What you need for an orientation hike

An orientation hike needs more than maps and a marked route. Prepare supplies for registration, team distribution, checkpoints, food service and changing light conditions. For each participant, plan at least one route map or booklet, a reusable cup, a plate and cutlery, plus extra copies and serving supplies for the reception area. The list below also covers practical equipment such as clipboards, whistles, reflective vests, marker tape and flashlights, so the organizing team can run the route safely and keep the finish area supplied.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 50
Beer tablesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 40

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Food warmersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 5
Scissorsqty 4

Equipment

Kettlesqty 2
Hot platesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3

Sports equipment

Compassqty 12
Route mapsqty 15
Route bookletsqty 15
Clipboardsqty 12
Stopwatchesqty 6
Whistlesqty 12
Conesqty 30
Ropeqty 100
Flashlightsqty 12
Reflective vestsqty 15
Directional signsqty 30
Marker tapeqty 6
Pensqty 30
Pencilsqty 30
Waterproof sleevesqty 20
First aid kitsqty 2
Blanketsqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Batteriesqty 24

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Notice board

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 5 loaves
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Onions - 1 kilo
- Potatoes - 8 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Zucchinis - 6 pieces
- Bell pepper for meal - 2 kilo
- Kidney beans - 12 cans
- Corn - 8 cans
- Diced tomatoes - 12 cans
- Passata - 6 packs
- Vegetarian mince - 3 kilos
- Ground beef - 3 kilos
- Rice - 5 kilo
- Vegetable stock - 2 boxes
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Cumin - 1 jar
- Chili powder - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Spa Blauw - 10 trays
- Sparkling mineral water - 3 trays
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paper napkins - 6 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Plastic storage bins - 10 pieces
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning sponges - 2 packs
- Cleaning wipes - 2 packs
- Disinfecting gel - 3 bottles

Tips

Print one route map or booklet per participant, then add 10% extra for lost copies, last-minute registrations and organizers. Keep the master route plan at the reception desk.
Prepare one checkpoint pack for every checkpoint, with a clipboard, route information, marker tape or rope, a whistle and a stopwatch. Pack each station separately so setup is faster.
For drinks, provide at least 2 servings per person for the first hour and chill them in coolers before participants arrive. Bring extra reusable cups because cups left at checkpoints rarely return on time.
Match tableware to the expected headcount: one plate, cutlery set, reusable cup and coffee cup per person, plus 10% spare. Food warmers, kettles and hot plates also need enough extension cords and power strips for the serving area.
Use reflective vests and flashlights for organizers who check the route or manage late finishers. Put directional signs and marker tape in a clearly labeled bag, and bring a compass to verify the route before groups set off.

Frequently asked questions

How many maps do I need for an orientation hike?: Prepare one map or route booklet per participant, plus 10% extra. For 50 participants, print at least 55 copies and keep several with the organizing team.
How much food and drink should I buy for an orientation hike?: Plan at least 2 drinks per person for the first hour, then add more according to the expected duration and weather. Buy food for every registered participant plus 10% extra for late additions and larger appetites.
What equipment is needed at each checkpoint?: Give each checkpoint its own pack with route information, a clipboard, a whistle, a stopwatch and marking supplies such as cones, rope or marker tape. Assemble these packs at least one day before the hike so missing items can still be replaced.
When should I prepare the orientation hike supplies?: Buy non-perishable materials at least 3 to 5 days before the event. Chill drinks, prepare food and pack checkpoint materials on the day before where possible, then check the weather and route again on the morning of the hike.

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