What to Buy for a Protest March

A protest march needs more than signs and a megaphone. This shopping list covers the practical supplies for route information, steward coordination, first aid, refreshments and weather protection. Buy communication and safety items early, then prepare signs, banners and printed materials close to the march. Quantities depend on attendance, but planning per participant and per steward prevents the most common shortages: drinking water, route maps, phone power and visible steward clothing.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 20
Party tentsqty 3
Tableclothsqty 6

Equipment

Megaphonesqty 4
Portable speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Walking chargersqty 6
Power banksqty 10
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Extension cordsqty 4

Safety

Reflective vestsqty 30
First aid kitsqty 2
Nitrile glovesqty 4
Flashlightsqty 8

Communication

Route mapsqty 250
Information flyersqty 500
Contact cardsqty 50
Wristbandsqty 300

Protest materials

Protest signsqty 150
Bannersqty 8
Flagpolesqty 40
Flagsqty 40
Chalkqty 12
Rope rollsqty 6
Cable tiesqty 500
Duct tapeqty 12
Waterproof markersqty 30

Catering

Coolersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Reusable cupsqty 300
Reusable platesqty 200
Cutlery setsqty 200
Water jugsqty 12
Groceries
- Spa Blue - 300 bottles
- Spa Rood - 60 bottles
- Apple juice - 20 liters
- Orange juice - 20 liters
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Whole wheat buns - 250 pieces
- Cheese - 8 kilograms
- Hummus - 5 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 5 kg
- Tomatoes - 6 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 5 kilogram
- Lettuce - 2 kilograms
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Apples - 250 pieces
- Bananas - 200 pieces
- Grapes - 15 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 300 pieces
- Paprika chips - 20 bags
- Plain chips - 20 bags
- Savory snacks - 15 bags
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange lemonade - 10 bottles
- Ice cubes - 30 kilograms
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 10 packs
- Hand sanitizer - 10 bottles
- Paper tissues - 30 packs
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 10 packs
- Wound bandages - 10 rolls
- Cold packs - 20 pieces

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Litter pickersqty 8
Broom setsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Hand sanitizer pumpsqty 8

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Batteriesqty 40

Tips

Plan one route map or information flyer per participant, plus at least 10% extra for late arrivals and damaged copies. Keep a separate bundle for stewards at the starting point.
Provide one reflective vest for every steward and keep at least two first aid kits available: one at the start and one with the mobile safety team.
For a two-hour march, allow roughly 0.5 to 1 litre of water per participant. Use coolers for chilled drinks and thermos flasks for coffee or tea at the meeting point.
Prepare one megaphone for each main speaking point and test portable speakers, wireless microphones, extension cords and power banks at least one day before the march.
Buy cable ties, duct tape, rope, waterproof markers and chalk together with the protest materials. These small supplies are often forgotten and are needed to secure banners, mark positions and make last-minute sign repairs.

Frequently asked questions

How many signs should I make for a protest march?: Prepare at least one sign for every two participants, then add 10% to cover damage and late additions. For 500 participants, that means about 275 signs.
How much water do I need for a protest march?: Allow 0.5 to 1 litre of water per participant for a march lasting around two hours, depending on the weather and access to refill points. For 300 people, plan for 150 to 300 litres.
How many stewards need reflective vests?: Give every steward a reflective vest, with one or two spare vests for replacements. A practical starting point is one steward per 25 to 50 participants, subject to the route and local requirements.
When should I print route maps and flyers?: Print them 3 to 7 days before the march, once the route and access information are confirmed. Keep 10% extra copies for changes, weather damage and people joining at the last minute.

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