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Swag refers to any trade items found inside a geocache. It has been turned into a backronym for "Stuff We All Get", but the word is older than that.

Description[]

Besides a logsheet, geocache containers may contain swag. Swag can encompass a wide variety of items, both good and bad.  Those who find the cache may take an item, but they are expected to leave something of their own for others to find.  Many trade items are small trinkets with little to no monetary value, but may have varying levels of intrinsic value to different people.  Occasionally, items of value can be found.  Some owners will place special swag as an FTF prize.

Note that trackables (that is, Travel Bugs and geocoins) are not trade items. You do not need to trade for them, but you do need to take them to another geocache after retrieving them.

Defining a trade item as good or bad can often be subjective.  What one person may consider good, another person may consider junk.  However, there are some common opinions as to what TYPE of item can make good or bad swag.

Etiquette[]

The etiquette for trading swag is easily summarized: Trade up, trade even, or don't trade. That is, if you take something, then you should leave something at least as valuable as what you took.

Good Swag[]

In general, items that are in good condition, items that children can play with, or geocaching related items are often seen as good items to place in a geocache.  Some examples include:

  • New batteries
  • Foreign coins
  • Kids toys
  • Unexpired coupons
  • Magnets
  • Pins
  • Personal signature items
  • Unactivated Geocoins


Geocacheswag552x220

good SWAG

Bad Swag[]

In general, items that could be considered dangerous or illegal, items to be used only by adults, or items that can attract animals are all considered bad items to place in a geocache.  Some examples include:

  • Lighters, matches, fireworks, etc.
  • Weapons
  • Food, or scented items that might smell like food to animals
  • Adult-only material
  • Drugs
  • Illegal materials
  • Liquids (e.g. bubble mixture) as they tend to leak
  • Anything intended to promote a business or cause
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