrap hook-and-loop tabs allow strapless gaiter attachment to block debris however the gaiters are not included. Retail price is around $120 for these shoes. 

 

Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Men 

Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Woman 

5. KeenTarghee II WP:

I find the Keen Targhee hiking shoe is a really casual looking shoe.but is very reliable. It's a shoe that has a very wide forefoot and helps protect the toes. These shoes are not the lightest on the market, they weight a little under 2lbs but they are worth the little extra weight. These shoes offer a lot of comfort and room for the toes to breath. These shoes are designed to be amazing in both wet and dry conditions. The leather uppers are designed to last a long time. These shoes are retailed between $123 to $204 on Amazon. 

Keen Targhee II WP Men
Keen Targhee II WP Woman

4. Adidas Outdoor Terrex Fast R GTX:

Over the last couple of years, Adidas has opened their doors to so many new hiking footwear. These shoes are great for hikers that are on the go with little time. The single-pull lacing system was an awesome feature I liked about this hiking shoe. The Adidas shoes stand out with their athletic nature. This shoe is very light weighing at 1lbs.11.2oz however is a lot stiffer for greater stability. This shoe is also great for off-trail hiking as well as deep in the forest hiking. It comes with the Gore-Tex extended comfort to help protect the foot. Retail price is around $170 - $185 on Amazon.  

 

Adidas Outdoor Terrex Fast R GTX Men/woman 

3. The North Face Ultra 109 GTX:

The North Face Ultra 109 GTX can easily be used as a trail running shoe or as a hiking shoe. It comes with a stable platform, amazing traction, and really good foot protection. The midsole also comes with a shank and rock plate, which not only dampens harsh impact but also increase stiffness. These shoe does come waterproof with the Gore-Tex waterproof stability. Retail price for these shoes ranges between $120 - $200 on Amazon. 

The North Face Ultra 109 GTX Men

2.Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof

You may not want to hike a long distance in these shoes due to them not being the lightest shoe on the marker weighing a little over 2lbs, but there is a lot to like about these shoes. These shoes are lightweight compared to others on the market even though it does weight a little over 2lbs it has a planted feel, a comfortable fit and the price is amazing compared to other shoes retailing at around $120 for the waterproof model and $100 for the nonwaterproof model, the Vent shoe. With the performance suede leather and mesh upper the shoe comes with a protective toe cap. The bellowing, closed-cell foam tongues help keep moisture and debris out. The Merrel Fit Eco + blended-EVA help a  lot with the zonal arch and heel support. With the price of these shoes and what it has to offer they are one of my favorite shoes on the market for 2017.

Merrel Moab 2 Waterproof Woman

      

1.Salomon X Ultra 2:

Salomon X Ultra 2 Woman

The Salomon X ultra 2 is the top lightweight hiking shoe of 2017. It combines a feathery feel with amazing trail performance. It comes with traction, stability, and protection for your everyday hiking trip. The Salomon X Ultra 2 was built on an EVA midsole and trusty Contragrip rubber giving it the best durability. The design of the shoe actually comes from one of Salomon's well-known trail runner who inspired the idea of the shoe. The shoe feature has a single-pull speed lace, aggressive stance, and multi-directional lugs. The lightweight of these shoes means you will feel the ground under your feet a little more than with the padded shoes but your feet will still have enough protection with the rubber toe cap. For what these shoes have to offer and the comfort you will feel from the moment you slide your foot is well worth every cent. They retail around $120 a pair on Amazon making them very affordable. 

With the majority of hikers sticking to defined trails, the push for the lightweight low hiking boots is blooming on the market a lot more than the traditional high top hiking boot. More and more people are turning to the low rise boots for their everyday hiking adventure. Life is better in hiking boots 💚

Top 7 Hiking Backpack of 2017

Top 7 Hiking Backpacks 

The most amazing views come from getting outdoors and going hiking. This is a shot I took while out on a hike Autumn 2017. I followed the trail alongside a dirt road to see the view from the top of the mountain.
Photo Credit: Jessie C
Follow: @everyday.fun.day Instagram 

      The first piece of hiking gear we added to our collection was hiking backpacks. They are a must when hiking. But how to know which one to chose from? There are so many different ones out there. Considering that the backpack will be mounted on your back during the majority of the hike you'll want to make sure it's very comfortable. Hiking backpacks can be expensive, but they are something you will want to have and if you take care of your backpack it will last you for years to come. 

My goal here is to help you chose the right back that will suit your hiking needs. Now it's time to start talking about backpacks. I've put together a top 10 list for the most popular hiker backpacks out on the market. 

In this article, I've only listed backpacks for your everyday hiking adventures which will range from 50-80 litter packs for multi-day hiking. 

Enjoy ! 😃

     7. Let's start off with the OSPREY ARIEL, This company has combined Anti-Gravity technology with the customizable fit and innovative features to create a more capable and comfortable pack for long-haul carrying on any multi-day excursion.

Features: 

• The IsoForm5 harness and CM™ hipbelt provide outstanding fit and comfort for especially heavy loads and long miles. Both components are interchangeable to provide a truly custom fit. 
• The Aether/Ariel AG™ features a continuous, suspended panel of lightweight mesh extending from the upper torso through the lumbar area of the pack and wraps the user in supreme comfort.
• Haul your gear to base camp, remove the top-lid and deploy the impressively functional DayLid™ to summit a nearby peak or backcountry picnic. This is a feature currently only available by OSPREY ARIEL.

ARIEL AG™ 55 - Woman Backpack
https://www.ospreypacks.com/ca/en/

     6. The Arc'teryx Bora, This backpack uses Hybrid materials and has an advanced suspension system that helps balance your hiking gear. It also helps enhance your mobility while carrying heavy loads on extended hiking trips. 

Features:   

• Highly durable pack body is made from 420- and 630-denier nylon fabrics and is capped with weatherproof AC fabric in areas exposed to rain or snow
• Patented RotoGlide hipbelt rotates side-to-side and glides up and down for a more natural stride that reduces chafing and improves balance
• GridLock shoulder straps adjust both in width and height for a precision fit
• Thermo-molded Tegris frame sheet and aluminum stays help distribute the load evenly between shoulders and hips
• Ventilated back panel keeps air circulating to cool your back
• Pack is top-loading, but side-access zips allow access to buried gear; removable, extendable top lid with zippered compartment
• Large-volume outer kangaroo pocket holds bulky or wet gear
• Side pockets can carry 1-liter water bottles or trekking poles; 2 mesh hipbelt pockets keep smaller essentials close at hand
• Hydration reservoir compatible (reservoir sold separately)
• Ice-axe loops

  

Arc'teryx Bora
https://arcteryx.com/home.aspx?country=ch&language=en

     5. The TETON Sports SCOUT 3400, Perfectly Sized for Youth and Light Backpackers. It can be perfectly adjusted to your torso and can be well fitted for a Youth hiker too. This backpack has aluminum stays with thickly padded straps, plenty of pockets, and a built-in rainfly. It’s a durable hiking pack with sturdy zippers, mesh lumbar support, padded waist, and shoulder straps, and bendable aluminum stays. This backpack is very comfortable on your back and shoulders. The safety yellow rainfly stays hidden until you need it, you would pull it out and it would protect your pack and gear. The main compartment closes securely with two barrel-lock drawstrings. The backpack is equipped with Gear Loops allowing you to hang ski poles, ice ax, or a shovel. The top carry-loop make it easy to load the backpack back into your car. 

Features:

Multi-position torso adjustment fits wide range of body sizes

Rugged internal frame backpack with capacity of 3,400 cubic inches large enough for 2-4 day trips

Side and front compression straps to secure sleeping bag, pad, or tents

Top and bottom compression straps to secure sleeping bag, pad, or tent

Hip padding made of durable open-cell foam with lumbar pad and molded channels provide maximum comfort and allow airflow

Integrated bright yellow water-resistant rainfly keeps your pack and gear dry

TETON SPORT SCOUT 3400
https://www.tetonsports.com/

     4.  The Baltoro 65 has supreme comfort and advanced performance makes the Baltoro 65 ideal for weekend hikers.This backpack’s secret combines trail-dominating Response A3 suspension technology with 65 liters of capacity, giving it dynamic load balancing in tough terrain plus a trim design that feels perfectly sized for long winter weekends, warm-weather multi-stagers, and shorter backcountry excursions. 

Features:

• Vented, formed back panel features Lifespan foam & silicone lumbar grip zone 
• LumbarTune removable 10mm insert offers user-customizable contouring for a precise back panel fit 
• QuickSwap 3D interchangeable pre-curved LifeSpan EVA foam harness & hipbelt in multiple sizes to precisely fit each body 
• Sidekick ultra-light, removable daypack doubles as hanging reservoir sleeve 
• Included removable rain cover stowes in its own zippered pocket 
• Top-loading design with front U-zip panel access 
• Double Barrel lid design with dual zippered pockets on top and security pocket underneath 
•SideWinder stowable ergonomic bottle holster 
• WeatherShield PU-coated hipbelt accessory pocket with YKK AquaGuard® zipper 
• Girth-hitched compression MultiStraps on bottom double as hipbelt for Sidekick daypack 
• Dual ice ax loops and upper shock locks for ice tool and trekking pole attachment
• Weight: 5.5 lbs.

Baltoro 65
http://www.gregorypacks.com/home

Back view Baltoro 65

     3. The North Face Cobra 52, this backpack is built with expeditions and Alpine guides in mind. The 52- litter Cobra technical pack is a fully featured workhorse that delivers superior performance in harsh mountain environments. This backpack comes with a neat ice tool and crampon storage to the load-hauling aluminum frame. This backpack is very durable and designed to go the distance. This backpack is part of the Summit Series collection - the world's finest alpine equipment.  

Features: 

• Summit Series represents the world's finest alpine equipment and apparel
• A guide-level, feature-rich pack engineered for alpine pursuits 
• Floating Lid
• Removable Lid\
• Metal Hardware
• Stowable helmet carry
• Removable hipbelt padding 
• Oversize crampon pocket 
• Sleek tool keepers with covered tips
• Rope Carry
• Wand pockets 
• Ski Carry
• Hipbelts pockets 
• Tool loop on hipbelt
• Hydration sleeve
• Removable frame sheet
• Lash points
• Reflective hits
• Pack can be stripped down to weigh less by removing the frame sheet, hipbelt padding and top lid

North Face Cobra 52
https://www.thenorthface.com/en_ca/homepage.html

     2. The Atmos AG 65, what makes the Osprey Atmos AG 65 a great backpack would be the Osprey's Anti-Gravity suspension system that delivers outstanding ventilation and carrying comfort. Makes it easy to carry around. This award-winning pack has earned a solid reputation with savvy thru-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. 

Features:

• Removable Floating Top Lip - The floating top lid can extend to accept oversize loads or can be removed from the pack body for weight saving lidless use. 
• FlapJacket - Osprey FlapJacket provides compression and protection from the elements for the main pack compartment when the top lid is removed. 
• Tool attachment - The dual ice tool loops and clove hitch style bungee tie-offs provide secure tool attachment and transport. 
• Dual Zippered Front Panel Pockets - Dual zippered front panel pockets provide extra storage for items that need to be readily accessible * only one model Atmos AG65 and Aura AG65
• Compression Straps - Dual upper side compression straps stabilize loads while lower, cross-functional compression straps also serve as external gear carry straps
• Internal Compression - The internal compression straps help to stabilize the load
• Stow-on-the-go Trekking Pole Attachment - Osprey's Stow - On - The - Go trekking pole attachment system is designed to quickly attach and carry trekking poles while wearing a pack or making a quick scramble through rough terrain
• Fit - On - The - Fly - Hipbelt - The Fit - On - The - Fly hipbelt pads extend 5"/15cm to accommodate different hip sizes while providing a custom fit. 
• Adjustable harness - The adjustable harness allows the user to easily adjust the torso length of the pack by using the easy release cams behind the harness yoke.
• Anti-Gravity Suspension - The Atmos / Aura Anti-Gravity back panel is a continuous panel of lightweight mesh extending from the top of the back panel to the hipbelt to provide unmatched comfort and ventilation. The seamless structure contours automatically outstanding fit and unrestricted movement.

Atmos AG 65
https://www.ospreypacks.com/ca/en/

     1. DEUTER AIR CONTACT, These backpacks have won the German 5-star design best award of 2017. They are extremely durable and come with a newer modern day look. They are more comfortable and the flexible Active Fit shoulder straps help with supporting your back when on long hikes. 

**  For female trekkers they've added the new 70+10 SL model.

Features: 

• Lid attachment loops - For quick and easy attachment of bulky, light gear.
• Lid pocket - Stores quick-grab gear.
• Daisy Chain - To secure extra gear
• Pocket on hip belt - To accommodate valuables or a digicam. 
• Compression Straps - For reducing pack volume and improved load stability also can be used to attach extra gear
• Rain cover - Comes with detachable rain cover to keep your items dry
• SOS label - Provides the most important tips in the case of emergency
• Stretch Compartment - Stretch compartment on the inside of the back to stowe sweaty/wet clothes 
• Valuables pocket - Special pocket on the inside of the pack to keep valuable items safe
• Air contact system - This is the light way to carry heavy weight. This system will perfectly adapt to your back and will hold the load close to the body's center of gravity. With every movement, a pump effect circulates air through the breathable padding with special ventilating hollow chambers. The results: 15% less perspiration than with other body contour packs.  
• Vari-Quick System - This has been a guarantee easy adjustment to any back length. Their new back panel construction creates a big contract surface making it even more compact and comfortable to carry.
• The X-frame construction 
• Adjustable lid - Height-adjustable lid with lid pocket and top lid attachment loops
• Bottom Compartment - Separate bottom compartments 
• Side pockets - Easy-grab, zipped pockets on the hip belt side pockets for maps and such
• Front Opening - Big front opening for quick access to the entire content
• Hydration system 
• Attachment for ice ax or hiking poles 

Deuter Air Contact

http://www.deuter.com/DE/en/index.html

The view from the other side of the mountain was just as great. |We got to see the view of the Windmills. This was a great view and an amazing hike.
Photo: Jessie C
Follow: @everyday.fun.day Instagram