What to Pack for a Long-Distance Hike

A long-distance hike needs more than walking shoes and a backpack. You need supplies for route marking, checkpoints, rest stops, communication, weather changes and basic first aid support. This shopping list covers the practical equipment used before and during the hike, including maps, signs, reflective vests, power banks and shelter. Plan quantities from your final participant list, then add a small reserve for damaged, lost or shared items.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 20
Party tentsqty 3
Waste binsqty 8
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Megaphoneqty 2
Mobile phonesqty 4
Power banksqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Bluetooth speaker
Thermos flasksqty 8

Sports equipment

Route mapsqty 130
Bib numbersqty 120
Wristbandsqty 130
Route arrowsqty 100
Information boardsqty 20
Conesqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 10
Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 40
Markersqty 12
Reflective vestsqty 20
Umbrellasqty 6
Blanketsqty 8
Walking sticksqty 8
Coolersqty 8
Foldable cratesqty 16
Backpacksqty 6
Flashlightsqty 12
Spare batteriesqty 24
First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Disposable glovesqty 100
Cold packsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Reusable platesqty 150
Reusable cutleryqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 12
Scissorsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Bread knivesqty 6
Kitchen knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 4
Food containersqty 20
Aluminum foilqty 4
Cling filmqty 4
Ice packsqty 40

Lighting

LED lampsqty 10
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Trash bagsqty 100
Bucketsqty 6
Spongesqty 12
Dish brushesqty 6
Towelsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 240 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 60 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 80 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Bananas - 150 pieces
- Apples - 120 pieces
- Oranges - 80 pieces
- Grapes - 10 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Gingerbread - 10 packs
- Currant buns - 120 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
- White bread - 10 loaves
- Wholemeal rolls - 120 pieces
- Cheese - 5 kilo
- Ham - 4 kilograms
- Chicken breast - 4 kilograms
- Hummus - 20 containers
- Cream cheese - 12 tubs
- Peanut butter - 6 jars
- Jam - 6 jars
- Cucumbers - 20 pieces
- Tomatoes - 8 kilograms
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Nut mix - 8 kilograms
- Raisins - 4 kilograms
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Chocolate bars - 120 pieces
- Yogurt - 80 cups
- Vegan yogurt - 20 cups
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Salt - 2 packs
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 10 packs
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Food-safe gloves - 100 pieces

Tips

Prepare one route map per guide and checkpoint, plus at least 10% extra copies for changes, loss or bad weather. Keep the final route, emergency exits and alternate routes together in a waterproof sleeve.
Provide a charged power bank for each route team or checkpoint, then add at least two spare units for a long day away from sockets. Charge walkie-talkies and phones the evening before and pack extension cords and power strips at the start or finish.
Use route arrows, cones, barrier tape and information boards at every decision point rather than only at the start. Pack extra markers, pens and arrows so volunteers can replace signs that move or disappear.
For rest stops, plan tables, chairs, waste bins, coolers and thermos flasks according to the number of participants expected at the busiest stop. Add umbrellas, blankets or a party tent when the forecast could change during the walking hours.
Give route guides and volunteers reflective vests, clipboards and mobile phones before they leave. Keep first-aid support, emergency contacts and the participant list at the start, finish and each staffed checkpoint.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a long-distance hike?: Buy or prepare route maps, route arrows, information boards, cones, barrier tape, backpacks, walking sticks, reflective vests, mobile phones, power banks and weather protection. For the start, finish and rest stops, also plan tables, chairs, waste bins, coolers, thermos flasks and foldable crates.
How many water bottles do I need for a long-distance hike?: Plan access to at least 2 litres of drinking water per participant for a full-day hike, unless reliable refill points are confirmed along the route. Add extra water for volunteers, guides and hot weather, and use coolers or thermos flasks where drinks must stay at a checkpoint.
How much extra hiking equipment should I pack?: Pack roughly 10% extra route maps, wristbands, bib numbers, pens and route arrows, with a minimum of two spare units for small groups. For shared equipment such as walkie-talkies and power banks, keep at least two fully charged spares.
When should I prepare the supplies for a long-distance hike?: Check the full stock at least 7 days before the hike, when the participant list and route are nearly final. Charge walkie-talkies and power banks the day before, and place signs, maps and checkpoint kits into separate labelled crates before departure.

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