
I found this really interesting hobby-letterboxing, that I knew nothing about. It sounded like a lot of fun and I thought I would investigate it and see if we would like to do it when we travel. So here are things that I learned and wanted to share. You may find that it’s a great hobby for you and your family or friends. I included a lot of information that I thought was relevant to beginners, but there is so much more to learn so I will do a few more follow up blogs in detail. Read on to learn more!
If you love the idea of exploring the great outdoors, deciphering clues, and finding hidden treasures, then letterboxing might be the perfect hobby for you. This unique activity combines elements of orienteering, art, and puzzle-solving to create an engaging adventure for all ages.
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What is Letterboxing?
Letterboxing is an outdoor recreational activity that involves searching for hidden containers, known as “letterboxes,” by following clues and using navigational skills. Letterboxers hide small, weatherproof boxes in publicly accessible places (like parks) and distribute clues to finding the box in printed catalogs, on one of several websites, or by word of mouth. Individual letterboxes contain a notebook and a rubber stamp, preferably hand carved or custom made. Finders make an imprint of the letterbox’s stamp in their personal notebook and leave an impression of their personal signature stamp on the letterbox’s visitors’ book or logbook as proof of having found the box and letting other letterboxers know who has visited. Some of the notebooks in the letterbox also have room to write a brief note, like the date you were there and where you’re from. Many letterboxers keep careful track of their find count.
This activity dates back to the mid-19th century in England, where it originated in Dartmoor National Park. Since then, letterboxing has gained popularity worldwide, with thousands of boxes hidden across various landscapes, from forests and parks to urban areas. Letterboxes are not always found outside though. Some have been found in museums, bookstores, coffee shops, etc. Most letterboxes are a single find someone left for you, but I have heard of people finding a whole group that as you find one it leads you to the next one, like a letterbox hike.

How Does Letterboxing Work?
Your first step is to gather the supplies you will need when you find a box. At minimum, you will need a small notebook, ink pad, rubber stamp (you’ll want your own unique stamp) to mark your finds and a pen to sign logbooks. You also have the choice of not putting anything on the logbook and just enjoy finding it without telling others.
Next you need to find clues to find where boxes are hidden. You can start your search for clues on letterboxing websites, forums or local guidebooks. Some clues are really straightforward, while others require riddle solving or using map coordinates or a combination of both.
Now you’re ready to start the hunt. Follow the clues to locate the hidden letterbox. Some may be tucked away under rocks, inside hollow trees, or cleverly disguised in everyday objects. If you need to reach into a hole or somewhere similar, make sure you test the area with a stick or something to make sure there aren’t any unwanted animals in there. It’s probably a good idea to have gloves with you when reaching for the box so you don’t get cut or bit.
Once you find the box, use the stamp inside the letterbox to mark your personal journal. Leave your personal stamp or signature in the logbook to document your visit. If there’s room it’s nice to leave a little note even just the date you found it.
The last step is important for fellow letterboxers. Make sure to rehide the box. Ensure that the letterbox is properly concealed before leaving so that future seekers can enjoy the adventure. If the box is hidden outdoors, make sure it is properly sealed to keep it dry and protected from the elements. Keep in mind that these boxes are hidden for a reason, so you don’t want people to see you when you are pulling the box out and stamping the logbook.

What do I need to Letterbox?
To start finding boxes, all you need is a clue such as those provided on Atlas Quest or North America Letterboxing. It’s also recommended that you have a signature stamp, a logbook, an ink pad, and something to write with. The signature stamp is what you’ll stamp into the logbook you find in the letterbox. Many letterboxes contain ink pads, but you should always bring your own in case there isn’t one and even if it does have one, the ink pad in the box could be frozen solid, dried up, and otherwise incapacitated. You might even want to bring several small ink pads with varying colors. Having something to write with is nice so you can write in the logbook the date and perhaps a comment about the weather or experiences in finding the box. And you’ll want your own, personal logbook so you can record all your finds with the stamp found in the letterbox.
Many boxes require a compass to find, so a compass should become part of your regular letterboxing kit. They’re cheap and lightweight, and don’t take much room. You’ll find gloves invaluable for those times when you need to reach your hand into deep, dark holes that letterboxes are so frequently found in. Take into account where you will be traveling to find the box and you consider items that will help you stay safe and comfortable. Think of it as packing for a daytrip. I always advise taking water with you if you’re going to be outdoors. Consider how long it may take to find the box; you may want to bring some snacks. Also recommended are sunglasses, hat, flashlight, travel first aid kit and don’t forget your cellphone and camera.

What is a Signature Stamp?
A signature stamp is a unique stamp that represents yourself in some manner and can be stamped into logbooks you find to show you’ve been there. You can use a store-bought stamp, but it’s more fun to create your own. No artistic talent necessary! Carving a stamp is surprisingly quick and easy to do with the right guidance and tools. If you’re too eager to get out and start finding letterboxes before carving a signature stamp, you can use your thumbprint. Many experienced letterboxers who forget to bring their signature stamp have been known to use this method as well! This link will take you to one stamp making tutorial. I’m sure there are more out there.
Do I need a Trail Name?
As you explore the websites you will see that many people have trail names. Trail names are optional, though a growing number of letterboxers are adopting them. Part of it is just for fun, though others have made the argument that for personal safety and security, it’s best not to be too loose with your real name. If you choose to go with a trail name, though, consider that it might follow you around for a long, long time to come. Don’t select one you may regret later. Even if you do decide to change your trail name, it will still be in your personal information so that people can still relate you to someone that have previously connected to.

What Type of Logbook Should I Use?
New letterboxers always have lots of questions about logbooks. What is the best type? What should go in them? The answer is make it whatever you want it to be. Every letterboxer has their own way of doing logbooks. Some people stamp finds onto index cards that can be sorted and easily carried. Others create diary-like journals where they paste in pictures of the hike or the clue itself along with information about the date and time, who they hiked with, or any other notes they care to take. For others, you may just want a list of where you were, so just put the stamp and date when you found box. You can be as creative as you want. Keep in mind whatever you use should be white and unlined so that the stamp image is clear and concise.

You can use index cards or a small notebook to get the stamp image and other information you want then when you get home transfer these to a photo album or scrapbook and add pictures of the area and any other information you want to remember. This saves you from carrying a large album with you. You can always keep the album in your car in case you run into another letterboxer and want to share information or show off all your finds!
Where can I acquire letterboxing supplies?
Rubber stamp stores have many of the supplies letterboxers will need—especially the ink pads. Carving supplies can be more challenging. Arts and crafts stores such as Michael’s carry lots of useful supplies. Be aware that the carving blocks and carving tools are not located in the stamp aisle. Most likely, you’ll find carving materials in the same area where you’ll find stencils and calligraphy items. You can also try Amazon or Stampeaz for supplies. You might want to check TheStampmaker.com where you can design your stamps on their site. I haven’t used this, but it looks pretty easy.
Why Try Letterboxing?
If you love exploring new places and are looking for a new adventure then letterboxing may be just what you’re looking for. It takes you beautiful, off the beaten path places you may have never found otherwise. It’s a fun activity for families or a group of friends. It also an adventure for a solo explorer with a reward of finding the box. Joining the letterboxing community brings a sense of camaraderie with others who love adventure.

Are there Rules for Letterboxing?
There are not official legal rules, but there are some basic guidelines that should be followed to not only keep you and others safe but to keep it fun for others. I’ll do a detailed blog on this subject, but here is a quick overview of these guidelines:
Leave No Trace– This rule applies to anytime you are out exploring. Basically, it is leaving things as you found them, don’t take or move anything from the area, take your trash with you, etc.
Safety– For those hiding the letterboxes don’t hide them in a dangerous spot, like the edge of a cliff. You can put them in difficult places, like half way up a cliff under a rock, but be sure you explain in your clues the level of difficulty so people can determine if they are able to get to it. As a person seeking the letterbox, make sure to read the clue carefully and determine if you have the ability to get the box. Also, keep in mind that you will most likely be in the wilderness looking for clues and you may run into wildlife, there will be things like ticks, etc. Do your research for the area and be prepared for what you may encounter while looking for the box.
Another part of safety is protecting your identity. Don’t put a lot of information about yourself in the logbook. Omit your address and phone number. Unfortunately, our world now requires us to be vigilant in our safety in every aspect of our lives.
Security– Keep in mind that you probably will run into other people along the way while you’re looking for your letterbox and very few, if any, of them will be letterboxing. You need to think about what it would look like to others if you’re digging around and looking a little suspicious. They may become uneasy and call for help. So, when you get to the area where the box is, do your best not to alarm people. If you’re lucky no one will be around, but if they are then try ways to not make it obvious what you’re doing. For instance, drop your water bottle near the box and then squat to get your bottle and try to get the box. Once you have the box, take it to an area where no one is and then pull out the logbook and do your thing.
Be respectful. As a person who is putting out the box, don’t put it on private property, a restricted area or a place where people could be harmed getting to it. If you are looking for the boxes, make sure you don’t damage the box and put it back where you found it. Using common sense and common courtesy will help everyone.
Pets or more specifically dogs, can be of great use not only for protection, but they are great company. That being said, be sure to follow the leave no trace guidelines with them and take precautions to keep them safe.
For a more detailed explanation of letterboxing guidelines, read our blog here.
Let the Journey Begin
To begin your letterboxing journey, visit websites such as Atlas Quest or Letterboxing North America to find nearby boxes and connect with the community. One of the great things about this hobby is that you don’t have to join the community website to find where boxes are hidden. Whether you embark on a solo adventure or make it a group outing, letterboxing offers an exciting way to engage with nature, exercise your problem-solving skills, and uncover hidden treasures along the way. It has also become a big community where you can chat with other letterboxers and get ideas on either or both of these websites. You can make this as simple or very artistic as you want and as personal or sharable that you want. If you just want to find the box and move on that’s fine or you can make an elaborate scrapbook or other way of saving memories of the boxes you find. You can find the boxes and keep it to yourself, or you can share it with the communities. To me, this makes it a great hobby because you can make what you want out of the experience.
Please remember that whenever you travel, even if near your home, that you should take precautions for the unexpected. Always have plenty of water and snacks with you. Always tell someone where you are planning to go and when you’ll return. We hope to give you information to help you be prepared for any trip you are planning with the knowledge and tips we’ve obtained through our travels. Letterboxing can be tremendously fun and create lots of memories. So, grab your stamp and start your adventure—your next great discovery is just a clue away!
