What You Need for a Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt needs more than clues and a route. You will need supplies for each team, checkpoint equipment, visible route markers and a reliable way to communicate with escorts. Printed materials should be prepared early, while batteries, power banks and weather protection are easy to overlook until setup day. Use this list to check what must be bought, printed, packed and brought to the starting point.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 4
Chairsqty 12
Party tent
Folding tableqty 2

Equipment

Laptopsqty 2
Power banksqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 10
Headlampsqty 12
AA batteriesqty 24

Sports equipment

Conesqty 20
Ropeqty 3
Hoopsqty 6
Blindfoldsqty 6
Stopwatchesqty 6
Waterproof containersqty 12

Paper goods

Route mapsqty 8
Assignment cardsqty 40
Answer formsqty 40
Pensqty 40
Pencilsqty 20
Clipboardsqty 8
Markersqty 12

Decorations

Balloonsqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 4
Buntingqty 3
Duct tapeqty 4
Herringqty 20

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 40
Water jugsqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 4
Scissorsqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Paper cups - 50 pieces
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Ice lollies - 40 pieces
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 trays
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 3 bags
- Mini wraps - 60 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Cheese slices - 2 packs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Paprika - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 trays
- Mini smoked sausages - 40 pieces
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Vegetarian snacks - 40 pieces
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Hand soap - 2 bottles

Tips

Prepare one complete pack of route maps, assignment cards, answer forms, pens and clipboards for every team, plus at least 10% extra copies for lost or damaged materials.
Use waterproof containers for clues and checkpoint materials, especially if the route includes outdoor stops. Pack duct tape and barrier tape so signs can be secured or replaced quickly.
Check lighting before the hunt starts: test every headlamp and LED lantern, then bring spare AA batteries. Do this at least one day before the event rather than during setup.
Give each escort a working communication method, such as a walkie-talkie, and charge power banks the night before. Keep emergency numbers and the route available offline as well as on a laptop.
Mark the start and checkpoint areas with cones, rope or bunting so participants can find them without confusion. If tables, chairs or a party tent are needed, arrange delivery or transport before the event day.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a scavenger hunt?: Plan for route maps, clue or assignment cards, answer forms, writing supplies, clipboards, route markers and checkpoint materials. For an outdoor hunt, also pack waterproof containers, duct tape, cones and communication equipment.
How many copies of scavenger hunt clues should I print?: Print one complete set for each team, then add at least 10% extra copies. Keep a spare master set with the organisers in case a clue is lost, damaged or placed incorrectly.
When should I prepare the scavenger hunt materials?: Print and assemble the route packs at least 2 days before the hunt. Test walkie-talkies, power banks, lanterns and headlamps 1 day before, and pack the final equipment on the morning of the event.
What should I bring for an outdoor scavenger hunt?: Bring waterproof containers, route maps, clue cards, pens, clipboards, cones, rope, barrier tape and duct tape. Add a party tent or other weather cover when participants or materials need protection at the starting point.

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