What to buy and pack for a hiking week

A hiking week needs more than food and walking shoes. You will need supplies for marked routes, registration, rest stops, volunteers and changing weather. This checklist covers practical items such as route arrows, printed maps, drinks, cups, tables, first-aid support and communication equipment. Plan quantities around your largest walking group and add a small reserve, because missing signs, empty water containers or too few chairs are difficult to replace once participants are on the route.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 4
Counter tablesqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 3
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Megaphoneqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 8

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 180
Route signsqty 24
Barrier tapeqty 12
Bib numbersqty 250
Wristbandsqty 250
Clipboardsqty 8
Pensqty 30
Route mapsqty 250
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Walking sticksqty 12

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 8
Water jugsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
traysqty 8
Ice packsqty 24

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Dish brushesqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 6

Catering

Commemorative medalsqty 250
Name stickersqty 300
Groceries
- Coffee - 8 packs
- Tea bags - 400 pieces
- Sugar - 4 kilogram
- Milk - 24 liters
- Milk powder - 2 packs
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 180 bottles
- Spa Red - 60 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Isotonic sports drink - 48 bottles
- Apples - 25 kilograms
- Bananas - 18 kilogram
- Oranges - 15 kilograms
- Grapes - 8 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 300 pieces
- Currant buns - 250 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
- White Bread - 12 loaves
- Whole grain rolls - 250 pcs
- Ham - 5 kilogram
- Cheese - 6 kilogram
- Hummus - 3 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Herb cheese - 2 kilograms
- Lemons - 3 kilogram
- Peppermint - 10 bags
- Ice cubes - 30 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Disinfectant wipes - 8 packs

Tips

Plan at least one route map and one set of route markings for every walking route, then keep a spare batch for damaged or missing arrows. Pack barrier tape and route signs separately so volunteers can find them quickly.
For each rest stop, provide enough cups and water containers for the busiest expected arrival period, not the average. Chill drinks in advance and keep at least one unopened reserve container at every stop.
Prepare registration materials in separate packs: bib numbers, wristbands, clipboards and pens. Put roughly 10% extra bib numbers and wristbands aside for late registrations, replacements and printing mistakes.
Allow one table or counter space for registration and one additional table for serving at each busy rest stop. Bring folding chairs for volunteers who will be stationed there for several hours.
Charge and test walkie-talkies and the megaphone before the first walking day. Pack extension cords, power strips and spare batteries or charging cables the day before, rather than during setup.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for a hiking week?: Plan the water supply per route and rest stop, based on the number of walkers and the weather forecast. As a practical reserve, prepare at least 10% more drinking water and cups than your calculated requirement.
What should I pack for hiking week rest stops?: Pack water jugs, coolers, reusable cups, serving platters, plates, cutlery and waste bins, plus tables and chairs where needed. Sort each stop into its own labelled box at least one day before setup.
How many route arrows and maps do I need?: Prepare one complete set of route arrows and route signs for every route, plus a spare set of about 10% for replacements. Print at least one route map for each volunteer team and keep extra copies at registration.
When should I prepare hiking week registration supplies?: Assemble bib numbers, wristbands, clipboards and pens at least 24 hours before registration opens. Keep a separate reserve pack with 10% extra items so late registrations do not interrupt the desk.

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