Simply put, Pathtags are trading items that have hit the Geocaching world like gang busters!

What are Pathtags?

These quarter-sized round metal tags are custom designed by their owners and reflect an interest, characteristic, or unique quirk about themselves.  Often the Pathtag design is of their Geocaching name.  There are thousands of these high quality signature items available for trade and are often left behind in caches as an incentive for future cachers to visit.

Pathtags come in 1 size (23mm in diameter and 2mm thick) and a hole is fabricated to allow for easy display or storage.  They are made of solid iron and painted per the owner’s wishes which makes them magnetic and works of art.  They are not trackable, but can be logged at Pathtags.com.  This notifies the owner that you found their tag and adds it to your personal online collection.  Just create a free account on the site and you can log a tag in under a minute!

How Do I Find a Pathtag?

You can come across Pathtags in a few ways.  In caches, from the owner in person, or via mail.  When you find a tag in a cache container you can collect the coin as your own by treating it like regular SWAG (take something, leave something).  You will often run into Geocachers at caches or events.  This is a great opportunity to collect Pathtags.  If you visit Pathtags.com you will see that a trading manager is incorporated into the website that streamlines browsing tags and the exchange process.  The physical exchange of tags occurs through snail mail aided again by the online automation for printing envelopes.  There are Facebook groups focused on trading (and sometimes selling) Pathtags.  The groups are avid tag collectors who share their new designs and very passionate about their collections.

How Do I Get a Pathtag of My Own?

1. Design your tag – You can do this for free yourself (templates and tag specific design software available at no cost) or have a freelance design pro create one for you at a reasonable price.  You only have to design the front of the tag since the back is reserved for the serial number.  You have a few choices for the look of the back.  When you have completed your design, simply upload it to the Pathtags website.
2. Order your tag – The first (or Starter Kit) order will cover the cost of production of the tag (design setup and die fee, up to 10 enamel colors, velvet bag, clips,  and 50 tags in silver).
3. Blueprinting – A few days after you submit your order you will receive a blueprint of your tag.  It will show the details for colors, raised sections, text, and hole placement for your tag.  Carefully review the blueprint and either accept or reject (with detailed comments).
4. Production – This can take 4-6 weeks from the time you accept the blueprint.
5. Shipping – The Pathtags folks alert you that your tags have been shipped with an email.
6. Enjoy your new personal signature item!

Pathtags are an easy and expressive way to tell others about yourself and how you cache.  These colorful, highly sought after collectibles are always a joy to find in a cache container, receive in mail, or directly from their creator.  Who’s path will you cross?