What you need for an abseiling adventure

An abseiling adventure needs more than ropes and helmets. Plan the equipment for every participant, then prepare a separate reception and catering setup for after the descent. Pack waterproof equipment bags, lighting and power banks so wet conditions or limited electricity do not disrupt the day. Buy food and drinks according to the confirmed group size, and check dietary requirements before shopping.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 16
Buffet table
Waste binsqty 3

Sports equipment

Abseiling setsqty 15
Climbing helmetsqty 15
Abseiling ropesqty 4
Carabinersqty 30
Abseiling devicesqty 15
Glovesqty 15
Anchor strapsqty 8
Barrier conesqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 2
Crash matsqty 3
Waterproof equipment bagsqty 4

Equipment

Portable speaker
Power banksqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 4

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 20
Platesqty 20
Cutlery setsqty 20
Small bowlsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Barbecue
Barbecue tongsqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 2
Water jugsqty 3
Aluminum grill traysqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Broom and dustpan
Mop set
First aid kit

Decorations

Buntingqty 3
Balloonsqty 30
Tableclothsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Ice tea - 3 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 bottles
- Beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 2 bottles
- Rosé - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 2 bags
- Plain chips - 2 bags
- Tortilla chips - 2 bags
- Salsa - 2 jars
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1.5 kilos
- Carrots - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 1,5 kilos
- Apples - 12 pieces
- Hamburgers - 18 pieces
- Vegan burgers - 6 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 24 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 6 pieces
- Chicken satay - 2 kilo
- Vegan vegetable skewers - 12 pieces
- Corn on the cob - 12 pieces
- Potato salad - 2 kilos
- Pasta salad - 2 kilos
- Green salad - 2 bags
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 tin
- Pepper - 1 can
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Garlic - 3 bulbs
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Marshmallows - 2 bags
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Whipped cream ice cream - 3 liter
- Napkins - 3 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes - 2 bags
- Fire starters - 1 box
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs

Tips

Count one complete abseiling setup, helmet, pair of gloves and suitable safety equipment per participant, plus a small reserve if your supervisor recommends it. Do not substitute climbing equipment with general hardware.
Pack ropes, carabiners, abseiling devices and anchor straps in waterproof equipment bags. Keep crash mats, barrier cones and barrier tape together so the activity area can be marked and checked before anyone starts.
For the catering area, allow one drinking glass, plate and cutlery set per person, plus at least 10% extra for replacements. Buy enough serving bowls and spoons for snacks, salads and barbecue sides.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per additional hour. Fill the coolers shortly before departure and bring extra water for participants returning from the activity.
Bring power banks, flashlights and battery lanterns even if you plan to use string lights. Extension cords and power strips are easy to forget, and outdoor sockets may be too far from the reception area.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for an abseiling adventure?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by one drink per person per additional hour. For a barbecue, confirm the final participant count and dietary requirements at least 3 days before shopping.
Do I need one abseiling set per person?: Plan one suitable set, helmet and pair of gloves per participant unless the qualified supervisor provides different instructions. Check all equipment before the event and complete the final equipment check on the day itself.
What should I pack if the weather changes?: Use waterproof equipment bags for ropes and personal gear, and bring battery lanterns and flashlights as backup. Check the forecast 24 hours before the event and confirm the alternative program before participants leave.
How many plates, glasses and cutlery sets should I buy?: Start with one of each item per participant and add at least 10% extra. For 20 participants, that means 22 glasses, 22 plates and 22 cutlery sets, before accounting for separate serving utensils.

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