A cool cache has to foster a relationship between the cache-hider and the cache-seekers. The cache-hider is, in a sense, a performer or composer, while the cache-seekers are the audience. To put it another way, in order for a cache to be considered cool, it must have broad appeal to the geocaching audience, and offer something that will improve either the local or global geocaching environment.

The creation of a cool cache is the product of hard work and the thoughtful examination of many factors (unless you just get lucky, and make a cool cache by accident, which can also happen). There are many variables to be considered in the creation of a cache: type, size, difficulty, terrain, and density of caches in a given area just to name a few. A cool cache can be created using any combination of the variables listed above; it is the relationship between the cache-hider and their audience that will determine whether or not the cache is cool. Understanding that relationship (between performer/composer and audience) is what makes a cache cool or simply there.

The knowledge and experience, philosophy and motivation with which a cache-hider approaches the creation of a cache can make all the difference in designing and implementing a cool cache. A cache-hider (or let's say cache-designer) needs a background in geocaching before the creation of their first cache; they should be aware of the types of caches their area can support, as well as the types of caches local and visitors to the area like to hunt for and log. There has to be a reason for the new cache to be placed beyond simply that the local reviewer will approve it; for a cache to be cool, it has to improve the geocaching environment for their audience, other geocachers.

With hundreds of thousands of geocachers worldwide, there are lots of different ways to improve the geocaching environment and make a cool cache. A cool cache might consist of a new twist on the hydro-cache concept, or a devilish puzzle-cache. It might also take the form of a traditional ammo-can cache in an area that is lacking in cache-density, or a series of clever micro-caches in an urban environment. A fun themed cache, or multi-cache made up of virtuals and micros and ending with a 10-mile hike into the back of beyond could spell cool to some geocachers. The point is that it must fill a need in the geocaching community, and it must have an audience. One person's idea of a cool cache may very well be completely different than another's; and that's not just ok; it's great.

Geocaching is a sport/hobby/pastime with enough room for everyone and for a thousand varieties of cool caches. A cache that one geocacher finds cool might seem lame to another; just like everyone has different tastes in movies (or books or sports or kinds of food). In the final analysis, a cool cache will appeal to the people who will be looking for it, and will improve the sport, either through innovation or by filling a void. Each and every geocacher should try to place nothing but cool caches, anything else is just silly.