10 Best Snacks to Take Hiking
I think we’ve all had those moments as hikers when we could have probably done better when it comes to the food we ate before or during our hike. One time I ate a bag of Lays Limon Chips with a Sprite before tackling a 5 mile hike (wild, I know). At the time I had absolutely no concept of what I needed to energize my body and how calories worked.
Aside from proper hydration, finding the best snacks for hiking can keep your energy levels high and make you feel better while exploring. Here are some tips for choosing the right hiking snacks and 10 snacks to try!
How to Choose the Best Trail Snacks
When picking your hiking snacks, here are four things you should consider:
Nutritional Value: Choose snacks with balanced macronutrients (carbs, proteins, fats)
Portability: Snacks that are easy to carry and won't get crushed or spoiled
Shelf Life: Snacks that can last for the duration of the hike without refrigeration
Easy to Eat: Snacks that are easy to eat on the go
Food will give you the fuel you need not just to feel good during your hike but after as well.
Trail Snacks to Pack for Your Next Hike
There are SO many snack options out there that will not be on this list. These are the standard snacks that will provide you with some nutritional benefits, and they’re pretty easy to pack. And as a side note, always consider the weather you’ll hike in because if it’s hot outside, you want to avoid taking anything that melts or spoils easily.
1. Nuts and Seeds
This is one of those traditional hiking snacks that is easy to prepare and packs great nutritional benefits. Nuts and seeds are high in healthy fats and proteins.
Recommendations: Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts are always good options!
2. Dried Fruits
Dried fruits are another great pack-and-go snack. They are also a great alternative to taking fresh fruit on the trail because they can get squished. You’ll benefit from the natural sugars for quick energy, vitamins, and minerals.
Recommendations: Raisins, apricots, mango slices, and pineapple.
3. Energy Bars and Granola Bars
Energy and granola bars are available at any grocery store in a variety of flavors. These snacks offer a balanced mix of carbs, proteins, and fats.
Recommendations: Nature Valley granola bars, store brand bars, and Perfect Bars.
4. Fresh Fruits
You can never go wrong with fresh fruit on the trail. The only thing to remember is how you store your fruit of choice. Try and use a sturdy container to prevent anything from getting crushed in your hiking bag. Fruit is hydrating and gives you natural sugars.
Recommendations: Apples, oranges, or bananas.
5. Jerky
Jerky is very portable, a nice savory snack that will give you the protein you need, and has a long shelf life, so you don’t need to worry about it going bad within a few days.
Recommendations: Beef, bison, or turkey jerky.
6. Trail Mix
Another classic is trail mix, which is so simple to put together yourself. Pick your favorite nuts, seeds, pretzels, and dried fruit and place them in a baggie. You can also include chocolate, but beware of packing it in the summer. The last thing you want is sticky fingers.
7. Cheese
This could be anything from hard cheese cubes to string cheese. Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium. To make this snack a bit more fun, pair the cheese with some crackers or a meat like pepperoni (think charcuterie on the go!).
8. Tuna and Crackers
If you’re a fan of tuna, like me, then you can grab some packets (that come in a variety of flavors) and pair them with some crackers. What are the benefits? Tuna is a “superfood” that has healthy fats and protein that feed your muscles.
9. Veggie Chips
If you are looking for a bit more texture in your hiking snack collection, veggie chips will help satisfy your savory and crunchy food craving. You can find anything from kale chips to sweet potato chips.
10. PB&J Sandwich
Remember being a kid and having a nice peanut butter and jelly sandwich while at the pool or recess? Well, they are still a perfect snack for an adventurous adult. The peanut butter is a great source of protein and the jelly gives you sugar for that extra energy boost.
Tips for Packing and Storing Hiking Snacks
For your softer and crunchier snack options, it’s good to consider how to store these in your hiking backpack to keep them in mint condition. The last thing you want is banana guts all over your backpack because it got squished when you leaned on a boulder.
Hiking Backpack Storage
Try to keep your snacks accessible in your backpack so you waste less time stopping and pulling them out of your pack. If you have a hip belt on your backpack or another external pouch, this is a great spot to store your hiking snacks.
Resealable Bags or Containers
For your softer and crunchier food options, like fruits or chips, consider using resealable bags or containers. A resealable bag can also transform into a mini trash bag (we love a multi-purpose item).
Snacks for Your Next Day Hike
I do want to end with this—don’t sweat it. Don’t go to your local grocery store and stand in front of the granola bars, comparing every nutrition label. Find things that you know you’ll like and that make your body feel good. You may notice you like jerky more than a tuna packet or the taste of fresh fruit versus dried. Experiment over time.
Hiking is all about having fun, and the snack component supports that! Plus, who doesn’t love a good snacking session that gives you an excuse to sit down and take in nature?
What’s your favorite trail snack? Let me know in the comments!
