What to bring for a GPS hike

A GPS hike needs more than route files and charged devices. You’ll need equipment for navigation, visible checkpoint marking, participant registration, refreshments and basic safety. Plan quantities from your registration total, then add a small reserve for damaged signs, flat batteries or late arrivals. This shopping list covers the practical items to prepare before setting up the start and finish points.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 12
Party tentqty 2
Folding counter

Equipment

GPS devicesqty 12
Power banksqty 6
Charging cablesqty 12
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 3

Sports equipment

Compassqty 6
Reflective vestsqty 10
First aid kitqty 2
Whistlesqty 6
Waterproof route coversqty 20
Clipboardsqty 6

Signage

Route arrowsqty 30
Checkpoint signsqty 8
Barrier tapeqty 4
Conesqty 20
Cable tiesqty 200
Stakesqty 30

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Pliersqty 4
Water jugsqty 6

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Start flagsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Still mineral water - 72 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 6 loaves
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham joint - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cucumber - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Butter - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan one GPS device for each hiking group, not necessarily each participant, and charge every device fully the day before. Pack one power bank and the correct charging cable per device as a backup.
Take enough route arrows, checkpoint signs, cones and barrier tape to make every decision point visible. Bring at least 10% extra signs and cable ties because outdoor markers are easy to miss or lose.
Prepare one starter pack per registered group or participant, depending on how your hike is organised. Keep route instructions in waterproof covers and carry spare copies at the registration table.
For refreshments, allow two drinks per person for the first hour and one additional drink per person for each following hour. Use coolers and thermos flasks so water, hot drinks and perishable food stay usable throughout the hike.
Pack safety equipment where volunteers can reach it quickly: one first aid kit at the start, reflective vests for route staff, whistles for checkpoint teams and a compass as a non-electronic backup. Bring spare batteries or power banks for devices used all day.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a GPS hike?: At minimum, prepare GPS devices with route files, charging cables, power banks and a compass. You’ll also need route signs, waterproof route covers, a first aid kit and reflective vests for the organising team.
How many GPS devices do I need for a hike?: Plan one GPS device per hiking group, or one per participant if everyone walks independently. Add at least one spare device for every 10 devices in use, especially for a full-day hike.
How much food and drink should I buy for a GPS hike?: Allow two drinks per person for the first hour, then one more drink per person for every additional hour. Buy food according to the registered headcount and add roughly 10% extra for volunteers, late arrivals and unexpected needs.
When should I charge the GPS devices for the hike?: Charge all devices the day before and check that every route file opens correctly before packing them. Keep power banks charged and upload the final route files only after the last route check.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.