What to buy for a river walk

A river walk needs more than snacks and water. You need supplies for registration, route marking, refreshments, safety, lighting and the finish point. Plan drinks for the walking time as well as the gathering afterward, and keep food service simple enough to manage outdoors. This shopping list covers the practical items people often remember too late, including route arrows, reflective ribbons, charged communication equipment and cleanup tools.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Folding tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 12
Beer tablesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving tongsqty 4

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Headlampsqty 8
Flashlightsqty 4

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 30
Reflective ribbonsqty 12
Route mapsqty 60

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Power banksqty 4

Decorations

Welcome signsqty 3
Chalkboardsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Hand broomsqty 2
Litter pickersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Sandwiches with meat - 55 pieces
- Cheese sandwiches - 25 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 10 pieces
- Gluten-free buns - 5 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 tubs
- Hummus - 3 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 3 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Mini currant buns - 50 pieces
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paper napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls

Tips

Allow at least 500 ml of water per participant for a short walk, then add extra for warm weather. Use water jugs or coolers at the finish and keep additional bottles available for supervisors.
Buy or prepare one route map per participant, plus 10 extra copies for supervisors, replacements and last-minute arrivals. Pack route arrows and reflective ribbons before the route inspection so missing markers can be spotted early.
Plan one reusable cup, plate and set of cutlery per guest, with at least 10% extra. Bring serving trays, tongs, cutting boards and bread knives separately; these are easy to overlook when the food is packed first.
For an evening finish, provide one LED lamp or headlamp for each supervisor and place lighting along the finish point. Charge phones, walkie-talkies and power banks the day before, not on arrival.
Take one first aid kit for each supervision point, and make sure supervisors have safety vests and walkie-talkies. Pack waste bins, hand brooms and litter pickers so the route and finish area can be cleared immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for a river walk?: Allow 500 ml per person for a short, mild-weather walk, plus at least 10% extra. For warm weather or longer routes, plan closer to 750 ml to 1 litre per person and keep water available at the finish.
How many route maps should I print for a river walk?: Print one map per registered participant, then add 10 extra copies for supervisors, replacements and late arrivals. Prepare them at least one day before the walk so route changes can still be made.
What lighting do I need for a river walk after dark?: Give each supervisor one headlamp or flashlight and use LED lamps to light the finish point. Test all lights and charge power banks at least 24 hours before participants arrive.
How many cups, plates and cutlery sets should I buy?: Plan one complete reusable set per guest, plus 10% extra for dropped or dirty items. For 40 guests, that means 44 cups, 44 plates and 44 sets of cutlery.

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