What to buy and bring for a snowshoe hike

A snowshoe hike needs more than snowshoes and poles. You will need navigation backups, warm drinks, lighting and safety equipment, especially if participants arrive before sunrise or return after dark. Plan one pair of snowshoes and one set of poles per participant, plus spare ties and a small equipment buffer. This list also covers the practical supplies for registration, route marking and a warm start and finish.

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What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Snowshoesqty 35
Hiking polesqty 35
Spare tiesqty 6
Gaitersqty 35
Reflective vestsqty 8
Route arrowsqty 30
Marking tapeqty 4

Navigation

Topographic route mapsqty 40
Compassesqty 6
GPS devicesqty 4

Communication

Walkie-talkiesqty 6

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 35
Whistlesqty 35
Hand warmersqty 40

Lighting

Headlampsqty 40
Spare batteriesqty 80
LED lanternsqty 6

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding benchesqty 6
Registration desk
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Warming kettlesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Gas burnersqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Catering

Thermos flasksqty 8
Coolersqty 3
Insulated beverage dispensersqty 4
Soup kettlesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6
Bread basketsqty 4
Groceries
- Vegetable soup - 12 liters
- Tomato soup - 8 liters
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 4 loaves
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Hot chocolate - 5 liters
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Honey - 2 jars
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Spa Blauw - 48 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Mandarins - 5 kilos
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Raisins - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Vegetable stock - 2 packs
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Coffee creamer - 2 packs
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Liquid hand soap - 2 bottles

Tableware

Reusable bowlsqty 40
Reusable mugsqty 40
Reusable glassesqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 40
Thermal cupsqty 40

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2
Storage bins with lidsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Handwash sinksqty 2
Drying racksqty 2

Tips

Reserve one pair of snowshoes and one set of hiking poles per participant, then add spare ties and check every binding before distribution. If equipment is rented, collect it early enough to inspect sizes and damaged parts before the hike.
Bring at least one printed topographic route map and one compass for every group, even if leaders carry GPS devices. Keep the alternative route map with the main route rather than leaving it at the starting location.
For a group walking in low light, prepare one headlamp per person who may need one and carry fresh reserve batteries. Use reflective vests, route arrows and marking tape where the trail or starting point could be difficult to see.
Plan one emergency blanket and one whistle per participant or small walking group, with first aid kits carried by the leaders. Add hand warmers to participant packs and keep an extra supply at the registration table.
Prepare hot soup and drinks before participants return, using warming kettles or kettles, gas burners and gas cylinders where needed. Pack the drinks in thermos flasks and bring coolers for items that must stay cold; check extension cords and power strips before relying on them.

Frequently asked questions

How many snowshoes and poles do I need for a snowshoe hike?: Plan one pair of snowshoes and one set of hiking poles per participant. Add spare ties and, if possible, keep one or two complete spare sets for breakages or last-minute changes.
How much hot drink should I bring for a snowshoe hike?: Allow about 500 ml of hot drinks per person for the return break, then add 10% extra for spills and refills. For 20 participants, that means at least 11 litres in thermos flasks or kettles.
What lighting do I need for a snowshoe hike after dark?: Prepare one headlamp per participant who may walk in darkness, plus reserve batteries and LED lanterns for the starting location. Test all lights on the day before departure, not when the group is already assembling.
How early should I prepare the equipment for a snowshoe hike?: Check rented snowshoes, poles and safety supplies at least 24 hours before the hike. Set out route maps, registration materials and participant packs 1 to 2 hours before arrival so missing items can still be replaced.

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