What you need for an orientation hike

An orientation hike needs more than route maps and a compass. You also need clearly marked checkpoints, paperwork for teams, reliable communication and a practical refreshment setup at the finish. Plan food and drinks for the full group, plus lighting and spare batteries if people may still be walking after dark. This checklist covers the equipment and serving supplies to gather before you collect the materials and groceries.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 60
Party tentsqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Compassqty 15
Route mapsqty 60
Team formsqty 20
Clipboardsqty 12
Conesqty 30
Route arrowsqty 40
Checkpoint signsqty 8
Stamp setsqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 8
Prizesqty 3
Safety vestsqty 12
Whistlesqty 8

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Mobile phonesqty 4
Power banksqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Flashlightsqty 8
Spare batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Soup bowlsqty 60
Spoonsqty 60
Pliersqty 6

Kitchen

Soup kettlesqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Hand soap dispensersqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Broom and dustpanqty 2
First aid kitsqty 3

Decorations

Start and finish signsqty 2
Arrows for starting locationqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Oranges - 40 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Soup vegetables - 3 kilo
- Tomato soup - 6 liters
- Vegetable soup - 6 liters
- Vegetable stock - 2 boxes
- Baguettes - 15 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Herb cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Halal chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper tissues - 6 packs

Tips

Print one route map and team form for every team, then bring at least 10% extra copies for damaged or missing sheets. Keep the maps on clipboards so they remain usable outdoors.
Prepare checkpoint signs, route arrows, cones and stamp sets before marking the route. Pack each checkpoint’s materials separately, so setup does not depend on finding small items at the last minute.
For the finish, allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, plus extra water for the walk. Chill the drinks in coolers and bring reusable cups rather than relying on a single shared supply.
Serve soup in bowls with spoons and keep at least one full thermos flask or soup kettle available for every 10 to 15 participants. Bring cutting boards and serving tools with the food instead of leaving them at the start area.
Pack one flashlight or LED lamp per dark checkpoint, spare batteries and at least one charged power bank. Keep walkie-talkies and mobile phones ready, and use safety vests so route staff can be recognised quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How many route maps do I need for an orientation hike?: Prepare one map for each team, not just one per participant. Print at least 10% extra copies, so a group can continue if a map gets wet, lost or damaged.
How much food and drink should I buy for an orientation hike?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add water for the expected walking time. For soup, plan one serving per participant plus roughly 10% extra for late arrivals and second servings.
What equipment is needed at each checkpoint?: Each checkpoint normally needs its sign, route markers, the printed task and any stamp set or stopwatch used there. Pack one complete set per checkpoint and prepare it at least one day before the hike.
When should I check the lighting and batteries?: Test every flashlight and LED lamp the day before the hike, and carry spare batteries for all battery-powered lights. Charge power banks and walkie-talkies overnight so communication equipment is ready at setup.

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