What to Pack and Buy for a Survival Weekend

A survival weekend needs more than tents and sleeping bags. You also need reliable lighting, navigation tools, cooking equipment, fuel, food storage and materials for group assignments. Plan quantities around the number of participants, then add a small reserve for damaged, lost or wet supplies. Check the forecast before shopping, because rain changes how much shelter, dry storage and backup clothing your group needs. Keep emergency and contact information separate from the activity materials.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 30
Picnic benchesqty 4
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Tents for 3 peopleqty 10
Sleeping bagsqty 30
Sleeping matsqty 30
Tarpaulinsqty 8
Flashlightsqty 30
Headlampsqty 30
Spare batteriesqty 60
Power banksqty 6
Compassesqty 10
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Extension cordsqty 4
Mobile phone chargersqty 6

Sports equipment

Rope rollsqty 8
Carabinersqty 30
Orientation cardsqty 12
Assignment cardsqty 30
Conesqty 20
Capsqty 30
Waterproof notebooksqty 12
Pencilsqty 30
Plastic whistlesqty 12

Kitchen

Gas burnersqty 4
Gas cylindersqty 8
Cooking potsqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Water jerry cansqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Lightersqty 8
Matchboxesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable mugsqty 30
Reusable platesqty 30
Reusable cutleryqty 30

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 30
Work glovesqty 12
Safety vestsqty 8
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Cleaning

Washing-up basinsqty 4
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12
Handwashing stationsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Oatmeal - 3 kilograms
- Muesli - 2 kilograms
- Whole wheat bread - 10 loaves
- Currant buns - 30 pieces
- Whole wheat wraps - 40 pieces
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Semi-skimmed milk - 10 liters
- Yogurt - 5 liters
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Potatoes - 8 kilograms
- Rice - 4 kilograms
- Red lentils - 2 kilogram
- Chickpeas - 8 cans
- Diced tomatoes - 12 cans
- Vegetable bouillon - 3 packs
- Coconut milk - 8 cans
- Chicken breast - 4 kilograms
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Curry powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilogram
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Chocolate bars - 30 pieces
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Sports drink - 30 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Tablecloths - 6 pieces

Tips

Plan one tent for every three participants, plus one or two spare sleeping mats and sleeping bags if attendance is not final. Pack tarpaulins to create dry cover over the cooking or dining area.
Allow two light sources per person where possible: a headlamp for moving around and a flashlight for general use. Bring at least one spare battery set per light and charge power banks before departure.
For a cooking group, match each gas burner with a compatible gas cylinder and bring at least one backup cylinder for the whole weekend. Pack cooking pots, cutting boards and coolers so food can be prepared and stored without using the same surface for everything.
Give each participant a compass, waterproof notebook and pencil if route work is individual. Prepare extra orientation and assignment cards, because paper gets wet and cards are easily misplaced outdoors.
Pack navigation and safety equipment in separate, clearly marked bags before leaving. Keep walkie-talkies charged, test their range on site, and place whistles, rope, carabiners and cones where group leaders can reach them quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How many tents do I need for a survival weekend?: Use one three-person tent for every three participants. For 12 people, pack four tents and consider one additional sleeping space if attendance or equipment condition is uncertain.
How much lighting should each person bring?: Plan one headlamp and one flashlight per participant, with at least one spare battery set per light. Add two or three spare lights for group leaders and emergencies.
How much gas do I need for a survival weekend?: Give every gas burner a full, compatible cylinder and bring at least one spare cylinder for the group. The exact amount depends on meal plans, burner size and whether hot water is prepared several times a day.
When should I buy and pack survival weekend supplies?: Buy non-perishable food, fuel and equipment at least 3 to 5 days before departure. Pack and test lights, radios, chargers and navigation materials the day before, then check the weather again before loading.

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