What to Buy for a Survival Weekend

A survival weekend needs more than food and camping gear. You’ll need supplies for outdoor cooking, navigation, lighting, first aid, cleaning and keeping shared equipment organized. Plan food for every meal, plus fruit and fresh vegetables that can handle transport and outdoor storage. Pack backup lighting and waterproof bags before the group arrives; these are easy to overlook and difficult to replace once you are at the campsite.

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What to bring

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

Logistics

Event schedule
Zip ties
Participant list
Scissors
Leader instructions
Equipment bags
Volunteer contact list
Storage boxes
Team assignment list
Waterproof storage containers
Location map
Route map
Spare bags
Equipment checklist
Packing checklist
Backpacks
Equipment labels
Marker tags
Rope for securing equipment
Transport trolley/cart
Lost and found box
Duct tape

Accommodation

Camping pillows
Waterproof bags
Blankets
Camping lanterns
Tent repair kit
Folding chairs
Ground sheets
Clothesline
Tarpaulin sheets
Sleeping bags
Clothespins
Tents
Tarps
Tent poles
Rain covers
Tent pegs
Outdoor shelter/canopy
Tent hammer
Folding tables
Sleeping mats
Storage crates

Activities

Orienteering markers
Trail markers
Rope
Paracord
Carabiners for activities
Activity instruction cards
Pencils
Team challenge materials
Nature identification book
Clips and clamps
Local area maps
Weather guide
Activity plans
Multi-tools
Small activity tools
Binoculars
Buckets
Magnifying glasses
Measuring tape
Field notebooks
Compass

Cleaning

Cleaning spray
Broom and dustpan
Trash bags
Recycling bags
Dish soap
Sponges
Kitchen towels
Cleaning cloths

Safety

Emergency contact list
Elastic bandages
Flashlights
Parent/guardian contact list
Antiseptic wipes
Headlamps
Medical information forms
Disposable gloves
Work gloves
First aid kit
Hand sanitizer
Safety instructions
Bandages
Sunscreen
Adhesive tape
Insect repellent
Fire safety bucket
Tweezers
Emergency blanket
Thermometer
Personal medication storage box
Whistles
Reflective markers

Kitchen

Matches
Cutting boards
Lighters
Plates
Water dispenser
Fire starters
Bowls
Wooden spoons
Cooler boxes
Camping stove
Serving spoons
Ice packs
Fuel canisters
Food preparation knives
Dishwashing basin
Cups
Cooking pots
Reusable cutlery
Frying pan
Water containers
Cooking utensils
Food storage containers
Thermos flasks

Groceries

Fresh vegetables
Reusable water bottles
Fruit
Snacks
Juice
Dinner ingredients
Sugar
Pasta/rice/basic cooking supplies
Jam/honey
Canned food
Drinking water supply
Energy bars
Coffee
Bread
Salt
Tea
Breakfast supplies
Pepper and spices
Milk
Lunch ingredients
Cooking oil

Administration

Permission forms
Folders for documents
Waterproof document bags
Clipboards
Notebooks
Pens
Permanent markers

Technical

Power banks
Spare batteries

Tips

Plan the food by meal and participant count. Buy enough ingredients for the full weekend, then add simple backup items in case bad weather changes the cooking plan.
Give each participant a reusable water bottle and set up one water dispenser at the main camp. This makes refilling easier and avoids relying on individual bottles alone.
Pack at least one light source for every activity team, plus spare batteries if the lights require them. Camping lanterns are useful at the shared cooking and meeting area.
Keep navigation and activity equipment together in labeled equipment bags. Use waterproof bags for items that must stay dry, especially route markers, instructions and participant information.
Prepare a separate safety and contact kit before departure. Include flashlights, elastic bandages, the emergency contact list and parent or guardian contacts where supervisors can reach them quickly.

Frequently asked questions

What food should I buy for a survival weekend?: Plan breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for every participant for each day. Include fresh vegetables and fruit, and keep a backup meal for at least one cooking session in case outdoor conditions change.
How many lights do I need for a survival weekend?: Provide at least one flashlight or headlamp for each participant and one camping lantern for every shared area. Pack spare batteries or replacement power sources before leaving.
What safety supplies should I bring camping with a group?: Bring flashlights, elastic bandages, a list of emergency contacts and parent or guardian contact details. Keep the safety supplies in one clearly labeled bag and check them at least one day before departure.
How far in advance should I prepare the shopping list?: Make the first shopping list at least 7 days before the weekend, then check it again 24 hours before departure. Buy fresh vegetables and fruit as close to departure as practical.

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