What to buy for a paintball match

A paintball match needs more than markers and paintballs. Plan equipment for every player, plus spare masks, protective gear, field markers, scoring supplies and a clear safety setup. For the break, provide chilled drinks, snacks and simple catering equipment that works outdoors. This shopping list also covers the items people often remember too late, such as compressed air, extension cords, lighting and serving supplies.

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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 35
Buffet tablesqty 3

Sports equipment

Paintball markersqty 30
Paintball masksqty 35
Breast padsqty 30
Glovesqty 30
Paintball pelletsqty 6000
Compressed air cylindersqty 10
Field flagsqty 4
Conesqty 20
Whistlesqty 3
Scoreboardsqty 2
Stopwatchqty 2
Safety tapeqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Small bowlsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef and serving knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburger buns - 40 pieces
- Hamburgers - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 8 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 30 pieces
- Hot dogs - 30 pieces
- Veggie hot dogs - 6 pieces
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Cheddar slices - 40 slices
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Potato salad - 3 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Party nuts - 3 bags
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blue - 6 packs
- Spa Rood - 2 packs
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan one paintball marker and mask per player, then add spare masks and extra gloves for damaged, lost or poorly fitting gear. Confirm the final participant count before buying paintballs and arranging equipment.
Buy enough paintball pellets for the planned rounds, with a reserve for missed shots and additional games. Arrange compressed air cylinders before match day; having paintballs without a way to refill markers stops play quickly.
Pack field flags, cones, whistles, scoreboards and a stopwatch together in one clearly labelled field kit. Put safety tape and the written rules with it so boundaries and instructions are ready before players arrive.
For an outdoor buffet, bring coolers for drinks and food, reusable cups, plates, cutlery and small bowls. Prepare cutting boards, serving knives, platters and serving spoons at least one day before the match so catering does not compete with field setup.
If the site has limited power, check the cable length before bringing a coffee maker or kettles. Take extension cords, power strips and LED lamps, and keep the lamps available for the information desk and catering area if the match finishes late.

Frequently asked questions

How many paintballs do I need per person for a paintball match?: A practical starting point is 500 paintballs per player for a standard match, then add a reserve if several rounds are planned. Confirm the field’s rules and refill options before buying, because some venues include or restrict paint supplies.
What safety equipment do I need for a paintball match?: Each player needs a paintball mask and suitable protective equipment, including chest protection and gloves where required by the field. Also pack safety tape, cones, field flags and whistles, and set out first-aid equipment before players enter the playing area.
How much food and drink should I buy for a paintball day?: Allow roughly 1.5 to 2 litres of drinks per person for an outdoor match, including water and other beverages. Plan one substantial meal or buffet portion per participant, plus snacks for the break; chill drinks before guests arrive.
When should I buy and prepare paintball match supplies?: Buy non-perishable equipment and tableware at least 3 to 7 days beforehand. Purchase food and chilled drinks one day before, confirm the participant count and weather forecast, and pack the field and catering equipment separately the evening before.

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