What You Need for a GPS Scavenger Hunt

A GPS scavenger hunt needs more than phones and a route. You will need reliable navigation, visible checkpoint markers, printed backup materials, and a way to keep teams supplied and in contact. Plan one working GPS device per team, plus at least one spare, and charge everything before participants arrive. This shopping list also covers refreshments, serving items, safety equipment, and materials for scoring and prizes.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Folding tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 50
Buffet tablesqty 3

Equipment

GPS devicesqty 12
Power banksqty 12
Charging cablesqty 15
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Extension cordsqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Bluetooth speakersqty 2

Sports equipment

Compassqty 12
Reflective vestsqty 12
Conesqty 20
Measuring tapesqty 4
Waterproof route coversqty 15
Checkpoint traysqty 12
Assignment cardsqty 60
Score sheetsqty 60
Pinsqty 60
Ribbons for markingqty 30
Route mapsqty 60
Prizesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 60
Platesqty 60
Knivesqty 60
Forksqty 60
Spoonsqty 60

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving utensilsqty 8

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Mopsqty 3
First aid kitsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Coffee pastries - 50 pieces
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Mixed salad - 5 bags
- Pasta salad - 6 kilos
- Potato salad - 5 kilos
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Hamburgers - 45 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- Cheese slices - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Onions - 2 kilos
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Apples - 4 kilos
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Chocolate bars - 50 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Plan one GPS device per team and keep at least one fully charged spare. Pack a power bank and the correct charging cable for every device, then charge them the evening before.
Take printed route maps and waterproof route covers even if teams use GPS files. A paper backup is useful when a device loses signal, runs out of power, or gets wet.
Prepare checkpoint materials in separate trays before the start. Include assignment cards, score sheets, pens or pins, and enough route-marking ribbons or cones for every checkpoint.
Bring reflective vests and walkie-talkies for organisers working along the route. Count one vest for each visible checkpoint or roaming marshal, and test the radios before teams leave.
Buy refreshments for the planned group size and pack them for easy service at the start or finish. Reusable drinking glasses, plates, cutlery, coolers, and thermos flasks are easy to forget when the route equipment gets priority.

Frequently asked questions

How many GPS devices do I need for a scavenger hunt?: Plan one working device per team, not per participant. Add at least one spare device and a power bank for the event, then charge and test them the day before.
What should I bring for GPS scavenger hunt checkpoints?: Prepare one checkpoint tray per checkpoint, with assignment cards, score sheets, marking ribbons or cones, and any measuring tape or compass needed for that task. Pack each tray at least one day in advance so missing materials can still be replaced.
Do I need printed maps if everyone has GPS?: Yes, bring at least one printed route map per team plus two organiser copies. Use waterproof route covers and keep the organiser copies with the contact list and route information.
How early should I charge the GPS equipment?: Charge GPS devices, power banks, walkie-talkies, and speakers the evening before, ideally within 12 hours of the start. Test the GPS files after charging and keep cables and extension cords together in one labelled bag.

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