What you need for an orientation walk

An orientation walk needs more than a route and a compass. You need visible markers, weatherproof instructions, supplies for each stamp station, and a reliable setup for registration and rest stops. This shopping list covers the practical items to buy or bring, from clipboards and pens to coolers, reusable cups, route covers, and safety equipment. Check quantities against your participant count, number of start groups, and number of stations before shopping.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Sports equipment

Compassqty 20
Route arrowsqty 60
Barrier tapeqty 12
Conesqty 24
Stamp stationsqty 8
Ink padsqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 6
Whistlesqty 8
Reflective vestsqty 12
Walking sticksqty 6
Waterproof route coversqty 30
Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 40
Prizesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving jugsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice packsqty 24
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos cups for the roadqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Tongs and serving spoonsqty 8

Decorations

Welcome sign
Info boardsqty 4
Large-format route mapsqty 2
Table numbersqty 8
Name stickersqty 80
Ropeqty 2
Cable tiesqty 100

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Litter pickersqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Dish brushesqty 4
Disinfectant wipesqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 8
Safety conesqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea selection - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Chocolate milk - 4 liters
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Multivitamin drink - 4 packs
- Isotonic sports drink - 24 bottles
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Mandarins - 50 pieces
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Whole grain crackers - 6 packs
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Mini rice cakes - 4 packs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian spread - 6 tubs
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Gluten-free bread - 2 loaves
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olives - 3 jars
- Paper napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes

Tips

Prepare one clipboard, several pens, and a waterproof route cover for each supervisor or station. Add spare pens and covers because these are easy to lose or damage outdoors.
Count route arrows, cones, and barrier tape by location rather than by participant. Mark every turn, crossing, start point, finish point, and station, then add a spare set for the alternative route.
For each stamp station, pack the stamp, ink pad, task cards, and any required stopwatch together. Prepare one complete packet per station instead of sorting supplies at the last minute.
Plan refreshments by stop and time, not just by headcount. Fill the coolers before setup and bring enough reusable cups, reusable coffee cups, and plates for the planned breaks.
Bring power banks, extension cords, power strips, and LED lamps if registration or the finish continues after dark. Test the equipment before participants arrive and keep cables away from walking routes.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for an orientation walk?: At minimum, bring a compass, route arrows, waterproof route covers, clipboards, pens, and station supplies such as stamps, ink pads, and task cards. Add cones, barrier tape, reflective vests, whistles, refreshments, and lighting according to the route and operating hours.
How many clipboards and pens do I need for an orientation walk?: Plan one clipboard for every supervisor, registration desk, and station that needs written records. Give each clipboard at least two pens and pack 10–20% extra pens as replacements.
How many route arrows are needed for an orientation walk?: Count one marker for every decision point, crossing, start area, finish area, and station approach. Buy or bring roughly 10% extra so you can replace missing markers or sign an alternative route.
When should I prepare the shopping and station packets?: Complete the main shopping at least 3–5 days before the walk, then sort materials into station packets no later than the day before. Check the route, weatherproof covers, lighting, and filled coolers again on the event day.

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