What you need for a bouldering tournament

A bouldering tournament needs more than climbing problems and prizes. You will need printed materials for participants and judges, route-setting and repair tools, safety supplies, and reliable power for registration and scoring. Plan separate equipment for the climbing area, the judging desk, and the waiting or refreshment area. This checklist helps you buy or bring the items that are easy to overlook until competitors are already arriving.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 24
Bar stoolsqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2
Storage cratesqty 12
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Bouldering brushesqty 12
Magnesium bagsqty 8
Liquid chalkqty 6
Bib numbersqty 80
Scorecardsqty 160
Route mapsqty 120
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Measuring tapeqty 2
Spare climbing holdsqty 20
Allen keysqty 4
Screwdriversqty 4
Crash matsqty 12
First aid kit
Cold packsqty 8

Equipment

Laptop
Tabletqty 2
Printer
Sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Rechargeable power banksqty 4
Coolersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 10
Pitcherqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Ice packsqty 20
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Fridge thermometersqty 2

Decorations

Party flagsqty 4
Balloonsqty 60
Start sign
Prize table sign
Name badgesqty 80

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 4

Cleaning

Broomqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Cleaning glovesqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea selection - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 6 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Sports drink - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Apples - 6 kilogram
- Mandarins - 4 kilogram
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Protein bars - 40 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 80 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 60 pieces
- Mini wraps - 40 pieces
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Rice cakes - 8 packs
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilogram
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Muffins - 80 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles

Tips

Print one scorecard and one route map per participant, then add at least 10% extra for misprints, lost sheets, or late registrations. Prepare bib numbers in the same range as the confirmed participant list.
Bring at least one bouldering brush for every active judging or climbing area, plus spare magnesium bags and liquid chalk. Check chalk supplies before opening rather than assuming climbers will bring enough.
Pack the repair kit together: spare climbing holds, Allen keys, screwdrivers, and a measuring tape. Keep it accessible during the event so a loose hold or route adjustment does not delay a round.
Set aside one clearly marked first aid kit and several cold packs near the climbing area. Barrier tape and cones are useful for keeping the public away from route-setting work, stored equipment, or closed problems.
Test the laptop, tablet, printer, microphone, and sound system before competitors arrive. Bring extension cords, power strips, and rechargeable power banks; a printer that cannot reach a socket can hold up registration and results.

Frequently asked questions

How many scorecards and route maps do I need for a bouldering tournament?: Prepare one scorecard and one route map per registered participant, plus at least 10% extra. For 60 competitors, print 66 of each so you can replace damaged sheets and handle last-minute additions.
What first aid supplies should I bring to a bouldering competition?: Bring one fully stocked first aid kit and several cold packs, placed where volunteers can reach them quickly. Check the kit at least one week before the tournament and replace anything expired or missing.
How much spare climbing equipment is needed for a bouldering tournament?: Keep one accessible repair set with spare climbing holds, Allen keys, screwdrivers, and a measuring tape. Check it 24 hours before the event and confirm that the tools fit the holds used in the gym.
When should I buy supplies for a bouldering tournament?: Complete the main shopping at least 3 to 5 days before the event, then do a final stock check the day before. Leave printing, charging power banks, and packing bib numbers until the final preparation window.

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