Simply, it’s the Difficulty (D) and Terrain (T) ratings. Just like in any game, the D/T rating gives you an idea about the difficulty level of any Geocache. More stars, more the challenge!
Let’s break down the D/T scale:
The most easy geocache has 1-star difficulty. Why? They’re easy to find.
But, as stars increase, so does your heart rate!
Five stars on difficulty. You’re in for a mental marathon. We’re talking about specialist knowledge, advanced preparation.
Five stars on terrain. Think specialized gear and skills. Like scuba diving or rock climbing.
Here’s a chart to give you a better idea:
| Star Rating (D/T Rating) | Difficulty Rating (Mental Effort Metric) | Terrain Rating (Physical Effort Metric) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 star rating | Super Easy | Hike less than half mile, flat terrain |
| 1.5 star rating | Can be found in < 15 min | Hike less than half a mile, mostly flat terrain but not wheelchair-friendly |
| 2 star rating | Can be found in < 30 min | Hike < 2 miles, |
| 2.5 star rating | Little bit difficult | Small elevations and bumps in the terrain |
| 3 star rating | Moderately challenging | Hike > 2 miles, difficult terrain, bushy and bumpy areas |
| 3.5 star rating | Hard | Long hike |
| 4 star rating | Very Hard | May also involve swimming or going through wild areas |
| 4.5 star rating | Specialized skills and experience needed | Dangerous and challenging terrain |
| 5 star rating | The most challenging | Rock climbing, scuba diving, and other specialized skills will be needed. |
So as long as you’re not going after anything above 3.5 stars, the risk is very low to negligible. It becomes just like any other outdoor activity.
And why should you care about D/T ratings?
They’re your best guidelines in the geocaching adventure. Knowing your D/T rating stops you from accidentally walking into a triathlon when you signed up for a casual jog.
Remember, geocaching is all about adventure. But it’s better when you know what to expect. So, next time, check that D/T rating. It’s your key to being prepared and, ultimately, scoring that sweet victory.
Event cache star rating
Event caches always have a 1-star difficulty rating because they are easy to “find.” These events are out in the open or can be located within a few minutes. It doesn’t matter how hard the event activities are; the rating stays the same.
What do you think?
What do you think about these ratings? Are they good or can it be better?