What you need for an ultra hike

An ultra hike needs more than food and water for the trail. You also need supplies for registration, route marking, checkpoints, the start and finish areas, and volunteer coordination. Use this list to buy and pack the equipment before the route is marked and the checkpoint crates are assembled. Plan quantities around your participant count, checkpoint layout and expected time on the course, with extra supplies for damaged signs, changing weather and late arrivals.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 24
Dressing room tentsqty 2
Waste binsqty 12

Equipment

Coolersqty 10
Hot water dispensersqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 3
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Mobile chargersqty 6
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Megaphonesqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 12
Battery lanternsqty 12

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 120
Route signsqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 12
Traffic conesqty 30
Bib numbersqty 150
Safety pinsqty 300
Finish medalsqty 150
Wristbandsqty 150
Route mapsqty 180
Pensqty 30
Clipboardsqty 12
Water jerry cansqty 12
Reusable drink cupsqty 300
Thermal labelsqty 20
Luggage tagsqty 180
Luggage cratesqty 20
Flashlightsqty 12
Reflective vestsqty 20
Umbrellasqty 10

First aid

First aid kitsqty 4
Resuscitation kitsqty 2
Bandagesqty 200
Athletic tapeqty 20
Blister plastersqty 100
Nitrile glovesqty 200
Disinfectantqty 6
Cold packsqty 20
Emergency blanketsqty 20

Tableware

Thermal cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 250
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Knivesqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 12
Food containersqty 24
Pouring jugsqty 12

Cleaning

Dustpan and brushqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Cleaning clothsqty 30
Hand soap dispensersqty 8
Litter pickersqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 300 liters
- Sparkling mineral water - 60 liters
- Isotonic sports drink - 80 liters
- Cola - 24 liters
- Cola Zero - 24 liters
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Coffee - 4 kilograms
- Tea - 200 bags
- Milk - 20 liters
- Oat milk - 10 liters
- Sugar - 4 kilogram
- Sweetener - 300 pieces
- Lemon tea - 100 bags
- Bananas - 180 pieces
- Apples - 180 pieces
- Oranges - 120 pieces
- Grapes - 15 kilograms
- Raisin buns - 180 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 200 pieces
- White rolls - 100 pieces
- Muesli bars - 250 pieces
- Energy bars - 200 pieces
- Gels - 200 pieces
- Raisins - 8 kilograms
- Nut mix - 8 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Snack mix - 8 kilograms
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 6 jars
- Apple syrup - 6 jars
- Cheese - 8 kilograms
- Cold cuts - 6 kilogram
- Hummus - 4 kilograms
- Jam - 6 jars
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Vegetable soup - 30 liters
- Vegetarian soup - 15 liter
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Banana bread - 8 kilogram
- Bouillon cubes - 2 boxes
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Sugar cubes - 2 kilogram
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 12 packs
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Reusable food bags - 200 pieces

Tips

Plan at least 2–3 litres of drinking capacity per participant for a long day, then add water jerry cans and reusable cups for each checkpoint. Keep spare water available rather than relying on one refill point.
Prepare one checkpoint crate per staffed checkpoint, plus one separate start/finish crate. Include cups, pens, clipboards, route maps, thermal labels and any participant supplies needed at that location.
Count route arrows, route signs, barrier tape and traffic cones against the full route, then add around 10% extra for replacement or unclear sections. Pack the marking supplies so volunteers can access them without unpacking the entire vehicle.
For an early start or late finish, provide lighting at the start, finish and checkpoints. Pack LED lamps or battery lanterns, extension cords and power strips only where a reliable power source is available, and charge mobile chargers before setup.
Match bib numbers, wristbands, safety pins, medals and luggage tags to the final participant list, with a small reserve. Keep the final list and dietary requirements on printed sheets as well as on a phone or laptop.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for an ultra hike event?: Plan drinking capacity for 2–3 litres per participant over the first long section, then add refill water at checkpoints. Keep at least 10% extra water and cups for spills, volunteers and unexpected delays.
How many checkpoint crates should I prepare?: Prepare one crate for every staffed checkpoint, plus one for the starting area and one for the finish. Pack and label them at least 1 day before setup so volunteers can load the correct crate quickly.
How many route signs and arrows do I need for an ultra hike?: Count every turn, junction, crossing and ambiguous section on the route, then add about 10% spare arrows and signs. Sort them by route section before marking starts, ideally no later than the day before the hike.
What should I pack for an early-start ultra hike?: Pack LED lamps or battery lanterns for the start, finish and any dark checkpoint areas, along with charged mobile chargers and the required power cables. Test all lighting and communication equipment at least 2 hours before participants arrive.

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