What to Bring for an Orientation Hike

An orientation hike needs more than maps and a compass. You will need clearly marked checkpoints, team paperwork, writing materials and a reliable way to keep everything dry while groups are outside. Plan drinks and refreshments for the time participants spend at the start and finish, and prepare lighting if anyone may return after dark. This shopping list covers the equipment and supplies needed to run the route, record answers and manage teams without last-minute shopping.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 50
Party tentqty 2
Tableclothqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Speaker
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
String lightsqty 3

Orientation materials

Compassqty 15
Topographic mapsqty 20
Route mapsqty 60
Checkpoint signsqty 12
Route arrowsqty 40
Reflective ribbonsqty 6
Assignment cardsqty 60
Answer formsqty 60
Clipboardsqty 15
Stopwatchesqty 6
Whistlesqty 8
Markersqty 12
Waterproof markersqty 12
Ballpoint pensqty 80
Envelopesqty 60
Conesqty 24
Measuring tapesqty 4
Prizesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cool jugqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop and bucketqty 2
Cleaning spongesqty 6
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Sandwich rolls - 70 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Butter - 2 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Aged cheese - 1 kilo
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Mandarins - 40 pieces
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Nut mix - 3 kilo
- Olives - 4 jars
- Herb cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 3 refills
- Bandages - 2 boxes

Tips

Prepare one assignment card, answer form and pen for every team, plus a few extras in case cards get wet or a pen stops working. Keep the spare paperwork in envelopes or another protected container.
Use waterproof markers for checkpoint signs and route arrows. Pack enough reflective ribbons or LED lamps to make route markings visible if the hike continues into low light.
Allow at least one clipboard per team for writing outdoors. Bring extra ballpoint pens and place a small supply at the start and at key checkpoints.
Keep drinks in coolers before the first team sets off. For a two-hour hike, plan roughly two drinks per participant, then add more for warm weather or a longer route.
Pack a compass and a topographic map for route checks, even when teams receive route maps. Bring a stopwatch and whistle for checkpoint timing and clear signals at the start or finish.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies does each team need for an orientation hike?: Give each team an assignment card, route map, answer form, clipboard and at least one ballpoint pen. Add one compass if teams are expected to navigate rather than simply follow marked arrows, and prepare one spare set for every 5 to 10 teams.
How many checkpoint signs and route arrows do I need?: Start with one checkpoint sign for every checkpoint and enough arrows to make every change of direction unambiguous. As a practical check, walk the route yourself and place an extra arrow before each junction where a group could take the wrong path.
How much water and how many drinks should I buy for the hike?: For a two-hour orientation hike, allow about two drinks per participant, including the drink at the start or finish. Add roughly 25 percent in warm weather or when participants have limited access to water along the route.
What should I bring if the orientation hike runs late?: Bring LED lamps or string lights, reflective ribbons and waterproof route markers so signs remain visible in low light. Check the route again at least 24 hours before the hike and pack a party tent or other cover for paperwork and equipment if rain is forecast.

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