What to Buy and Pack for a Scouting Hike

A scouting hike needs more than snacks and backpacks. You need reliable route information, enough water and food for the full group, and safety equipment that still works if the hike runs late. This shopping list covers the practical supplies for registration, checkpoints, rest stops and basic first aid. Check participant numbers before buying, then pack shared equipment by group so nothing is left at the starting point.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 12
Registration desk
Picnic blanketsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 40
Serving plattersqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Power banksqty 6

Navigation

Compassqty 10
Waterproof route mapsqty 12
Card rulersqty 10

Safety

First aid kitsqty 3
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Reflective vestsqty 12
Whistlesqty 12

Lighting

Headlampsqty 12
Flashlightsqty 6
Spare batteriesqty 24

Sports equipment

Backpacksqty 12
Drink bottlesqty 40
Conesqty 20
Rope rollsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Water jugsqty 6

Cleaning

Washing-up tubsqty 3
Spongesqty 6

Documentation

Participant listsqty 6
Pensqty 12
Waterproof sleevesqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread rolls - 40 pieces
- Wraps - 40 pieces
- Young cheese - 2,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 1,5 kilogram
- Vegetarian spreads - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Student trail mix - 2 kilograms
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Paper napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan at least 2 litres of drinking water per participant for a full-day hike, plus extra water for food preparation and hand washing. Use water jugs and refill points rather than relying only on individual bottles.
Pack one waterproof route map for each group, plus one spare copy for the organiser. Bring a compass and card ruler for route checks; printed directions alone are difficult to use when a phone battery fails.
Prepare one first aid kit for the main organiser and one for each group travelling separately. Add walkie-talkies, whistles and reflective vests so leaders can communicate and be identified at checkpoints.
Give every participant a headlamp or flashlight if the hike may continue into low light, and pack spare batteries separately. Charge power banks before departure instead of waiting until registration.
Buy or pack food in group-sized portions and label dietary requirements before distribution. Chill drinks in coolers several hours before the start, and bring reusable cups, plates and cutlery for rest stops.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for a scouting hike?: Allow 2 litres of drinking water per person for a full-day hike, then add extra for cooking, washing and warm weather. Keep reserve water in jugs at the start or at planned rest stops.
How many route maps should I print for a scouting hike?: Print one waterproof map for every hiking group, one for the organiser and at least one spare. Prepare them at least one day before the hike so route changes can still be made.
What lighting do I need for a scouting hike?: Provide one headlamp or flashlight per participant if anyone could return after dark, plus spare batteries for every five lights. Test all lights before packing the backpacks and crates.
When should I prepare the first aid and safety equipment?: Check and restock the first aid kits 24 to 48 hours before departure. Charge walkie-talkies and power banks the night before, then keep whistles and reflective vests accessible during registration.

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