What you need for an orientation hike

An orientation hike needs more than a route and a compass. Each team needs clear navigation materials, assignment cards, answer forms and something to write on, while checkpoints need visible signs and basic equipment. Plan food and drinks for the full route, not just the finish, and pack materials by team before participants arrive. This list also covers practical items that are often forgotten, such as power banks, barrier tape, water tanks and reflective vests.

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What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Compassqty 6
Route mapsqty 24
Route bookletsqty 24
Checkpoint signsqty 6
Assignment cardsqty 24
Answer formsqty 24
Pensqty 30
Pencilsqty 12
Clipboardsqty 6
Ribbons for teamsqty 24
Reflective vestsqty 8
Route arrowsqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 2
Stopwatchqty 2
Calculator
Prizesqty 3

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 24
Tableclothsqty 4

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Power banksqty 3
Extension cordsqty 2
Phone chargersqty 3

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4
Scissorsqty 3
Water tanksqty 2
First aid kit

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Bowlsqty 30
Serving bowlsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 4
Dish brushesqty 2
Trash bag holdersqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- White casinobread - 5 loaves
- Wholemeal sandwich bread - 3 loaves
- Pistolets - 30 pieces
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Back ham - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 750 grams
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Red onions - 4 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Pasta - 3 kilograms
- Pasta sauce - 8 jars
- Parmesan cheese - 500 grams
- Vegetarian meatballs - 1.5 kilograms
- Mixed salad - 2 kg
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Muesli bars - 30 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Still water - 36 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Wet cleaning wipes - 4 packs
- Paper napkins - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes

Tips

Give every team one compass, one route booklet, one route map, a clipboard, pens or pencils, assignment cards and an answer form. Pack these sets before the event so teams can leave without sharing equipment.
Print one route booklet and map per team, plus a small spare stack of at least 10% for damaged or missing copies. Keep the checkpoint signs, route arrows and ribbons together so marking the route takes one pass.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add water for the remaining walking time. Use coolers for chilled drinks and water tanks where teams or checkpoint staff cannot refill easily.
Prepare sandwiches and snacks before the start and divide them into team or checkpoint portions. Bring cutting boards, bread knives and serving spoons rather than assuming the dinner location will provide them.
Charge phones, the Bluetooth speaker and power banks the day before. Pack phone chargers, extension cords and a stopwatch at the start area, and bring reflective vests and barrier tape for staff working near roads or in low light.

Frequently asked questions

How many compasses do I need for an orientation hike?: Plan one compass per team, plus two spare compasses for a small event. If teams have different start times, keep the spares at the start area so they can be issued quickly.
How many route maps and booklets should I print?: Print one map and one route booklet for every team, then add at least 10% spare copies. For 20 teams, that means 22 maps and 22 booklets.
How much food and water should I bring for an orientation hike?: Prepare sandwiches and snacks for every participant, with at least one extra portion per 10 people. Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and add water for the rest of the route, especially when no refill point is available.
When should I pack the orientation hike supplies?: Pack team materials and checkpoint boxes at least one day before the hike. Chill drinks overnight, charge power banks and phones the day before, and do a final weather and equipment check 2 to 3 hours before the start.

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