How to get started with letterboxing
Are you interested in letterboxing, but not sure how to get started? If you’re looking to try something new that will get you out in nature and exploring new places — either on your own, with friends or with family — letterboxing is an exciting adventure for anyone.
Here’s everything you need to know about letterboxing, including what’s involved, how to get started and which treasure hunting essentials you need to kickstart your adventure.
What is letterboxing?
Letterboxing is a great way to explore scenic locations around the world. It combines:
Outdoor adventures
Treasure hunting
Sharing and collecting art
Letterboxing encourages exploration of new locations — both out in the wilderness and urban areas — while collecting artistic treasure along the way. Here’s how it works:
Buy a journal and a personalized stamp.
Search for hidden boxes by following a set of clues (found online).
Find the treasure — a waterproof box that holds a journal and a handcrafted stamp.
Leave your signature in the journal, along with a print of your personalized stamp.
Use the handcrafted stamp to print in your personal journal, where you collect beautiful artwork from everywhere.
The original journal and stamp are placed back in the box where it was found — so others can find it too.
All that is taken away is a print of the stamp that is unique to that location — and fun memories, of course.
Where can you go letterboxing?
With letterboxing increasing in popularity, it can be done across the globe — with thousands to be found in some states right here in the U.S. Since its origins lie in the UK’s Dartmoor National Park during the Victorian era, it follows that nature-filled national parks and less explored, scenic locations have become popular letterboxing locations.
Websites such as atlasquest.com and letterboxing.org are great sources to help you find your first letterboxing adventure, either near your home or on the road.
What’s the difference between letterboxing and geocaching?
The key difference between letterboxing and geocaching is that geocaching requires the use of a GPS to follow coordinates, whereas letterboxing involves following clues and landmarks (although a compass is sometimes needed).
Additionally, letterboxing treasure refers to the exchange of stamps, as opposed to geocaching, which involves exchanging little treasures such as trinkets and small toys.
How to get started with letterboxing
Before taking off on an adventure unequipped, start your adventure off right by understanding what’s involved and how to prepare.
Here are four easy steps to get you started:
Plan ahead
Decide where you want to explore and search online for letterboxing clues for a trail near you. Once you know where you’re heading, it will be easy to prepare your gear.
For example, you don’t want to head out thinking you’re going on a 20-minute stroll, to then discover you’re in the mountains on a 4-hour hike.
Gear up as needed
Besides the basic essentials you need for hiking and outdoor adventures, be sure to consider the treasure-hunting essentials you need for letterboxing. These include:
Navigation tools such as written directions, maps and a compass
Hiking essentials like solid shoes, thick clothing, flashlights, water, a mini first-aid kit and a backpack
Pen or pencil
Personal stamp
Inkpad — some boxes require a particular color of ink, so be sure to read the instructions
A cleansing cloth or wipe, as ink can be messy
Create your letterboxing personalized stamp
You’re not ready for your letterboxing adventures until you’ve got yourself a personalized stamp. You can buy one, but most people enjoy creating their own special design.
This can be done with a variety of tools, such as:
There are easy-to-use stamp-maker kits and printers available to make things easy, or you can opt to grab some carving tools (like linoleum cutters) and rubber blocks to make your own from scratch!
Know the rules of letterboxing
To continue the efforts of eco-friendly adventurers, be sure to follow the rules and the code of conduct which can be found when you collect your clues. For example:
Consider the environment — leave nature as you found it and leave nothing behind.
When retrieving and returning the box, keep the box hidden to avoid it being moved and be careful not to be seen by others.
Don’t ruin the fun for others — never take anything out of the box or leave anything behind that you shouldn’t.
Everything you need to start letterboxing
Moleskine Classic Notebook: available at Amazon
This notebook is everything you need in a journal to store your treasures. It’s a durable hardcover book filled with ultra-thick ivory pages — perfect for stamps. It also features an elastic closure band and internal storage folders to keep your notes and maps safe.
Silhouette Mint Custom Printer: available at Amazon
If you’re not feeling too creative, this stamp-making printer kit is perfect. With four bottles of ink, exclusive designs to inspire you and an easy guide to get started, this compact kit will have you ready in no time.
Stamp Making Kit with Rubber Carving Blocks: available at Amazon
Unleash your creativity and carve your own stamp with this easy-carving stamp-making kit. It includes a linoleum carving tool with an easy-grip handle, six blades and five essential rubber blocks.
Lsushine Craft Ink Pad Stamps: available at Amazon
Get ready to stamp with this pack of ink pads that boasts 15 essential colors. They’re suitable for a variety of materials and once the ink dries, it’s waterproof!
Field & Stream Lensatic Compass: available at Dicks Sporting Goods
Don’t fear getting lost out in the woods with this reliable, compact compass, perfect for your outdoor adventures. It features glowing directional letters to keep you on track even after sunset, along with a durable shock-resistant case.
CamelBak Octane XCT Hydration Pack: available at Amazon and Dicks Sporting Goods
This 70-ounce backpack will equip you for any outing, boasting a 2-liter hydration pack to keep you hydrated while also storing your daily essentials with ease. Designed with comfort in mind, it features a mesh back, waist belt and convenient front pockets.
Courtney Love is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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