What you need for an outdoor escape game

An outdoor escape game needs more than locks and puzzle cards. You will also need clear route markers, writing supplies for each team, equipment for briefing everyone and a practical setup for food and changing weather. This shopping list covers the items used to build, test and run the game, including lock boxes, clues, compasses, flashlights and boundary markers. Check quantities after the teams and route are fixed, then shop early enough to test every game component.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 24
Buffet tableqty 2
Tableclothsqty 6
Waste binsqty 4

Game materials

Lock boxesqty 6
Padlocksqty 12
Combination locksqty 8
Cratesqty 8
Envelopesqty 40
Directional cardsqty 40
Assignment cardsqty 30
Compassqty 6
Flashlightsqty 8
UV flashlightsqty 6
Permanent markersqty 12
Notebooksqty 24
Pencilsqty 30
Measuring tapesqty 6
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Directional signsqty 12
Clipboardsqty 8
Prize trophy

Equipment

Portable speakerqty 2
Megaphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Power banksqty 6
Rechargeable batteriesqty 24
Battery chargersqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lanternsqty 8

Tableware

Glassesqty 30
Coffee cupsqty 24
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Table runnersqty 6

Cleaning

First aid kit
Hand soapqty 2
Dish brushesqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Rosé - 3 bottles
- Red wine - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Sandwich rolls - 30 pieces
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Butter - 3 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Steak tartare - 750 grams
- Egg salad - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Bell pepper - 1 kilo
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Muffins - 30 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Allow one notebook, pencil and clipboard per team, plus at least 10% extra pencils and two spare clipboards. Teams lose writing supplies more often than expected during an outdoor game.
Prepare one complete set of clues and assignment cards for every station, with spare envelopes and directional cards in a separate backup pack. Keep the spare materials dry and clearly labelled.
Use cones, barrier tape and directional signs to make the route visible without giving away the puzzle. Walk the full route before the event and bring extra markers for gates, crossings and unclear turns.
For evening games or shaded routes, plan at least one flashlight per team and keep spare batteries or power banks available. UV flashlights should be tested with the exact clues before packing the stations.
Do not leave the practical equipment until the last day: reserve the party tent, tables, chairs, buffet table, waste bins and power equipment in time, and check the bad-weather plan when the forecast is available.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies does each team need for an outdoor escape game?: Give each team one clipboard, notebook, pencil and compass. Add one flashlight per team for a late or shaded route, and prepare at least 10% spare writing supplies.
How many locks and lock boxes do I need?: Buy one lock box and one matching lock for each lock-based puzzle station. Count the stations after the route is final, then add at least one spare lock and two spare keys or combinations for testing and setup.
When should I buy materials for an outdoor escape game?: Buy the game materials at least 7 days before the event so you can test every lock, clue, flashlight and UV flashlight. Buy weather-sensitive supplies and catering items closer to the event, based on the final attendance.
What should I bring for an outdoor escape game in bad weather?: Have a party tent or another covered briefing and catering area, plus plastic protection for signs, cards and notebooks. Confirm the backup plan at least 24 hours before the start, when the weather forecast is reliable enough to act on.

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