What you need for an orienteering event

An orienteering event needs more than maps and compasses. You also need clearly marked checkpoints, timing supplies, visible volunteer gear, route materials and a reliable refreshment setup. Plan quantities around your number of participants and start groups: one map, route booklet and control card per competitor, plus spares. Pack lighting, power and communication equipment separately so delays or poor weather do not leave volunteers without essential supplies.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Folding tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 12
High tablesqty 4

Sports equipment

Orientation cardsqty 100
Route bookletsqty 100
Compassesqty 30
Checkpoint clipsqty 15
Checkpoint signsqty 15
Control cardsqty 100
Bib numbersqty 100
Start clocksqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 6
Conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 6
Route arrowsqty 40
High-visibility vestsqty 15
Flashlightsqty 10
Spare batteriesqty 20

Equipment

Megaphonesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Paper napkinsqty 300

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 4
Bottle openersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Disposable glovesqty 2

Decorations

Information boardsqty 6
Sidewalk chalkqty 6
Prize trophiesqty 6

Office

Clipboardsqty 10
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Waterproof markersqty 12
Tapeqty 6
Scissorsqty 4
Staplersqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Lemonade - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Paper coffee cups - 150 pieces
- Coffee stirrers - 150 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 100 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Butter - 4 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Pretzels - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Bananas - 8 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Mandarins - 5 kilos
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Bandages - 3 boxes
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Print one map, route booklet and control card for every participant, then add at least 10% spare copies for damaged, lost or last-minute replacements.
Prepare one bib number for each competitor and keep a separate set of spare numbers. Pack checkpoint signs, clips, cones and route arrows by checkpoint so volunteers can set up without sorting equipment on site.
Provide one high-visibility vest for every course volunteer, with at least two extra vests for late helpers or replacements. Pack walkie-talkies and a megaphone where volunteers need to coordinate across the course.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add more for longer courses or warm weather. Chill drinks in coolers, and provide reusable cups, water jugs, napkins and thermos flasks at the start and finish.
Test start clocks, stopwatches, LED lamps, flashlights and power banks before packing them. Bring spare batteries and extension cords, and check lighting at least one day before an early or late event.

Frequently asked questions

How many maps and control cards do I need for an orienteering event?: Prepare one map, route booklet and control card per participant. Print at least 10% extra, so a group of 50 needs 55 copies of each item.
How much water and how many drinks should I buy for orienteering?: Plan for two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then increase the amount for longer courses or hot weather. For 50 participants, that means roughly 100 to 150 drinks for the first hour.
How many checkpoint signs and clips do I need?: Each checkpoint needs one clearly visible sign and one checkpoint clip, plus any control card or recording equipment used at that point. Pack one complete set per checkpoint and bring at least one spare clip and sign.
When should I prepare the orienteering shopping list?: Finish the first shopping check at least one week before the event, then confirm drinks, weather gear and batteries 48 hours beforehand. Chill drinks and pack start-group supplies the day before.

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