What you need for a tent setup competition

A tent setup competition needs more than one tent per team. You also need matching ground protection, anchoring tools, clear field markers, timing equipment and a simple way to label every team’s gear. Plan the shopping around team size and the number of starting positions, then add a small reserve for damaged or missing items. Drinks, snacks, shade and charged equipment are easy to arrange too late, especially when the competition runs outdoors.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 50
Buffet tablesqty 3

Sports equipment

Two-person tentsqty 12
Ground tarpsqty 12
Herring bagsqty 12
Rubber malletsqty 12
Work glovesqty 24
Measuring tapesqty 3
Barrier tapeqty 4
Conesqty 24
Stopwatchesqty 4

Equipment

Megaphone
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 2
Clipboardsqty 4
Pensqty 24
Waterproof scorecardsqty 20
Prize certificatesqty 3

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Start flagsqty 10
Finish flag
Direction arrowsqty 12
Team labelsqty 12
Medalsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Pitchersqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving utensilsqty 8
Coffee machinesqty 2

Cleaning

Washing-up basinsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 3
Dustpans and brushesqty 2
Water jerry cansqty 4

Safety

First aid kit
Flashlightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Wholemeal rolls - 60 pieces
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 10 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 50 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Labels - 2 sheets

Tips

Prepare one complete equipment set for each team: a two-person tent, ground tarp, mallet, herring bags, gloves and measuring tape. Add one spare set of basic tools for the whole field rather than making teams wait for a replacement.
Use enough cones and barrier tape to mark the competition field, entry route and spectator area before participants arrive. Keep at least one roll of spare barrier tape because wet ground and repeated crossings can loosen the first layout.
Label every tent set and starting position with matching team labels. Prepare one start flag, one finish flag and direction arrows so teams and judges can identify the course without verbal instructions.
Plan two to three reusable cups per person if drinks will be served throughout the event, plus pitchers and coolers for refill points. Chill the drinks before setup; a cooler filled at the last minute will not cool a full supply quickly.
Check power and timing equipment the day before. Charge the stopwatches, megaphone and power banks for at least 12 hours, and bring extension cords and power strips only if the site has safe, accessible outlets.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment does each team need for a tent setup competition?: For each team, plan one two-person tent, one ground tarp, herring bags, a rubber mallet, work gloves and a measuring tape. Add matching team labels so the sets can be placed at starting positions without confusion.
How many tents do I need for a tent setup competition?: You need one two-person tent for every competing team, plus at least one spare if the budget and transport allow. Confirm the final participant count and team division before buying or collecting the sets, preferably 7 days before the event.
What should I buy for marking the competition field?: Use cones for corners and lanes, barrier tape for boundaries, and start, finish and direction signs for the route. Set out the field at least 2 hours before the first start so you can adjust for the actual ground surface.
How early should I prepare drinks and snacks for the competition?: Buy and check the drinks and snacks 1 to 2 days beforehand, then chill the drinks on the day before participants arrive. Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and keep extra water available for outdoor activity.

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