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Start with a lock n lock container or any water-tight container. Regarding lock n locks – get the real thing, not the dollar store knock-offs. The knock-offs don’t last long – the tabs break off quickly. |
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Optional: add a pencil and a stamp pad. Most letterboxers carry their own pencil/pen but it’s nice to include one, just in case someone forgets theirs. However, the stamp pad is sometimes not a good idea. If water gets into the container the ink could destroy the logbook. If you do not include an inkpad as a courtesy you could write “bring your own ink” in the clues, but most letterboxers carry their own. |
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I like to leave this note in the letterbox. Most of my letterboxes are also posted on geocaching.com. This note let’s geocachers, who are unfamiliar with letterboxing, know that the stamp remains in the box and is not traded out. It also explains what to do with the stamp. Print a sheet of letterboxing-instructions-cards [doc] letterboxing-instructions-cards [pdf] (not exactly as shown in photo, but with the same information). |
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Make a quick logbook by folding and stapling a few sheets of medium-weight together (paper that is too thin will bleed through). More logbook examples. |
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Then put the logbook in a baggie to protect it. |
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The all-important stamp. I like to use a fine-tip marker and write “Leave in box. Do not trade” on the back of the stamp and if there’s room I’ll add my email address. Wrap the stamp in felt or paper towel, then place it in a baggie. (I bought an assortment of small baggies at the dollar store). |
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Stamp wrapped in felt and placed in a baggie. |
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Everything laid out and ready for packaging. |
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All contents packaged and ready to hide.To make the box easier to hide from view you could cover it in camouflage (see photos below) |
Camouflaged containers
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Start with a lock n lock containeror or any water-tight container |
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Buy camouflage duct tape. I buy Camo Green Duck® brand duct tape. You can get it at many hardware stores (e.g. Canadian Tire)and at Walmart – look in the paint section or in the hunting section. |
| Wrap the outside of the box so that the box ends up looking like the following examples: | |
This box had been outdoors for 6 months when this photo was taken.
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This camo-covered lock n lock has been outdoors for a year and a half and had 39 visits. It’s holding up well. Covering up the outside flaps with camouflage tape helps prevent the lid from being put on upside down. |
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 This one hasn’t been outdoors yet, but it’s waiting for an opportunity. |
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Oh! That’s what the felt is for!
I found a number today (first time LBing ever!) that had a square of felt in the box, and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what it was for. When I found the boxes, the felt was neither around the stamp nor in the baggie. Guess other people are like me and don’t know what it’s for either.
Sorry but noticed that last one waiting to be planted didn’t look like lock n lock to me, ha ha. Great tutorial, though.
I was curious about a container I found at Office Depot, it was made by Really Useful Products, ltd, googled it and saw they manufacture lock n locks, surprised me, but don’t think the container I bought will be good for winter time or any time as it is not pure lock n lock status, only another product of the same company, and used for craft use instead. It does have its qualities though, 0.07 liter in size, tiny, just right size for a hitch hiker, or tiny CFL logbook, 2″ x 1″ in size. Urban under cover could work out, or indoors. Just enjoyed your tutorial and thought would say Hi.
OD