Survival hike checklist: from route planning to finish

A survival hike needs more preparation than a normal group walk. You must confirm the route and starting point, check permits, organise transport, and know who is attending before anyone sets off. Safety equipment, navigation materials, food, water and backup power also need checking before the day. Use this checklist to work backwards from the hike date and keep registration, briefings and team assignments under control.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Record date and route
2 people
Reserve the venue and starting point
Check activity permit
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Arrange transport to the starting point
2 people
Prepare participant list and emergency numbers
Check the route and emergency exits
2 people
Check the weather forecast
Send practical info to participants
Do the shopping
2 people
Check equipment
2 people
Print route maps
Pack backpacks and crates
2 people

Event

Set up the starting point
3 people
Set up the welcome desk
2 people
Set out water and snacks
2 people
Receive participants
2 people
Register attendance
Give safety instructions
2 people
Assign teams
2 people
Hand out navigation materials
2 people
Supervise first survival challenge
3 people
Guide the second survival task
3 people
Provide a drink break
2 people
Supervise the orienteering tour
3 people
Lead participants back to camp
2 people
Prepare evening meal
3 people
Serve the meal
3 people
Refill drinks
Supervise the evening game
3 people
Guide participants to the starting point
2 people
Register participant departure

Aftercare

Collect materials
3 people
Collect and sort waste
2 people
Wash dishes and cookware
2 people
Leave the venue clean
3 people
Let materials dry
Store materials neatly
2 people
Return borrowed items

What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 3
Folding chairsqty 14
Party tent
Picnic blanketqty 3

Sports equipment

Compassqty 6
Topographic mapsqty 6
Rope rollsqty 4
Carabinersqty 12
Conesqty 12
Team ribbonsqty 6
Waterproof Backpacksqty 6
Drink bottlesqty 14
Work glovesqty 14
Safety helmetsqty 14
Whistlesqty 6
Waterproof bagsqty 14

Equipment

Headlampsqty 14
Spare batteriesqty 28
Power banksqty 4
Mobile phonesqty 2
Portable cooking equipmentqty 2
Gas canistersqty 4
Coolersqty 2

Kitchen

Cooking potsqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2
Chef's knifeqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 14
Reusable bowlsqty 14
Reusable cupsqty 28
Cutlery setsqty 14

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 2
Spongesqty 4
Tea towelsqty 8
Soap dispenserqty 2
First aid kitqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6
Fire blanket

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the route, starting point and activity permit before sending invitations. Check emergency exits and alternative routes early enough to change the plan if access is restricted.
Close registrations before you prepare the participant list. Record dietary requirements, emergency numbers and transport needs together, then send the practical information at least 3–5 days before the hike.
Check every backpack and equipment crate twice: once during preparation and again on the morning of the hike. Count navigation tools, ropes, carabiners, helmets, gloves, whistles, headlamps and spare batteries.
Pack water, snacks and cooking supplies by team rather than in one central box. This makes drink bottles, coolers, cooking pots, gas canisters and reusable plates easier to distribute and check.
Give the safety briefing before assigning teams and handing out maps. Explain the route, whistle signals, emergency procedure and the limits of each survival challenge before participants leave the starting point.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a survival hike?: Start route, permit and starting-point checks at least 4–6 weeks before the hike. Send invitations once the date, route and transport plan are confirmed, and close registrations 7–10 days before the event.
What should I pack for a survival hike checklist?: Pack navigation tools, waterproof backpacks and bags, drink bottles, gloves, helmets, whistles, ropes, carabiners and team markers. Add headlamps, spare batteries, power banks, mobile phones, cooking equipment, gas canisters and enough food and water for the planned duration.
How many safety staff do I need for a survival hike?: Use at least one responsible leader at the front and one at the rear of the group, with extra supervisors assigned to each separate challenge. For larger groups, set a clear participant-to-supervisor ratio before registration closes and keep emergency contacts with every leader.
When should I check the weather for a survival hike?: Check the forecast 5–7 days before the hike to review clothing, transport and route options. Check it again on the morning of the event and postpone or adapt the programme if conditions make the route or challenges unsafe.

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