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I don't think I ever went through the app basics (I started with Geocaching for Dummies) so my advice will be the things I picked up on my own.

What /u/bnelson333 says is a great foundation, especially (IMO) the part about writing something better than just "TFTC" in your logs. As a cache hider I enjoy reading people's experiences and reactions with my caches.

Beyond his advice, and beyond the obvious need for a GPS (either a dedicated one or a smartphone with an appropriate app), I would also suggest putting together a simple geocaching kit. What goes into the kit depends on how you like to do things. At bare minimum you're going to want to bring a pen/pencil; I keep this one on my keychain for those spur-of-the-moment finds. In addition to the pen/pencil, a fanny pack should provide space for the essentials: gardening gloves, small first aid kit (band-aids and antibiotic ointment), bug spray (something with DEET in it), needlenose tweezers (useful for extracting and rewrapping scroll logs, also for removing ticks), a small assortment of tokens for trading, and a small flashlight. I also recommend an emergency rain poncho as they're cheap (I get mine at Five Below for a buck apiece) and eventually you will need one. You're also going to want to bring along a water bottle as caching can be thirsty work.

Beyond that, you might want to consider adding basic field cache maintenance bits; paper towels, plastic ziplok bags, extra log scrolls/note pads, and camo duct tape, for example. I've also found that a good walking stick — a sturdy branch, maybe 5' tall, reasonably straight — is very handy for poking around in bushes and leaves, and especially holding in front of your face as you walk through brush. You know that feeling you get when you walk into a spider web? Yeah. Walking stick.

C'mon man, I'm the first poster. And you deleted the thread? Only those of us who posted can still see it. There's The Complete Idiot's guide to Geocaching, but I can tell you it first came out before smartphones became the preferred way to cache. But it does also say it's third edition. Back in the day (like 2008 or so), it was highly revered. You'll see other choices on that page, but other than "The Joy of Geocaching", I've never heard of any of them. Don't quote me on this, but I think the joy of Geocaching too is originally pre-smartphone.

This is great advice. I tend to agree with the OP on being a little lost when it comes to certain mystery caches. That said, I'm trying to improve by doing some of the things you've suggested.

I also recently ordered the book "How To Puzzle Cache" by Cully Long, and I'm hoping that helps me get better!

I'm not sure where you got the idea that this game was founded on frugality. It was created when the military turned off SA for GPS units. GPS units at the time were very expensive compared to today. Plus the first Geocache was a 5 gallon bucket, which if you look at those prices, they aren't super cheap.

Plus I wouldn't call preforms expensive. https://www.amazon.com/5col-Rugged-Geocache-Waterproof-Storage/dp/B00S8Q4T0A These are about $2/piece, cheaper per if you buy larger quantities.

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But none of that is really the point. The point is that an M&M container is junk. And most CO's aren't doing maintenance frequently enough for these to work. Sure, like you said, they're cheap and easy to replace. That's true, but most CO's won't get to it until AFTER there is a problem. Plus when these do break/get chewed on etc. it creates trash. And that's the last thing we need to add to the woods, or wherever the cache is hidden.

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Why not focus on quality? If you are going to hide a cache, make it worthwhile. Spend $2 on a good container, then don't worry about it. It will be less work to maintain, won't create as much trash, and it will be more enjoyable for other players to find.

Problems that often come up with newbie cache ownership:

• Poor coordinates
  
• Cache not placed before they submit it (FTFers find nothing)
  
• Uses cheap leaky container. Pill bottles, film canisters, upcycled containers saved from the trash, containers never meant for long term outdoor use. Most won't invest the $5 in an authentic Lock & Lock or a little more for a Pelican, Plano, ammo can.
  
• They submit a cache(s) then never come back to the site again. Never monitor their cache. Never respond to problems. The reviewer eventually archives their cache.
  
• They haven't read the guidelines
  
• They break the guidelines - most guideline breakers: hiding on private property without permission; screwing or nailing things in to trees
  
• They hide a cache too close to another cache, then don't pick it up when told their cache can't be published (I've found about 6 unpublished caches too close to other caches)
  
  Rugbychick10, if you are new and haven't cached much, give yourself some time to get over the honeymoon phase. About 3 months should do it. In 3 months, if you are still interested in geocaching, and in the long-term responsibility of being a cache owner, submit your cache. In the 3 months go geocaching, find a variety of caches, look for a great location to hide a cache, buy a good container, get your cache page ready but don't submit it until you're sure the honeymoon phase is over.
  
  "When you go to hide a geocache, think of the reason you are bringing people to that spot. If the only reason is for the geocache, then find a better spot." – briansnat
  
  Read these resources:
  
  Geocaching > Getting Started with Geocaching > Geocache Listing
  
  Geocaching > Getting Started with Geocaching > Hiding Your First ...
  
  Hiding a Geocache - Groundspeak's Help Center
  
  Guidelines for Hiding a Geocache - Groundspeak's Help Center
  
  Hiding a Geocache → Hiding Overview - Groundspeak's Help Center
  
  How to Get Accurate Coordinates
  
  

I like find interesting stones or little plastic figures. And I just bought a set of these to leave in caches. I thought they looked like something fun for a kid to find.

If you are ready to invest a little money to this hobby I recommend the True Utility Keychain pen. It is compact, goes on your keyring, and the pen is snapped on to the lid very securely so it does not fall off of the ring like some keychain pens. It is about 10 bucks.

https://www.amazon.com/Utility-TU246-TelePen-Telescoping-Refills/dp/B007IOHPKY

You can find a slightly lower price on Amazon. I prefer the telescoping version. It is not cheap, but totally worth it in my opinion. Extremely solid construction that holds up next to my keys and change, and I never find myself accidentally inking the inside of my pocket. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VC3FBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uwirDbR6A4FMV

I know not everyone would consider spending that much on a pen, but there are cheaper options that will fit in a pocket or on your keychain. Here's one I used for a while that is only $9. I liked it, but the thinness of the barrel made it difficult for me to write legibly. YMMV. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IOHPKY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xtirDbT4KKDY1

THESE are cheaper and more durable/waterproof. A little bit of spray paint or camo tape and it blends in just as well as the other mentioned containers. In my area we have a lot of waterways and these make GREAT paddle caches.

In my standard kit my tools would be:

• LED Flashlight
  
• Magnetic Probe
  
• Mirror Probe
  
• "Pointy" Tweezers
  
• Swiss Army Knife (Hiker)
  
• Gloves
  
• USB Endoscope
  
• Small Roll of Duct Tape
  
• Length of String
  
• Length of Wire
  
  Beyond just tools to find or retrieve a cache I have:
  
  
• Water Bottle
  
• First Aid Kit w/Bug Spray and Sunscreen
  
• Bandanna
  
• Charging cables (Micro & Mini USB)
  
• USB Battery Pack
  
• Extra AA for GPS
  
• Small Bag of Almonds
  
• Map of the Wissahickon
  
• Ear Buds / Hands Free
  
• Extra Logs
  
• Extra Baggies
  
• Assorted Bisons and Nanos
  
• Swag Pouch
  
  On my person:
  
  
• Garmin GPSMAP64s
  
• Samsung Galaxy S7 (w/Geocaching & C:geo Apps)
  
• Long Pangs
  
• Hiking Shoes
  
• Hat
  
• Sunglasses
  
  Finally, in my big bag that stays in the trunk most times:
  
  
• Reflector Vest
  
• Binoculars
  
• Large First Aid Kit
  
• Large Flashlight
  
• UV Light
  
• Compass
  
• Extra Swag
  
  My wife likes to mock me with this.
  

I second the Sharpie Pen. I also like like the Pilot Precise.

This looks like the right one for your GPS. Can't say much about it as my GPS is much older so uses a different style mount. But you can't beat the price of this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-010-11023-00-Colorado-Oregon-Series/dp/B0012MI7QE

*Edit:
There's some conflicting answers on the Amazon page about whether or not this is for the eTrex 10. Garmin website recommends this product number as well:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/shop-by-accessories/mounts/bike-cart-mount/prod11411_010-11023-00.html

They are soda bottle preforms (or "baby soda bottles,) which are uninflated 2 liter soda bottles. Available here and on Amazon, and other places.

I must say that posting a "these just arrived in the mail" without providing a source is a little less helpful that it might be. OP? Your source?

It looks like a cash box. They're not really water tight by default.

Take a look at the Puzzle Cache Practice blog, written by Cully Long, also the author of 'How to Puzzle Cache.'

The blog posts a puzzle (in the form of a mocked-up cache listing) every Monday. On Tuesday, he posts some hints. On Wednesday he explains & gives the solution.

You don't even necessarily need used to come in under $100.

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-eTrex-Worldwide-Handheld-Navigator/dp/B00542NV32/ref=sr_1_3?s=gps&ie=UTF8&qid=1395258071&sr=1-3&keywords=garmin

Regular size is a metal .30 cal ammo can. I prefer Plano boxes over other locking containers, but I place caches for the long haul.

https://www.amazon.com/Plano-3440-10-Waterproof-Stowaway-3400/dp/B00469G31G/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1510066300&sr=8-10&keywords=plano+boxes

https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Products-Smartphone-Watertight-Clear/dp/B00VGEH12O/ref=pd_sim_200_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=24EKNWJNJKHE8E4B4HTX&dpID=31KcpwQQdKL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail

Try a reacher! https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0009STNME/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IlrOBb18QY871

Non-GPS unit Suggestions:
Grabber for non-metallic items: http://www.amazon.com/Unger-92134-36-Inch-Pick-Up-Aluminum/dp/B0000V0AGS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371438936&sr=8-1&keywords=shelf+grabber

Magnetic, flexible grabber: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NPR3ZW/ref=gno_cart_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Magnetic telescoping grabber: (via /u/MrMurrkin and/u/DutchMeNow) http://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-7601-Telescoping-Magnetic-Pick-Up/dp/B000NPPC00/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_4

Also: Ziploc bags, note pad, pencil, Sharpie, waterproof paper, and (if you are so inclined) a spare log book to replace missing log if applicable.

Edited to add: If it's 12 feet from the ground, there must be a way to climb up and get it since someone put it there. Or to knock it down.