What to buy and bring for triathlon training

This triathlon training shopping list covers the practical gear for swim, bike and walking or running sessions, plus check-in and safety supplies. Plan equipment for the number of participants, not just for the lead coach: spare tubes, towels, hydration and first-aid items are easy to underestimate. Pack waterproof phone protection and power banks before the session, and check that route markers, cones and barrier tape are ready before participants arrive. Keep separate supplies for the pool, transition area and route.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Check-in deskqty 2
Chairsqty 6
Storage racksqty 3
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Mobile phoneqty 3
Power banksqty 3
Stopwatchqty 4
Megaphone
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Waterproof phone casesqty 3

Sports equipment

Swimming buoysqty 10
Swimming kickboardsqty 10
Pull buoysqty 10
Swim finsqty 10
Traffic conesqty 20
Route arrowsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4
Race bib beltsqty 35
Bike pumpsqty 3
Tire leversqty 6
Spare inner tubesqty 8
Bicycle standsqty 4
Reflective vestsqty 8
Walking sticksqty 4
Yoga or exercise matsqty 10
Resistance bandsqty 10
Towelsqty 35

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Disposable glovesqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6
Whistlesqty 6

Office

Bib numbersqty 35
Participant formsqty 40
Route mapsqty 40
Pensqty 20
Waterproof markersqty 8
Clipboardsqty 6
Waterproof storage binsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand broomsqty 3

Catering

Reusable drinking cupsqty 50
Water jugsqty 6
Serving Cupsqty 6
Groceries
- Still water - 60 liters
- Sports drink - 24 liters
- Isotonic sports drink powder - 2 kilograms
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 50 pieces
- Energy gels - 50 pieces
- Raisins - 2 kilograms
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Whole wheat rolls - 40 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Turkey fillet - 1.5 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper plates - 50 pieces
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Disinfecting cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls

Tips

Allow one swimming buoy, kickboard or pull buoy per participant when drills require everyone to work at once; otherwise, provide at least one item for every two participants. Add 10–15% spare capacity for shared equipment.
Bring at least one spare inner tube for every 10 bicycles, plus one pump and tire levers for the group. Check the pumps and valve compatibility the day before rather than discovering a problem during the transition.
Use one race bib belt per participant and prepare 10% extra for replacements. Keep numbers, the printed participant list and the check-in desk together so registration does not delay the warm-up.
Pack one first-aid kit for each training base and at least one emergency blanket for every 10 participants. Put the kit where the coach and route support can reach it within a few minutes, not inside a locked vehicle.
For route control, bring enough cones and arrows to mark every turn and keep barrier tape for the transition or bicycle parking area. Add reflective vests for every person working near roads, and charge walkie-talkies and power banks overnight.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a triathlon training session?: Bring swim equipment, a roadworthy bicycle, a helmet, transition supplies, hydration, towels and suitable training clothing. For group sessions, also prepare one first-aid kit, route markers, a pump, tire levers and spare inner tubes.
How much triathlon equipment do I need per person?: Plan one race bib belt, towel and personal drink per participant. Shared swim equipment can be supplied at roughly one item for every two people, while helmets and bicycles must be available for each participant in the bike session.
How many spare bike tubes should I bring to training?: Bring at least one spare inner tube for every 10 bicycles, with a minimum of two for any group. Pack one pump and a set of tire levers as well, and check the tube sizes against the bicycles before the training day.
What safety supplies are needed for triathlon training?: Prepare one first-aid kit per training base, at least one emergency blanket per 10 participants and reflective vests for route staff. Add cones, route arrows and barrier tape, and check the weather and route warnings before setting out.

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