What to buy for a rafting trip with barbecue

A rafting day needs more than boats and food. You need compact lunch packs for the river, enough drinks for the first hours, and a barbecue setup that works at the meeting point after everyone is wet and tired. This shopping list covers cooking, serving, cooling, waterproof storage and basic convenience items for the group. Check what your rafting provider already supplies before buying duplicate safety equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 4
Beer benchesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 24
Party tent

Sports equipment

Raftsqty 3
Paddlesqty 24
Life jacketsqty 24
Helmetsqty 24
Wetsuitsqty 24
Water shoesqty 24
Throw linesqty 3
Whistlesqty 6
Waterproof bagsqty 6
Waterproof phone casesqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Gas barbecue
Gas cylindersqty 2
Gas lighterqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Power banksqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef and serving knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Aluminum traysqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 30
Reusable bowlsqty 30
Reusable cupsqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 30
Coffee spoonsqty 30

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Spongesqty 6
Dish brushesqty 3
Towelsqty 12
Disinfectant sprayqty 2
First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4
Waterproof route mapsqty 3
Laundry basketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Whole wheat bread - 5 loaves
- White rolls - 30 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 10 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Muesli bars - 30 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Peanuts - 2 bags
- Chicken skewers - 3 kilos
- Hamburgers - 30 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 10 pieces
- Corn on the cob - 24 pieces
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilos
- Hamburger buns - 30 pieces
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Barbecue spice mix - 2 sachets
- Spa Blauw - 48 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 15 kilos
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Barbecue charcoal - 10 kilos
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour on the water, then add more for the barbecue. Pack water separately so it remains easy to reach and does not depend on the coolers.
Prepare one lunch pack per participant before departure, using waterproof bags or containers. Keep dietary-specific meals clearly marked and bring a few spare portions for late additions or damaged packs.
Allow one reusable plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per person, plus at least 10% extra. After rafting, people often use a second cup or plate, and replacements are difficult to improvise outdoors.
For the barbecue, prepare the meat in advance and pack it in sealed containers with separate serving platters and aluminum trays. Bring enough gas for the full cooking period, with a reserve cylinder if the supply cannot be replenished nearby.
Keep phones, route information, emergency numbers and power banks dry in waterproof bags or cases. Charge the power banks before leaving and pack the printed information before the group arrives, not during setup.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a rafting trip with barbecue?: Plan one lunch pack per participant for the river, then a barbecue portion for the meal afterward. Add about 10% extra food for unexpected participants, larger appetites or damaged lunch packs.
How many drinks should I buy for a rafting day?: Start with two to three drinks per person for the first hour, including water, and add drinks for the barbecue period. Buy at least one extra drink per person if the weather is warm or the route lasts several hours.
What barbecue equipment do I need for a rafting trip?: Bring the gas barbecue, enough gas cylinders for the cooking period, a gas lighter, cutting boards, knives, pliers, serving platters and aluminum trays. Pack the cooking and serving equipment together so setup does not depend on finding items in several bags.
When should I prepare the lunch packs and barbecue food?: Assemble the lunch packs on the day of the trip, before participants arrive, and keep them chilled until departure. Marinate the barbecue meat in advance and transport it cold; finish shopping and chilling drinks at least the day before.

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