What you need for a walking puzzle trail

A walking puzzle trail needs more than printed questions and a route. You’ll need one puzzle pack per participant or team, clear route markers, writing supplies, and a reliable setup for checkpoints and rest stops. Drinks, tables, lighting and communication equipment are easy to overlook, especially when the finish runs into the evening. Use the plan’s shopping list alongside your final participant count, route length and number of stations.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 20
Buffet tablesqty 2
High tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphone

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Puzzle materials

Clipboardsqty 60
Route mapsqty 60
Puzzle bookletsqty 60
Answer formsqty 60
Pensqty 70
Pencilsqty 30
Pencil sharpenersqty 6
Envelopesqty 30
Puzzle cardsqty 120
Plastic sleevesqty 80
Route arrowsqty 40
Marker ribbonsqty 12
Conesqty 20
Chalkboardsqty 8
Whiteboard markersqty 12
Waterproof markersqty 12
Number cardsqty 20
Bib numbersqty 60
Prizesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 10
Pliersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Scissorsqty 4
Serving knivesqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 3

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 8
Reflective vestsqty 10
Umbrellasqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 100 bottles
- Sparkling water - 40 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee beans - 2 kilos
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Coffee pastries - 60 pieces
- Mini croissants - 60 pieces
- White sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 60 pieces
- Multigrain bread rolls - 40 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Muesli bars - 70 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Tea towels - 12 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Prepare one complete puzzle pack for every registered participant or team, plus at least 5% extra. Include the puzzle booklet, route map, answer form, writing tools and any puzzle cards before sealing the envelopes.
Pack route-marking materials by checkpoint rather than in one large box. Count the required arrows, ribbons, cones and signs for each station, then add a small spare bundle for damaged or missing markers.
Plan drinks for the actual walking schedule: allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and keep additional water available at rest stops. Chill drinks before the start and bring coolers so they stay cold on the route.
Check the finish location for power before packing coffee machines, kettles, LED lamps or string lights. Take extension cords and power strips only when the distance and socket capacity have been checked in advance.
Give each volunteer a station pack and a communication method before departure. Walkie-talkies are useful when stations are spread out; a megaphone helps gather participants at the start or finish.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a walking puzzle trail?: Plan for puzzle booklets, route maps, answer forms, pens or pencils, envelopes, plastic sleeves and route markers. You may also need tables, chairs, coolers, drinks, lighting and communication equipment for the start, checkpoints and finish.
How many puzzle packs do I need?: Prepare one pack for each registered participant or team, depending on how the trail is played. Add at least 5% extra packs so late registrations, damaged pages or missing materials do not stop the start.
How much stationery is needed for a puzzle walk?: Provide at least one writing tool per participant or team and keep 10% spare. Bring pencil sharpeners when pencils are used, plus extra answer forms for incorrect entries or replacements.
When should I prepare the shopping and puzzle materials?: Finish the main shopping several days before the trail, then chill drinks and assemble puzzle packs after the participant list is final. Print and sort route materials early enough to check every station before the event day.

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