What you need for an orienteering event

An orienteering event needs more than maps and compasses. You will need clearly marked checkpoints, spare navigation equipment, timing and registration materials, and a safe setup for the start and finish. Plan for wet weather, damaged signs, missing pens, and participants who arrive without the right information. This shopping list helps you prepare equipment for the course, volunteers, refreshments, and the finish area without leaving essentials until the last day.

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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 60
High tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Checkpoint signsqty 25
Orientation prismsqty 25
Compassqty 30
Spare compassesqty 10
Scorecard holdersqty 120
Bib numbersqty 120
Conesqty 40
Ribbonsqty 10
Route arrowsqty 80
Barrier tapeqty 6
Stopwatchesqty 8
Whistlesqty 10
Hand stampsqty 25
Spare pensqty 30
Prizesqty 12
Medalsqty 30

Equipment

Speaker
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Rechargeable power banksqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Calculatorsqty 3
Walkie-talkiesqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 8
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Cookie tinsqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Safety vestsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 10
Emergency blanketsqty 4

Decorations

Start/finish arch
Buntingqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Information boardsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 10

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Broom setsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 4
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Rood - 30 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Sports drink - 60 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Slices of cheese - 5 kilos
- Back ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Apples - 120 pieces
- Bananas - 100 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Oranges - 80 pieces
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan spread - 2 kilos
- Nut-free granola bars - 30 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Tea towels - 20 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Bread bags - 150 pieces
- Labels - 200 pieces
- Coffee cups - 100 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 200 pieces
- Gloves - 4 boxes
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Gauze compresses - 4 packs
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sports tape - 6 rolls

Tips

Prepare one numbered checkpoint sign and one orientation prism for every checkpoint, plus spare signs, ribbons, and route arrows in case markings are moved or damaged.
Provide at least one compass per participant or team, with spare compasses available at registration. Keep spare pens with the scorecard holders so participants can record results without sharing equipment.
Pack cones and barrier tape for traffic points and course hazards, and keep whistles with course volunteers for quick warnings. Bring enough bib numbers for every registered participant, with a small reserve.
Set aside a separate start-and-finish kit containing stopwatches, scorecards, hand stamps, a speaker, and a wireless microphone. Test extension cords, power strips, and rechargeable power banks before the event day.
If participants will wait or stay after finishing, arrange coolers, thermos flasks, coffee machines, and kettles before the first start time. Add tents, tables, chairs, coat racks, and high tables if the venue has limited shelter or indoor space.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for an orienteering event?: Plan for a compass, scorecard holder, bib number, and scorecard for each participant or team. Add one checkpoint sign and orientation prism per checkpoint, plus cones, ribbons, route arrows, barrier tape, stopwatches, and spare navigation equipment.
How many spare compasses should I bring to an orienteering event?: Bring at least 10% spare compasses, or one spare for every 10 participants. For a group of 40, that means four spare compasses in addition to the planned participant equipment.
When should I prepare the orienteering checkpoint equipment?: Pack and label checkpoint equipment at least 24 hours before the event. Check the course markings, signs, ribbons, and route arrows again on the morning of the event, before participants start.
What do I need for the start and finish area?: Prepare scorecards, bib numbers, pens, stopwatches, hand stamps, tables, and chairs for registration and results. If announcements are needed, test the speaker, wireless microphone, extension cords, and power banks at least 1 hour before the first start.

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