What you need for a fox hunt

A fox hunt needs more than clues and a route. You’ll need clear team markers, visible checkpoints, timing equipment and a reliable way to brief participants before they set off. Pack supplies for navigation, scoring, communication and first-line safety, then add drinks and serving equipment for the start and rest stops. This shopping list covers the practical items to buy or bring, including materials that are easy to overlook until setup day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 45
Picnic benchesqty 4
Party tentsqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 10
Battery lanternsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 4

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphone
Bluetooth speaker

Sports equipment

Conesqty 30
Reflective vestsqty 12
Ropeqty 100
Stopwatchesqty 6
Compassqty 10
Magnifying glassesqty 6
Flashlightsqty 20
Whistlesqty 10
Team ribbonsqty 10
Score padsqty 10
Pensqty 30
Prizesqty 3

Decorations

Pennant stringsqty 6
Start sign
Route mapsqty 12
Assignment cardsqty 40
Plastic storage boxesqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Cooking potsqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Thermos flasksqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 8
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Catering

First aid kitqty 2
Groceries
- Pasta - 5 kilogram
- Tomato sauce - 10 jars
- Minced meat - 4 kilogram
- Vegetarian mince - 1.5 kilograms
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Zucchini - 2 kilogram
- Mushrooms - 1,5 kilogram
- Grated cheese - 1,5 kilograms
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Honey - 1 jar
- Coffee creamer - 2 tubs
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Diet-free meal portions - 4 portions
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Tips

Bring one set of team ribbons, a score pad and several pens for each team, plus spare pens for registration and checkpoints. Pack at least 10% extra ribbons and score sheets if attendance can change.
Prepare enough route maps and assignment cards for every participant or team, then keep the master route in a plastic storage box. Laminate instruction cards before the event so damp ground or rain does not make them unreadable.
Use reflective vests, cones and rope to make fox posts and crossing points visible. Put battery lanterns or LED lamps at any checkpoint that may be used in low light, and test every light before people arrive.
Give each checkpoint a whistle or walkie-talkie and keep a megaphone at the start. Charge or replace batteries the day before, and pack one spare communication device or battery set for the route team.
Chill drinks before opening the grounds and bring coolers for transport and rest stops. Take cutting boards and cooking pots if food or hot drinks are prepared on site, and check that tables, chairs and a party tent fit the chosen setup area.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a fox hunt?: Plan for route maps, assignment cards, team ribbons, score pads, pens, stopwatches, compasses, flashlights and whistles. Add cones, reflective vests and rope for visible checkpoints, plus walkie-talkies or a megaphone for communication.
How many route maps and clue cards should I print?: Prepare one route map and one complete set of assignment cards for every team, then print at least 10% extra. Keep one master set with the organisers in case a card is lost or damaged.
What should I bring for fox hunt safety?: Bring reflective vests for route staff, cones and rope for boundaries, flashlights or lanterns for dark areas, and whistles at checkpoints. Keep the emergency contact list and phone numbers with the organiser throughout the event.
When should I buy and prepare fox hunt supplies?: Buy or collect non-perishable materials at least 3 days before the event. Check the route equipment, charge walkie-talkies, test lights and chill drinks no later than the day before; pack the final boxes on the morning of the hunt.

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