What to buy for an evening hike

An evening hike needs more than snacks and a route map. Plan for safe visibility on the trail, clear wayfinding, registration at the start and hot food or drinks when people return. Buy or gather equipment according to your expected group size, then check batteries, charging and power access at least one day before the hike. The list below covers the practical supplies people most often forget until setup has already started.

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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 20
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable soup bowlsqty 80
Reusable spoonsqty 80
Reusable knivesqty 80
Reusable forksqty 80

Kitchen

Soup potsqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4

Equipment

Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 6

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 12
Headlampsqty 10
Light-up wristbandsqty 100

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 60
Barrier tapeqty 6
Conesqty 12
Reflective vestsqty 12
Route mapsqty 100
Bib numbersqty 100
Clipboardsqty 4
Water barrelsqty 3
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 6

Decorations

Welcome sign
Arrow sign startqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Washing-up basinsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Tomato soup - 12 liters
- Vegetable soup - 8 liters
- Bouillon cubes - 2 boxes
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Leek - 1 kilogram
- Garlic - 3 bulbs
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wholemeal loaves - 8 loaves
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 5 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Teaspoons - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 3 bottles

Tips

Allow one route map and one bib number per participant, plus at least 10% extra for late registrations or damaged copies. Print the final batch after the participant list is closed.
Prepare one headlamp or equivalent light for every person checking the route, and keep spare LED lanterns at the start and finish. Charge all rechargeable lights the day before, not just on the afternoon of the hike.
For hot soup or drinks, plan roughly 300–400 ml per person and bring at least one serving spoon per pot. Set aside reusable bowls, spoons and cups before the catering table is built.
Bring enough reflective vests for every route marshal and keep barrier tape and cones for marked hazards, crossings or narrow sections. Pack these separately so they are available before participants arrive.
Count extension cords, power strips and kettles together before leaving for the start location. Test the full setup at least 24 hours ahead, especially if lanterns, thermos flasks or other equipment need mains power.

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring to an evening hike?: Bring a charged light, suitable clothing, water and any food you need during the walk. For an organised hike, also prepare route maps, route arrows, reflective vests, first-aid supplies and hot drinks or soup for the finish.
How much soup do I need for an evening hike?: Allow about 300–400 ml of soup per participant, depending on whether it is a snack or the main food. Add around 10% extra if registrations are still changing, and keep the soup hot in pots or thermos flasks.
How many lights are needed for an evening hike?: Plan one personal light per participant who may need to walk in darkness, with additional LED lanterns at registration and the catering area. Charge rechargeable lights at least 24 hours before the start and bring spare batteries where applicable.
When should I buy supplies for an evening hike?: Buy non-perishable supplies and check borrowed equipment at least one week before the hike. Complete the food shop 1–2 days beforehand, then charge lights and test electrical equipment the day before.

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