What to bring for a rainwater excursion

A rainwater excursion needs more than waterproof clothing. You will need equipment for collecting and comparing samples, a dry registration and briefing area, and enough food and drinks for the route. Pack measuring tools in labelled groups so participants can find them quickly at each measuring point. Check power, lighting and weather protection before the day, because wet conditions can make small gaps in your setup difficult to fix.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 50
Tableclothsqty 6
Umbrella binsqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Projector
Projection screen
Laptop
Power banksqty 4

Measuring equipment

Measuring cupsqty 8
Sample bottlesqty 20
pH test stripsqty 4
Thermometersqty 4
Turbidity cardsqty 4
Rain gaugesqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 4
Work glovesqty 20
Plastic scoopsqty 8
Waterproof notebooksqty 12
Clipboardsqty 12
Markersqty 12
Digital scalesqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 8

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 10
Barrier tapeqty 4
Traffic conesqty 12
Waterproof walkie-talkiesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 3
Scissorsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 6
Ice packsqty 12

Registration

Name stickersqty 60
Pensqty 20
Registration formsqty 60
Route mapsqty 60

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Trash bag holdersqty 6
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Cleaning spongesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Whole wheat wraps - 40 pieces
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Slices of chicken breast - 1.5 kilograms
- Dairy spread - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Wholegrain biscuits - 8 packs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 crates
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan one sample bottle, measuring cup and pair of gloves per active participant or measuring group, then add at least 10% spare supplies. This prevents the excursion from stopping when equipment is dropped or contaminated.
Pack pH strips, thermometers and turbidity cards in waterproof containers, not loose in a box. Keep waterproof notebooks and clipboards with the measuring teams so results can be recorded immediately.
Use one cooler for chilled food and drinks and keep it separate from sample bottles and testing equipment. Prepare lunch packs before participants arrive and allow at least 15 minutes for distribution.
Bring one clearly marked power strip and extension cord for each powered setup, plus power banks for the route. Keep kettles, the projector and laptop under cover and test every connection before registration opens.
Set up the party tents, umbrella bins, safety vests and first aid kits before the welcome briefing. Put route signs and measuring-point labels in waterproof sleeves so they remain readable in rain.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a rainwater excursion?: For each measuring group, prepare sample bottles, measuring cups, pH test strips, a thermometer, turbidity cards, a waterproof notebook and a clipboard. Add rain gauges, measuring tapes, plastic scoops, digital scales and work gloves for the shared measuring points, plus at least 10% spare consumables.
How many sample bottles should I buy per person?: Allow one sample bottle per planned sample, not simply one per participant. For a route with three measuring points, provide three bottles per participant or group member, then add 10% extra for damaged or contaminated bottles.
What should I pack for food and drinks on a wet field trip?: Prepare one lunch pack and at least two drinks per participant, with two to three additional drinks per person for the first hour if the excursion lasts longer. Use coolers and keep food separate from testing materials.
How early should I set up a rainwater excursion?: Start the physical setup at least 90 minutes before registration: place tents, tables, chairs, umbrella bins, signs and measuring points first. Test power, lighting and presentation equipment no later than 45 minutes before participants arrive.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.