What you need for an archery tag session

An archery tag session needs more than bows and foam arrows. Plan for one face mask, arm guard and team bib per player, then add field markers, obstacles and a safe boundary around the play area. You will also need a separate setup for drinks, catering, shade and changing weather. Use this list alongside your participant count, and confirm rented equipment before shopping so you do not buy duplicates or miss essential safety items.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 30
Beer tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Archery tag bowsqty 24
Foam arrowsqty 120
Face masksqty 30
Arm guardsqty 30
Team bibsqty 30
Inflatable obstaclesqty 12
Goal netsqty 2
Conesqty 30
Whistlesqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 3
Scoreboardsqty 3
Barrier tapeqty 4
Ground pegsqty 24
Rope rollsqty 4
Spare quiverqty 6

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 4
Portable speaker
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 40
Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 40

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Water jugsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6
Scissorsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Hand sanitizer pumpsqty 4
Cleaning bucketsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Spa Red - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemon slices - 3 nets
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Mini ice pops - 30 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Party nuts - 3 bags
- Rice cakes - 3 packs
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Wraps - 36 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Cheese slices - 1.5 kilo
- Smoked salmon - 750 grams
- Avocados - 12 pieces
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Herb cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Pasta salad - 5 kilos
- Green salad - 4 kilos
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Vegetarian wraps - 12 pieces
- Vegan cheese - 500 grams
- Gluten-free wraps - 6 pieces
- Paper napkins - 3 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Tea towels - 8 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Count safety equipment against your final participant list: prepare one face mask and arm guard per player, plus a few spare foam arrows and a reserve arrow quiver for lost or damaged ammunition.
Set up the field before guests arrive. Allow time to place cones, barrier tape, ground stakes and rope, then check that obstacles and target nets are stable and do not create trip hazards.
Keep catering and drinks chilled until serving. Use coolers and reusable cups, plates and cutlery, and store the coolers in a shaded spot rather than beside the active playing area.
Plan for delays caused by weather or equipment checks. Put up party tents before the first match and keep power banks, walkie-talkies and extension cords available for communication and event support.
Make scoring and match timing visible from the start. Prepare scoreboards, stopwatches and whistles, and test the portable speaker and lighting before teams begin.

Frequently asked questions

How many archery tag face masks do I need?: Plan one face mask for every participant who may play in a round. For example, 20 players require 20 masks; add at least 2 spare masks if the supplier allows it, so a damaged or wet mask does not stop the session.
How many foam arrows should I buy for archery tag?: Use the equipment provider's recommended quantity for your bows, then add a reserve supply rather than relying on the exact starting number. Keep a reserve arrow quiver ready during every match and check the arrows before each round.
What should I set up before an archery tag event?: Finish the safety boundary, field markers, target nets and obstacles before participants arrive. Allow at least 60 minutes for setup and inspection, with extra time if party tents, tables and chairs also need assembling.
How early should I confirm rented archery tag equipment?: Confirm the booking and final participant count several days before the event, then check the equipment again on collection or delivery day. Verify bows, foam arrows, masks, arm guards, team bibs and obstacles before leaving the pickup point.

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