What to bring for an archaeological walk

An archaeological walk needs more than printed maps and comfortable shoes. You need practical supplies for guiding a group outdoors, keeping people informed, and serving drinks or food at the start or finish. Plan equipment around your group size, route length and weather: one map per participant, drinking water for the full walk, and backup power for communication equipment. This checklist also covers the items people often remember only after the group has arrived.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 50
Table linenqty 4
Party tentqty 2
Coat rack
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Portable speakerqty 2
Wireless microphoneqty 2
Microphone standqty 2
Power bankqty 4
Extension cordqty 4
Power stripqty 3
Cool boxqty 4
Thermosqty 6
Flashlightqty 8
Megaphone
Camera

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Knivesqty 60
Forksqty 60
Spoonsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Pitcherqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettleqty 2
Cutting boardqty 3
Bread knifeqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2

Safety

First aid kitqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 4
Safety vestsqty 8
Bandageqty 2
Hand sanitizerqty 6
Sunscreenqty 4
Tick tweezersqty 4
Emergency whistleqty 6
Waterproof phone caseqty 6

Route and signage

Route mapsqty 60
Information boardsqty 8
Directional signsqty 25
Wooden stakesqty 25
Barrier tapeqty 4
Chalk sprayqty 6
Clipboardsqty 6
Pensqty 30

Archaeology

Replica findsqty 12
Magnifying glassesqty 10
Measuring rulersqty 4
Cotton glovesqty 20
Findings binsqty 12
Scale modelsqty 3

Decorations

Name badgesqty 60
Table décorqty 6
Bannersqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 8

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Broomqty 2
Litter pickerqty 2
Foldable sack truck

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Still Water - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Cola - 6 liters
- Cola Zero - 6 liters
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Alcohol-free wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Bread - 8 loaves
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Butter - 3 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Chicken salad - 1 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Currant buns - 50 pieces
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Pepper - 1 grinder
- Salt - 1 pack
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Print one route map per participant, plus at least 10% extra for late registrations, lost copies or route changes. Keep the final route version separate from any older drafts.
Pack a fully charged power bank, extension cord and power strip the day before. Charge the portable speaker, wireless microphone and megaphone overnight rather than relying on access to power at the site.
Allow at least 500 ml of drinking water per person for a walk of up to two hours, and pack more in warm weather. Use a cool box for chilled drinks and a thermos for hot coffee or tea at the meeting point.
Bring a flashlight even for a daytime walk: archaeological sites, entrances and equipment can be difficult to inspect in shaded areas or after delays. Add a second light if the route may finish near dusk.
For refreshments at the start or finish, count reusable cups, coffee cups, plates, knives, forks and spoons by attendee, then add 10% spare. Pack serving platters, a pitcher and table linen separately so setup is not delayed by unpacking.

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring on an archaeological walk?: Bring a printed route map, water, weather-appropriate clothing, a charged phone and any required access information. For the organiser, add a portable speaker or megaphone, power bank, flashlight and spare maps.
How many maps do I need for an archaeological walk?: Print one map per registered participant and add 10% spare copies. For 30 participants, that means 33 maps, with a few kept by the guide and at the meeting point.
How much water do I need for an archaeological walking tour?: Plan at least 500 ml per person for a walk lasting up to two hours. For 30 people, pack 15 litres, and increase the amount for hot weather, longer routes or limited access to shops.
When should I prepare equipment for an archaeological walk?: Check the route supplies and printed maps at least 24 hours beforehand. Charge audio equipment and power banks overnight, then do a final weather and route check on the morning of the walk.

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