Discussion: Training course control markers

We have been using surveyor's flagging tape to mark training courses in the woods. The redeeming qualities of the tape are that it is inexpensive and easy to carry and place. The disadvantage is that the tapes are sometimes difficult to see because of their small size. They are especially difficult to find at night. We have tried some special reflective surveyor's tape and that is marginally better at night, but still wanting. Another disadvantage of the tape is that it tears upon removal and so it generally cannot be reused.

Does anyone have a better idea for marking controls on training courses?

Only slightly better, but I've used surveyor's flagging tape tied to clothespins. It makes it easy to put up and take down. I'll tie several strips to each clothespin to make it easier to see.

1.5" or 2" diameter white PVC pipe. Cut into 3-4" lengths and put a stripe of orange reflective tape around it. You can stuff a dozen of these in the back pockets of a cycling jersey, or you can put 20-30 of them in a AR-sized pack. Lightweight and easy to handle; wrap the hanging string around the pipe to keep them from getting tangled. Rather than a safety pin, I use a plastic hook on the end of the string to make hanging/pickup faster.

Here in Western Australia we use the tapes and clothes pegs (same as Sandy), but if it would be too difficult to retrieve the markers, we just use toilet paper. Find the thinnest but most environmentally friendly brand you can. It breaks down pretty quickly in our climate (hot, dry summers, cool, wet winters).