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25 Best Hiking Snacks: Healthy & Delicious Trekking Food

Maybe because we always have food on the brain, hiking snacks are essential to our packing list. Here’s a list of our favorite bites to bring on the trail.

When preparing for a hike, one of the first things we like to do is plan what kind of snacks we’re going to bring, because food is ALWAYS on our minds… 

One of the things we look forward to most is finding a perfect spot to sit down, rest our legs, and devour some well-deserved snackage while enjoying the views that we put in the effort for. Anyone else love this feeling?!

We’re going over some of our favorite and best hiking snacks to pack for the trail, as well as how we determine what type of food to bring. 

Article contents

• Determining what kinds of snacks to bring
• Best hiking snacks

Tips for packing your hiking snacks

• Leave No Trace

Determining what kinds of hiking snacks to pack

Ask yourself these questions before you pack hiking snacks…

Okay, first things first. The type of hike you’re doing will help determine what foods to bring. Here are some things to consider:

• What is the distance of the hike?
• What is the elevation gain?
• How long do you expect the hike to take?
• Do you expect the hike to be strenuous?

You can find most of the information about a hike’s distance, elevation gain and difficulty level on a hiking app like AllTrails.

Answering the questions above will help determine how much food to bring as well as the type of snacks. 

For instance, on a short and relatively easy hike, you’ll be fine with packing an apple and trail mix. But on a hike where you’re going to be burning a significant amount of calories, you’ll want to plan to bring enough high-energy food to both fuel and replenish your body. 

Here are a few more helpful things to think about:

What time do I expect to start and end the hike?

If your hike will start early and go past lunchtime, you might need more than just a few light snacks. You’ll want to pack enough to fuel your body through those two mealtimes.

Are there places to get food nearby?

If the hike is near a town, you’ll be able to grab food afterward, making it a bit less important to pack lots of food. That way, if you’re really hungry toward the end of the hike, you know food is coming soon.

There’s nothing better than grabbing a pizza/burger/[insert your favorite food here] after a hike, don’t you think?! You earned it, after all! On the other hand, if you’re hiking a remote trail, you’ll want to pack more food than you might expect you’ll need since there’s no convenient place to refuel after your hike. Perhaps you can leave some in your car.

Is this a heavily trafficked trail or is it pretty remote?

A popular trail will have less chance of you getting lost or into a bad situation. And chances are there will be other people around to help out if need be. 

However, if you’re trekking in a remote area, you’ll want to be more prepared in the case that you (or someone you run into) get into a bad situation. This means packing a little more food than you might deem necessary.

Psst! Before you head out on your next trek, make sure you check out our article on what to wear hiking to be sure you’re wearing the best fabrics and layering properly for hitting the trail in any season.

What nutrition should I look for in hiking snacks?

Sure, you can easily throw a candy bar and a handful of cookies into your backpack, but all that sugar is going to cause you to crash. Not a good thing when you’re halfway through an 8-mile hike, trust us.

You’re looking for that elusive combination of protein, healthy fats and sugars, complex carbs and a bit of sodium. 

• Why carbs? Carbohydrates are the best way to get energy quickly! Complex carbs are what you’ll aim for because they have higher fiber content, making them digest more slowly and make you feel fuller longer. Complex carbs also help keep blood sugar more level, rather than spiking.
• Why sugars? While you shouldn’t be reaching for snacks with lots of added sugars, the natural sugars found in fruits and complex carbs can help you maintain a steady blood glucose level. If you start to feel dizzy after exerting yourself on a hike, reach for some fresh or dried fruit or an energy bar, and you should feel better in no time.
• Why protein? Protein will keep you full longer and help your muscles and tissues rebuild after your hike.
• Healthy Fats? Healthy fats will keep you energized and satiated throughout your hike. 
• Why sodium? It might sound counterintuitive but sodium (an essential electrolyte) is important in keeping your body hydrated, especially during long and exhausting activities. You may see it listed on the label as sodium chloride, benzoate, bicarbonate, etc. 

Be sure to grab our ultimate hiking packing list includes our must-have gear for any hiking trail!

How many calories do I need on a hike?

The answer to this question is going to vary significantly based on many factors including your height and weight, plus the type of hike you’re attempting. For instance, hiking a .5-mile loop that is relatively flat is going to require a significantly lower amount of energy than a 10-mile trek with an elevation gain of 1,500 feet.

According to experts, “200 – 300 calories per hour is a good ballpark figure” . 

How to calculate: Calculate how many hours you plan to hike, and go on the higher end of the calorie count if you expect it to be difficult terrain. 

For instance, if you’re planning to hike for 4 hours on a very difficult trail, you’ll want to be factoring at least 300 calories per hour (if not more). This means your snacks should equate to a minimum of 1,200 calories in order to sustain your energy level.

But it should be noted that all calories are not created equal. You’ll want to be sure you’re packing hiking snacks that have the right nutritional balance of complex carbs, healthy fats, sugars, and proteins, as described above.

How much water should I bring hiking?

This is an essential question, and again the answer will vary significantly based on the temperature, length of your hike, difficulty level, and your body.

Good to remember: Before starting your hike, be sure to hydrate! This will help ensure you don’t get dehydrated during your trek.

A general rule of thumb is to pack at least half a liter of water (aka 2 cups, or 16 ounces) for each hour you plan to be hiking. We like to overpack on water because running out is never something you want to deal with.

Insider Tip: If you’ll be hiking near a water source (a river or lake), pack a Steripen or other sterilizing device so you can have access to clean, drinkable water.

Best hiking snacks to hit the trails

If you’re looking for the very best hiking snacks we love to hit the trails with, here are our top recommendations. 

• Energy/protein bars
• Fresh fruit
• Dried fruit

Keep reading for more detailed information on each of these, and more ideas of easy and delicious hiking snacks.

1. Energy / Protein Bars

This is perhaps the easiest, no-hassle snack you can pack. I mean, all you gotta do is stop at a grocery store and you’re set. The great thing is many energy bars have a really good balance between complex carbohydrates, protein, and natural sugars.

Related: Looking for more hiking adventures? Check out our guide to all the National Parks in the US by state . We’ve also included a handy checklist so you can record which ones you’ve already visited!

Best energy bars for hiking:

In general, when looking for energy or protein bars, we like to keep things simple. There are some exceptions, but we typically like to choose bars with few ingredients so we know what we’re putting into our bodies. Plus we like to find bars with no added sugar. Here are some of our favorites:

• RXBAR:  These bars are packed with 12 grams of protein, and are made with only a handful of ingredients like egg whites, dates, and almonds. “No B.S.” is their motto, and the bars are pretty darn tasty, if we do say so ourselves!
• KIND Bars:  We are obsessed with KIND Bars whether we’re exerting tons of energy, or just Netflix-n-chillin’. They taste like a candy bar, but dare I say, healthier. They’re made with no-nonsense ingredients like nuts (yay for omega-3s!) as well as honey and dark chocolate to give your blood sugar a mid-hike boost (and keep your tastebuds happy!).
• LÄRABAR:  With a similar ingredient lineup to RXBARS, Lara is known for simple ingredients. If we’re only speaking about flavor, we prefer RXBARs. But LÄRABAR is quite a bit more versatile, as they are vegan, kosher, dairy-free, soy-free, non-GMO, and gluten-free. There are also a ton of flavors to choose from and organic options. Now, that’s hard to beat!
• EXO Protein Bars: Vegetarians, this one isn’t for you because the main source of protein in these bars is… wait for it … crickets! If that doesn’t make your skin crawl, keep reading because these make a great choice for a hiking energy bar for those who can handle their most noteworthy ingredient. Why crickets? In short, they are packed with nutrition and are a sustainable energy source, as they require far fewer resources to cultivate than, say, cattle. We personally haven’t tried them (yet!), but this review from Business Insider makes us think the Blueberry Vanilla would be our flavor of choice.
• Health Warrior Chia Bars: You’re probably well aware of the benefits of chia seeds, which pack in a punch of omega-3s, antioxidants, and fiber. These bars are an easy way to snack on chia and provide essential energy needed while hiking, while not going overboard on sugar or protein.
• Luna Bars: These protein bars are under the Clif Bar brand, and are aimed specifically at women. With 7 – 8 grams of protein per bar, and a modest 200 calories, these bars are a decent option, especially when you consider their crave-worthy flavors like Chocolate Dipped Coconut (which tastes like a Mounds Bar).
• Perfect Bar:  Peanut butter lovers will go crazy for these bars because it tastes like a big chunk of creamy, nutty PB! Like their primary ingredient – nut butter – these babies aren’t exactly low-calorie, but damn, they are satisfying. Find them in the refrigerator section and keep them chilled, as they don’t contain any unnatural preservatives. They are also available in mini-bars and bites.
• Clif Nut Butter Filled Energy Bars:  Clif Bars are a classic when you think of energy bars. We’ve personally never been too keen on the original version, as they have a long(ish) ingredient list and tend to taste kind of chalky (in our opinions). However, an exception to this is their organic Nut Butter line, which is drool-worthy. Our personal favorite is the Coconut Almond Butter filled bar.

2. Trail mix

When we only bring one snack it is usually trail mix. This go-to snack is perfect for hiking because it’s portable, calorie and protein-dense, satisfying, and easy to make or buy. Plus, it comes in a variety of flavors and mixtures, so there’s a trail mix for everyone! 

We like making trail mix because it’s cheaper and less wasteful (fill up at the bulk section of the grocery store!). Plus, we can try new flavor combinations!

Here are some trail mix recipe ideas:

Chocolate Cherry Trail Mix

• Dried cherries (or dried cranberries)
• Dark chocolate chunks and/or cacao nibs
• Dried coconut 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Lover’s Trail Mix

• Honey-roasted peanuts
• Salted peanuts
• Reese’s Pieces
• Dark chocolate chunks

Savory Trail Mix

• Wasabi peas
• Smoked almonds
• Salted cashews 
• Mini pretzels

Morning Buzz Trail Mix

• Chocolate covered espresso beans
• Hazelnuts 
• Raisins 
• Banana chips 

If you don’t have the time to make your own trail mix, Trader Joe’s has a lot of good options!

Maybe you like to enjoy your fruit and nuts separately. It’s alright, we won’t judge. Well, we won’t judge too much. 

But regardless, if you only like nuts (hmm, maybe I should rephrase that) … Nuts are great on their own too. 

Here are some of our favorite ways to bring them hiking:

• Savory nut mix (recipe above)
• Chocolate covered nuts, for you sweet tooths!
• Pistachios (But don’t be that person and throw your shells on the trial. Pack ‘em out!)
• Honey roasted peanuts

Are you planning to stay overnight? Check out our ultimate list of one-pot camping meals to help you prepare the food for your next outdoor adventure!

4. Fresh Fruit

Packing fresh fruit is always a good choice, as it is a natural way to bring your blood sugar up when you’re feeling low on energy or lightheaded. 

Here are some of our favorite fruits to pack:

Just be sure you bring a trash back to pack out the organic waste (like apple cores and orange peels)!

5. Dried fruit

Dried fruits are a favorite for many hikers because not only will they deliver a good dose of natural sugar (perfect for when you’re feeling faint), but they are lightweight, calorie-dense, and won’t spoil.

Here are some of our favorite dried fruits to pack:

• Apricots (we love them paired with salted almonds!)
• Cranberries

Insider Tip: Trader Joes and Costco both have great selections of dried fruits, as do many grocery stores that have a bulk foods section.

6. Fruit Leather

Yet another way to carry your fruit with you! Fruit “leathers” are essentially the grown-up version of fruit roll-ups, and they typically are made with simple ingredients like dried fruit and juice.

The benefit of fruit leathers is they are very portable and they don’t spoil.

Easy to snack on, granola has a mix of complex carbs, healthy fats, and sugar. We really like the almond butter granola from Trader Joe’s because it has 5 grams of protein, simple ingredients, and has large clusters, making it perfect for snacking on the go.

8. Tuna or Salmon packets

For a big punch of protein, bring a packet of tuna or salmon for a substantial snack. We aren’t crazy about tuna on its own, but mixed with some salt and pepper or Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel seasoning, it’s pretty darn good! 

This lightweight spice container makes it easy to season your trail food without adding much weight!

Enjoy your seasoned tuna/salmon with crackers, veggie sticks, a tortilla, or a sweet potato! It might sound weird, but if you pack a sweet potato, all you need to do is whip out your multi-tool cut thin slices that look like chips. Spread the tuna on top and voila – you have a tasty, high-protein snack that has a healthy mix of starchy carbs.

Insider tip: Instead of bringing a can (which is bulky and requires a can opener), opt for a lightweight packet, like this one. 

9. Peanut butter filled pretzels

If you’re looking for an easy sweet-and-salty snack, look no further! Peanut butter-filled pretzels are a good way to get protein and energy. Bonus points for that satisfying crunch!

10. Banana or plantain chips

Which will you choose: Sweet banana or its more savory cousin, the plantain?

Either way, the benefit of banana chips is that they are sturdier than your typical potato chip, so they’re less likely to become chip dust by the time you’re ready to eat them. All that crunchy satisfaction without the worry of crushing them!

11. Nut butter

Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter… what’s your jam?! Speaking of jam, why not make it a PB&J? Eat it with an apple. Or on a banana (+ chocolate chips, you’re welcome!). Spread it on crackers, eat it with a spoon! 

As you can see from our ramblings, nut butter is super versatile and packed with protein, healthy fats, and calories to keep your energy levels up on any hiking trip.

We try to reduce the amount of packaging we use as much as possible, so while single-use packets are undeniably convenient for hiking, we prefer to bring a small container that we fill from our larger jar of nut butter in order to cut back on waste.

12. Veggies & hummus

Get your (healthy) crunch on with a combo of veggie sticks and hummus, the latter of which has a healthy mix of protein, fats, carbs, and fiber to keep you satiated and energized. 

We like to bring a mix of carrot sticks, celery, jicama (so good!), and snap peas. And our go-to hummus flavors are cilantro jalapeño and roasted red pepper. What’s your favorite combo?

13. Cheese & crackers

Oh, the good old fashioned combo of cheese + crackers. It’s pretty damn hard to beat if you ask us. 

We’re suckers for the “Everything Crackers” from Trader Joe’s and any aged cheese, like a sharp white cheddar, Swiss, or a smoked Gouda. Feeling classy already!

Insider Tip: If you’re planning to bring anything that requires refrigeration (like cheese!), pack a frozen protein bar next to what you’re trying to keep cool. The frozen protein bar will serve as an “ice pack”, and will be ready to eat when it thaws. Just be sure to eat the perishable item first. 

Psst! If you are craving cheese but don’t like the idea of it being unrefrigerated for a while, Cheese Whisps are a good alternative. Lightweight, portable and super crunchy, they’ll give you the satisfaction of eating cheese, but don’t require the fuss of the regular stuff. 

14. Beef jerky / meat sticks 

A hiking snack classic, it’s hard to beat the portability and high protein punch of cured meat. 

If you’d prefer not to buy an entire bag, EPIC is a brand that makes meat bars… which is better than it sounds. They have all types of meats – like venison, turkey and wild boar – and artisanal flavors like sriracha and apple bacon.

15. Oatmeal (with protein!)

If you think you’ll want a snack that really “sticks” with you, packing oatmeal can be a good idea. It’s an especially good option on early morning hikes, or in colder weather when you’ll want a little warm-up.

Pack a thermos of hot water (you won’t need much), and either those single-serving oatmeal packets, or make your own high-powered oatmeal by combining the ingredients below in a bag:

• Quick-cooking oats
• Brown sugar
• Dash of sea salt
• Vanilla protein powder (optional)
• Freeze-dried raspberries (optional)
• Chia seeds (optional)

Psst! Use the remaining hot water to make coffee, hot cocoa, or a hot toddy (no judgment here!).

16. Hard-boiled egg

Healthy and packed with protein and good-for-you fats, hard-boiled eggs make a good snack. Personally, we prefer only to pack them if we know we’ll be eating them shortly after starting our hike – it’s not the kind of food we really like to have sit around in a backpack for a while. 

Also, in our opinion, hard-boiled eggs are much more enjoyable with a bit of salt and pepper, so we either pack a small bag with seasoning, a backpacking spice container, or a couple of those teeny packets they have at fast food joints. 

17. Hemp Heart Bites

Have you tried hemp? If you haven’t you’ve gotta taste it! With a nutty, slightly sweet flavor, this superfood packs in a ton of protein and Omega 3 & 6. While hemp hearts are easy to sprinkle on salads or smoothies, they are kind of hard to snack on, that is until we discovered these Hemp Heart Bites. Super portable and nutrient-dense, they make a great hiking snack!

18. Aussie Bites

While these tasty little treats could fool a child into calling them “mini muffins”, they pack quite a nutritional punch. 

Made with all organic ingredients like rolled oats, flax seeds, dried apricots, coconut, quinoa, and chia seeds, these are a far better alternative than packing, say, a chocolate chip cookie, yet it’ll give you that same “dessert” satisfaction!

You can find these babies in bulk at Costco, or you can bake your own copycat version by following this recipe !

19. Crispy chickpeas

High in protein and carbs, and with zero sugar, chickpeas are a healthy snack, whether hiking or not. The easiest way to enjoy them on the go is when they’re roasted. 

You can make them yourself (pretty easily), or you can buy them from the store ! They come in a variety of flavors, and can be a good addition to a savory trail mix!

20. DIY Energy balls

If you feel like channeling your inner Betty Crocker, you could whip up a batch of no-bake energy balls to take with on your hike.

We’ve done a lot of experimenting with energy balls, and here’s our favorite recipe we’ve come up with:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup almond butter (or substitute for peanut butter)
• 1/2 cup ground flax seed
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
•  ¼ cup mini chocolate chips + ¼ cup cacao nibs (or simply 1/2 cup chocolate chips)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl, and roll into small bite-sized balls. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before taking on your hike (overnight if possible). Pack them in a container so they won’t get smushed. 

21. Dark Chocolate

For those intense cravings that just can’t be satisfied any other way, packing a small bar of dark chocolate might just be a sweet reward you need for the summit (or end of your .5-mile loop!).

Just be sure chocolate isn’t your only snack on a big hike. It’s gonna taste oh so good, but you’ll crash after consuming lots of sugar with no protein, complex carbs or fiber to balance it out. 

Insider Tip: If you’re hiking in hot weather, freeze the chocolate bar the night before so it won’t melt so quickly.

And if you don’t want to pack a bar of chocolate, a good alternative are these addictive chocolate-covered berry bites . Add them into your trail mix or enjoy them on their own for a sweet reward!

While not exactly the most lightweight or low-maintenance of the snacks on this list, this is certainly one of the most satisfying. If you’re planning to hike over the lunch hour , why not pack a wrap to look forward to!? If you prefer traditional bread, go the sandwich route, but we like wraps because they are a bit more portable and don’t get soggy as quickly.

Start with a tortilla or naan and top it with a protein like deli meat, eggs, or hummus. Add in veggies for freshness, and something to tie it all together, like stone-ground mustard, hummus, guac, mayonnaise or guacamole. 

Wrap in tin foil or place in a container that won’t get easily squashed.

23. Bao Bites Superfruit Snacks

Basically an adult version of fruit snacks, these gummy bites are sweet, chewy and delicious, but are also made with real ingredients. They’re a healthier alternative to processed sugar-packed treats like gummy worms, but are still crave-worthy.

Bonus Snacks!

On a really intense day hike or trail run, you may want to pack the following items. (You won’t need these for short or easy day hikes.)

24. Electrolytes

While not really a snack per se, we sometimes bring electrolyte tabs with us on a longer hike. Our favorite brand we’ve found is Nuun. They are very portable (think a tablet that kind of looks like a Tums), and you pop one in your water and let it dissolve. The best part is they taste better than any other brand we’ve tried. 

Replenishing your electrolyte level can take you from feeling super run-down, lightheaded and nauseous to ready to conquer that summit. 

25. Energy chews

While these aren’t things we consume regularly, they can be good to pack on long and intense hikes or trail runs. The two we would pick are Honey Stinger Energy Chews and Skratch Labs Energy Chews for their simple ingredients. 

• Think about the weight of the food you’re packing. Go with foods that are dense (nuts, dried fruit, beef jerky) so you can pack less weight overall.
• Choose snacks that don’t need to stay refrigerated if possible. We do have a couple of chilled items on this list and some “hacks” to help them stay cold on your hike.
• Pack snacks that you’re excited about! There’s not really a point in watching your calories super closely and limiting yourself on a hike. And similarly, if a chalky-tasting protein isn’t going to bring you much satisfaction. So while there are some nutrition “rules” to consider, the best hiking snack for you is going to come down to personal preference.
• Eat a balanced meal before your hike. Starting a hike on an empty stomach is asking for an unpleasant experience. So is having a high-sugar or super greasy breakfast, both of which will surely lead to a crash during your hike. Plan ahead and have a balanced breakfast like eggs, whole-grain toast, and avocado; or oatmeal, nut butter, and berries.

Are you a hiking enthusiast looking for the latest gear to add to your wishlist? Check out our extensive list of gifts for hikers to find some unique inspiration!

Hiking Snacks and Leave No Trace

We have a feeling we’re preaching to the choir here, but this is very important, so listen up:

PACK OUT EVERYTHING YOU HIKE IN.

This obviously applies to wrappers. (I don’t think we need to explain why.)

And yes, this applies to apple cores, orange peels, pistachio shells, and all the other stuff that people think, “Oh, it’s natural, it’ll just decompose so I can throw it into the woods.” 

Here’s why that’s not a good idea: Animals that are not meant to ever come in contact with banana peels, for instance, may start eating them. Hey, it smells appetizing, after all! This can become a big problem, not only for their digestive systems (which may not be able to handle “people food”), but also because over time, fruit peels can start attracting wildlife to come closer to the trails and have more human interaction than is safe for both the animal and for people. 

It’s not that difficult to put your apple core into a bag and dispose of it properly. 

Our advice: Pack a baggie! When hiking, we usually bring a silicone (reusable) baggie with us to keep our fruit peels for composting later. It’s also handy for any wrappers, twist ties, etc.

Read up on the 7 principles of Leave No Trace before you head out on your next hike!

More responsible hiking tips: 

• Pick up litter: Go beyond just packing out your own trash! We usually carry a larger bag — usually one we find on the ground — and we try to pick up any trash we see along the trail. And if we don’t have a bag handy, we just stick any litter in the water bottle pouch on our backpacks and dispose of it when we find a trash can.  It requires minimal effort on our end, yet think of how big a difference would be made if even just 10% of the people on trails picked up some rubbish. 
• Avoid using trail trash cans: If possible, avoid throwing trash into the bins along trails. Often times, these get overfilled and require rangers to trek out the trash, which may not happen all that often. Obviously it’s better to put trash in these bins than throwing it on the ground. But if you have the ability to hike your waste out, that’s always a better option.

You may also like…

• The Ultimate Guide to What to Wear Hiking in Every Season
• Top 50 Hikes in Washington State
• One-Pot Camping Meals to Easily Prepare for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
• USA National Park Checklist & Guide

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We want to hear from you!

What is your favorite hiking snack? Comment below with your favorite hiking snacks or which foods from the list look best to you!

4 thoughts on “ 25 Best Hiking Snacks: Healthy & Delicious Trekking Food ”

These are great ideas! I always end up bringing the same-old granola bars for the kids on hikes. I love the variety of suggestions here.

Haven’t been camping in years and finally having the time to go to the Adirondack mts.

Awesome post! Just what I needed. I’m trying to do more long hikes and backpacking trips before the weather gets colder, and this is great info for what to eat!

Thank you for the useful and interesting information. The list is quite large.

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21 best hiking snacks that will fuel even the toughest trails.

Hello friends – Mikaela here with another post about my two favourite topics: outdoor adventures and food. To the uninitiated (i.e. my boyfriend prior to meeting me), hiking is ‘just walking’ and not a serious form of exercise. Who cares what snacks we bring? Oh, how they couldn’t be more wrong.

Hiking can be a strenuous activity and it’s important we stay fueled throughout the duration of the hike. If you don’t you may get cranky and lightheaded from low blood sugar or hunger pains.

So to help you avoid all that, in this blog post I’ll be going over what makes a good hiking snack and a list of the best hiking snacks . We’ll go beyond the obvious (trail mix) and touch on some creative foods to mix things up. What foods had you not thought of? Any you’d add? Let me know in the comments!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support is much appreciated! You can learn more by reading my full disclosure .

What to Consider When Choosing Hiking Snacks

Not all hiking snacks are created equal. There are a few considerations you should keep in mind when packing your backpack.

While hiking may not have the sudden burst of intense energy like squash or wrestling, it is a full-body activity that will draw on your energy resources substantially. I track my hikes with a fitness tracker and found that on some hikes I’m burning up to 600 calories an hour, for each hour of the hike.

All that to say, you’re going to want to pack hiking snacks that are calorically dense. This is especially true if you’re on a full-day hike or a backpacking trip. Look for dense foods (like protein bars) or food with a high-fat content (like nuts). These foods will give you sustained energy over the course of your hike, but what if you need immediate energy?

Immediate Energy

Also consider snacks with a high glycemic index. The ‘glycemic index’ measures different foods for their effect on raising your blood sugar. Food will have a high glycemic if it raises your blood sugar quickly (i.e. dates) and a low glycemic index if it raises your blood sugar slowly (i.e. sweet potato).

I like to always have a snack with a high glycemic index to eat when I feel energy levels crashing. My favourite foods for this are dates, dried pineapple and dried mango. When I feel my energy dropping, like when it’s really hot out and we have one more final push to the top of a mountain, I’ll eat some of these. They give my blood sugar a quick spike, giving me an energy jolt and the fuel I need to reach the top.

Sugary drinks and candy bars will also raise your blood sugar quickly, but consider the nutritional value of the hiking snacks you’re packing. Vitamin and mineral content might not directly impact your performance the day of the hike, but they will impact your general health over time and contribute to how you feel on hikes in the future.

And since hiking can be very calorie intensive, it can be tempting to pack a lot of unhealthy treats and sweets. However, many of these food items (like chips, chocolate bars and pop) have harmful chemicals in them that accumulate in your body (google the effects of ’emulsifiers’ and you’ll never look at a chocolate bar the same again!).

On a full-day hike or a backpacking trip, every pound matters. Consider the weight of the snacks you’re packing relative to the calories they provide.

Last but certainly not least, bring hiking snacks you genuinely enjoy eating. Hiking can be hard work and you don’t want to get halfway through a challenging hike and realize you have nothing tasty to look forward to eating. I love bringing dark chocolate and these cocoa coconut balls. They satisfy my calorie and energy requirements while being enjoyable to eat. If you aren’t a sweet tooth, you can bring tasty savoury snacks like beef jerky, cheese or crackers.

21 Best Hiking Snacks

Oh trail mix, the OG hiking snack. Trail mix is as diverse as the landscape itself. You can buy prepackaged trail mix or make your own. Personally, I love making my own with almonds, cashews, peanuts and chocolate chips. I also like the trail mix you find at bulk foods stores that are all seeds and dried fruit.

Protein / Energy Bars

There are easily hundreds of different types of protein / energy bars available. There are plenty of excellent ones… and some that aren’t so great. Try to find one that has a balanced amount of protein, fat and sugar – some bars will be crazy high in protein (beyond what most people need) or have a ton of added sugar. Here are a few I like:

• GoMarco Bars
• Clif Bars (cool mint is my favourite)

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is one of my favourite things to bring on a hike. It’s got lots of healthy fats, antioxidants and is very tasty. I typically bring Zimt chocolate because it’s made locally with all-natural, organic ingredients and tastes delicious.

Chips and Guacamole

This snack requires a little effort but is an excellent way to get those healthy fats in during a hike. The night before your trip, prepare some guacamole (white onion, tomato, avocado, line juice, salt and pepper). You can also buy pre-made guacamole, but I don’t find it takes as good. Pack a bag of your favourite chips (I like black bean tortilla chips and plantain chips).

Tip : Pack the guacamole in a plastic bag and force as much air out of the bag as possible. Don’t open the bag between packing the guac and eating it on your hike. This will minimize the browning of the avocado.

There aren’t a lot of options for shelf-stable and easily packable meat, but this is one area where beef jerky shines. High in protein, fat and salt, beef jerky is great for sustained energy and a tasty alternative to the normally carb-heavy hiking snacks readily available. This nutrition profile is what makes beek jerky one of the best backpacking snacks.

Pepperettes

The sister to beef jerky, pepperettes are another meat that is easy to pack and doesn’t need to be refrigerated while you’re hiking.

Hands down, dates are one of the best hiking snacks because of their insane glycemic index (I believe they have the highest of any natural food). I always pack a bag of dates on hikes and camping trips for when I need an immediate pick-me-up. No matter when you’re energy levels are, a handful of dates will liven you up!

I think of granola like grain-based trail mix. There are a ton of different varieties, though most of them are composed of oats, nuts or seeds and something sweet, like chocolate or dried fruit. High in both quick sugars and complex carbohydrates, granola keeps you fueled for hours.

Bonus : You can make this cereal by packing some powdered milk. Simply add water to the powdered milk and stir, then add in the granola. Bam!

Cashew Clusters

1000% my favourite snack right now is Cashew Clusters from Costco. I can’t even articulate why or how these things are so tasty. In addition to cashews, the clusters also have almonds and pumpkin seeds. I’m not sure what holds it all together (corn syrup, probably), but it’s the perfect balance between sweet and salty. Try them at least once – you won’t be disappointed.

Dried Fruit

I’d consider dried fruit to be the runner-up to dates. They also have a high glycemic index and will provide quick energy to fuel you up the last leg of the mountain. My favourites are dried mango and dried pineapple, but I also enjoy strawberries, blueberries, peaches, bears and apple slides. You can buy dried fruit in stores (though check the ingredients because a lot have added sugars and chemicals). Or you can dehydrate fruit in the oven – it’s more effort but way more economical.

Read more : How to Dehydrate Food for Camping Meals (without a dehydrator)

Another classic hiking snack are apples. They’re tasty, nutritious, easy to pack and won’t squish in your backpack. They’re great for day hiking, but I wouldn’t recommend apples for backpacking snacks because of how bulky they are. Though you could dehydrate apple slices and those would be great for backpacking!

If you are packing an apple, please do not throw your apple core into the forest! Either each the apply core (yes, you can actually eat the core!) or bring a bag to pack out it out.

Veggies and Dip

Although this isn’t a high calorie or energy intensive snack, it is nutricious. I like sliced cucumber, red pepper and carrots. Add in a little ranch dressing… yum. Or, next time you order pizza, order a few extra dipping sauces and save them for your hike. Suddenly eating raw vegetables isn’t so bad!

Ants on a Log

Did anyone else eat Ants on a Log as a kid? Despite the questionable name, they are actually delicious (and I still like it now). Basically, you cover a celery stick with peanut butter (or any nut butter) and stick some raisons on top (or chocolate chips, if you’re weird like me).

Koukla Coconut Macaroons

These Koukla Coconut Macaroons are one of my favourite hiking snacks right now. They’re made with dates, cocoa powder, coconut and maple syrup… and they are delicious. Plus, the ingredients are all-natural and organic.

Charcuterie Board

Grab some prosciutto, sliced cheese, crackers and grapes to make your own charcuterie board. Once you’ve reached the peak, waterfall or viewpoint, you can assemble your board and feast while you rest. Hands down this is the fanciest snack to bring on a hike.

If you want something you can eat on the go, you could wrap pieces of cheese in prosciutto and store them in a plastic bag. This makes it really easy to eat.

I was on one trip (canoeing, not hiking, so we could bring way more stuff) and look at this board we made – get creative!

Tuna and Crackers

Tuna and crackers are an excellent hiking snack because they combine healthy fats, protein and quick carbs together for an immediate and prolonged energy boost. You can make your own tuna spread with canned tuna, a little mayonnaise and chopped celery and green onion. You can also buy Tuna Snack Kits which have tuna spread and crackers all in a quick-grab package.

Hummus and Crackers

Similar to the above, but instead of tuna spread, it’s hummus! Again, you can make your own hummus (or transfer store-bought hummus into a smaller container) or you can buy individually packaged hummus snacks with crackers. Hummus is one of my favourite foods (on a hike or in life) so this is one of my most common hiking snacks.

Fruit Leather

If you have a copy of my backcountry cookbook , you’ll know that fruit leather is one of my favourite snacks. You can buy fruit leather in stores (Fruit on the Go, for example) or you can make your own. I make mine by dehdydrating apple sauce in the oven. Sometimes I’ll add cinnamon and nutmeg to mix things up a bit. However you get yours, fruit leather is a tasty snack that’ll give you a quick boost of energy (though it isn’t very filling).

Stroopwaffle

I first tried Stroopwaffles in Amsterdam a few years ago and my mind was blown. These dutch treats are “syrup waffles” made from two wafers held together with a caramel filling. And holy crap, they are addictive. You can now find them in stores across North America and they make for a great hiking treat. They’re calorie-dense, tasty and provide a quick hit to the blood sugar. So. Good.

Cheese Crisps

I recently tried Moon Cheese on one of my hikes and was quite impressed. I was a bit confused – how can cheese be crispy? Well, here is what my research revealed: “using a patented dehydrating process that combines radiant heat and vacuum drying technology – which can be best described as ‘crunchifying'”. Whatever that means.

I’ve also tried Whisps , which are like crackers made from oven-dried cheese. They are also really tasty.

In both cases, you’re getting a tasty snack high in protein and healthy fats, and low in carbs (if you’re eating Keto, this is a good snack for you).

Bonus: Summit Beers

When you’ve reached the summit (or waterfall, veiwpoint, whatever) it can be so satifying to pull out a can of beer . cider / mixed drink. Double check you’re allowed to bring alcohol and cans to the location of the hike before you do, though. Some places have restrictions.

I do wish I had an easy way of keeping drinks cold throughout the hike, but I’m usually too tired to be that picky!

Alternative : For an alcohol-free alternative, I love packing a bottle of komboucha for the viewpoint of a hike.

How to Pack Hiking Snacks

Minimize packaging.

Many of the hiking snacks mentioned in this post will come in their own packaging. If you (like me) are trying to reduce your plastic consumption, consider making your own snacks from scratch rather than buying individually packaged snacks (homemade protein bars, jerky and fruit leather). You can pack these items in tupperware containers or reusable bags. I really like Stasher bags . They’re made from silicone and free of plastic, and they’re more durable than plastic bags. You can throw them in the dishwasher when you’re back from your hike and they’ll be clean and ready to use on your next hike.

Pack Out Garbage

If you do bring individually wrapped snacks on your hike, please remember to pack out what you pack in. (This is also true for ‘organic waste’ – don’t through apple cores or orange peels in to the forest!).

Hiking Snacks – Final Thoughts

I hope you have enjoyed this blog post and have a little inspiration for what snacks to bring on your next hike! If you’re interested in reading more about backcountry food, check out any of the posts below!

Canoe Camping Meals: 10 Easy Canoe Trip Recipes

Best Hiking Lunches: 16 Easy, Delicious & Creative Hiking Food Ideas

Campfire Bannock Recipe: The Easiest Way to Make Backcountry Bread

Mikaela | Voyageur Tripper

Mikaela has been canoeing, hiking and camping for over ten years. She previously worked as a canoeing guide in Canada, and spent a season guiding hiking and kayaking tours in the high Arctic. Mikaela is a Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician.

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Home » Budget Travel » The Best Hiking Snacks For Your Next Hike

The Best Hiking Snacks For Your Next Hike

Is there anything better than a challenging yet refreshing hike? I think not.

After all, there’s nothing quite like an invigorating hike to escape from the daily grind and immerse yourself in nature – not to mention all those hidden gems you’ll uncover along the way.

Unlike longer backpacking trips, you get to return home for a much-needed snooze in your own bed at the end of the day. Talk about a win-win situation, eh?

Now, there’s no denying that hiking can be quite a strenuous activity, so it’s super important to stay properly fueled up. The thing is, not all hiking snacks were created equally . While some are positively loaded with sugars (the kind that may really weigh you down!), others feature a more nutritious and balanced blend of ingredients.

Whether you’re a novice, or an experienced hiker, the sheer abundance of hiking snacks out there can be somewhat confusing… but fret not; I’ve got your back. Below, I’ve rounded up my FAVORITE healthy snacks to see you through the deepest valleys and highest mountains.

So, let’s check them out amigo.

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What Makes a Good Snack

How to pack snacks, my favorite snack recommendations, leave no trace.

Let’s skip the jargon-filled scientific terms that experts throw around to discuss nutrition and meals. A good snack is one that gives you sufficient calories to conquer that hike without risking a fainting spell.

You should know that even beginner-friendly hiking can burn up to 400 calories per hour at times. As such, you really want to opt for something that’ll replenish your energy while you’re hitting those trails.

Here are some attributes that you may wish to keep in mind to ensure that you’ve got a good snack.

Believe it or not, high-altitude snacks differ from regular ones. Imagine you’re hiking a big volcano in Indonesia . You’re body will most likely burn up your meals within just a couple of hours, so you’ll need to pack some mini brunches to keep your energy levels up.

Think light yet nutritiously dense products like jerky and other dried meats, dark chocolate, bananas, as well as trail mixes. For longer climbs (7+ hours), I would also throw in some energy gels and hydration tablets for good measure!

Unlike other sports like squash, hiking isn’t immediately followed by sudden bursts of energy which is why novice hikers tend to underestimate how much energy they’re actually using.

To begin with, I would highly recommend that you keep an eye on your fitness stats during your hike, ideally with an outdoor watch . If you’re burning 500 calories or more per hour, it’s crucial to ensure that your hiking snacks are calorically dense.

Favor high-fat and dense foods like nuts, dried fruits, and bars.

If you’re a novice hiker embarking on a super strenuous hike, it can be quite tempting to stuff all your favorite food in your hiking backpack . I know I did!

The thing about a hodge-podge assortment of snacks though is that you’ll really start feeling the weight of your backpack halfway through the hike.

Unlike longer backpacking trips, you don’t necessarily need to stick to super lightweight items, but it’s a good idea to ensure that your backpack weighs between 15 and 25 pounds.

I like to weigh everything, including food- especially if I’m planning longer hikes. The general rule of thumb for a good snack is to aim for 100 calories per ounce of food.

Light Packing

Light packing means less weight! More importantly, the less packing that you take out on the tracks, the less trash you’ll have to carry back with you after your hike.

Avid hikers may wish to buy their snacks in bulk and portion them out for their hike.

We only have one Earth, and as the privileged few who get to travel around it freely, we have a responsibility to keep it  clean.  Your hike can be zero-waste , and one of the most impactful eco-travel strategies is embracing reusable containers.

Disposable packaging isn’t just notorious for the environment, but you may accidentally leave something like cling fling wraps or plastic bottle caps behind which may be dangerous for the local wildlife.

Personally, I’m a massive fan of reusable silicone baggies like Stasher . Not only are they quite easy to clean but they come in a wide range of colors and sizes – the perfect replacement for single-use packaging!

For more delicate and smaller hiking snacks like sandwiches or pieces of fresh fruit, I would recommend that you opt for reusable hardshell containers . Seek out containers equipped with locking mechanisms to prevent any spills in your backpack.

Venturing out on the tracks on a hot, humid day? Then be sure to grab a reusable ice pack or a soft-sided cooler. The ice pack will certainly add a bit of weight, but if you’ve got some extra space to spare, believe me when I say you’ll enjoy chugging down an ice-cold drink mid-trail!

As you hike more frequently, you’ll learn more about your snack preferences and packing techniques. My advice to you, however, is to pack light and bring along snacks you genuinely enjoy – ones that you’ll eagerly devour on the trail.

Forget just nutritional value—bring along snacks you actually enjoy!

It’ll be a thrilling adventure and you need something to keep you fueled. What better companion than your favorite snack to keep you going strong?

Let’s check out 11 scrumptious snacks to take on your hike . These are the kind of food that’ll provide you with ample energy to explore all those glorious sights!

Stroopwafel

Okay, here’s one that (literally) takes the cake as far as energy-laden snacks are concerned. I first tried this pastry during my backpacking trip to the Netherlands years ago and it was positively mind-blowing!

Now, I don’t really recommend that you stuff your day pack with cookies, but this one is an exception to the rule, which is why it’s the snack of choice for experienced hikers and athletes. The thin baked dough joined together by honey or caramel filling act has a similar effect as an energy gel which provides an instant blood sugar boost. The decadent taste is an added bonus!

Fair warning though: stopping at one may be an issue because those babies are seriously addictive.

Fruit Leather

Ah, the holy grail of hiking snacks!

Not only are they extremely light and portable but the main advantage of fruit leather is that you’ll get to enjoy the taste of fresh fruit without having to clean up any pits or peels. They also have a shelf life of up to 9 months and hold well in just about every type of weather.

If you’ve got some time to spare, I would recommend that you make your own fruit leather using a good-quality dehydrator.

Summit Snickers

Or any kind of candy bar for that matter! Candy bars are especially great for more strenuous expeditions like mountain trekking or any kind of alpine adventure where you really need the sugar rush.

You may wish to bring a couple of ice packs when hiking in warmer climates. A little trick of mine is to freeze the candy bars ahead of time so they don’t melt.

Here’s another great snack for a quick fix of electrolytes and sugar!

Clif Shot Bloks look and taste just like soft jubes that are quite easy to eat on the go. I found that these are great for preventing those notorious exhaustion episodes that feel like you’ve hit a brick wall- something that experienced hikers know very well.

That usually happens when your glycogen levels go down which can lead to you feeling weak, shaky, or even faint. I found that the Margarita-flavored one is especially great for those weak spells since it’s packed with carbs, electrolytes, and extra salt. Other flavors like Tropical Punch feature 25mg of caffeine for some extra energy.

I know, I know. This is more of a hydration tab than an actual snack but hear me out…

Anyone who’s even hiked with the sun beating down their backs knows how quickly you can become dehydrated with the sweat positively pouring out of your pores!

This is why I can totally vouch for Nuun tablets, especially if hiking in hotter months.

Unlike other hiking snacks, Nuun tablets provide heaps of minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes without any carbs or sugars. They’re also devoid of color dyes and provide a nice fuzzy effect when added to your water.

Charcuterie Board

Who says that hiking can’t be fancy? If you ask me, there’s nothing quite like treating yourself to some yummy charcuterie once you’ve reached the viewpoint, waterfall, or summit!

All you need to do is grab your favorite grapes, cheeses, and prosciutto (or any other cured meats that tickle your fancy) and just assemble everything once you’ve reached your destination.

You may wish to opt for dense and hard cheeses like aged cheddar and smoked gouda. Throw in a few handfuls of dark chocolate chips and nuts and you’ve got yourself the perfect recovery snack!

Just a tip though : leave the actual board at home and grab a reusable container instead.

Jerky has to be one of the most popular snacks for hiking- and there’s a good reason for that!

Dried meats like turkey or beef jerky are positively packed with proteins that’ll help you refuel and push on. They’re also quite high in sodium, perfect for replenishing the salt and minerals that you’ll lose through sweating.

Just a quick heads-up though: as delicious as they are, jerky will definitely make you thirstier than usual. Don’t go overboard with it.  

Here’s one that needs no introduction! The name of it is literally TRAIL MIX.

The hiker’s snack by excellence, trail mix combines just about everything you need when indulging in any form of strenuous activity: lightweight, nutritious, and easy to store.

Most trail mixes contain a standard blend of nuts, assorted dried fruits, and granola. Some mixes can also contain chocolate and yogurt drops, but I wouldn’t recommend these if the weather’s hot since they can melt and just turn into a gloopy mess!

Trail mix is a standard staple at most grocery stores, but to cut back on costs, you can always mix and match your favorite ingredients to make your own customized hiking snacks!

Crackers unfortunately get a bad rap when it comes to hiking since most of them are quite delicate and can easily disintegrate in your backpack.

Personally, I’m partial to sturdier crackers that hold up well when packed properly. Trader Joe’s Mango/Ginger and Fig/Olive crisps are my absolute favorite.

You can also grab some dehydrated hummus and you’ve got yourself the ideal carbs-to-protein ratio!

Rest assured that you can always get traditional ones like Ritz crackers if you store them in a hard-shell container. AND bind them together with some peanut butter or honey to make them sturdier. You’re welcome!

Whether you choose cashew butter, almond butter, or plain ol’ peanut butter, these are always an excellent addition to your hiking gear ! These are not only calorie-dense, but they’re also super versatile.

If planning a family hike, you can always bring along the full jar to dip your veggies or crackers in. In fact, you can even get creative and bring along some celery sticks and raisins to make Ants on a Log.

 For ease of use, however, you can also consider small squeeze pouches like RX Nut Butter.

Protein Bars   

Protein bars are pretty self-explanatory! Be sure not to confuse them with energy bars though.

While these are designed to provide an instant boost of energy, protein bars have a lower cab-higher protein formula. In some cases, they can even be used as meal replacements.

The main advantage of protein bars, other than their fabulous portability, of course, is that they often have enough protein to help your muscles recover.  

Traditionally, these hiking snacks source their whey protein from dairy. Variations may include honey and eggs. Rest assured that it’s entirely possible to find plant-based ones made from nuts, seeds, beans, brown rice, and even peas.

Now that you’re informed about the best hiking snacks to sustain you on your hike, remember that the goal is to pack everything. And I do mean everything . That includes organic and perishable produce like fruit cores, peels, nuts, or even cookie crumbs.

Why, you ask? Well, that’s because any sort of food will attract wildlife. Local animals may start to associate food with humans – something that can be highly dangerous to both species. Additionally, even tiny bits of food left behind can damage the local ecology.

It’s also recommended that you pack a portable trash container or simply convert one of your larger snack containers into a trash box.

In fact, I would also encourage you to try and leave the trail cleaner than you found it. If there’s trash on your hiking track, consider picking it up even if it’s not yours.

Responsible travel requires minimal effort, but imagine the collective impact of these small actions if every hiker did them. Keep that in mind as you conquer the world!

• Explore these incredible hiking trails and unleash your inner adventurer!
• Pack all your gear and delish snacks in a solid hiking backpack .
• Be a responsible traveler and and leave the trail better than you’ve founded it.
• Our  killer guide to bikepacking will transform your adventure. Check it out!
• Check out the best filtered water bottles for travel, camping, hiking and surviving.
• Reduce your plastic footprint and leave a positive impact on the environment.

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Oumaima Haded

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27 Backpacking Snacks to Stay Fueled on the Trail

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Breakfast is what gets you out of your sleeping bag… dinner is what you look forward to once you kick off your hiking shoes… but SNACKS are the MVP that get you through the day!

Backpacking snacks are a huge component of your backpacking food strategy. They not only make up close to half of your daily calories, but they will be a huge morale booster on the trail.

Consistently fueling is the key to avoiding “hitting the wall” (you know the feeling: you’re dead tired, and every step forward is a battle of will). It’s recommended that you eat 30-60 grams of carbohydrates per hour to keep your energy level up and avoid bonking ( source ) .

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It’s also important to pack a variety of snacks for backpacking! The last thing you want out on the trail is to look into your food bag and realize you just can’t stomach one more of the same old bar you packed a dozen of.

In this post we are sharing dozens of our favorite backpacking snacks! Some are healthy, some not so much, but all are delicious and will leave you looking forward to the next handful.

1. Heather’s Choice Packaroons

Created by a backpacker in Alaska, Heather’s Choice Packaroons are a tasty and compact snack to stash in your bag. These coconut cookies come in flavors like Chocolate Espresso, Cherry Almond, and Mint Chocolate and are gluten-free and vegan-friendly. They pack 160 calories per ounce, giving them a great calorie-to-weight ratio, too!

2. Energy Bars

What would a list of backpacking snacks be without energy bars? There are dozens of brands and flavors on the market, so be sure to pack a wide variety. Don’t make my mistake of only packing your one “favorite” flavor for a long hike, because TRUST ME, it will not be your favorite for very long!

3. Energy Cookies

Bars can be hit-or-miss, but who doesn’t like cookies?! “Energy” cookies are a fun snack that can help mix things up. Check out Alpenfuel Trail Cookies in flavors like German Chocolate and “Monster” or Lenny & Larry’s protein-packed cookies and mini cookie pouches .

4. Nut Butter

Perfect paired with dried fruit or crackers—or enjoyed straight out of the pouch! Nut butter contains fats and protein, and you can find it in a bunch of flavors, too. You can usually find these at the supermarket and Target.

5. Jerky and Meat Bars

Jerky and meat bars are another protein rich snack, perfect for backpacking. You can make your own jerky using a dehydrator, or there are tons of options at the grocery store. Meat bars tend to be less chewy than jerky and often have other tasty ingredients in them. We’re partial to EPIC bars and Wild Zora (especially the lamb flavor !).

6. Honey Stinger Waffles

Inspired by the Dutch stroopwafel, Honey Stinger’s waffles are layered with honey and made from organic ingredients. We think it’s a great morning snack with a second cup of instant coffee.

7. Energy Gummies

My first experience with “trail magic” was finding a packet of Honey Stinger Energy Chews in my bear canister that I definitely did not pack. I found them right when I was starting to lose steam—and they were the perfect energy booster at that moment! 

8. Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels

These snack-sized peanut butter-filled pretzels are one of our favorite trail snacks. Salty, crunchy, peanut buttery… these have it all!

Pair these with some nuts or cheese! On short overnight trips, you can get away with packing jarred olives in a zippered bag. On longer trips or in resupply boxes, you’ll want to pack individually sealed packets like Oloves , Valesco , or the “Just a Handful” packs from Trader Joe’s.

Cheese is another classic snack. Opt for hard or aged cheese which will last longer without refrigeration. Please use your own judgment, but according to the USDA , “as a general rule, hard cheeses such as cheddar, processed cheeses (American), and both block and grated Parmesan do not require refrigeration for safety.”

Or, to be completely safe, pack dried cheese snacks like Whisps or Trader Joe’s oven-baked cheese bites!

11. Trail Mix

You can get really creative making your own trail mix! Here are a bunch of trail mix ideas to get you started. Trail mix can be heavy, so wherever you can, opt for high-calorie nuts like macadamia, pecans, and walnuts. 

Put this in the “not-so-healthy” but “very effective” column. Not only is your favorite candy going to be a huge morale booster, but it’s also great for a quick hit of energy to help you tackle that steep climb to the summit. We like bringing these organic Black Forest Gummy Bears , and sour gummy candies are always a hit, too. Avoid things coated in milk chocolate since it’s liable to melt in warmer temperatures.

13. Hummus with Crackers

Powdered hummus is another great snack that can be enjoyed with crackers, pretzels, or dried veggie chips. You can often find powdered hummus in the bulk aisle, or you can make your own with a dehydrator! If you’re looking for convenience, check out these individual packets which come in a variety of flavors. Just add water, maybe a packet of olive oil, and enjoy!

14. Salami & Summer Sausage

Salami is another savory snack we always look forward to. We usually try to find smaller salamis since they fit better into our food storage. Thes bite-sized salamis are nice, and these German sausages will last a few days out of the fridge, and these preportioned salami bites come in mild and spicy versions. 

If you like summer sausage but don’t want to commit to a giant log, we recently came across these 5oz ones from Veremont Smoke & Cure, which are a great sharing size.

15. Yogurt Raisins

Yogurt-covered raisins are one of my favorite grocery store bulk bin snacks! They make the perfect little bite. One thing to note is that they can get melty in the heat, so you might want to skip these during sweltering summer days.

16. Sesame Seed Snaps

These sweet little sesame seed snap crackers are cheap and loaded with calories! They are the perfect size for stashing in your hip belt pockets.

17. Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is another classic backpacking snack. These can be found in grocery store bulk bins or in the snack aisle. Crunchy banana chips are a top pick since they have more calories per ounce than soft-dried fruit, and there are also tons of freeze-dried fruit options, which are not only a fun snack but also great to add to oatmeal in the morning for extra flavor.

18. Flavored Nuts

A handful of nuts is always an easy snack option. But, miles after miles of plain cashews might not cut it—which is why flavored nut mixes are great to have on hand! Think trail mix, without all the filler. Trader Joe’s has a lot of options (Thai Lime & Chili Cashews…mmmm), as does Sahale Snacks , Pear’s Snacks , and BobbySue’s Mixed Nuts .

19. Chocolate Waffle Cones 

Imagine the chocolate-filled bottom of a Drumstick ice cream cone… yep, that’s exactly what these Chocolate Waffle Cones are like. These came on my last backpacking trip, and they were the snacks I kept reaching for first! They come in dark chocolate , too!

20. Cookie Bites

I first picked these up at REI during a mid-shopping trip hunger crisis, and I’m so glad I did! These are basically freeze-dried cookie dough pieces and they are delicious. There is also a fudge brownie variety.

21. Wafer & Cream Cookies

Maybe not the typical item you’d see on a backpacking snack list, but I actually really loved these on my JMT hike. I think we brought a big bag of them, but you can find individually wrapped ones as well.

22. Mini Cookie Variety Packs

Maybe they aren’t as performance-souding as “energy cookies”, but you can’t go wrong with mini-sized childhood classics like Oreos and Nutter Butter cookies!

23. Annie’s Snack Packs

Another fun idea is Annie’s Snack Packs . With cheddar or graham bunnies, these are kid and adult-friendly.

24. Rice Krispies Treats Bars

I guess we are really leaning into the childhood nostalgia here, because up next are Rice Krispies Treat Bars ! Who didn’t love these crunchy and sweet treats? These come in individual portions for easy packing.

25. Fig Bars

Fig Newtons and Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are another halfway healthy but convenient snack, filled with fruit and whole grains. Just be sure to pack them at the top of your bear canister so they don’t get totally squished.

26. Trader Joe’s Mochi Rice Nuggets

If you have access to Trader Joe’s, run, don’t walk, and grab a package of these for your next backpacking trip! They are pretty sturdy, so they won’t crumble in your pack, have a good calorie-to-weight ratio, and are the perfect salty-crunchy bite.

27. Favorite Day Snack Mixes

If you’re more of a sweet snack kind of person vs. savory trail mix, these snack mixes are worth checking out: Cookie Dough Trail Mix , Peanut Butter Chocolate Trail Mix , and S’mores Trail Mix all sound like delightful additions to your snack menu.

Megan & Michael are the creators of Fresh Off The Grid, a blog dedicated to helping you fuel your adventures by sharing camp cooking recipes, backpacking meals, and outdoor travel guides. Their recipes and outdoor cooking expertise have been featured in Backpacker Magazine, Outside, REI Co-Op Journal, Food & Wine, and New York Times Cooking.

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23 Best Hiking Snacks: Ideas To Fuel Your Next Adventure

Are you planning a day hike but not sure about what exactly to eat? Let me help! I’m excited to share with you my list of the best hiking snacks that will keep you fueled all day so you can push through the hike without getting a sugar crash and even conquer Angel’s Landing!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Why choosing the right snacks matters.

At first, I’m sure many of us wouldn’t consider snacks essential for hiking , but they should be at the top of the list. You need the RIGHT fuel when engaging in any physical activity.

It’s important because a great hiking snack isn’t just a tasty treat – it’s a crucial source of nutrition that can help with endurance.

Choosing healthy hiking snacks (like nut butter & fresh fruit) can help ensure sustained energy levels throughout your hike, faster recovery times if you do experience fatigue or muscle soreness, and an overall more enjoyable experience (i.e., not making you feel weak in the knees when hiking through Bryce Canyon ).

When you’re out in nature, you want to be at your best; proper nutrition is a key factor in achieving that.

Hiking burns a lot of calories , so take the time to choose your snacks carefully and give yourself the fuel you need to make the most of your time in the great outdoors!

Personal Note

For me, having the right mix of healthy snacks also falls into the safety category. I’ve been in situations where my blood sugar dropped suddenly (I’m not diabetic.), and I started to get the shakes really bad, which then spiraled into anxiety because I began to feel out of control. And then the anxiety gets worse because you’re literally in the middle of nowhere. So yeah, for me, lots and lots of good quality hiking snacks are vital for feeling safe on the trail.

How Do You Determine What Makes A Good Hiking Snack?

Don’t overthink this. All you need to do is find the perfect balance between nutrition, convenience, tastiness, and a little bit of indulgence. Trust me, there’s tons of hiking snack options (even for picky eaters, like me).

Nutritional Value

Pay attention to your macros. A good hiker snack should be nutritionally dense, meaning it gives you a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.

These nutrients provide sustained energy, aid in muscle recovery, and keep you fueled for the duration of your hike.

Lightweight

When it comes to day hiking, the weight of your snacks isn’t as big a deal as it would be for a multi-day backpacking trip. However, since you’ll be carrying them with you throughout the hike, don’t pack like a whole cantaloupe or a bag of apples (you know what I mean).

Portability and Convenience

Hiking snacks need to be easy to carry and consumed on the go (i.e., should fit into your fanny pack ). Opt for lightweight, non-perishable snacks that can withstand various weather conditions.

Taste and Palatability

Basically, it doesn’t have to taste like dirt. Choose snacks with flavors you genuinely like, whether sweet, salty, or a combination of both.

A variety of tastes can also prevent flavor fatigue during long hikes. Bring something you’ll look forward to eating and use it as a reward when you reach the summit.

Hydration Contribution

Considering the importance of staying hydrated during a hike, some snacks can increase your fluid intake.

Water-rich fruits like watermelon or cucumber can be found at any local grocery store and are refreshing additions to keep you hydrated on the trail while also being totally yummy.

If it’s summer, I’d recommend eating those types of foods toward the beginning of your day so the hot weather doesn’t make them soggy and gross.

Burstiness for Energy

Burstiness refers to the quick surge of energy a snack provides. Good hiking snacks should have a mix of carbohydrates and fats to offer this burst of energy, especially during challenging sections of the hike.

Customization Options

For a personalized touch, consider snacks that you can make at home. Homemade trail mix bars , for example, help you to tailor the mix to your liking, ensuring you have the perfect combination of ingredients.

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Quick Bites for the Trail

1. trail mix magic.

Trail mix, a classic hiking companion, combines nuts, seeds, dried fruits , and sometimes chocolate for a delicious mix of flavors and textures. The key is its portability and the quick boost it provides.

Pro Tip! Make your own trail mix and skip the chocolate during summer hikes.

2. Protein-Packed Energy Bars

Protein bars make great hiking snacks because they’re compact and loaded with protein, which aids in muscle recovery. They’re also super convenient because they fit into small backpack pockets or fanny packs. Plus, there are lots of flavors to choose from.

One of my favorite snacks is Quest Nutrition’s Protein Bars because they’re loaded with protein and a whole lot of fiber. For a lighter treat, especially in summertime, I like the Luna Mini Bars in LemonZest flavor .

Pro Tip! When skiing or hiking in winter, choose your protein bar carefully because most of them freeze very quickly and turn hard as a rock. I’ve found that Clif Bars and RXBARs are great choices for cold-weather outdoor activities because, for some reason, they don’t freeze as fast as the Quest Protein Bars do (in my experience).

3. Homemade Granola Bars & Energy Bites

Whipping up homemade granola bars like ( chewy chocolate chip granola bars or peanut butter energy bites) gives you control over ingredients and ensures a tasty blend of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. These little powerhouses are perfect for a quick energy boost.

4. Power Cookies

Power cookies is a cross between a power bar and a cookie. They’re usually gluten-free, healthier, and loaded with all the good stuff that’ll sustain you on your hike.

Ingredients like chia seeds, nuts, rolled oats, cocoa chips, and natural peanut butter provide a well-balanced nutritional hiking snack.

Fresh and Fruity Options

5. dried fruit.

For a natural sweetness kick, dehydrated fruits like mango slices, apple chips, or banana chips are lightweight and easy to carry. They also offer essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins C and A, fiber, and even potassium, which help prevent cramps .

6. Fresh Fruit

Apples are durable little suckers. Throw a few in your backpack, and you’ll have a water-dense, fiber-rich, healthy snack. It’ll provide you with the perfect amount of natural sugar and carbs to give you a quick energy boost.

Combine apples with your favorite nut butter, and now you’re talking pure trail fuel magic!

Frozen Grapes are a classic snack for summertime day hikes. Surprisingly, they stay cold for a while. Put a bunch of them in your reusable snack pack and double it as an ice pack. Boom!

7. Fresh Veggies

Slicing up crisp cucumber and bell peppers are great snacks for hiking. These hydrating and crunchy veggies are refreshing and provide essential nutrients.

Cucumbers contain vitamins K and C, and bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, providing antioxidants that support immune function and overall well-being.

Both veggies contribute to your daily fiber intake, promoting digestive health while offering a low-calorie, crunchy hiking snack.

8. Fruit Leathers

Sounds tasty, right? Fruit leathers are delicious little treats that are lightweight and easy to pack. You can even make your own surprisingly easy.

Healthy Fats and Proteins for Hiking

9. nut butter packets.

Nut butter is 100% always my favorite go-to hiking snack , whether it’s almond, cashew, or peanut butter. You can spread it on crackers or fruit, make a killer sandwich, or just munch on it straight out of the pack.

It’s loaded with calories, so it’s a great energy boost without weighing you down. I love the tiny squeeze pouches, and I always carry several different packets of Justin’s Nut Butter no matter where I travel.

10. Nuts & Seeds

Pretty much every trail snack needs to include nuts and/ or seeds. Nuts are loaded with long-lasting protein and healthy fat.

Trader Joe’s is a great place to find a variety of fresh nut & seed options. Personally, I buy the individual packs from Walmart.

TJ’s is great, though, because they’re fairly inexpensive, but if you don’t have one in your area, other stores like Whole Foods, Target, Walmart, or your local grocery store will have some fresh nut options.

Pro Tip! For a really special treat, go for Marcona almonds because they’re skinless! It never fails. I always somehow choke on the thin little almond skins. It gets stuck in my throat, and I hate that! So, if I am able to splurge, I buy the Marcona almonds soaked in olive oil and sea salt . Yummy!

11. Tuna, Salmon, or Chicken Packets

If you’re going for a hike and need something substantial to eat, you should try ready-made tuna, salmon, or chicken packets.

They’re a great option because they don’t spoil easily . You can find them in different flavors like Buffalo Chicken or Herb & Garlic at pretty much any grocery store. You can spread them onto crackers or wrap them in a flour tortilla.

Satisfying Your Salty Cravings on the Trail

12. jerky delights.

Jerky, whether beef, turkey, or plant-based, is a protein-rich snack. It’s a perfect choice for those who crave something salty during their hike.

13. Meat Sticks

Meat sticks beef jerky is pretty much the same as just regular jerky, but it’s in a bar form. They’re great trail snacks when you need a quick protein boost.

Country Archer Provisions and Epic Bars are high-quality brands that actually taste good. These bars are definitely shelf-stable and are also a great choice if you’re trying to follow a keto diet .

14. Popcorn Perfection

Surprisingly lightweight and easy to pack, popcorn seasoned with your favorite spices can be a tasty and satisfying salty snack. It’s a great alternative to traditional chips.

15. Peanut Butter Pretzels

Peanut butter pretzels provide a perfect blend of carbohydrates and protein, offering a sustained energy boost that’s crucial for endurance. It’ll satisfy that salty craving while also giving you some healthy fats.

16. Crackers

Crackers make for a great base when loading it with other trail snacks like pepperoni slices, nut butter, or cheese. Just make sure the ones you buy aren’t too flimsy because they’ll just end up getting smashed in your bag.

My husband loves olives, so when we go hiking, I always make sure to throw some in our reusable bag (after draining them, of course). Olives contain quite a bit of sodium, which makes them perfect for intense hikes when you’re sweating a lot and need to replenish lost electrolytes.

Looking to get a little fancy on your next hike? Opt to pack hard cheeses like aged cheddar and smoked gouda. Make sure to choose a cheese that’s pretty dense and can withstand the trail. Throw in some pepperoni slices, and you’re on your way to having a mini charcuterie board !

19. Cheese Crisps

I love love love Moon Cheese ! We ate these non-stop while hiking through Zion National Park. Oven-baked cheese crisps like Whisps are one of my favorite hiking snacks. They’re lightweight, loaded with protein, and filled with calories.

Electrolytes and Energy

20. nuun electrolyte tablets.

Going on a tough hike in hot weather can get really sweaty really quickly. All that sweating can make your body lose a lot of natural salts and electrolytes. Your body can get them back with a balanced diet, but if you want to speed up the process, try dissolving a Nuun tablet in your water. It’ll give you a bubbly, fizzy drink that’ll help your body recover faster .

21. Clif Shot Bloks

If you’re feeling weak or faint while hiking or doing any other physical activity, you might be experiencing a drop in glycogen in your muscles, also known as “bonking.”

Shot Bloks are like gummy candies that give you a quick dose of sugars and electrolytes to keep you from experiencing this awful feeling. Just pop them in, and you’ll be back in action in no time.

22. Energy Chews

Energy chewies are designed to provide a rapid energy boost , ideal for those moments when you feel like crashing. With a concentrated source of carbohydrates , they contribute to sustained endurance, helping you conquer challenging terrains and ensuring you stay energized.

23. Candy Bars & Sweet Treats

Normally, I’d never ever tell you to include a candy bar on your snack packing list. However, there have been times that a Snickers Bar really has satisfied my hunger and also helped me from passing out when my blood sugar dropped.

There’s a time and place for everything, and sometimes, a good old-fashioned candy bar or a couple of Starburts are precisely what you need when you reach the finale of your hike. Yay for rewards!

Favorite Hiking Snacks: Tips For Your Next Adventure

Here are a few other tips to consider when planning a hiking snack list.

How Much Food Should You Pack?

The first thing you need to figure out is how long and how intense the hike is. For day hikes, it’s no biggie – you don’t need much food, and you can fit it easily in your backpack . But if you’re going for a backpacking trip that lasts for more than one day, you need to plan better.

You don’t want to run out of food or snacks and get hungry during your hike, so it’s essential to make sure you bring enough food. I tend to overpack because I’m paranoid!

Pro Tip! I think about macros when it comes to a balanced hiking snack list. My pack typically includes 1 or 2 items from each of the categories included in the above list of foods. Try to balance out the amount of protein, fat, complex carbohydrates, and simple carbohydrates so you have a variety of options that’ll nurture your body.

Online Calculator to Figure Out How Much Hiking Food to Pack

Technology is crazy yall! There’s even an online calculator that will literally figure this out for you. How spoiled are we?!

You can use this online calculator , which takes into account your sex, weight, the intensity of your hike, length, and how many calories you’ll burn, to help you estimate how much food to bring.

These tools aren’t always perfect, but they’ll give you a good start and a rough idea of what to plan for your next outdoor adventure.

What Type Of Trail Snacks Should You Take On Your Next Hike?

When you go on day hikes or backpacking trips, you need to bring some shelf-stable snacks that will keep you going.

Stuff like raw nuts, fruit snacks, turkey jerky, and homemade trail mix – these are the real MVPs, giving you the proper fuel while also tasting great.

Your snacks should require minimal packaging and also be tasty, so you have long-lasting energy when you hit those tough uphill sections and scenic sidetracks.

Hiking is a workout. Don’t be afraid to eat more, and don’t be afraid to eat CARBS! You’re burning tons of calories, so you need to eat more to keep up (think calorie-dense ).

Make sure you bring a variety of food that’s high in calories and has the stuff your body needs, like carbs, protein, fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins.

Can You Indulge While Hiking?

YES! You were hoping I would say that, right? I know, I know. Isn’t that the best answer ever?! There’s no better time to allow yourself a little bit of indulgence .

But don’t go overboard here. If you have too much sugar (i.e., Starbursts and M&Ms), your blood sugar will spike and then drop way too rapidly, leaving you feeling sick.

Remember To Eat Smart & Timely

Get a lay of the land and learn the trail landscape ahead of time. Most hikers do this anyway, but when you’re planning your hike, also think about what to eat and when to eat it .

Look up info about the hike and know the intensity of it before hitting it up in person. National parks usually have trail info posted, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find.

Pro Tip! It’s super important to force yourself take breaks to eat even if you’re not hungry. You’ll want to eat BEFORE you start to feel hungry, weak, or sick.

Plan your meals around the hike. Depending on the trail, some parts are tougher than others, so you want to make sure you’re eating the right stuff at the right time .

Take advantage of the easier parts of the trail to take a snack break, eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and then get ready for the harder sections.

You can scarf down an energy bar during the tough parts, but it’s not going to cut it as a full-on meal. Keep it as a quick snack to keep your energy up instead.

What Foods to Avoid While Hiking?

Avoid dairy and steer clear of heavy, greasy foods and super sugary stuff. These can bog you down and mess with your digestion. Stick to lighter, more easily digestible snacks.

Pro Tip! Also, avoid spicy stuff, too. Save your water for hydration, not for washing out the Flaming Hot Cheetos from your mouth.

Why Should You Eat Snacks That Provide Sustainable Energy?

To put it simply, you don’t want to poop out a quarter of the way into your day. Duh! It seems like a pretty obvious answer, but let me explain.

Benefits of Energy While Hiking:

• Sustained Endurance: Energy is crucial for maintaining endurance during a hike, ensuring you can cover the distance without feeling fatigued.
• Muscle Support: Adequate energy intake supports your muscles, reducing the risk of cramps and promoting efficient movement on the trail.
• Mental Alertness: Having ample energy keeps you mentally sharp, allowing you to navigate trails, make decisions, and enjoy the scenery with heightened awareness.

Best Hiking Snacks for Energy:

• Trail Mix: A powerhouse of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for a quick and sustained energy boost.
• Energy Bars: Compact and packed with nutrients, these granola bars provide a convenient source of energy on the go.
• Fresh Fruits with Nut Butter: Combining the natural sugars from fruits with the healthy fats in nut butter (like almond butter and peanut butter) ensures a balanced and lasting energy release.
• Jerky: Protein-rich jerky (like beef jerky and meat sticks) offers sustained energy, making it an ideal snack for longer hikes.
• Popcorn: Lightweight and flavorful, popcorn is a great trail snack that provides a quick source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Hydration-Infused Snacks: Water-rich fruits like watermelon or cucumber contribute to both energy and hydration needs during the hike.

Why Should You Eat Salty Snacks During Outdoor Adventures?

• Sweating during physical activity leads to the loss of essential minerals like sodium, and consuming salty snacks helps replenish these electrolytes, preventing dehydration and muscle cramps.
• Salty snacks provide a quick energy boost, making them ideal for sustaining energy levels during a day hike. The combination of salt and carbohydrates in these snacks helps replenish glycogen stores, providing a readily available energy source for the muscles, enhancing endurance, and keeping fatigue at bay.
• Contrary to common belief, consuming salty snacks can actually enhance hydration. Salt stimulates thirst, encouraging hikers to drink more water. This increased fluid intake, combined with the electrolytes from salty snacks, supports optimal hydration, which is crucial for maintaining overall health and performance on the trail.

How To Pack Snacks for Hiking?

When you’re going hiking, it’s a good idea to pack your snacks in reusable containers to keep the trail clean. Seeing garbage anywhere, especially on a trail, is just plain heartbreaking.

So, I recommend using reusable plastic bags . My fav is this 5-Piece Stand-Up Reusable Bag Bundle from Amazon . It also makes a great gift for hikers .

It’s perfect for grabable snacks like trail mix, nuts, seeds, jerky, and sliced fruit. They’re super cute, come in many colors, stand up, and are easy to clean.

If you’re carrying smashable snacks like fresh berries, sandwiches, or wraps, try using a hard-sided reusable container like a Tupperware container from Dollar Tree. I love the Dollar Tree for their huge selection of cheap Tupperware. haha

I also love collapsible food storage containers simply because of the option to take up less space.

And, if you’re planning to take cold drinks or food, you could even bring a soft-sided cooler with a reusable ice pack . But keep in mind that it will add some weight to your backpack. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it, but hey, to each their own!

For carrying trash, I just use one of the reusable containers or bags to seal the trash back into one of those once it’s empty. There is no need to carry an extra container for trash. Just make sure you, in fact, do carry the trash out .

This leads me to my next point…

Pack In, Pack Out: Leave No Trace Behind

Remember, when you’re out hiking, make sure to pack out everything you packed in . That means literally every single thing. Even little things like crumbs, banana peels, or apple cores can cause trouble for the local animals and environment.

If a lot of people leave small things behind, it can add up to a big problem over time. So, do your part in protecting Mother Nature by packing smart and leaving no trace .

Final Thoughts on What to Eat While Hiking

Figuring out the best way to eat healthy while staying active on vacation or on a hiking trail can be tricky. I hope this guide was helpful in getting your snack list organized before heading to the grocery stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to buy hiking snacks.

Grocery stores like Trader Joe’s are best for dried fruits, mixed nuts, trail mix, and other hiking snacks. Walmart will be the best option for low prices and a wide variety.

What are the best snacks for a long walk?

Snacks that provide high fiber are granola bars or fruit- like apples but with the skin on. Then, spread a little almond butter or eat with a handful of pumpkin seeds. What makes a great snack for a long walk is something that will give you a steady release of glucose but not the up-and-down rollercoaster you’d get from eating a candy bar.

What food is good for thru-hiking?

When gearing up for a thru-hike , lean towards nutrient-dense and lightweight options like dehydrated meals, oatmeal, bagels, and dried fruit, ensuring you have the stamina to conquer those long trails.

Are there specific snacks for bursty energy during a hike?

Yes, trail mix combinations with bursts of energy-rich ingredients like dark chocolate, coconut flakes, and almonds provide a burst of energy when needed.

Can I bring homemade snacks on a hiking trip?

Absolutely! Homemade snacks, like a personalized trail mix or energy balls, can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your hiking fuel.

What are the best snacks for hiking?

The best hiking snacks include trail mix, protein bars, fresh fruits, beef jerky, popcorn, peanut butter, and hydration-infused options like water-rich fruits.

As an outdoor enthusiast, Sheri Nagle is obsessed with National Parks, hiking, adventures and adrenaline rush activities. She is a lifetime travel lover who is always planning the next epic vacation itinerary. Her passion is helping people realize that outdoor exploration is a vital part of health & wellness and she loves encouraging others to try new things or visit new places.

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Best Hiking Snacks: 15 Easy Ideas for Your Next Adventure

We’ve rounded up the best hiking snacks on the market! Get ready with these healthy hiking snack ideas to keep you fueled on the trail.

Before hitting the trail, it’s important to pack enough hiking snacks to fuel your body, no matter how easy or strenuous of a trail you’re heading out on. Hiking burns a lot of calories and you’ll want healthy foods to snack on along the way to give you that extra energy boost so you can reach that summit or the end of that scenic trail. And it’s always a good idea to be prepared with extra snacks in case you’re out longer than you anticipate (it’s nice for sharing too!).

This post may contain affiliate links.

Below we’ve rounded up our favorite healthy hiking snack ideas to fuel your next adventure.

What makes a good hiking snack & what you should avoid.

The best hiking snacks typically have a mix of the following traits:

• Lightweight: You’ll want snacks that aren’t heavy or bulky so they don’t take up excess room in your hiking pack. Look for snacks with minimal packaging so you don’t have to carry out a ton of extra trash.
• Shelf-stable: Unless you plan to carry a small ice pack (which adds weight and bulk), plan to carry non-perishable snacks. You don’t want to risk getting a food-borne illness on the trail!
• Nutritious: Look for foods packed with healthy fats, protein, simple carbohydrates, and natural sugars. Healthy fats and protein will give you long-lasting energy on the trail while carbs and sugar will give you a quick boost. Both are important in hiking snacks.
• Calorie-dense: While you have more leeway in packing for day hikes vs. overnight backpacking trips, you will want to prioritize snacks that are higher in calories since you’ll be burning so many calories on the trail.

Are there any foods you should avoid while hiking?

Food on the trail is a deeply personal choice, but there are a few things we recommend leaving at home. We typically skip packing greasy or overly-processed snacks , such as potato chips and candy bars, because the grease and processed sugar can slow you down or potentially cause a mid-hike crash. You’ll also want to avoid bringing anything perishable , such as yogurt, soft cheese, and meats that need refrigeration.

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Our Favorite Hiking Snacks

Protein/energy bars.

Bars are the classic hiking snack – for good reason. They’re extremely calorie-dense in a small package and easy to store. We typically keep a few stashed in our hiking daypack at all times – just in case! There are tons of bars out there to choose from, including energy bars, protein bars, granola bars, and more. We recommend keeping several on hand so you don’t get sick of one brand. Here’s a few of our favorite bars:

• Bobo’s Oat Bars
• Kate’s Real Food
• GoMacro Bars
• Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars

Honey Stinger Waffles

Honey Stinger Waffles are a great choice if you want a lightweight trail snack that takes up almost no room. Based on Europe’s classic Stroopwaffel, you’ll find honey sandwiched between 2 thin, crispy waffles. They’re slightly sweet and a great energy booster on the trail.

Trail mix is a favorite of many hikers because it’s a quick and satisfying healthy snack. High in calories, protein, and fat, this trail snack will give you long-lasting energy. There are tons of ways to make your own trail mix at home by combining your favorite nuts, dried fruit, and even some dark chocolate, or you can find many different varieties in stores.

Pistachios , almonds , cashews , nut mixes… there are tons of nut varieties out there and they’re packed with nutrients and calories, perfect for healthy trail snacks. Trader Joe’s and Costco are great places to find affordable nuts or check your local grocery store’s bulk bins. We prefer to buy bulk nuts vs. individual snack packs because it’s more cost-effective and creates less waste.

Energy Chews

If you’re heading out on a strenuous or long hike and need extra energy and electrolytes, energy chews, like Clif Bloks or Honey Stinger Chews , are a compact way to ensure you’re properly hydrated and fueled. If you ever suddenly feel faint or weak on the trail, popping an energy chew (and making sure you’re hydrated) is a good way to get a boost. Energy chews replace carbohydrates lost during strenuous activity, making this a staple for backpacking trips and long day hikes.

Hard cheeses are an easy way to elevate your hiking snack game. Avoid soft and crumbly cheese that can fall apart in your bag and reach for hard cheese like cheddar and gouda which are dense enough to withstand a bit of jostling in your pack. Another favorite is Babybell cheeses that come in a protective wax coating. Pair with crackers and a sliced apple to get the full “hiking charcuterie board” feel.

Peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower butter… there are tons of nut butter options on the market that make a great hiking snack. Calorie-dense and packed with healthy fats, nut butter is a top “bang for your buck” snack, especially when you pair it with fruit or spread it on a tortilla. Buy the individual squeeze packets to save on weight – Justin’s and RX Bar make some of our favorite trail nut butters.

Fresh-cut Veggies

The benefit of day hiking vs. backpacking is you can pack fresh veggies without worrying about saving space or packing only calorie-dense foods. Baby carrots, celery sticks, and bell peppers are a few of our favorite vegetables to pack for hiking. If you want a protein boost, bring a single serving of shelf-stable hummus and suddenly you’ve got a full-blown refreshing, nutritious trail snack.

Ready-made tuna packets are an easy and delicious way to get protein on the trail. There are tons of flavor options available to spice things up. Pair with a tortilla or crackers for a quick hiking snack or filling lunch. There are even vegan tuna packets available!

Lastly, if it’s possible, take all of your trash home with you to dispose of instead of using the trailhead garbage bins. These bins fill up quickly, especially at popular trailheads, and this alleviates the amount of waste left behind.

What are your favorite hiking snacks to take along on the trail? Share in the comments below!

Courtney is an avid hiker, yogi, and music lover who left her corporate career in fashion to pursue a life on the road. She's backpacked throughout Europe and Southeast Asia and now is a full-time van lifer, traveling the US & Baja in her converted Ford E150 van. Courtney is Bearfoot Theory’s content manager.

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Footsteps in the Forest

The ultimate hiking snack comparison table.

Snacking while hiking is not simply permissible; it’s downright recommended . 

But how do you choose the best hiking snacks to bring on your next outdoor adventure? 

Easy – you need to learn what makes for a good hiking snack and then compare the options available. 

But devising a list of all the options and looking up the nutritional info for each is a daunting task. 

But we’ve tried to make that easy. 

Below, we’ve put together an expansive spreadsheet that allows you to quickly compare actual apples and oranges . Or granola and trail mix, or protein bar A and protein bar B. 

Best of all, we’ve adjusted the data so that the quantity of each snack is the same – 100 grams . 

This allows you to compare the relative value of different hiking snacks, while factoring in one of the most important backpacking considerations: weight. 

Click here to jump right down to the hiking snack comparison table.

Table of Contents: The Best Hiking Snacks

What makes a good hiking snack .

Before getting to the hiking snack comparison chart, it’s important that we take a moment to discuss the traits that all the best hiking snacks have in common. 

In truth, just about anything that’s easy to bring on the trail can make a good hiking snack .

I usually default to literal nuts and berries, while sometimes chucking a protein bar in my pack if I’m going for a really long or strenuous hike. 

Blueberries and almonds are probably my favorites, but sometimes I prefer oranges or walnuts. Ooooh, and there are these crazy plum-cherry hybrid things my grocery store sells in the summer that are chef’s kiss.

But some foods and recipes are undoubtedly better-suited for hiking trips than others. Some rise above the “good hiking food” category and enter the realm of the “great.” 

Most of the very best hiking foods are:

• Tasty as hell . Palatability is not some kind of vice we should consider frivolous. There are scads of tasty foods that’ll satisfy all of our other criteria, so there’s no reason to eat stuff you don’t like. 
• Full of calories . You may want food that’s all crunch and no calories while snacking on the couch, but you need high-octane nosh to fuel you up and down those hills while hiking. 
• Easy to eat as-is . If you’re going on a multi-day backpacking trip, you will likely want to cook up a hot meal or two each day (though the stove-free backpacking movement is growing). But if you’re just heading out on an adventure lasting several hours, you probably don’t want to futz around with a stove or elaborate prepping protocol. 
• Made with some salt . As you sweat, you lose electrolytes (mainly salt). And because most hikers drink plain ‘ol water on the trail, you have to replace the electrolytes you lose while picking ‘em up and putting ‘em down. 
• Shelf-stable . You can bring perishable snacks on the trail, but they’re only good for a given amount of time. Accordingly, snacks you can just chuck in your pack and forget for two months offer clear advantages. 
• Low-waste and minimal packaging. Because you’ll want to pack out whatever you pack in, it is always easier to go with snacks that are either easy to move to a reusable container or enclosed in relatively spartan packaging. And this counts for “natural packaging” too – don’t leave orange peels behind. 
• Affordable . Look, if you only intend to go hiking once or twice and then let your hiking boots collect dust in the closet, go ahead and spend a fortune on your snacks. But for those of us who spend as much time on the trail as is possible, the cost of hiking snacks can add up. 

There’s one more thing that most of the very best trail snacks have in common, and it’s actually really important: The best trail snacks have a high calorie-to-weight ratio .  

As an extreme example, let’s compare kale with almonds.  

Kale is ridiculously good for you. It’s full of fiber, and provides a lot of Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, fiber, carotenoids and manganese. 

But kale is also full of water and relatively low in calories . 

For every 100 grams of kale you bring on the trail, you’re really carrying 89.6 grams of water – there’s only a little more than 10 grams of “food” to be had. And that 10 grams of food only provides your body with about 35 to 40 Calories of energy. After all, more than 4 of those grams are just fiber, which your body doesn’t really use for energy anyway. 

Almonds, on the other hand, are full of calories, while containing very little water — a little more than 4 grams of water for every 100 grams . And they do so while providing more than twice the fiber that kale does.  

Almonds provide some vitamins and minerals, but they don’t pack the same kind of punch as kale. Except when it comes to manganese – a competition almonds win in two-to-one fashion. 

But we’re talking about calories per unit weight here, and that’s where almonds shine brightest . 

Remember that with kale, we’re talking 35 to 40 Calories per 100 grams. With almonds, we’re talking about roughly 600 Calories per 100 grams. 

So, while kale is certainly a nutritious food and we should all probably eat more of it, you’re much better off reaching for that jar of almonds in your pantry when packing for your next hiking trip .  

(Unless, that is, you opt for dried kale chips – those do pack a bit of a caloric punch. More on them later…)

Hiking Snack Comparison Table

Enough dithering! To the table!

There’s no way to share such an extensive table directly on the website in anything approaching user-friendly fashion. But you can check out the complete table here , as a Google Sheet (that link opens in a new tab, so you won’t lose your place here).

You can just peruse the table however suits you best, but we’ve added some filter views (basically, small bits of the overall table) to help you find exactly what you’re looking for (the links below all open in a new tab):

The Hiking Snacks with the Most Calories

The hiking snacks with the most protein, the hiking snacks with the most fat, the hiking snacks with the most carbohydrates, the hiking snacks with the most sugar, the hiking snacks with the most fiber.

All of the filter views above are objective (within our data set). They’re just based on numbers and don’t really much subjectivity. The following are somewhat subjective , but they may be of interest:

The Hiking Snacks That Surprised Us the Most

• Our Pick for the Best Overall Hiking Snacks

Superlatives: The Best of the Best Hiking Snacks

To make things easy on you, we’ve rounded up some of the best hiking snacks based on various criteria. So, if you’re looking for, say, the highest calorie vegan hiking snacks, or the hiking snacks with the most protein, just peruse the lists below. 

Remember: Our entire table and the information below is all based on a 100-gram sample of the snack in question. This means you can easily make apples-to-apples comparisons. 

Just want the most caloric bang for your buck? The following hiking snacks have the most calories per gram:

• Walnuts, Raw
• Macadamia Nuts, Raw
• Macadamia Nuts, Roasted
• Pecans, Roasted
• Cajun Trail Mix, Winn-Dixie
• Pecans, Raw
• Almonds, Roasted
• Brazil Nuts, Roasted
• Brazil Nuts, Raw
• Brazil Nuts, Dried

You just can’t get away from the fact that nuts pack the most calories per unit weight of any of the hiking snacks we analyzed . 

The only entry in our top 10 that isn’t just plain nuts contains nuts. 

If you can’t eat nuts or just want other options, Whisps Cheese (Cheddar) came in at the #17 spot, Moon Cheese (You Cheddar Believe It) came in at the #19 spot, and Smartfood Popcorn (White Cheddar) slides in at the #24 spot.

After this point, you start seeing potato chips and other types of snacks. 

If you’re looking for hiking snacks that are just jacked with protein content , you’ll probably want to start by considering these:

• Erbies Mixed Bugs
• Edamame, Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted
• Jack Link’s Turkey Jerky, Original
• Moon Cheese, Garlickin’ Parmesan
• Moon Cheese, You Cheddar Believe It
• Parmesan Cheese
• Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, Original
• Whisps Cheese, Cheddar
• Just the Cheese, Crunchy Grilled Cheese

We were a bit shocked to see pork rinds sitting atop mount protein, but when you think about it, it makes sense. They’re also full of fat, so factor that into your hike-snack-selection algebra too (that’s actually a pretty common theme among high-protein hiking snacks).

But if you’re looking for high protein with more moderate fat content, consider edamame or Quest Bars, which appear shortly below the #10 spot.

Just want snacks that taste good? Well, you’ve come to the right place – fat definitely equals flavor. But fat is also the most calorie-dense of the four primary macromolecules, so it also means these snacks are pretty high-octane fuel for your adventures. 

(Spoiler alert: The hiking snacks with the highest fat are essentially the same as those from the top-10 calorie list, but in a slightly different order.)

• Hazelnuts, Roasted
• Walnuts, Roasted

Zero surprises here — nuts, nuts and more nuts.

It is, however, interesting to compare the two lists (the snacks with the most calories and the snacks with the most fat). The primary difference is the fat-to-protein ratio of the nuts.

Still, this list just reemphasizes what we learned in the high-calorie list: Nuts win, and it isn’t even that close.  

Whether you’re looking for long-lasting energy or you just like carby snacks (I feel called out), the following 10 are some of the best carb-rich hiking snacks around :

• Dehydrated Apple Slices, Augason Farms
• Tailwind Endurance Fuel, Mandarin Orange
• Jelly Beans, Jelly Belly 20 Flavors
• Skittles, Original
• Freeze-Dried Blueberries, Target
• Dried Pineapple Chunks, Augason Farms  
• Fruit Roll-Ups, Variety Pack
• Pop-Tarts, Strawberry Frosted

Pez is pretty much plain sugar, so it’s hardly surprising to see it top this list. But it is kind of shocking to see dehydrated apples come in above some of the purpose-made energy-delivering products and stuff like Pop-Tarts, but aside from that, this all looks pretty normal. 

Sugar may not be great for your teeth (or your waistline, if you indulge too much). But it’ll sure as hell get you up and down those hills when you’re tired. 

Here are some of the hiking snacks with the most sugar :

• Dried Blueberries, Great Value
• Cranberries, Dried & Sweetened
• Sour Patch Kids
• Fruit Leather Snacks, Stretch Island Strawberry Original

It’s not surprising to see candy holding down several of the top spots, but Tailwind Endurance Fuel, honey, and the fruit options are also great sources of sugar for the trail.

But it’s pretty interesting to compare something like Pez with honey. Most of us would intuitively believe that honey is the superior food. And it may be in terms of vitamins and minerals, as well as the fact that honey isn’t really processed, while Pez is heavily processed.

But from a macronutrient point of view, Pez actually proves more useful on the trail:

Clearly, macros aren’t everything, and you may still opt for honey to Pez during your next hike. But we thought the differences were worth highlighting.

Fiber isn’t only important for maintaining a smooth-running digestive system, it’s also great for keeping you full – particularly if you’re trying to stave off hunger while reducing your calorie intake. 

Fiber also provides plenty of other health benefits , such as reducing your blood pressure and blood sugar. But regardless of the reasons you may want hiking snacks that are full of fiber , here are some of the best options we found:

• Banana Chips
• Quest Bar, Mixed Berry
• Quest Bar, Cookies & Cream
• Freeze-Dried Strawberries, Kroger 
• Almond Butter Chip Bar, IQBAR
• Frooze Balls, Peanut Butter and Jelly
• Keto Trail Mix, Sunridge Farms
• Grape Nuts, Original

Bananas don’t just top this list – they crush everything else. With 70 grams of fiber per 100-gram serving, banana chips provide more than twice as much fiber as the next entry on the list (Mixed Berry Quest Bars have 30 grams of fiber per 100 grams). 

It’s interesting to note that there are several different kinds of snacks that appear in the top 10. You can choose from processed bars, dried fruit, seeds, kale chips or cereal to suit your high-fiber needs. 

Though we tried to reserve judgment and see how the nutritional value of these various snacks shaked out, we certainly went in with some preconceived notions – we’re only human. And while several of our suspicions were born out by the evidence, a few hiking snacks caught us by surprise : 

• Fresh Blueberries : We’d have thought that blueberries packed a more energy-rich punch than they actually do. It was a given that their calories mostly come in the form of carbs and sugar, but even still, they just don’t provide many calories.
• Raisins : Raisins are surprising for the opposite reason; providing 300 Calories for every 100 grams, they serve as a pretty effective way to keep yourself going on the trail. They don’t really offer any protein or fat to speak of, but if you just want some sugar to keep your feet moving, they’re not a bad choice. 
• Patagonia Smoked Mackerel in Oil : It’s no surprise that smoked fish (smoked fatty fish, at that) is high in calories. But we were shocked just how many more calories mackerel provided than other, similar fish. Bottom line: Mackerel provides a super-efficient way to keep yourself fed while hiking.  
• Walnuts : We were just very surprised by the fact that walnuts showed up at or near the top of several categories (Calories, fat, and keto-friendly). They have a lot of protein too, they just don’t have enough to crack the top 10.  
• Macadamia Nuts : Macadamia nuts came in just below walnuts in several respects, and their fatty flavor is undeniably delicious. The only real downside is their cost. So, you may want to consider tossing them into your homemade trail mix rather than just trying to bring a big ‘ol bag of them. 
• Whisps Cheese : We expected that the entire cheese category was going to score well in our analysis, but these baked cheese snacks topped the category in most respects. This all makes sense, given that they’re essentially cheese with the majority of the water removed, but we still came away surprised. 
• Greenbelly Backpacking Meals : Basically, we just found the nutrition provided by these (especially the mango flavored option) to be more impressive than we’d initially suspected. Packed with nearly 430 Calories, and a pretty respectable protein content (10 grams), these are definitely worthy of consideration. 
• Trader Joe’s Kale Chips : We were flabbergasted by the caloric content of these snacks; kale is often hailed as a great part of weight-loss diets! But these things provide more than 500 Calories per 100 grams. Most of that comes from the cashews and sunflower seeds used to flavor them, but it’s still surprising to see them score as well as they did (and for the record, Nature’s Harvest Kale Chips were almost as impressive).    
• Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn : A lot of people who’re trying to reduce their caloric intake or shed a few pounds turn to popcorn, but this flavored popcorn wouldn’t work well in that roll – it scored at or near the top of the chips and crackers category for calories, protein, and fat. We were simply surprised to see it score similarly to fatty, flavored potato chips. 
• f Girl Scout Cookies (Thin Mints) : Going in, we figured that these addictive sweets would be bursting with calories and fat, but they’re really not (relative to some of the other cookies we analyzed). They’re certainly not diet food, but they’re not really a fantastic source of calories for the trail either. 

Our Picks for the Best Overall Hiking Snacks

Noting all of the various superlatives is certainly helpful, but the point of this entire exercise was to simply identify some of the best hiking snacks available . And we’re (finally) here. 

This list is obviously subjective in many ways, but we feel that the following 10 snacks serve as a great starting point for anyone seeking to maximize the per-weight value of hiking snacks. 

• Walnuts : Even if you’ve only skimmed the superlative lists above you shouldn’t be surprised to see walnuts at the top of our list. They’re loaded with calories, fat, and protein, and they even have a bit of fiber to help keep you full. Throw in the fact that they are easy to pack, affordable and last a long time and you’ve got what we think is the best all-around hiking snack.
• Patagonia Smoked Mackerel : Canned fish has been a backpacking snack staple for decades. Most varieties provide tons of calories, protein and fat in a small, affordable and tasty package. But while virtually any canned fish will serve you well, Patagonia’s Smoked Mackerel stood head-and-shoulders above the others we examined. 
• Whisps Cheese : Like canned fish, cheese has long been a favorite snack for hikers. But unlike fresh cheese, which forces you to haul around a bit of water, these baked cheese snacks serve as an even more efficient source of calories on the trail. Plus, they’ll last even longer than hard cheeses and they’re easier to eat while hiking. 
• Tailwind Endurance Fuel (Mandarin Orange) : We looked at a few of the hiking snacks specifically designed for athletic endeavors. Most provide a very efficient way to carry calories on the trail, but Tailwind’s Endurance Fuel claimed the top spot. They don’t provide any fat or protein, so you’ll obviously want to bring some other snacks in your pack. But if you just need some sugar to crest that last hill, it’s hard to find many things better. Incidentally, we looked at the Mandarin Orange flavor, but Tailwind offers a variety of other options, which you may want to consider.
• Honey : Speaking of good ways to bring sugar on the trail, honey provides almost as much sugar as Tailwind does, and it’ll even offer a smidge of protein to boot. The downside of honey is that it’s, well, honey – it’s hard to transport and messy to eat. We think the best way to incorporate some honey is by drizzling it over your favorite GORP or trail mix to bump up the sugar content. 
• Trail Butter, Lil’ Squeeze (Dark Chocolate & Coffee) : Peanut butter is another classic hiking snack, and modern hikers are fortunate to have some options that are specifically designed for use on the trail. The result is a super-caloric, super-tasty and easy-to-eat snack that’ll fuel your hiking adventures. 
• Trader Joe’s Kale Chips : If you read the “most surprising” section, you shouldn’t be shocked to see kale chips showing up here. Full of calories, fat, and salt, these chips deserve a place in your hiking pack. And for bonus points, people rave about their taste, which is always an important consideration.  
• Banana Chips : Banana chips are full – and we mean full – of fiber, which is helpful for keeping you feeling full while hiking. They don’t have a ton of protein, but they’re full of carbs and sugar, and they even have a surprising amount of fat. Plus, they’re easy to munch without stopping. 
• Pork Rinds : They certainly aren’t for everyone, and they aren’t what most would consider “healthy,” but there’s no getting around it: Pork rinds are loaded with protein and fat. They don’t have any carbs either, which makes them great for hikers looking for keto-friendly snacks. 
• Great Value Dried Blueberries : Overall, we were a bit disappointed in how fruit stacked up in our analysis. Fresh varieties don’t score very well because they’re full of water, and apart from dried banana chips and dried blueberries, dried fruits didn’t turn out to be super attractive, either. That said, dried blueberries do serve as a pretty good source of carbs and sugar to help keep your energy level up while hiking.  

Ultimately, the best option may be to simply make your own trail mix incorporating some of the best-scoring snacks discussed above. Maybe take some walnuts, some banana chips, and blueberries, and toss them with a tiny bit of honey or peanut butter.

The honey or peanut butter will definitely make things trickier to eat on the trail, but it’ll be worth the difficulty, given the nutrition either will add. 

The Elephant in the Room: Nuts Are a Hiker’s Best Friend

Time and time again, we were struck by just how valuable nuts are as hiking snacks. Collectively, they score near the top of the table for several snack superlative categories, including calories, protein, and fat.

So, we wanted to let you see how they stack up next to each other. But to do so, we adjusted the data in the following ways:

• We copied the “Nuts, Seeds, & Similar” category into a separate spreadsheet.
• Because this category contains things like edamame and peanut butter, we removed everything that wasn’t actual nuts.
• We removed all the candied nuts (including honey roasted peanuts) so that we could focus on the actual nuts, rather than the stuff coating them.
• We averaged the nutritional data for the various preparation methods for each type of nut. In other words, if we’d included roasted, boiled, and raw peanuts in our initial table, we took the averages and just identified them as peanuts.
• We also removed some of the columns we didn’t need for this analysis.

The results can be seen in the charts below. The differences between the nuts weren’t enormous, but they are enough to warrant some thought.

For starters, let’s just look at caloric content.

As you may have noticed above, walnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans and Brazil nuts lead the pack in terms of calories . But even at the opposite end of the chart, cashews and pistachios still provide more than 500 calories per 100 grams, so their calorie-to-weight ratio is quite attractive.

Boiled peanuts, however, are less impressive. This is due to their high water content; for every 100 grams of boiled peanuts, you’re lugging around more than 40 grams of water.

Drilling down further, we can check out way the macronutrients in different nuts compare. Note that we averaged the various nut types from our table for this list. That doesn’t cause drastic changes for most of the nuts, but it does skew peanuts a bit (again, because of the presence of boiled peanuts).

As you can see, caloric content largely tracks with fat content. All of the highest-calorie options are also high in fat, whereas protein content is almost (though not exactly) negatively correlated with caloric content.

Special Dietary Concerns: Vegetarian, Vegan and Keto-Friendly Snacks

A lot of hikers have special dietary requirements, so we wanted to make it easy for these outdoor adventurers to sort the table. Specifically, we wanted to make it easy to find vegetarian, vegan and keto-friendly snacks in the chart . 

So, if you scroll over to the right side of the chart, you’ll see three columns with checkboxes indicating whether or not the snack fits into these categories . You can even sort by these columns to group all of the snacks in your desired category together.

Alternatively, you can just click on any of these filter views:

• Keto-Friendly Hiking Snacks
• Vegetarian Hiking Snacks
• Vegan Hiking Snacks

But here’s the thing: There’s no universally accepted resource that identifies these types of foods – at least, not one we’re aware of. 

So, we had to figure these things out for ourselves. Ultimately, we decided that:

• Any snack that was less than 10% carbohydrate by weight would count as keto-friendly . 
• Any snack made without animal flesh to be vegetarian .

Defining “vegan” is obviously less cut-and-dry, as definitions and judgements vary .

So, we decided that any snack made without animal flesh or animal-based products, and generally treated as vegan-friendly would, in fact, qualify as vegan-friendly for our purposes .

If a manufacturer straight-up claims there product is vegan, then we took that at face value. If three to five websites considered it vegan, that was good enough for us.

All of this is to say that our assessments of keto-, vegetarian- and vegan-friendly are subjective, and you should verify that all ingredients in these snacks meet your dietary requirements .

Snack Selection: How We Picked the Snacks to Include

We started by simply listing all of the hiking snacks some of our regular contributors like to take on the trail.

We then scoured all of the usual places (Reddit, other outdoor websites and publications, and hiking-oriented discussion groups) to see what kinds of snacks others like to bring. We tried to include everything that showed up with any regularity, and we also added a few unusual suggestions that caught our attention for one reason or another. 

But honestly, our list was a little heavy in some categories and light in others. So, we tried to add more snacks until we had something approaching a balanced list.

Eventually, we ended up with the following breakdown:

No — it’s not perfectly balanced, but it’s pretty darn close. And keep in mind, this will change as you, dear reader, share your favorite hiking snacks, and we incorporate them into the table.

Where We Obtained the Nutritional Data

We obtained the data for our chart from a few different authorities. 

We tried to use the USDA FoodData Central as our primary source , but that wasn’t possible for all of the snacks we included . In these cases, we tried to use the manufacturer’s website or the product label. When this wasn’t possible, we’d use the data provided by the retailer. 

We tried to use the “Foundational Foods” data when possible. This is essentially for “commodities,” like raw peanuts or blueberries. When that wasn’t possible, we tried to stick to products marketed by major retailers (Walmart, Kroger, etc.) or manufacturers (Nabisco, General Mills, etc.).

When discussing snacks that come in different flavors or varieties, we used our gut (and, when possible, retailer info) to select a popular one. When that wasn’t possible, we just used our intuition to select one that we thought would appeal to hikers.  

All of this is to say that the nutritional data of some of these snacks may vary a tiny bit from one brand to the next, but it shouldn’t be enough to make a huge difference. 

Bottom line: We did our best to provide accurate information, but readers should obviously verify the nutritional information provided before making important decisions based on our chart .  

A Special Note About Water Content

We initially intended to include the water content of all the snacks in our chart. Water content is an important factor to consider, given that water is the thing contributing most of the weight to the foods we eat. 

But we ran into a problem: Water content wasn’t available for approximately half of the snacks we’d selected . 

When we first noticed that problem, we just tried looking in other places – maybe this was just one of the few shortcomings of the USDA site. But this didn’t prove to be very helpful. By and large, if the USDA didn’t have water content info, no one else did either. 

We didn’t want to let that stop us though, so we just started reaching out directly to manufacturers (the USDA did provide water content info for most of the “commodity” snacks).

But of the half-dozen or so manufacturers we reached out to, only one (Hormel) obliged. The rest were unwilling to disclose the water content of their food . 

Honestly, we found this pretty irritating. We feel like food manufacturers should be completely transparent about their products, especially as it relates to something as innocuous as water content. 

We get that they can’t very well share their exact recipes for competitive reasons, but we weren’t about to start whipping up snacks in our kitchens now that we had such sensitive information. 

After all, anyone who was poised to take market share and launch themselves into snack-food stardom can surely figure out the water content on their own. 

At any rate, we realized that we just weren’t going to be able to find the water content for half of our snacks. 

Fortunately, by simply comparing the same snack quantity across the board, water content didn’t end up being terribly important . 

We hope you’ve found our hiking snack comparison chart helpful. As we noted at the outset, this information is all readily available, but you’d have to go to a great deal of effort to compare some of the most common hiking snacks – especially to do so in apples-to-apples fashion. 

At this point, we’d like to make a few requests:

• Share your general thoughts about the chart and our analysis . We’ll update this article in the future to help refine it and make it more helpful to hikers.
• Let us know what snacks we missed . We don’t want to go overboard including branded products that are similar to any of the ones already in the chart, but if you like to bring along something different, we’ll gladly include it. 
• Tell us what you plan to bring on your next trek . Did this chart change your mind in any way? Have you discovered a new snack you’ll try to bring next time?

Sound off in the comments!

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20 Best Hiking Snacks For Long Lasting Energy

by Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD

Last updated on June 12th, 2023 at 04:23 pm

The 20 best healthy hiking snacks that are easy to pack and carry. All the options are vegan and vegetarian and provide long-lasting energy for an intense hike!

Hiking is my second favorite form of exercise (next to running). There’s nothing better than spending a day in outdoors, breathing in fresh mountain air, getting some good exercise and being rewarded with an awesome view. But reaching the top of the mountain isn’t doable without the proper fuel.

Since you’ll be carrying a pack on your hike, make sure you are prepared with these portable trail snacks.

What makes a good hiking snack?

A hiking snack should have the right balance of nutrients to keep you satiated and provide long lasting energy. The key component for high energy hiking snacks is healthy carbs. Carbohydrates are the main energy source for long endurance activities, like hiking.

Since hiking is a long and arduous activity, you also want a nutrient that will keep you full and doesn’t digest too quickly. Pairing carbs with protein is a great way to have lasting energy and keep blood sugar levels steady.

Hiking snacks also need to be portable, so they can withstand a road trip, hours in your backpack for a day hike, or camping in the wilderness. And they should be easy to eat while moving.

And don’t forget to bring plenty of water and hydrate regularly during your hike. If it’s an especially hot day or you’re an extra sweaty person, consider adding a pinch of salt to your water to replenish the sodium lost in your sweat. Or whip up a batch of homemade sports drink and bring it along on the hike.

Now it’s time to pack some food and get moving! These snack suggestions are the perfect fuel to keep you going.

1. Trail Mix

A mix of dried fruit, oats and nuts is a great, energizing snack. Nuts are high in calories, protein, and fat to fill you up and give you lasting energy. Oats and dried fruit, like bananas or raisins, are a good source of quick energy and easily digestible carbs. They’re also a good source of potassium to help replenish your electrolytes.

If you want to make your own trail mix, check out my recipe for a Blueberry Maple Walnut Trail Mix.

2. Orange Slices

Slice up an orange to throw in a Ziploc snack bag, especially for hiking in hot weather. The potassium in the juice is an electrolyte that is lost in sweat and helps with hydration. The natural sugar from the fruit is a good source of quick energy. Pair this with some nuts or roasted chickpea s to add some protein.

Bananas are rich in natural sugar, which is necessary for intense endurance activities, like trekking through the moutains. Bananas are also packed with potassium, an electrolyte that is lost in sweat.

It’s not enough to just drink water when you’re sweating intensely for a long period of time. Taking in electrolytes, like potassium, is important for staying hydrated during strenuous exercise.

4. Peanut Butter & Jelly or Honey Sandwich

Although you may think of this as lunch, a small PBJ sandwich can give you the little oomph of energy you need to get you up (and down) the mountain. The fat and protein from the nut butter ill you up and provide the calories and energy you need for sustained movement. The jelly or honey and bread are good sources of carbs that serve as a quick-acting source of fuel.

5. Pancakes

Made a big stack of pancakes for breakfast? Pack the extras in a baggie and throw them in your backpack!

Pancakes are rich in carbs and easy to prep and eat while on the trail. Add some fruit or syrup to increase the carbs and a drizzle of nut butter for some protein.

Looking for a recipe? Check out these No Added Sugar Blueberry Pancakes.

It may seem like eating pasta during a hike is challenging, but a simple pasta salad with just a drizzle of oil and some veggies is actually a great hiking snack. Since pasta is mostly carbs, it’s easily digestible and tasty to eat.

Just throw together your favorite type of pasta with chopped veggies and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.

7. Pretzels

This salty starchy snack provides two things you need on a hike– easy to digest carbohydrates and sodium. If you love savory snacks, throw a bag of pretzels in your pack. Make sure you bring plenty of water too!

8. Carrots and hummus

Okay, I’ll admit that carrots and hummus are not exactly easy to eat while climbing a mountain. But chances are that you will take a break at some point, and when you do you’ll be happy that you have crunchy carrots with protein-rich hummus. The combo provides nutrients and energy to fill you up for the descent.

9. Craisins

Dried cranberries, otherwise know as craisins, are packed with antioxidants to fight off post-hike inflammation. They also have some natural and added sugar to give you an energy boost. And they are shelf stable, so they can stay in your bag for hours (or days).

10. Dried mango

Dried mango is one of my favorite varieties of dried fruit. It’s sweet without any added sugar (look for the no sugar added varieties), and it’s a good source of digestible carbs and Vitamin C. Not to mention that eating dried mango makes you feel like you’re in the tropics.

Pair dried fruit with a protein, such as one of the energy bar or energy bite recipes below. The combo of these nutrients keeps you fuller longer. And no one wants a rumbling stomach on the trail.

11. Raisins

Dried grapes aren’t just for kids! Raisins are naturally sweet, easy to eat and a great source of quick-acting carbohydrates. Mix them with something salty, like pretzels or peanuts, for a sweet and salty treat.

12. Chocolate Covered Almonds

Almonds contain two important nutrients that help keep you satiated–protein and healthy fats. Eating protein also reduces muscle damage from a long strenuous hike.

Covering almonds in carb-rich chocolate is like a double whammy because it provides the energy you need to keep going. Not to mention that everyone loves chocolate!

Dates are high in calories, carbs and potassium, making them another backpack snack for hikers. Try stuffing them with almonds or nut butter for added power and protein.

14. Applesauce squeeze packets

Applesauce comes in handy squeeze packets that are shelf stable and often mixed with other tasty fruits, like mango or strawberries. These are easy to eat on a hike and a perfect way to give you the energy boost you may need.

15. (Homemade) Energy bars

Energy bars, such as Clif, KIND and RX Bars combine carbs, fat, and protein to provide long lasting energy. They are lightweight and easy to carry. Or if you prefer to make your own, whip up a batch of these No-Bake Blueberry Granola Bars.

16. Frozen Grapes

One of my favorite hacks for hot weather hikes is to freeze fruit the night before. It won’t stay frozen for long in your backpack, but hopefully it’s still cold by the time you eat it!

Frozen grapes are cool and refreshing, especially on a hot summer day. They provide water for hydration and fruit sugar for quick energy.

17. Beet Juice

Beets are another good source of potassium, helping to replace your lost electrolytes. Studies have shown beets to help improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, increase oxygen flow to muscles, and enhance exercise tolerance during long-term endurance exercise.

If you opt for beet juice, pair it with another food on this list. Also, beware that it has an earthy flavor and many athletes don’t love the taste. To learn more about beet juice for athletes, watch this video.

18. Energy Bites

Energy balls have the word “energy” right in the name. They are generally made with dates and nuts, and I have a few varieties that I think you will love. Check them out!

Peanut Butter Pretzel Date Ball

Tahini Maple Oat Ball

Chocolate Almond Energy Ball

19. Popcorn

Popcorn is actually a whole grain snack that has protein and fiber. Rather than buying bags of popcorn that are flavored with butter, salt and artificial ingredients, buy the kernels and microwave them in a paper bag. Add some oil and salt for extra flavor!

20. Dried Cheese

You don’t know what you’re missing if you haven’t tried packaged dried cheese. New products like Moon Cheese or Parm https://amzn.to/43zRGM5 Crisps are changing the game in the snack department. They are dried cheese snacks that have a ton of protein and taste so darn good.

Related Posts

• Is It Okay To Drink Orange Juice Before A Workout?
• The 25 Best Portable Pre-Workout Snacks For On The Go

Sandwiches are such a good idea on hikes but I always forget to make one, I always default to a bar of some kind. I’ve got to remember that one!

Thanks Jenna! I like the idea of bringing leftover pancakes with me on a hike. Whenever I make them I always make too many so that’s a clever way to use them again. Also, frozen grapes is a fun one 🙂

I am considering leftover french toast with like ts of cinnamon! Higher in protein. Maybe toaster waffles?

Both sound like great options! As long as you don’t mind eating them cold.

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I’m Natalie Rizzo, an NYC-based Registered Dietitian.

My mission is to help everyday athletes fuel their fitness with plants.

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Our Favorite Hiking & Backpacking Snacks for Quick Energy

Hiking snacks are as essential as sunscreen, trekking poles, or rain gear.

After all, it won’t always rain nor is the sun guaranteed to shine, but I’ll always need calorie-dense hiking fuel.

That logic is what inspired me to create this list of the best hiking and backpacking snacks.

As hiking fuel, snacks should be healthy, good-tasting, and supply long-lasting energy.

To compile this list, I courageously researched and taste-tested dozens of delicious, protein-rich snack offerings (a thankless job, I assure you).

Salty or sweet, fresh or dehydrated, meaty or vegan, they’re all here.

Honey Stinger Waffles

• Bobo’s Oat Bars

Nature Valley Granola Bars

Greenbelly meal bars, hornby bars, trek protein flapjack, dried fruit, fresh fruit, vegan jerky.

• Nut Butters
• Factors We Considered When Picking Out Snacks
• Final Thoughts: Best Hiking & Backpacking Snacks

Energy Bars

Why start with energy bars?

Well, they’re hugely popular, widely available, tasty, compact, and relatively affordable.

But check the package label to see if the ingredients match your idea of what’s healthy and nutritious.

Here are a few we can recommend:

Small but mighty, CLIF Bars are my favorite energy bar.

They come in a wide variety of flavors and are simply delicious.

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, my favorite, has 9 grams of protein, 17 grams of sugar, and 260 calories.

Yes, that’s a tad high in sugar, but it’s seriously tasty and will provide that much-needed boost.

My tip for Honey Stinger Waffles — pass them a few times over a steaming cup of coffee and release the waffle’s gooey goodness.

At around 150 calories per waffle, 11 grams of sugar, and 21 grams of carbs, these are one of the lighter and more compact snacks on this list.

For the gluten-free crowd, there’s a tasty cinnamon version that a good friend raves about.

Bobo’s Oat Bars

Bobo’s Oats are one of my go-to trail breakfast bars because they’re incredibly nutritious and provide a reliable jump start for mornings on the trail.

I recommend the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip or Dark Chocolate Chip with Sea Salt.

However, any of their many flavors will leave you thinking about seconds.

Half a bar contains 180 calories, making one bar ideal for splitting into two snacking sessions.

Nature Valley granola bars are another favorite of mine.

Fruit, nuts, chocolate — all blended together, with loads of flavors, and readily available from most grocery stores.

The Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Protein bar is low in sugar at just 7 grams and packs 10 grams of protein and 190 calories.

While Greenbelly Meal Bars may look like a snack, they contain anywhere from 400 to 700 calories and are actually more of a packable meal replacement for backpacking.

Pre-packaged and needing no preparation or cooking, these bars are nutritious and super convenient for those demanding days on the trail.

From Chocolate to Spiced Apple, these ready-to-eat mini-meals run $8 each.

The hearty Dark Chocolate Banana meal bag has 660 calories, 95 grams of carbs, and 17 grams of protein, making it a nutritional booster rocket for your backcountry adventures.

Gluten-free, organic, and Canadian-made Hornby bars are close to my heart.

If you’re seeking a peanut-free energy bar, these guys sell an absolutely incredible Pumpkin Fudge Energy Bar.

Hornby Bars are dairy-, soy-, and gluten-free, with 100% organic ingredients, making them ideal for hikers with dietary restrictions.

At around 360 calories a bar and 12 grams of protein apiece, these deserve a place in your pack.

I can’t get enough oats on the trail, and these flapjack bars are juicy and a decent source of natural protein.

Vegans will especially treasure these gluten-, transfat-, and wheat-free treats.

Each bar contains 217 calories, 10g of protein, and only a smidge of salt.

Plus, no artificial sugars or sweeteners, so at 12g of sugar per bar, you can trust that the ingredients are natural.

Other Popular Hiking Snacks

There’s no need to hit the trail with energy bars alone.

That would get old.

Here are our top recommendations for all other hiking snacks, like trail mix, chocolate, jerky, and more

You can easily create your own blend, or purchase one of the many pre-packaged options — the classic mix of nuts, fruits, seeds, and maybe a little bit of chocolate is the perfect way to stay energized on the trail.

Plus, with a range of micro and macronutrients, a convenient bag of trail mix in your pocket will top up your tank with protein, carbs, and fiber.

Honey-roasted peanuts are a weak spot for me, but cashews and almonds are delicious as-is, without any added sweetness.

A bag of nuts can stave off hunger longer than any sugary snack, so you’ll always find some on my desk.

Just one cup of peanuts contains 800 calories, and almonds clock in at 500.

That’s an excellent calorie-to-weight ratio. Nibble on a bag of high-calorie nuts and cruise up those hills.

Dehydration removes the water from fruit and creates a stable and calorie-dense snack with a longer shelf-life, all while retaining its original sweetness.

Delicious dried fruit options include raisins, dates, and prunes.

Dried fruit can contain up to 3x the fiber, vitamins, and minerals (by weight) of fresh fruit, so even a handful will deliver the sugars and carbs your hard-working body craves.

Fresh fruit may not be as packable, but a bite of crisp apples or fresh blueberries will go a long way to restoring you.

Blueberries are naturally high in fiber, which will help you feel fuller, for longer.

It’s the same with bananas and oranges — all of my usual favorites.

Fresh fruit likely won’t travel as well, getting battered and mushed in your pack, especially on longer journeys.

But being a healthy source of sugars, vitamins, and fibers, they’re still a sensible choice.

I love a good slice of Brie, but it doesn’t travel well.

But sliced cheese like Cheddar or Edam will keep for a few days and are a great addition to wraps or to melt over a steaming bowl of noodles.

Choose hard cheeses — Cheddar, Edam, Parmesan, and Gouda — over their softer cousins, to extend the shelf life.

Be aware that packing cheeses in plastic containers can make them sweat.

For me, a bite or two of chocolate is the perfect way to end a long day on the trail.

I’ve earned this, which puts a smile on my face as I sigh and wind down by the campfire.

My weakness is Whittakers Creamy Milk , a New Zealand brand worth searching for and packing on your next adventure.

Their motto says it best — “Break off a piece of nostalgia or travel to a new taste destination.”

Teriyaki beef jerky is an even more delicious version of regular jerky.

Easily add it to anything — wraps, sandwiches, noodles, or munch on small pieces throughout the day.

It’s super portable and non-perishable.

McSweeney’s Teriyaki Beef jerky combines a lot of protein with delicious flavorings that give it a distinctive sweetness.

It comes in Regular or Zero Sugar versions. Some versions are higher in sodium than others, so watch your intake.

This is a meat-free alternative to regular beef jerky, which makes it more sustainable while retaining the nutritional benefits you’d expect from traditional jerky.

Noble Jerky offers a delicious range of flavors, including Teriyaki (my favorite) and Sweet BBQ.

Vegan jerky still tends to be high in sodium, so it’s best consumed in moderation.

But with the key ingredient often being a non-GMO soy protein, there’s zero cholesterol and low levels of fat and carbs.

Peanut butter is my go-to snack ingredient, on toast or snack-a-jacks.

Carry it in a small container or combine everything beforehand.

Peanut butter can vary widely in added sugar, so read the label carefully.

Healthier nut butter will be runnier, which isn’t always convenient for travel, but that’s because it consists only of nuts and their natural oils, plus healthy nutrients like vitamin E and iron.

PowerBar has been a leader in sports nutrition for years and has an incredible range of tried and true products.

Their PowerGel range comes in ‘Original’ or ‘Hydro’ brands.

They recommend 1-4 pouches per hour during training or exercise.

Each pouch contains 100 calories, 26g of carbs for the Original, and 25g for the Hydro, with the Hydro containing slightly more sugar at 13g per pouch.

I don’t usually carry candy on hikes. It’s just too sweet for me, and my blood sugar levels spike unpredictably.

But if you’ve got a sweet tooth, sugar is the mother lode.

A handful of candy might be just what you need.

Any candy will be high in sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives, but an occasional bag of Haribo or Skittles can be forgiven if it gets you through those grueling switchbacks or up never-ending flights of stairs.

Factors We Considered When Choosing Hiking Snacks

Here’s what mattered most as we compiled this list of favorite snacks: the nutritional benefits, a high calorie-to-weight ratio, price, plus shelf life — no one wants food deteriorating in their pack.

Snacks should be tasty.

If replenishing calories was all that mattered, we could all refuel by eating kibble!

No, thanks, we’ll stick to snacks, and have compiled some of the best for your consideration. Some have added sugar, but many deliver great taste from natural, healthy sources.

Nutrition/Ingredients

Pack food that will keep you going on the trail.

Sugary snacks, while delicious, aren’t going to give you sustained energy throughout the day.

Instead, consume a decent amount of core nutrients that will leave you feeling energized and focused on the natural beauty all around you.

Caloric Density

Simply put, calories are fuel. They’re vital to energizing you, and you’ll burn through a lot.

Foods with high calorie-to-weight ratios, such as the nuts we discussed earlier, will save space and weight in your pack and provide the nutritional fuel you need.

It’s essential to choose foods that aren’t going to go bad in your pack, even if you’re just out for the day.

Dehydrated foods such as nuts, raisins, or jerky are what you want.

Packability

You’ll want to save space and weight in your pack for upscale main course meals by choosing calorie-dense snacks to eat on the move.

We looked for no-fuss or pre-mixed snacks with minimal packaging.

Big brand name hiking and backpacking snacks are easy to find and often relatively cheap, but seldom the most nutritious.

We’ve included a few here, but also recommend that you try making your own trail mix blends, for example, by visiting the bulk food section of your favorite store.

Don’t Hike Hungry — Snack Properly

Now it’s your turn to sample and choose your own best hiking and backpacking snacks.

Be bold, and vote for flavor. And remember…

Snacks can be a guilty pleasure at home, but I’m convinced they’re 100% guilt-free on the trail.

Just look at how high they are on my packing list, right after ‘trekking poles.’

That makes them “essential,” right?

What are your favorite hiking snacks?

Let me know in in the comments below.

Last Updated on July 7, 2024

Ben Gregory

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21+ Best Healthy Snacks for Hiking and Travel

Did you ever notice that healthy snacks for hiking, or any outdoor adventure, are also great for traveling? I often bring the same trail snacks with me on the plane as I do when I’m out on the trail.

Let’s face it though, truly healthy snacks are hard to find. I’m mostly vegetarian and all about exchanging the high salt and saturated fats typical of commercially prepared snacks for something that is healthier and tastes even better.

Healthy Snacks for Hiking and Travel

Here’s an ever-growing list of the best energy food for hiking. To make this list, they must taste good and provide nutrition without too much salt, sugar or fat.

THE Best High Energy Snacks for Hiking

It’s important to choose snacks that are not only high in energy but also provide essential nutrients to keep you fueled and energized throughout your adventure. These are my favorite go-to high protein snacks for hiking.

• Mixed nuts, Roasted soy nuts, or Sunflower seeds
• Peanut butter, banana and honey on a tortilla
• Peanut butter and dried apples

More Store-Bought Hiking Snacks for on the Go

I’m always looking out for easy, day hike snacks that are truly healthy. That actually qualify as good hiking snacks. Here are a few.

1. Fresh Fruits

Apples, oranges, grapes and pears transport well and are loaded with the vitamins and minerals you need to keep going, on the trail and in life. They make the best hiking snacks for health and are perfect for those sweets cravings that can only come from a good hike.

Do you eat the entire fruit, minus the seeds? You can you know, plus it’s more convenient to pack out a few seeds than the core itself.

2. Fresh Vegetables

Snap peas, carrots, celery, peppers, broccoli provide crunch, fiber and nutrition in every bite. Bring along some hummus or almond butter, below, for a tasty dip. Your digestive system, and the rest of you, will be grateful.

Pro Tip: If traveling, make the local market your first stop when you arrive in a new city to make the most of your health and give you the energy you need for your stay.

Cashews, almonds, and walnuts, to name just a few. Nuts make fantastic snacks for a hike because they are packed with energy and because there’s such a huge variety to choose from. Try them roasted or plain, with spices or without.

Pepitas (pumpkin seeds), low salt sunflower seeds, pine nuts or pomegranate seeds. These are full of antioxidants, magnesium, zinc, iron protein, and more. Mix them up in any combination that works for you.

5. Dried Fruit

Mangoes and pineapples are my favorites, but strawberries and apples are rather remarkable as well. Dried fruit takes second place to fresh because it’s not fresh but it does last longer. A lot longer. They’re also very high energy snacks for walking.

Pro Tip : Finding dried fruit without a lot of added sugar is becoming much easier than it used to be, and is also easier in countries outside of the United States.

6. Trader Joe’s Manzanilla Olives

These are nicely packaged hiker snacks loaded with flavor. They’re convenient for the hiker, not so much for the environment. You can also buy them in jars however, and put them in your own containers. Trader Joe’s sells Kalamata Olives with the same options, also fantastic.

7. Trader Joe’s Inner Peas

These are the best hiking snacks Trader Joe’s has to offer in my opinion. They’re pretty popular and you can find them at many different stores. The ones at Trader Joe’s are a little salty, but not too much given the salt your body probably needs when hiking.

Pro Tip: Combine your favorite nuts, seeds and dried fruit to make a custom trail mix, quite possibly the best snacks for long hikes.

8. Taos Bakes Snack Bar

Proof that if you don’t give up, if you just keep looking, you will find a snack bar that works for you. This one is filling, completely healthy and absolutely delicious. They’re one of the best snacks for energy out there, and one of the best snacks for traveling too.

9. BIENA Chickpea Snacks

These roasted chickpeas are incredible in so many ways – nut-free, gluten-free, and hassle-free. The best trail snacks really. They also have the most satisfying crunch, better than chips any day.

10. Peeled Snacks Dried Fruit

Delicious, healthy and portable. What more can you ask? They come in a variety of flavors but the mango is my personal favorite. These are some of the best snacks for hikes of long distance especially.

11. Justin’s Almond Butter

Healthy, portable and really quite the winning combination on fresh vegetables such as celery or carrots. One of my favorite traveling snacks.

Pro Tip : Try to pack a combination of sweets, salty snacks and savory hiking snacks to account for whatever cravings you might have.

12. Honey Mama’s Cherry Hazelnut Truffle Bar

Looking for tasty, healthy hiking snacks that feel like a reward? Look no further! One of the healthier chocolate bars you can find and worth every penny.

Hiking Snack for Hiking

Here are few hiking snack ideas that require advanced preparation. You can make them right before your hike if you like for maximum freshness. I prefer to make them well ahead of time and freeze them, taking them out only as needed.

13. Ann’s Jam Drop Cookies

Ingredients.

2 c dry, toasted, slivered almonds 4 c oats (quick cooking or regular) 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt 1 1/2 cups Almond Flour

1 c grape Seed Oil and 1 c maple syrup jam of your choice (optional)

Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheet with parchment. Coarsely chop 3/4 cup of the almonds with a knife so they are about 1/3 original. In a food processor or blender, grind 2 cups of the oats and the 1/4 tsp salt into a fine meal.

Combine with the chopped almonds in a mixing bowl. Add remaining 1 1/4 cups almonds, 2 cups oats and the 1 1/2 cups almond flour into the bowl. Whisk together.

Measure 1 cup oil and pour into bowl, followed by 1 cup maple syrup. (Doing this in order in the same cup will cause the syrup to glide our easily). Mix until combined. Dough should be thick, soft, and sticky. Let dough sit in refrigerator at least 15 minutes.

Spoon out rough balls of the dough and roll into a ball in your hand and place on the cookie sheet. Press an indentation into the top of each ball. It may crack on the edges so pinch it back together with your fingers.

The cookies spread a lot when cooking, so make a ball about 1 inch in diameter and allow space between. Fill the indentation with jam of your choice, about 1-1.5 teaspoon.

Bake about 15-16 minutes until slightly brown. When finished baking, let cool for about 15 minutes before removing from the cookie sheet.

This is one of the more messy healthy snacks for hiking, which makes it more suitable for waterfall hikes . I hesitate to suggest leaving the jam out, because the jam makes all the difference, but you can if you want to.

14. Sweet Potato Cookies

Dry Ingredients 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats 1 cup almond or regular flour 1 tsp ground ginger 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp each pure ground vanilla, baking powder and fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients 1 cup mashed sweet potato 1/2 grade B maple syrup 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted 1/4 c olive oil (I bake sweet potatoes at 350 for an hour, peel it and mash it to use in recipe.)

Preheat oven to 350 o F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly with spoon. Mix the wet ingredients thoroughly with spoon or whisk. Combine wet and dry ingredients thoroughly.

Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to measure each cookie. Roll into a ball and place 1 inch apart on sheet. Use fork to gently flatten evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown. The perfect sweet treat that freezes well.

These make absolutely fantastic snacks for hiking trips or as healthy airplane snacks.

15. Ben’s Breakfast Bars

Ingredients 5 cups old-fashioned oats 1 ½ cups peanut butter ¾ cup honey ¾ cup raisins or craisins

Directions This is not just for breakfast, but it does make a good one. We use it mostly for snacks in our house and on the road.

Mix all ingredients together and press flat into dish. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight, cut into bars and enjoy. They’re a little addictive, and a lot sticky, so use caution on both. I keep the bar in its’ bag when I’m eating it on the trail.

16. Apple Crisps

Ingredients 1 T Sesame oil 1 tsp maple syrup 1/4 tsp salt 1/8 tsp turmeric 2 apples, sliced

Directions Combine ingredients and mix well to coat the slices. Preheat your air fryer to 350 and cook for 4 minutes. Shake and separate them and repeat for another 4 minutes. Time will vary depending on how thick you’ve sliced your apples.

Note: These do not freeze well. But they also don’t last long enough to need freezing, they’re just that tasty.

17. Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients 1 cup peanut (or almond) butter 1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup flour (almond flour is also okay) 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

Directions Heat oven to 350 o F. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Using a regular spoon, scoop a heaping spoonful and roll it into a ball with your hands to compact it well and smooth. Place on a parchment-paper lined cookie sheet.

Flatten each cookie evenly by making a crisscross pattern with a fork in two different directions. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let set for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

18. Savory and Satisfying Sandwich

Ingredients sliced avocado diced tomato diced celery hummus sliced green olives dash of oregano, dill and pepper whole grain bread tuna fish or chicken (optional)

Because bread is a comfort food for me. If you’re not keen on tuna, it’s okay to be happy with just the remaining ingredients on their own. Or substitute chicken if that’s your thing. You really can’t go wrong.

I combine all the ingredients together ahead of time, minus the bread. Then make my sandwich when I’m ready to scarf it down. Warning, one is sometimes not enough for this one. As far as healthy snacks for hiking goes, it’s really that good.

19. Thai Peanut Salad

Salad 1 ½ c red cabbage, shredded ¾ shredded carrot 1 diced bell pepper 1 cup cooked edamame (shelled) or peas 2 medium scallions

Dressing ¼ cup creamy peanut butter 2 tablespoons sesame seed rice vinegar juice from one lime 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 tsp ground ginger, pinch of sea salt, dash of crushed red pepper flakes roasted peanuts

Directions Modify the ingredients to your liking, as always. I combine the dressing ingredients and keep them separate from the salad ingredients until it is time to eat them.

Durable salads, sometimes called sturdy salads, are the kind you can make the day ahead and bring with you on a camping trip. They’re full of crunch and taste great. A healthy lunch idea that tastes great!

18. Better than Cup O’ Noodles

Ingredients Karen’s Naturals Freeze-dried Just Veggies Lotus Organic Brown Rice Ramen , broken up for easier rehydration spice combination to your liking dash of olive oil

Directions This one was inspired by Cup O’ Noodles, one of my favorite although extremely unhealthy rewards for being on the trail. It’s warm, creamy, slightly salty and has pasta. What’s better than all that?

Combine all ingredients together, add boiling hot water, cover and wait 10 minutes before enjoying without guilt. It’s all good, but the best part might be the warm, leftover broth.

20. Crunchy Veggie Wrap

Ingredients Trader Joe’s Jicama wraps or whole grain toast Cucumber, carrots, avocado and red cabbage, thinly sliced or grated black pepper, basil, a little salt squeeze of lemon and dash of olive oil

Directions Thinly slice vegetables and layer them on wrap. Decorate with remaining ingredients and enjoy. The wraps are supposed to be refrigerated, but I have kept them out for hours and they served quite well.

For backpacking, I like to mix the vegetables and spices together with the lemon and olive oil and keep it in a container separate from the wraps until it’s time to enjoy.

21. Banana or Apple Waffles

Ingredients 1 cup old-fashioned oats 2 large bananas or 1 cup applesauce 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 cup peanuts peanut butter (optional)

Directions Combine ingredients in a blender and mix thoroughly. Pour mixture onto greased waffle maker and follow directions. Use quarters to make a sandwich with peanut butter.

22. Healthy AI Cookies

Ingredients 2 ripe bananas, mashed 1 cup rolled oats 1/4 cup protein powder, vanilla flavored 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions Believe it or not, I asked ChatGPT to come up with this recipe. They’re my favorite so far for traveling cookies. Super easy to make and freeze well too.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, protein powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined.

Fold in the chopped walnuts. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the cookie dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.

Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers if you need to. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

These cookies are a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, as they are sweetened with natural sugars from the ripe bananas and maple syrup. The oats provide fiber, while walnuts add healthy fats add a satisfying crunch.

Healthy Eating While Away From Home

Why healthier food everywhere.

The body breaks down simple carbs quickly, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. The more complex your carbs, the more your body will benefit and the fuller you will feel. The harder the hike , the more you need nutritious foods .

Healthy snacks for travel set you up for a more nourishing vacation and healthier lifestyle habit. Whether it’s a quick plane trip, a long flight, or a weekend backpacking trip, good food will take you farther.

Long-term Benefits of Healthy Eating

While it’s okay to indulge in a special treat every now and then, there are many benefits to eating healthy . Short and long-term.

• Reduced inflammation (can you say knee pain?)
• Fuel for whatever adventures you have planned
• Easier weight management
• It’s easier to return to normal healthy habits when you get home
• You feel better physically and emotionally
• You recover more quickly from any bugs you catch
• You’re more likely to live longer, healthier and happier
• You don’t want to end up with stomach issues while away from home. If you’ve never experienced this, believe me when I say that it is NOT a pleasant experience
• If you do a lot of hiking , backpacking or traveling, how you eat on out there becomes more of a dietary lifestyle than a temporary detour from your regular habits.

What makes a healthy hiking or travel snack?

• Is it allowed in the country you’re visiting?
• Can it affect the others around you, in terms of allergies or odors?
• Can it get through security’s maximum liquids regulation?
• Is it perishable?
• Is it heavy? If so, do you really want to be carrying it around?
• Is it easily squished? If so, consider a plastic container for travel.

What foods to avoid on the trail?

It’s important to choose foods that are lightweight, portable, and provide the necessary energy and nutrients to sustain your activity. On the other hand, there are some foods you should avoid or minimize to ensure a pleasant and safe hiking experience. Here are some foods to avoid.

• Stay away from foods that are heavy or take up a lot of space in your backpack. These can be burdensome to carry over long distances and challenging terrain.
• Avoid bringing perishable foods like dairy products, as they may spoil quickly and pose a risk of foodborne illnesses.
• While sugary treats can provide a quick energy boost, they can lead to a crash later on.  
• Avoid consuming too many salty foods, as they can lead to dehydration. Processed snacks like chips and salty trail mixes may contribute to increased thirst on the trail.
• Foods high in fat and grease can be difficult to digest while hiking and may lead to discomfort or digestive issues.
• Drinking alcohol while hiking can lead to dehydration and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Some people may experience discomfort while hiking after consuming spicy foods, especially in hot weather.

FAQs About Food

Some questions that people often ask about eating healthy food on the go.

A healthy snack on the road could be a combination of fresh fruits, such as apples or berries, paired with nuts or seeds for added protein and crunch. Other options include pre-cut vegetables with hummus, yogurt cups, or granola bars with natural ingredients and low sugar content.

The best food to eat while traveling is generally lightweight, easily portable options like sandwiches, salads, fruits, nuts, and energy bars. It’s also essential to stay hydrated and choose foods that won’t spoil quickly.

Pack lightweight, energy-boosting snacks for hikes like trail mix (with nuts, dried fruits, and seeds), protein bars, jerky, fresh fruits (apples, bananas), whole-grain crackers with nut butter, and granola. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during your water.

Cashews are an excellent savory snack for hiking. It’s a lightweight and protein-packed option, providing sustained energy and satisfying your taste buds. Its long shelf life makes it convenient for extended outdoor journeys.

Nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews), dried fruits (like raisins and apricots), and energy bars with nuts and seeds are among the most energy-dense foods for hiking. They offer a mix of healthy fats, carbohydrates, and protein, providing a sustained energy source for your outdoor activities.

Final Thoughts: Healthy Snacks for Hiking

Relax a little, in food and everywhere, but try to listen to logic over emotions when it comes to your food choices. Establish a good routine.

I will add to this list as I find more ideas, as I’m always looking for more nutritious snacks for my adventures. Happy travels!

Dr. Tammi Kaeberlein is the owner and author of Wander Healthy, a longevity lifestyle blog that helps people incorporate healthier options into their daily lives. She's also a scientist in the biology of aging and has earned certification as a sports nutritionist and personal fitness trainer. When she isn’t writing about health and wellness, she is usually outside somewhere.

The Best Hiking Snacks To Keep You Energized On The Trails

By Ellie Stanton

Updated: January 20, 2021

As you chug up switchbacks and scrambles, your muscles are constantly exerting energy. A constant supply of calories is essential to keep you moving. Here is an ultimate guide to the best hiking snacks that will help prevent fatigue and hanger, so you can fully enjoy your hiking adventure.

Day Hike Snacks

A major benefit for most day hikes is that you don’t have to worry too much about weight and bulk. That being said, feel free to bring heavy, but tastier items to make your hike extra enjoyable. Remember to still opt for nutrient-rich hiking foods and bring plenty of water. Some popular day hike snack ideas include:

• Fresh and/or Dried Fruit
• Protein bars (CLIF, RxBars, etc)

Homemade DIY hiking snacks vs. Store Bought

While store-bought bars are convenient, they can come at a hefty price – especially when added all up. DIY hiking snacks can help your budget and reduce waste. When done right, it can be a cheaper, more sustainable, and healthier to make your own hiking snack.

Here are some trail-proof ideas:

DIY Trail Mix

If I want to stock up on trail mix, I always make my own. All you have to do is buy your favorite nuts in bulk, add some dried fruits, seeds, and (preferably dark) chocolate, and you are good to go!

Peanut Butter Fat Bombs

This is a great Keto DIY hiking snack. All you need is to melt real peanut butter, coconut oil, butter, cinnamon, and dark chocolate together. Roll them into little balls and freeze for about 30 minutes. 

Pro Tip: If you plan to hike in hot weather, this snack can get a little messy. To prepare, pack the peanut butter fat bombs in a bag and bring a spoon!

Keto Hiking Snacks

If you are on a Ketogenic diet, you’ll want snacks high in protein and fats, but low in carbohydrates. Here are some ideas:

1) Dried Meats

Dried meats like jerky and salami are high in fat, low in carbs, and moderate in protein. They are a tasty addition to other snacks like hard cheese or tuna packets. Some other options include summer sausage, pepperoni, and bacon bits.

2) Hard Cheese

These are the best cheeses for a Keto diet:

• Sharp cheddar
• Grana Padano
• Swiss Gruyere

Pro Tip: For backpacking, cheeses that are older, dryer, and harder will last longer.

Exceptionally tasty and high in fat. Need we say more?

Pro Tip: For 3-4 backpacking trips, bring avocados at different stages of green. The more firm/greener avocados will ripen by the later days of your trip.

4) Nuts and Seeds

Nuts are packable, last a long time, and nutrient-dense. They are rich in calories, healthy fats, and store a good amount of protein. Pecans, macadamia nuts, and Brazilian nuts are all popular high fat and low carb nuts. However, if you are on a budget, fill up a bag with peanuts and they’ll serve you well.

To spice up your Keto collection, throw in a handful of pumpkin and/or sunflower seeds with your nuts. They are high in calories, high in fat, and are more nutrient-dense than nuts.

5) Nut Butters

Nut Butters don’t require any preparation, are easily packable, and have super nutritional benefits to power you through any trail. 

Pecan butter is very high in fat with negligible amounts of carbohydrates and sugar. This makes it the most popular for Keto hikers. Almond and peanut butter are good options as well.

Pro Tip: Make sure to use nut butter with only nuts and salt. Heavily processed nut butter with hydrogenated and palm oils are not only bad for the environment, but they slow you down and hurt your health.

6) Oil Packets

Coconut, ghee, and olive oils contain healthy fats that help make your meals tastier and more nutritious. They are especially great for backpacking trips, as oil does not spoil.

7) Tuna Packets

Tuna is cheap and packed with protein.

8) Low Carb Protein Bars

There are plenty of great Keto-designed bars available. Epic Provisions creates high protein meat bars that cater to a Keto diet. For a vegan option, try Keto Bars .

Best Snack Bars for Hiking

Our #1 Pick: Kate’s Real Food

Kate’s Real Food is an all organic, non-processed meal replacement bar. While each bar packs 260 calories, it is still light and extremely popular for its great taste. The Kate’s Real Food bar may seem pricey, but at $30 per dozen ($2.5 per bar) and dense in nutrient-rich calories, they are a great deal. Try their most popular flavor, Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond here . 

Calories: 260 Fat: 9g Protein: 6g Carbohydrates: 40g

Our #2 Pick: KIND Protein Bar Most protein bars are notorious for their tasteless and powdery consistency. KIND’s protein bar completely avoids this, as most of the protein is carried in the bar’s nuts. The KIND protein bar is gluten-free and rich in fat. As they are wonderfully dipped in chocolate, KIND bars melt easily and should be stored in a cool place. Calories: 250 Fat: 17g Protein: 12g Carbohydrates: 18g

Honorable Mentions:

RXBARs are made with simple ingredients (shown on their front packaging) and high in protein. You can buy a dozen for $26 or thirty for $60. They are tasty, popular, and found in almost every grocery store. The blueberry is one of my all-time favorites!

CLIF creates high performance, sustainably sourced energy bars. Their prices are in the same range as other energy bar competitors. Like RXBars, they can be found in almost every grocery store and gas station.

Hiking Snacks for Dogs

Does your furry friend love to accompany you on your outdoor adventures? Here are some of my personal favorite snacks to bring for my favorite hiking pup:

1) Jerky Treats

Dehydrated meat treats are not only great hiking snacks for humans but a healthy snack for your dog as well. Pick a jerky treat free of artificial preservatives or additives and make sure your pup is done chewing before walking!

2) Training Treats

Small training treats, like Zuke’s Mini Naturals , are a great booster snack to praise your pooch and maintain their nutrient balance.

3) Doggie Biscuits

Some dog biscuits, like the Carnivore Cookies are packed with hearty nutrients like protein, to help your dog on long hikes. Always opt for treats made of all-natural ingredients. It will help your dog last and live longer.

Pro Tip: If you feel thirsty, hungry, or tired, odds are your dog is as well. Make sure to take a snack break so your pup can eat and rehydrate. Make sure to check if your dog has had enough water – especially on a hot day. If their nose is dry, they are likely dehydrated.

Best High Energy Snacks for Hiking

In the age of cardio kings and queens, endurance sports can be daunting. One of the primary training factors for these athletes, however, is food. Certain energy-boosting foods – built with a combination of high carbohydrates, moderate protein, and low fats – stabilize your blood sugar and produces higher energy levels. These are some foods that will help you eat your way to better endurance.

Oats are slow-burning calories that make you full longer and stabilize blood sugar. Combine it with our #2 and #3 best high energy hiking snacks, dried fruit and nuts.

Pro Tip: Although tasty, avoid sugar-loaded packets – they will take away any prior nutritional benefits from oatmeal. Opt for rolled or steel-cut oats.

2) Dried Fruit

Dried fruit contains natural sugars that serve as fast-acting carbs. These are great for a pre-hill, morning boost. To maintain high energy when hiking, combine these carb-rich fruits with protein and fat, such as sunflower seeds and/or certain nuts.

Nuts are hiking superfoods that are calories and protein-dense. Additionally, nuts like almonds and walnuts provide much-needed doses of healthy fats. Combine your nuts with carbohydrates like pasta, raisins or pretzels.

Whole grain noodles contain fiber and some essential fatty acids. Their long-lasting supply of glycogen provides consistent fueling for long-distance hikes. Make sure to combine your whole grain pasta with nuts or hard sausage to up your supply of fat and protein.

Beef, turkey, and salmon jerky are lightweight, non-perishable, and loaded with protein. On strenuous hikes in hot weather, high sodium jerky will help replenish your body’s salt content after sweating. We recommend combining your jerky with high-carb, fatty foods like cheese.

Best Hiking Snacks for Long Hikes

Whether you are planning for the PCT or just a longer variation of your normal day hike, there are a few important things to consider.

Hiking snacks for long hikes should provide a lot of energy without sacrificing weight and space. Some of the best high calorie, low bulk options include:

1) Nuts & Seeds

Pro Tip: Macadamias and pecans lead the pack in calories, although brazil nuts and walnuts trail close behind.

2) Olive oil

Olive oil is a great high-calorie, healthy fat addition to every meal.

Pro Tip: To incorporate more olive oil in your diet, use it as salad dressing, a butter alternative, or over your pasta.

3) Dark Chocolate

Dense in flavor, calories, and nutrients like iron, dark chocolate is a great long-distance hiking snack.

4) Energy Bars

Energy bars like the ones mentioned above are designed to be packable, tasty, and rich in calorie-dense nutrients.

Best High-Calorie Snacks for Hiking

Long, hard hikes require a constant resupply of energy. High-calorie snacks are important to keep you pushing and fueled. To save weight, opt for snacks with a high calorie per ounce ratio. As fat has the densest concentration of calories, nuts (especially macadamias and pecans) are your snack champion. Salami, energy, and candy bars are also great, high-calorie options.

Best High Protein Snacks for Hiking

Switchbacks and scrambling take quite a toll on your muscles. Trust us, we know. After a grueling day, your muscles need time to recover. High protein snacks like hard sausage and jerky will help aid in a speedy recovery. If you are a vegetarian, try a high protein energy bar. We love the Blueberry flavor from RXBars .

Best Hiking Snacks from Trader Joes

We love everything about Trader Joes – the Hawaiian shirts, fresh fruit, and most importantly, their hiking snacks! Next time you are at your local Trader Joes, try these healthy snacks:

• Trader Joe’s Instant Oatmeal
• Trader Joe’s Organic Peanut Butter
• Trader Joe’s Natural Turkey Jerky
• Go Raw Trek Mix / Rainbow’s End Trail Mix / Organic Trek Mix
• Babybel Cheese Circles
• Chocolate Covered Almonds
• All/Any Fresh and Dried Fruit!

Best Vegan Hiking Snacks

Lucky for us, most hiking snacks, such as nuts and dried fruit are vegan! If you want vegan snacks that are high in protein but tired of eating bars, try vegan jerky. Primal Strips make a high energy, high protein plant-based jerky. They’re tasty and easily packable. Here are some other options if you would like to spice things up:

• Yum Snacks Protein Shots
• Yum Snacks Protein/Energy Balls
• Dried Seaweed
• Nut Butters
• Apple and Banana Crisps
• Veggie Chips

Gluten-Free Hiking Snacks

As the outdoor industry continues to grow and hiking gains popularity, there are more and more gluten-free snack options!

• Dried Fruit
• Gluten-Free Granola (try the Peanut Butter Whole Grain Clusters from KIND )
• Gluten-Free Granola Bars like RxBar

Best Nut-Free Hiking Snacks

Although guides to hiking snacks are filled with different types of trail mix and PB & Js, nut-free hiking snacks are actually easy to find and make! Here are some other allergy-safe hiking snacks:

• Make your own trail mix without the nuts! Combine your favorite dried fruits, chocolate, and coconut shards into a delicious, high energy snack to energize you for any switchback or scramble.
• Instant oatmeal
• Organic Honey Stinger Waffles
• Organic Honey Stinger Energy Chews
• Nut-free Quaker granola bars

Best Snacks For Winter Hiking

For winter hikers, walking around snow-topped trees and red, desert sand, is the closest we can get to heaven. To experience the full trail magic of a winter hike, it is important to plan ahead. The cold weather on a winter hike demands a hearty set of snacks dense with extra calories and energy to keep you warm. Here are some winter hiking snacks that will keep you nourished and won’t freeze:

• Heavy-Duty Trail Mix (Nuts, Coconut Chips, Dried Fruit, etc.)
• Peanut Butter

Pro Tip: Avoid (or give special, warm treatment to) chocolate, cheese, and most energy bars. In cold weather, these foods freeze and become really, really hard. In fact, I almost lost a tooth after trying to eat a CLIF bar on a cold, alpine summit in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Fun Hiking Snacks for Kids

Growing up, my Dad and I went on long hikes in the mountains behind Buena Vista. They were challenging for an elementary school student with short legs, so my Dad was adamant about “feeding the meter” – making sure I consumed enough calories to keep pushing. This meant a step away from uber-healthy “adult” snacks to yummy, kid treats. It helped me reach my goals and foster a love for hiking.

Here are some kid-tested, kid-approved hiking snacks to bring on the next adventure with your little one:

• Mini PB&J Sandwiches
• Mini Muffins
• Cheese Sticks
• Chocolate or Candy (for bribes)
• Quaker Chewy Granola Bars (my personal favorite growing up)
• Squeeze Pouches (try the healthy fruit/veggie variety from GoGo SqueeZ )

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22 Best Hiking Snacks to Up Your Hiking Game

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Next to water, I think bringing the best hiking snacks is my #1 priority when I head out on a hiking trip. I typically do short hikes all the way to full day hikes – no backpacking.

No matter the length of the trip, I always want to have something good to eat on hand. It doesn’t help anyone when I get hangry.

And I can get hangry pretty easily.

So I know all about which hiking snacks keep me full the longest and taste best! I’ve tried many of them out, trust me.

Whether I’m spending a weekend in Linville Gorge , hiking near Winston-Salem , or hitting one of the best hiking trails in the southeast , I never leave home without snacks!

Take it from me, snacks are a great gift for outdoorsy women .

Disclaimer: This post ma y contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for keeping Stuck On The Go going!

Should I Bring Snacks on a Hike?

Number one – what kind of question is that? I ALWAYS have snacks with me. This became even more important when we found out that my husband was a Type I Diabetic.

He has to have food with him at all times in case his blood sugar gets low.

But even for completely healthy people snacks are an important way to keep your body going. Plus it’s nice to have a reward when you get to the summit or down to the waterfall whether you’re hiking an out & back trail or on a loop.

What Should I Eat While Hiking?

What you should eat depends on the length of the hike and how strenuous it is. For long, tough hikes you’ll want something high in complex carbs – so an energy bar like a CLIF bar for example.

Snacks high in protein will also help keep your energy up on longer hikes.

If you are going on a short hike then the nutritional value isn’t as important so maybe go for taste instead of ingredients.

You’ll also want to think about the weather when packing your hiking snacks. If it’s going to be super hot, your stomach may not like you for packing that candy bar. Make sure you have plenty of extras if you’re hiking in the winter!

If you don’t have a small cooler to fit in your daypack then you also won’t want to pack anything that needs to stay cool or even chocolate on a hot day.

The best hiking snacks are usually small and individually wrapped. They are easily eaten with just your hands and don’t require any prep work.

Side note: Make sure to pack out all of your trash that comes from the wrapping.

The Absolute Best Hiking Snacks

Energy bars/protein bars.

These are my go-to hiking snacks. I can easily throw them in my bag and I don’t worry too much about them melting.

I prefer the Chocolate Chip CLIF bars or the Coconut Chocolate Chip. Even if these get a little melty, they are still completely edible.

They also fill you up almost like a whole meal so they are great for tough hikes or ones that are a little longer.

These also have a long shelf life so it doesn’t matter if you take a short hiking hiatus.

Check out the PROBAR Meal Bar.

Fresh Fruit

Fruit is great for naturally raising your blood sugar so it gives you a boost of energy. If you are looking for healthy hiking snacks then this is a great option.

Be careful when packing these though since fruit can be easily bruised. Some good options are apples, oranges, clementines, and pears.

Bananas are my favorite fruit but be very careful with these as they can get squashed easily and are one of the quickest fruits to bruise.

Munk Pack Bars

Munk Pack makes Keto granola and nut & seed bars that taste amazing. They also sell protein cookies!

I was gifted a variety pack of their nut & seed bars and so far my favorite has been the Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate flavor.

I’m always skeptical about “health bars” because sooo many of them taste like cardboard but these are delicious!

The nut & seed bars are only 150 calories and have less than 1 gram of sugar. Keeps you going without tons of unhealthy additives! Check out the Munk Pack website and try some on your next hike.

If you’re hiking on a hot day , these will melt so they’re a little messy but they still taste great. I took these while hiking in Rothrock State Forest (one of the popular things to do near Bellefonte, PA ) and they were fantastic for my mid-trail snack.

These make great stocking stuffers for hikers if you need some fresh ideas.

Dehydrated Fruit

Dehydrating fruit makes it much easier to carry around although I personally prefer the flavor of fresh fruit to dehydrated fruit.

Did you know that you can dehydrate fruit yourself? Instead of buying it at the grocery store or on Amazon you could try it at home.

If you don’t have a dehydrator – though they are super useful – then you can dehydrate fruit in your oven .

Dried apples and bananas are my go-to.

Applesauce Packets

I have always loved applesauce and these packets are so handy. No spoon needed and everything is kept nice and clean.

You may want to bring a ziploc bag to pack out your trash in case the outside of the packet gets messy.

Ziploc bags are always a good idea anyways though.

Another fan favorite here. Trail mix was meant to be used on a trail. Maybe, but I’m actually not sure about that.

There is some great trail mix that you can buy like this brand (with chocolate) and this brand (without). But you can always make it at home too.

Making trail mix at home is nice because then you can tailor it to your tastes. Then just pack some of it in a bag to take with you and off you go.

Jerky is one of Tyler’s favorite hiking snacks. We always take a bag of it when we go camping and know that we will be doing lots of outside activities.

High in protein, jerky is a great snack to keep you fueled. While store-bought jerky is great, Tyler also makes his own at home.

We have a dehydrator and if you couldn’t already tell, it gets a lot of use.

Check out this traditional beef jerky .

Mixed nuts are an easy snack to pick up at the store and if you don’t like all the frill of trail mix then this is perfect.

Nuts are a high calorie snack and easy to pack and eat along the trail. They come in so many different flavors now too so it’s a tasty snack.

Try these Everything Goes Nuts or these Spicy Nuts & Cajun Sticks .

My preference is peanut butter but almond butter or any other butter will work here too. It’s the perfect snack because it’s so high in protein!

They make the little JIF single packs now that I find super handy for travel and hiking snacks. Bring something to dip in the pack!

Granola Bar

The snack of my childhood. I can’t tell you how many Quaker Granola Bars I ate when I was little.

If you don’t like the cardboard taste of energy bars then this is a good alternative. It won’t pack the same punch but it will taste a lot better!

Chopped Veggies

While this won’t give you tons of energy, it’s definitely the healthy way to go. If you are trying to be health-conscious and you are on a short hike then pack some veggies!

Small carrot sticks are great or celery stalks. You could even do sliced green peppers or cherry tomatoes.

Pretzels are a timeless snack that come in many different shapes and sizes. You can get the huge pretzel sticks , the small ones , traditional pretzels , and even pretzels with filling .

I love the peanut butter filled pretzels and they also make them with cheese filling. It’s an easy snack to toss in a ziploc bag or hard container so they don’t break.

Can’t go wrong with a PB&J. Though this is more of a lunch item it’s great for longer hikes and super easy.

I don’t like when my bread gets soggy though so I’ve actually taken jars of peanut butter and jelly and put my bread in a ziploc bag and then made the sandwich on the trail.

An easier way is to take the individual peanut butter packs and packets of jelly .

Packaged Tuna or Chicken

So I haven’t personally tried these but some people love them. When you take packaged tuna or chicken make sure you bring along crackers or something else to eat with them.

This is a great source of protein!

Stroopwafel

While this one may not sustain you for very long, it’s a sweet treat that you’ll love. The Stroopwafel is a Dutch snack that’s made of two thin waffles with honey in the middle.

You may have heard of Honey Stinger Waffles and they are actually made specifically for an energy snack. They suggest eating them before or during activity.

Peanut Butter & Banana Tortilla Wrap

Another healthy snack option that packs a punch. The banana will give you an initial boost and the peanut butter and tortilla provides long-lasting energy.

Not to mention these taste fantastic. They are easily made ahead that morning and then pack them in an air-tight container.

Lance Crackers

Lance crackers started in Charlotte, NC so of course I had to include them. These are the best peanut butter cracker sandwiches.

It’s filling and has a great carb/protein combo to keep you going on a long hike. Just make sure you have plenty of water cause you’ll need it to get all these crackers down!

Hard Cheese Sticks

Cheese sticks are easy to toss in your pack and you don’t have to worry about them getting damaged. They also come in such a different variety of flavors.

You can get the sharp cheddar sticks , Colby Jack , or soft string cheese if you prefer.

Pickle Packs

I am not a huge pickle fan, but my sister eats these like it’s going out of style. These are also easily packed, just make sure you don’t puncture the top.

You wouldn’t want pickle juice leaking over your whole pack. This one is another great option for a short hike though.

Mt. Olive also started in NC so check out these Mt. Olive Pickle Paks .

Homemade Energy Bites

If you have never tried homemade energy bites then you are missing out! They are so so good and pretty easy to make.

Try this recipe if you would like. Be aware of ingredients in these that might melt though. These would be another good one to put in a small cooler bag if you have one.

Multigrain or Cheese Crisp Crackers

Plain crackers can actually be a really good snack if you get the right ones. I take Wheat Thins sometimes which go great with one of the cheese sticks.

Try out different crackers though and see which ones are your favorite. You don’t even have to have anything to go with them.

Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars

I’ve recently found these and LOVE them. They are absolutely delicious and have almost the same amount of carbs as CLIF bars. Though some of those come from sugars.

There are multiple flavors but my favorite is the traditional fig flavor. Two fig bars come in a pack and they are definitely one of the best hiking snacks that you’ll find.

These are a great gift idea for hikers !

Check the prices here.

Like my content? Join me on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , or Pinterest ! I even have a Facebook Group.

Best Hiking Snacks Review

I really hope that this gave you some unique ideas for hiking snacks to take on your next hike! I always love having a good snack to look forward to – sometimes that is what keeps me going.

Try them out and see which one you like the best. Leave a comment below if you have any other ideas for the best hiking snacks to take on the trail!

Anna is a North Carolina native who grew up traveling the southern US with her family. Now she is a full-time travel blogger who road trips the US and shares about outdoor adventures and epic things to do. Want to know more? Read her full story here.

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The Best Hiking Snacks to Pack No Matter What Distance You're Trekking

Any 'ole granola bar simply won't do on the trail. Stash these hiking snacks in your pack when you're taking on a short forest walk, all-day trek, or multi-day journey.

The moment your stomach starts rumbling and your energy levels take a nosedive, your instinct's to comb through your snack stash for whatever — be it a sugar-filled granola bar or bag of pretzels — excites your tastebuds. But if you're trekking up a mountain or through a secluded pine tree forest, you'll need to be a little more strategic with your snack choices — and when you eat them in the first place.

In fact, hikers should consider eating a snack every 60 to 90 minutes between meals, depending on the intensity of the hike, says Aaron Owens Mayhew, M.S., R.D.N., C.D., the backpacking meal planning expert behind Backcountry Foodie . "This is because a hiker can be at risk of burning through their glycogen stores — aka hitting the wall or 'bonking' — within one to three hours of hiking if the body isn't fueled adequately," she explains.

These glycogen stores — or the stored form of glucose (a type of sugar converted from carbohydrates) in your liver and muscles — act as a reliable source of energy while you exercise. The more intense the activity, the more quickly your stores are used up. But if your glycogen stores get too low while you're exercising, your muscle cells can't produce enough ATP (adenosine triphosphate, a molecule stored in the muscles and the direct source of energy for muscle contraction) to hold that exercise intensity, according to an article published in Nutrition Reviews . The result: You feel run-down, fatigued, and more inclined to lie down for a nap than to climb that next peak. (

To keep your energy high throughout your trek, Owens Mayhew recommends loading up on hiking snacks that boast a balance of carbohydrates, which provide the body with that essential glucose; fats, which act as slow-burning fuels that keep your body moving after you metabolize the carbs; and protein , which help build and repair muscle, she says.

But nutritional qualities aren't the only factor you need to when stocking your pack with hiking snacks: portability should be considered too. If your backpack is stuffed to the brim, choose hiking snacks you don't actually mind getting flattened, like PB&J sandwiches made with a flatbread or tortilla rather than crusty sourdough, says Claudia Carberry, M.S., R.D., L.D., founder of Charge the Trail , a site providing nutrition guidance to long-distance hikers. Instead of packing hiking snacks that create as many crumbs as a Nature Valley bar (i.e.: cookies, snack cakes, chips), opt for crush-resistant foods such as granola, nuts, and wasabi peas and store 'em in baggies to keep them from getting into every nook and cranny of your pack. (BTW, to prevent an unwelcome squish, Carberry recommends packing heavier items toward the bottom of your backpack and placing your hiking snacks on top. But if you're looking for easy access, Owens Mayhew suggests stashing them in the hip pockets of your bag so you can eat on the go.)

Before you buy all the munchies, know that some hiking snacks aren't ideal to eat 365 days of the year, so plan accordingly. In the warmer months, energy bites and bars that contain coconut oil will end up softening, and chocolate snacks will often melt, making them both super messy to eat, says Owens Mayhew. Choose foods that won't spoil quickly, such as pre-packaged snacks and homemade trail mixes, adds Carberry.

Conversely, in the winter, snacks with higher water content are likely to harden and become difficult to actually eat (or even bite into), says Owens Mayhew. Since foods with a higher fat content tend to have a lower water content, they're more likely to stay soft and edible in the colder months, she adds. Load your pack with nuts for quick day hikes, and for multi-day hikes, stock up on hard cheeses and cured meats, which hold up well in the chilly air, recommends Carberry. "Packing a block of cheddar and a log of salami will make for satisfying lunches," she says. "Slice it up and put it on tortillas or flatbread with a packet of mustard."

So, in general, what hiking snacks are actually worth stashing in your pack and bringing on the trail? Try these picks from Owens Mayhew and Carberry for some specific ideas or just inspiration for your next adventure.

The Best Hiking Snacks for a Quick Day Trip

If your hike is more like a long walk through a nature park that gets you *slightly* out of breath, plan on bringing a light hiking snack to eat every 90 minutes, says Owens Mayhew. Translation: Don't try to fit your entire pantry into your small day pack. Luckily, short hikes give you the option to pack fresh foods without having to worry about them spoiling, says Carberry. "Apples pack well because they're durable and withstand bouncing around in a backpack."

For packaged snacks that won't weigh down your pack, Carberry suggests CLIF Bars (Buy It, $19, amazon.com ), Luna Bars (Buy It, $15, amazon.com ), or Rx Bars (Buy It, $19, amazon.com ), all of which contain a balance of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats to keep you fueled. And when Owens Mayhew just needs a salty-meets-crunchy munchie, she turns to Goldfish crackers (Buy It, $13, amazon.com ), pita chips (Buy It, $15, amazon.com ), and plantain chips (Buy It, $25, amazon.com ) — just make sure to pair them with a smart source of fat and protein, such as hummus or a handful of nuts.

CLIF Bar Best Sellers Variety Pack

The best hiking snacks for a day-long trip.

Being strategic with your munching is even more important if you're tackling the trail from sunrise to sunset (vs. a mile-long journey). "The most common mistake is that hikers tend to not eat snacks between the breakfast and lunch meal and then struggle toward the end of the day," says Owens Mayhew. "After lunch, hikers often eat something sugary because they need a quick energy boost to get them to camp where they can eat dinner." (And set up one of these best camping tents. )

While that emergency mid-afternoon sugary snack — i.e. Honey Stinger Energy Chews (Buy It, $20, amazon.com ) or sugary candy — is helpful to have on hand in the event that you do hit the wall, the sugar rush will wear off quickly, leaving you in the same low-energy, super-hangry situation, explains Owens Mayhew. To keep your spirits high and stomach satisfied, go for a hiking snack that contains carbs, protein, and fat between breakfast and lunch. And if you end up scarfing down some candy later in the day, eat a well-rounded snack right after your sugar-induced burst of energy wears off so you won't be crawling to your campsite for dinner, she says. Try a KIND Breakfast Bar (Buy It, $16, amazon.com ) topped with nut butter , such as Justin's Almond Butter Squeeze Packs (Buy It, $10, amazon.com ), or a Honey Stinger Cracker Bar (Buy It, $22, amazon.com ), which boasts protein- and fat-rich peanut butter sandwiched between two multigrain, chocolate-dipped crackers.

Honey Stinger Energy Chews

The best hiking snacks for a multi-day hike.

When you're out in the wilderness for days on end, the rules of snacking still apply: Eat a well-balanced hiking snack every 60 to 90 minutes throughout the trek. Since you're munching more frequently, though, you're bound to experience what Owens Mayhew likes to call "flavor fatigue" after eating the same energy bars between every single meal. The solution: Pack homemade trail mix. The hodgepodge of ingredients, flavors, and textures won't get old — and you'll save some cash by skipping pre-packaged snacks. Try Carberry's trio trail mix , which contains a variety of nuts, dark chocolate Raisinets, and Life cereal to provide 7 grams of protein, 25 grams of carbs, and 18 grams of fat per 1/2-cup serving.

One key point to remember on multi-day adventures: Consume at least 20 grams of protein, in addition to carbs, at the end of the day to help your muscles recover and prepare for the next leg of your journey, says Owens Mayhew. "This can typically be done via the dinner meal, but an additional protein-rich snack prior to bed isn't a bad idea if the dinner meal was consumed several hours before bed," she explains. (See also: Is Eating Before Bed Actually Unhealthy ?)

For a savory, super-filling hiking snack, Carberry suggests loading a pita pocket with a pouch of tuna (Buy It, $21, amazon.com ). And for an end-of-day munchie that satisfies your sweet tooth, try a Chocolate Salted Caramel Luna Bar (Buy It, $6, amazon.com ) or CLIF Nut Butter Bar (Buy It, $20, amazon.com ), adds Owens Mayhew.

StarKist Chunk Light Tuna Pouch

What to do with trash or scraps from your hiking snacks.

No matter if your hike was a few hours or a few days, chances are you've got quite a few wrappers and apple cores stuffed in your bag. (Reminder: It's best to follow a " leave no trace " mentality on the trail, and that includes carrying all of your waste — including food scraps — out of the park.) Bring a designatedbag to stash your trash in throughout your hike, says Carberry. Or if you want to reduce your waste production from the get-go, stick to DIY snacks (such as the homemade trail mix previously mentioned) or, before you hit the trail, parcel out and pack up individual servings of that huge jar of nut butter and party-size bag of Goldfish in reusable silicone bags (Buy It, $33, amazon.com ), suggests Owens Mayhew. Not only will you be doing Mother Nature a solid, but you'll also have plenty of leftover hiking snacks to fuel you through your next trek. (Up next: What It's Like to Hike 2,000+ Miles with Your Best Friend )

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29 Diverse Hiking Snacks To Spice Up Your Trail Menu

Post Summary: 10 Best Hiking Snacks To Bring On Your Next Adventure

Have you ever been on a day hike and had snack-envy of the people around you?

You’re slowly eating your third Clif Bar of the day as you’re watching your friends, or others around you, snack on PB&Js, meat sticks, homemade trail mix, or even Snickers bars.

Those hiking snacks didn’t even occur to you as you were packing your backpack the night before!

It’s okay, we’ve all been there, settling for the quickest, easiest, and even cheapest snacks for hiking when prepping for the trail.

Thankfully, it’s never too late to up your snack game for your next adventure.

In hopes of saving you time at the grocery store, keep scrolling for our list of the 15 best hiking snacks for your next day’s hike!

What Makes a Good Hiking Snack?

So, how do you know you’ve picked a good hiking snack? What makes it worth the extra weight in your backpack

Before you buy just another generic bag of trail mix, consider these things before adding it to your daypack:

Is it nutrient-dense? Does it replace calories? Does it have a good mix of protein, sugar, and carbs to maintain your energy levels?

Do you have a variety? The same hiking snacks can get incredibly boring. Bring a variety of flavors and textures to keep it interesting.

Is it shelf-stable? It’s okay to require refrigeration sometimes, but you’ll want to mostly stick with snacks that won’t spoil after a day in your pack.

Is it portable? Make sure your snacks are easy to carry , and won’t easily get smashed in your bag. If there’s a lot of bulky packaging, consider transferring to minimal packaging in a smaller more portable container.

Is it a morale booster? After a hard section of trail, nothing is better than opening up a pack of gummy worms or a snickers bar. Now is the time to pack your favorite sweet treats for a fun reward to look forward to!

Any allergies in the group? It’s important to ask those questions before your snack planneing endeavors commence. You do NOT want to bring anything that can be a risk for others! Peanuts, tree nuts, and gluten are the most common concerns. Ask before you pack!

29 Best Hiking Snacks To Spice Up Your Trail Menu

Written by Adventure Contributor Whitney Matthews / Update by Emily Mandagie on December 2022

1. Trail Mix Combinations

Trail mixes are all full of nutrients and calories, and they are an easy snack to munch on if you want to keep moving instead of taking a snack break. Just be wary if you’re traveling in a hot climate – depending on your trail mix recipe, some ingredients could melt!

There are so many different trail mix combinations out there that you’re sure to find something that you love. Here are a few of our favorites.

• Archer Farms Monster Trail Mix (Chocolate and peanut butter, and peanut butter M&Ms)
• Daily Nut Antioxidant Mix (7 types of nut, fruit, and seed combinations)
• Kirkland Signature Classic Trail Mix (Great value)

Want to make your own mix? Head to a local bulk food store and create your own custom trail blend . The sky is the limit to the things you can add, and creating your own hiking snacks is delicious and fun! Add things like dried fruit, your favorite nuts, chocolate, pretzels, and more!

2. A Nut Butter Pouch

RX Nut Butter Pouches (Buy On Amazon)

Did you know that there are companies out there that make to-go pouches of various nut butters ? Well, now you do! This is such an easy, and tasty, way to get quick protein while out on the trail.

Our favorites are Justin’s or RX Nut Butter Pouches , but there are plenty of other brands out there to try. You can also buy almond butter or peanut butter in bulk (like at Costco) and pack in as much as you want!

Not into eating it plain? No worries! Pack along your favorite crackers , fruits , or veggies to spread your nut butter on. Bananas are our favorite! Adding it as a topping can add a little dimension and variety to your hiking snacks.

You can find nut butter pouches at your local grocery or health foods store, REI, or online.

3. Jerky or Meat Sticks

Oberto’s Beef Jerky – (See Prices at REI Here)

Beef jerky (or turkey jerky – whatever’s your jam), can be a bit expensive. But the good news is, that a little goes a long way, and they are great snacks to take hiking.

These high protein hiking snacks are packed with flavor. But, they also has quite a bit of sodium, which can dehydrate you if you eat too much of it. So it’s best to be eaten in small quantities at a time or paired with plenty of water.

If you’re looking for a cheaper, often a bit healthier hiking snack with meat, try a meat stick like Chomps turkey sticks . These ready-made packs are just as tasty and are a great savory way to change it up from hiking snacks that are higher in sugar.

You can find jerky and meat sticks at your local grocery store, health foods store, REI, or Trader Joe’s. Alternatively, you could make your own! Use a dehydrator and different spices to creat the perfect blend for you.

4. Fresh Fruits

As we mentioned earlier, sliced fruit (like an apple or a banana) pairs great with a pouch of nut butter or a to-go pack of hummus.

The easiest fruit to bring is things that have tough skin (think mandarin oranges, apples, and bananas) that act as a package all in itself.

These are good hiking snacks for hot days (like these beautiful hikes in Sedona ) because biting into a crisp cool apple or orange can be refreshing! For extra hot hikes, consider freezing grapes the night before, for an extra icy, juicy treat at your next shade break.

Don’t forget bananas, which are high in potassium and help fight off muscle cramps, for tough hikes like the East End of Rundle Trail near Banff .

For easy clean-up, and reduced spillage, we like to use these Compostic bags or Stasher Bags to store pre-peeled fruit for our hiking snacks. They are also really useful for packing out any waste, like apple cores or orange peels too.

Read More: Trail Etiquette 101: 15 Hiking Etiquette Tips You Need To Know (aka pack up your orange peels!)

5. Dried Fruits + Fruit Leather

Solely Dried Fruits (See Prices at REI)

Dried fruit can be a great option if you’re looking for a sweet treat and a quick burst of energy. You can find fruits at Trader Joes or your favorite grocery store, and there’s often a dried fruits bulk section at your local health foods store.

Dried fruit is easy to pack, and actually easy to make yourself if you have a dehydrator! (This way, you can monitor the sugar levels yourself too.) Some great fruit to start with would be apples, apricots, and mangoes.

If you don’t have easy access to fresh fruit, dried fruits are excellent and healthy snacks for hiking, especially if you are on the road away from grocery stores. They are easy to store and can last much longer than fresh produce!

Snacking on the road? Read the entire list of road trip essentials here!

6. Fresh Veggies

Probably the easiest provision on the hiking snack list is fresh veggies! These healthy and wholesome trail snacks are cheap, easy to prepare, and a great way to pack in your greens for the day.

Carrots , broccoli , and cauliflower are great nutrient-rich options to add to your day hiking essentials . Cut and prepare them into strips before you leave for easy grabbing on the go.

Cucumbers, bell peppers, and celery have a high water content , so you can get an extra boost of hydration at the same time. Talk about healthy hiking snacks!

For a little extra zhuzh, consider throwing in one of these hummus packets , or bring a nut butter packet to add a bit of extra flavor.

7. Tuna Packets or Salmon Packets

Patagonia Provisions Atlantic Mackerel Package of 3 (See Prices at REI)

Tuna packets are great hiking snacks or lunch options for once you make it to your destination . It’s a bit harder to eat AS you hike, but it’s the tastiest excuse to sit down, take a break, and soak in the views. (Especially if you are taking one of these hikes in Washington !)

A packet of fish paired with crackers is a great way to bring a lunch full of protein without having to carry too much weight. You can also use the crackers as a scoop or a spoon, so you can carry less. For a little less mess, roll tuna up in a tortilla!

You can find cans of tuna and salmon packets at your favorite grocery or health foods store. You can more easily buy the traditional one with the can tab for easy opening, or you can try to find the ones that come in thin foil packets.

If you want to get a little fancy, our favorite hiking snack brand for fish is Patagonia Provisions . You can find them online or at your nearest REI.

8. Protein Bars

Protein Bars are some of the easiest and most accessible hiking snacks on the market. You can find these store-bought hiking snacks across the entire country, in practically every grocer.

Some of our favorite hiking snacks filled with protein are from:

• Munk Pack (Use code MANDAGIES15 for 15% off their site!)
• OverEasy Breakfast Bars

Protein bars are great for something quick while fueling your body. Depending on which bars you choose, they can have a lot of sugar in them so limit your bar intake to 1 or 2, and supplement with other snacks on this list.

You’ll be thankful for the snack variation in the long run!

9. A PB&J Sandwich

Packing a sandwich can be a delicious break, but it takes a bit more preparation than just throwing a bar in your backpacking and calling it good. You’ll have to prepare it the night before (or as soon as you wake up). You’ll also need to make sure it doesn’t get squished in your bag.

But despite a little bit of extra effort, a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich can be a tasty snack , and a great way to get a little protein and sugar-induced energy burst. Make sure to supplement it with other goodies like an apple or a handful of nuts to balance out your energy levels.

Be prepared if you plan on bringing sandwiches on the trail that have meats, cheeses, or anything that may spoil in the hot sun. On a long hiking trail in high temperatures, these ingredients can go bad quickly, so think ahead!

10. Tortilla Wraps

Worried about a sandwich getting smashed in your backpack? Wrap it in a tortilla instead!

Pre-made wraps are a great way to carry in deli meats, cheese, or a more complicated sandwich. It doesn’t easily get squished, so your ingredients are safer!

11. Energy Chews and Gummies

Honey Stinger Energy Bites (Buy Here)

Energy chews are like the ultimate adult fruit snack . They’re such a great snack to store in an easily accessible backpack pocket for when you’re feeling a little slow and tired on the trail. They keep your blood sugar level balanced, and some even come with caffeine for an added boost of energy.

Some of our favorite chews are Honey Stinger , Clif Bar Blocks , or surprisingly enough, Jelly Belly !

Looking for simplicity? Just grab your favorite generic gummy bear brand from the grocery store! They don’t have to be fancy, keep scrolling for more info!

12. Candy Bars + Sweet Treats

Haribo Gummy Bears (See Prices at REI)

A little burst of sugar or protein is great, but sometimes all you need to get you through those last couple of miles is the promise of your favorite candy bar waiting for you at the end of it all.

While simple and definitely not the healthiest option, the simple reward of your favorite candy can really get you through some tough miles on the trail!

Some of our favorites are Snickers , gummy bears , Kit Kats , and Sour Patch Kids !

13. Fancy Snacks / Charcuterie Board

Have you ever seen someone hike up a mountain, only to enjoy a fresh baguette, cheese, and prosciutto at the top?

I know it can seem a little extra, but sometimes some fancy carbohydrates or seemingly “extra” hiking snacks can be just the thing to keep you motivated to reach your destination.

Choose a hike like Mount Storm King Trail in Washington or Angels Landing in Zion to bring your fancy hiking snacks . A stunning view is perfectly paired with a stunning snack!

Packing Tip: For easy packing, choose small, stackable tupperware containers to keep things fresh and keep food from getting smushed in your bag! We also like to pack extra ziploc baggies to gather up any wrappers, wet things, or close up food that has had a bag rip.

14. Mixed Nuts and Seeds

BobbySue’s Mixed Nuts Pouches ( See Prices at REI)

For keeping your energy levels up during long trails, mixed nuts and seeds make good hiking snacks! They can be combined together to make your own custom nut mixes, and are high in calories for a great pick-me-up.

A mix of nuts and seeds provide lasting energy from fats and adding dried fruit can even bring a burst of energy!

We like to keep these energy snacks for hiking stashed in the hip pouch of our backpacks , or in an accessible pocket to grab a handful for munching on the trail. Some of our favorite mixes include cashews, pumpkin seeds, pecans, and pistachios.

You can often find nuts in the bulk section at your closest health foods store and make your own mixture of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. You can even pack candied nuts for a little more added sweetness!

Patagonia Provisions Savory Seeds (See flavors are price at REI Here)

15. Granola (Homemade or Store-bought)

Granola is the hiking snack jackpot for all things sweet, energy-rich, and diverse !

You can head to the store and find your favorite mix of rolled oats, seeds, nuts, and other goodies, or you can go ahead and make your own .

If you are striving to be more zero-waste, try making these easy homemade hiking snacks. Put your granola bars in reusable sandwich bags ( like these ones from Stasher ) as is a great way to reduce trash on the trail and feel good about what’s going in your body!

16. Homemade Energy Balls

The best way to make healthy snacks for hiking is by making your own !

This way, you know exactly what you are eating, and you can pick the healthiest ingredients possible for the most energy on your next hike. Want tons of chocolate in them? Go for it. Hate raisins? Skip ’em! The recipe in completely your choice.

Follow this recipe for energy bites on the REI blog for an easy, on-the-go option. For storage, throw them in a reusable bag or stick them in the freezer to eat later.

17. Protein Cookies

Protein Cookies look similar to granola bars or energy bites, but they are jam-packed with, you guessed it, protein.

They are often dense, energy-packed hiking snacks that can act as a meal replacement or a substitute for breakfast.

Our favorite protein cookies are made by Munk Pack . Their double-dark chocolate and oatmeal raisin spice flavors are a much needed welcome after a hard few miles!

18. Crackers

Crackers are great on their own but even better as vehicles for other hiking snacks too. (Think tuna, dips, spreads, etc.) However, they can easily get smashed in a backpack, so choose your cracker choice wisely.

Sturdier crackers like Trader Joe’s Rosemary Crisps hold their own pretty well. You can also choose a stable option like those Ritz Bitz mini sandwiches or Cheez-Its for a little added flavor!

Olives consist of high-quality fat that gives you lasting energy . You can smash them onto your favorite cracker or eat them plain – it’s up to you!

For a variety of flavors, grab a variety pack of these from OLOVES to bring on your next adventure.

Cheese is a great protein choice to add to your favorite hiking snacks , especially crackers. You can also just eat cheese on its own – those mini Babybel cheese wrapped in wax are a really good, portable choice.

Typically, harder cheese will last longer off of refrigeration .

Cheddar chunks, Swiss, and Parmigiano are good choices. Cheeses are rich in fat and protein meaning they bring long-lasting energy, as well as calcium, phosphorus, and sodium too!

21. Chocolate

Sometimes all you need is a little treat to put that extra pep in your step!

Theo Chocolate (based in Seattle!) recently released their new Cookie Bites , in dark chocolate, mint dark chocolate, and snickerdoodle cookies flavors.

They are the perfect size hiking snacks for stashing in your daypack , and easily sharable too. Buy them online at Theo Chocolate or any Whole Foods!

Similar to the above chocolate, candy can truly be a morale booster on the trail! There’s a little insider tip in the backpacking world to bring a Snickers bar to enjoy at the top of a summit.

Now, it doesn’t have to be a snickers bar, but rather any candy bar or treat that you can look forward to enjoying. My candy of choice are the Nerds gummy clusters or Nerd gummy ropes !

23. Stroopwafels

Try Honey Stinger’s new sampler pack here!

Stroopwafels are probably one of my favorite hiking snacks – but a morning snack more than anything ! Stroopwafels are small, thin waffle cookies, with caramel filling in between.

They are best eaten warmed up, which is why I like to place mine on top of my coffee mug in the morning on backpacking trips. It makes the caramel filling melt a little bit, making them extra gooey and delicious!

24. Peanut Butter Pretzels

Looking for a salty and sweet hiking snack combination? Peanut butter pretzels might be a perfect choice!

These little bite-sized snacks have a little bit of everything – carbohydrates, protein, sugar, and sodium. If you need a pick-me-up with a little more oomph, choose these.

Personally, we like to get the huge container of them at a place like Costco, and then portion out exactly what we need for the trail.

25. Mountain Merriments

What better way to celebrate a summit completion than with a little something bubbly? Pack up your favorite beer, canned wine, or special drink to commemorate the accomplishment!

Cans pack really well in a backpack, and you’ll be hiking down with significantly less weight!

Not into alcohol? No worries! Bring a La Croix or any other booze-free seltzer or fancy drink to celebrate.

25. Water Additives

Need something besides boring ole’ water? Spice up your hydration with Nuun tablets , Liquid IV, or Crystal light packets to replenish those electrolytes quickly.

Tip: Make sure to add your flavoring into a separate water bottle and not your water ladder. Otherwise, you’ll be tasting that flavor for the rest of the trip.

Spice up veggies, crackers, or fruits with your favorite dips!

Think hummus, Nutella, guacamole, and, as stated above, nut butter. Many of these choices come in single-serve packs, or you can portion them out yourself.

27. Mini Muffins

Heading out on a morning hike? Pack a portion of mini muffins to snack on as the sun comes up!

This is an excellent hiking snack for people with allergies – you can bake them at home so you know exactly wat ingredients are going into the muffins. We have a mini muffin tin at home too, so they can be baked bite-sized!

28. Hard Boiled Eggs

A hard-boiled egg is a hearty, filling hiking snack. We like to pack these for day-long hikes, for lasting energy and sustenance. We recommend eating these pretty early on our journey, especially if you are hiking in a hot climate!

How to Pack Your Hiking Snacks

Now, you have a plethora of hiking snacks to choose from! From here your thoughts probably race towards questions like “How much should I pack?” and “How do I pack them?”

Keep scrolling, because we’re giving essential tips on how to pack your hiking snacks to keep them lasting as long as possible on your next day hike!

1. Containers and Packaging

Steer clear of brings snacks that are heavy or have bulky packaging. Pre-cut your fruits and veggies, take snacks out of the bulky boxes they come in, and only bring what you need. (Or maybe a teeny bit extra, just in case.)

Consider hard-sided containers for things that can be easily crushed, like crackers, pretzels or sandwiches.

Pro Tip: instead of throwing everything into single-use Ziploc bags, try Compostic bags or Stasher Bags for sustainable, earth-friendly snacking on the go.

2. Keep a Lot of Snack Diversity

While it sounds obvious, sometimes you may feel the temptation to just buy a few protein bars and call it good. But we definitely don’t recommend this!

Not only will it become boring after your second bar of the day, but as we mentioned earlier, bars can be full of sugar (which is totally fine, and often important, in moderation) .

Eating too many sugary bars can cause some digestive issues (the ingredient xylitol can do this if you consume too much of it!) and you don’t want those issues while in the backcountry!

Keeping a healthy balance of fats, carbs, and protein can help sustain your energy levels throughout the day!

Have a poop emergency? Read our complete guide on camping hygiene here!

3. Pack Enough Water

What about water?

You can have all the snacks your heart desires, but if you don’t have enough water, you’re in for a rough hike! There’s nothing worse than rationing your water – or running out of it! A general rule of thumb is to pack 0.5 liters for every hour of hiking .

If you’re taking a longer hike and can’t pack all your water, map out for a water source and bring a filtration system like the Katadyn or sawyer

If you’re hiking near a freshwater stream or alpine lake and don’t want to carry multiple bottles of water, try bringing a water filter instead. Our favorite is the Katadyn BeFree water filtration system .

This comes in handy if you’re taking a longer hike and can’t pack all the water you need. Make sure to look at a ma and find water sources along our route.

Here are a few of our favorite hiking water bottles and hydration packs.

• Osprey 2.5 Liter Reservoir
• HydraPak Shape Shift Reservoir (2 Liters)
• Gregory 3D Reservoir (2 Liters)

Pro Tip: Bring some electrolyte tablets, like Nuun of Liquid IV with you, too. Not only do they make your water taste good, but it’s an easy way to get your body important electrolytes, too. (Just add them to a separate bottle and not your bladder!)

4. Pack it in, Pack it out!

If you remember nothing else from this post, let it be this: if you pack it in, you have to pack it out.

It is essential to have a waste disposal plan Please do your part in ensuring that the wild places we all love to recreate in are kept pristine and beautiful for adventurers for generations to come.

That means, take all your trash back to the trailhead with you and dispose of it there, including anything that appears to be “biodegradable” like apple cores, banana and orange peels, etc.

While those things will degrade over time, they will likely take years, especially if they’re left in places where they are not naturally grown. Not to mention, seeing a banana peel on the side of the trail is a major eyesore to anyone else on the trail.

Pro tip: Don’t just stop at packing out your own trash. If you see other trash left along the trail (major bummer), grab it and pack it down with you. Leave it better than you found it!

5. Consider Refrigeration

Generally speaking, we recommend against hiking snacks that require staying cold.

However, sometimes the weather just demands a cold treat! Some of the best snacks for hiking in hot weather are frozen grapes, frozen yogurt packs, and crisp, crunch apple slices.

If you must bring cold items, try packing reusable ice packs, and eat these snacks first!. You can find these in blocks, or squishier gel packs for really tucking them in.

6. Consider Weight

Hiking snacks and food in general can definitely take up quite a bit of space and weight in your day pack. However, don’t skimp on the snacks! It’s better to have more than you need than not enough.

A good rule of thumb is about 200-300 calories consumed per hour. Check the labels of your snacks to make sure you’re packing enough.

Hiking Snacks Conclusion

Now that you know some of our tips and tricks for staying fueled and energized while on the trail, it’s time to get out there!

Hopefully, you feel more equipped with what hiking snacks to bring on your next trip to the grocery store so that you can kiss snack-envy goodbye!

Did you find some new hiking snacks to try out on your next trail? Did we miss any of your favorite snacks for hiking? Let us know in the comments below!

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14 Best Foods for Hiking and Backpacking

Jess is a Content Editor at We Are Explorers. Her bucket list is long and her weekends are full. She’s an ultralight adventurer but will always sacrifice a few grams to bring a book. Endlessly curious, Jess loves nothing more than discovering new places (real & fictional!), and pushing her limits to the max.

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Amy Fairall

As the Editor, if you read WAE, you've more than likely read something Amy's written. Amy lives on Larrakia land in the NT and is frequently on the hunt for new bodies of freshwater to dunk herself into. She has a preference for adventures slightly off the beaten track, with a penchant for multi-day hikes and a new found love of paddling.

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Knowing what food is best to take on a hike isn’t always straightforward and hiking food isn’t necessarily the same food you’d take camping or eat in your daily life. We’ve curated a list of the hiking foods, so you can spend less time planning and more time in nature.

Hiking is one of the best ways to see Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, but it’s also a demanding activity that requires proper preparation – especially when it comes to food.

The food and drink you pack for each trip will not only influence you physically, it will also affect how you feel emotionally and mentally during your trip.

Read more: 5 Key Tips to Good Nutrition on a Big Adventure

The food you bring needs to be lightweight and easy to prepare, as you don’t want to be weighed down or worry about keeping it fresh.

While it might be tempting to choose from the many prepared packet meals on offer, we advise making your own food where possible. There are a number of immediate benefits, including being able to monitor sugar intake and cutting down on the amount of packaging you carry back out with you.

With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top 14 foods for hiking, so you can fill your tummy and not over-fill your pack.

Jump to Section

 1. fresh fruit (apple).

@priscilladupreez on Unsplash

Approx nutrients per 170g serving:

• Calories: 95
• Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C
• Carbohydrates: 25 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: 0 grams

Apples are among the most durable fresh fruits you can take on a hike. They don’t bruise easily and can withstand getting jostled around in a backpack. Plus, they’re lightweight and full of nutrients like fibre and Vitamin C. Neurologists recommend eating at least one before midday so that the body has time to digest it before you need the energy.

 2. Dried Fruit

@katealiice

Approx nutrients per 100g:

• Calories: 359
• Protein: 2.64 grams
• Carbohydrates: 83 grams
• Fat: 2.7 grams

Dried fruit makes for a great breakfast when hiking because it’s lightweight and easy to eat on the go. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and fibre. As the water is removed from dried food, it concentrates sugar and calories in less quantities. However, dried food is still rich in sugar and calories. So, try choosing options that are lower in sugar for the healthiest option, like dried mulberries.

 3. Preserved Fish

@ignatkushanrev on Unsplash

• Calories : 100
• Vitamins: Good source of vitamin B12
• Carbohydrates : 0 grams
• Protein: 12 grams
• Fat: 5 grams

Preserved fish is an excellent option for a protein-rich snack. It makes for a quick and nutritious meal that doesn’t require refrigeration, and can be eaten cold or heated over a campfire. Plus, it’s a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Having preserved fish as a meal on a break can be a great way to re-energize and refuel.

Opt for fish in a sachet over cans for a more compact, lightweight, and packable version.

 4. Mountain Bread

• Calories: 130
• Vitamins: Good source of vitamin A
• Carbohydrates: 52 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 1.5 grams

Having this bread in your backpack is perfect for a quick snack or sandwich on the go. Considered a healthier alternative to traditional bread, mountain bread is less doughy and is made with wholewheat flour. It doesn’t get spongy when wet like other breads and doesn’t spoil easily, which makes it ideal for hikes.

5. Granola Bars

@towfiqu999999 on Unsplash

Granola bars are a favourite among hikers because they’re easy to carry, quick to eat and full of energy-boosting ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruit. Plus, they come in various flavours, so you’re sure to find a flavour combo you like.

When making your hiking meal plan, don’t forget these must-have bars! They’ll help you quickly recover some of the energy you’ll be expending on your hike.

The nutritional value of a granola bar will differ drastically between brands and flavour combinations, so make sure to read the nutritional information on the back before purchasing to see if it fits with what you need!

More nuts = more protein!

 6. Instant Oatmeal

@vanilla88 on Unsplash

Approx nutrients per 28g serving:

• Calories: 100
• Vitamins: Good source of vitamin B6
• Carbohydrates: 19 grams
• Protein: 2.4 grams
• Fat : 2 grams

Oatmeal is perfect for helping you recover some of the energy you’ll be spending on your hike. Instant oatmeal is normally eaten for breakfast, but it can also make a great snack while hiking. Carry one or more small packs with you, and make a delicious and filling meal or snack by adding some hot water.

 7. Almond Butter

@christine_siracusa on Unsplash

Approx nutrients per 16g serving:

• Calories: 98
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams
• Protein: 3.4 grams
• Fat: 9 grams

Although peanut butter is more popular, almond butter is a healthier option with the same amount of protein. Almonds are a good source of fibre, magnesium, and healthy fats. Combined with the protein from the butter, this makes for a perfect hiking snack that’ll give you long-lasting energy.

Plus, almonds don’t need to be refrigerated, so just throw the jar of almond butter in your backpack and get going! To reduce the amount of weight you’re carrying, portion the amount of almond butter you want to bring into a smaller container or doubled zip-lock bag.

• Calories: 116
• Carbohydrates: 3.1 grams
• Protein: 9.4 grams
• Fat: 7.3 grams

Jerky is a high-protein, low-fat snack that’s perfect for taking on hiking trips. It’s hands down the best way to bring meat on your hike, and it doesn’t need to be refrigerated. While beef is the most popular jerky, create a mix for some variety.

 9. Parmesan Cheese

@tiefenscharf on Unsplash

• Calories: 431
• Vitamins: Good source of vitamin D
• Carbohydrates: 4.1 grams
• Proteins: 38 grams
• Fats: 29 grams

This hard Italian cheese will last for days in your backpack without refrigeration. It’s perfect for a pre-hike snack or to add to pasta dishes at camp. Parmesan is also a great source of protein and fat that’ll keep you feeling full and energetic on the trail. Pack parmesan in small wedges or slices for easy snacking.

10. Instant Noodles

@thecampstovechef

Approx nutrients per 43g serving:

• Calories: 385
• Vitamins: Good source of vitamin B
• Carbohydrates: 27 grams
• Protein: 5 grams
• Fat: 7 grams

Another quick meal you can prepare easily is instant noodles. These ready-made packaged meals are lightweight, easy to cook, and require little cleanup. Just place the dried noodles in your hiking bowl, add boiling water and flavour sachets, wait a few minutes, give it a stir, and enjoy.

Many instant noodle brands also offer varieties with meat or vegetables already included. Choose your favourite flavour and add it to your hiking food list.

@evadavisboermans

• Calories: 607
• Carbohydrates: 21 grams
• Protein: 20 grams
• Fat: 54 grams

Nuts always make for a good snack as they’re high in protein and calories and will help keep you feeling full for a long time after you eat them.

Pack a variety of nuts, like almonds, peanuts, and cashews, for a well-rounded snack. You can eat them as they are, or add them to your trail mix.

12. Vegetables

Nutrients per 100g:

• Calories: 65
• Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C and B6
• Carbohydrates: 13 grams
• Protein: 2.9 grams
• Fat: 0.2 grams

If you want to replace freeze-dried meals with fresh foods when hiking, veggies can make a great addition to your menu. However, not every vegetable is suitable for hiking. Any veggie that has a high water content, like cucumber and tomatoes, will only add water weight to what you’re carrying and can squish easily, making a mess in your backpack.

Instead, focus on packing vegetables that are more sturdy and high in calories and nutrients, like carrots and beetroot. These will help you stay energised on the trail.

13. Powdered Milk

@thetantrap

• Calories: 496
• Vitamins: Good source of vitamins C, B6, D
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 26g

Powdered milk is a super-lightweight hiking food that can be used in multiple ways. You can use it to make oatmeal or pancakes more creamy or if you’re really brave (read: desperate) simply mix it with water.

For those that love hot drinks, powdered milk can also be used to make rich hot chocolates and creamy coffees on the go.

Powdered milk is high in calories and protein, and is an excellent choice for hikers who need an energy boost. It’s also an easy way to get your daily dose of calcium while on the trail.

14. Dark Chocolate

@charissek on Unsplash

• Calories: 546
• Vitamins: Good source of vitamins B and E
• Carbohydrates: 61g
• Protein: 4.9g

Hiking can be tough stuff, so you’ll need some sweet sweet motivation and a reward for when it’s all over. Chocolate provides a quick blast of energy to help you power through the last few kilometres and is a surefire way to boost morale. Store the chocolate in a Ziploc bag to keep it from staining your gear if it melts. Dark chocolate is the better alternative if you’re avoiding sugar. You can also break it up into small pieces to scatter through your trail mix.

Best Hiking Foods FAQs

What foods should you eat on a multi-day hike.

Multi-day hikes require more planning than shorter hikes, as you need to ensure you have enough food to last the entire trip but don’t weigh you down.

When choosing foods for a multi-day hike, aim for items that are high in calories and protein, and are easy to carry and store.

To help you choose, here’s a list of food ideas for your next multi-day hike.

Classic Pre-Hike Breakfast Menu

As most breakfast foods are nutritious and quick to prepare, your hiking breakfast may not significantly differ from the breakfast you usually have at home.

You’ll still need some protein-rich foods to help charge your batteries, as well as complex carbs for sustained energy. Don’t forget to pack some fruits and veggies for vitamins and minerals.

A typical pre-hike breakfast menu can include:

• Overnight oats
• Granola bars
• Instant oatmeal
• Peanut butter

Carbs for Hiking Dinners

For dinner, you’ll want to focus on foods rich in complex carbs, as these will help replenish your glycogen reserves and give you energy for the next day.If you’re on the trail for a while, plan on cooking warm food for yourself.

You can always settle for the no-cook option, packing cold foods like salads or sandwiches, but it’s not something we’d recommend for more than a night or two. Instead, it’s better to travel with a hiking stove and cook your own meals for a more delicious, nutritious, and satisfying meal.

Some complex carb options for your hiking dinner include:

Drinks for Chilly Hiking Evenings

Just as with dinner, we’d recommend a warm drink before going to bed, as this will help you stay hydrated and warm after a long day of hiking.

The best beverage after a long day on the trail is a cup of hot green tea to relax and rehydrate. That’s not your only option, of course: powdered milk can be used to make some hot milk to enjoy.

If you’re going to relax around the campfire, hot chocolate is also a great drink before bed. Plan your water supply for the whole trip to avoid running out.

Here are several options for drinks you can take with you on your next hike: 

What foods should you avoid on a hike?

Only Sugary Food

Eating only sugary snacks isn’t a good idea, as you’ll quickly become tired and hungry. Then you’ll start craving salty flavours to balance it out.

Create a balanced mix of sweet and savoury snacks when hiking. Pick some of your favourite nuts or seeds and add them to your menu for a delicious crunchy power boost.

Heavy Meals

Heavy meals are meals that take a long time to digest and include foods like burgers, pizza and any other food that’s rich in butter, oil, and eggs.

In the best-case scenario, you’ll feel good for the first hour after eating a heavy meal, but you’re soon likely to experience a big energy drop.

A beer or two in the evening around the campfire may seem like a nice idea, but drinking alcohol before or on a hike is a big no-no.

Not only will alcohol dehydrate you, it’ll also make you feel tired and dull your reflexes. If you’re hiking on dangerous trails where you need to be fully focused on every step, the last thing you want to be is intoxicated. Save the alcohol for a celebratory tipple once you reach camp.

How should you pack your meals for hiking?

The short answer is: sealed compactly . Here’s what it means in practice:

Use Lightweight Options Whenever Possible

Not every food can be replaced with a lighter version, but there are definitely some that can.

For example, opt for energy bars or gels instead of a heavy bag of trail food. You can also ditch canned food for food in compressible packets and sachets. Dried food can replace fresh fruits. These small changes will make a big difference in your backpack’s weight.

Remove Excess Packaging

Marketing makes food manufacturers use packaging that isn’t always conducive for a light backpack. Once you’ve prepared the food you want to take with you, transfer it to a more compact container, or remove any of the unnecessary packaging.

For example, just pack the muesli bars singularly, not the entire box. Divvy out portions of what you’ll need from larger containers, like powdered milk and nuts rather than taking the entire bag.

What’s best to drink while hiking?

Water, water and more water. This is the most important thing to remember when packing your drinks for hiking. You’ll sweat on the hike and will need to replenish fluids constantly. Make sure you have enough water and drink regularly.

What else can you drink when hiking?

Powerade or Gatorade

These drinks are designed to replenish the electrolytes you lose when sweating. They can be helpful, but aren’t vital if you’re hiking for a short time and/or aren’t sweating a lot.

Water Enhancers

Water enhancers can add flavour and nutrients to your water. They can be helpful, but make sure to read the label carefully. Some of them have a lot of sugar, which is not what you need when hiking.

Coconut/Lemon Water

If you like your water to be flavoured, try these options. Coconut water is a great way to stay hydrated on the hike as it has electrolytes and is low in sugar.

Lemon water is also a good option, as it can help you stay hydrated and give you a bit of an energy boost as well.

How much weight should you allow for food each day of the hike?

Your hiking food should weigh between 700g and a kilo  

Of course, this is just a general guideline. If you’re hiking for a longer period of time or in hot weather, you may need to carry more food with you. However, this estimation is for an optimal backpack weight that’ll prevent you from over-straining yourself.

Where can you find lightweight hiking food?

Specialised shops for hiking gear, or special sections in grocery stores

If you have a specialised store for hiking gear in your area, it’s likely to have some lightweight hiking food options or at least some lightweight packing ideas.

Also, many grocery stores now have a section with lightweight and healthy foods that are perfect for hiking. Use them to stock up on energy bars, nuts, dried fruit and other snacks.

What fruit is good for hiking?

Apple, oranges, and bananas are the most popular choices

These fruits are easy to carry and will give you a boost of energy when hiking. They’re also high in water content, which will help you stay hydrated.

What makes a good breakfast before hiking?

Oatmeal with dried fruit, yoghurt and granola

A light but filling breakfast is perfect before hitting the trail. Eat an hour or so before you start hiking to have time to digest.

Oatmeal with dried fruit and yoghurt is a great option, as it’ll give you complex carbs and protein to fuel your hike. If you’re short on time, you can also just grab a granola bar or an energy gel. Try to avoid processed foods of any kind.

Hiking Food Final Thoughts

If you’re carrying the food, you might as well take some kitchen utensils with you for basic cooking, cleaning and food preparation. There are practical ways to do this, explained in our guide about packing a clean-up kit .

When hiking you’re mostly focused on the fascinating scenery and don’t want to focus much on food or packing meals. We hope this guide makes your mealtime decisions simpler and your hike even more enjoyable!

Feature photo by @zac_desilva

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11 Hiking Snacks to Pack on Your Next Hike

When it comes to hiking snacks, there are a lot of options!  If you’ve ever wondered what snacks to take hiking, or you’re bored with your current hiking snacks, read on for some fresh ideas! 

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclaimer here.  

Not only do these hiking snacks hold up well in your backpack as you hike, but they also taste delicious and will keep you energized on the trail.

Easy Hiking Snacks for Your Next Day Hike

1. peanut butter pretzels.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better than a spoonful of peanut butter, someone thought to put a crunch salty pretzel around it!

Peanut butter pretzels make a great trail snack because they’re crunchy, salty, and fatty to keep you full for hours.

2. Trail Mix

No hiking snack list would be complete without trail mix, right? It’s a classic for a reason!

When it comes to trial mix, there are tons of options as the local grocery store; Trader Joe’s has an excellent selection.

But it’s also very easy to make your own trail mix at home. Here are a few of my favorite recipes to get you started.

Trail Mix Recipes:

• Tropical Trail Mix
• Maple Cheddar Trail Mix
• Blueberry Walnut Trail Mix

I love to hit the bulk section of the grocery store and pick out my favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to make my own unique trail mix. 

3. Tuna Packets with Crackers

I’m a big fan of the tuna packets by Safe Catch. They come in so many flavors, you can eat them right out of the packet, and the quality is fantastic.

I even take them on my backpacking trips.

For hiking, I love to pack tuna and a bunch of cheddar crackers. When you stop to take a break, you can use the crackers to scoop out the tuna. No bowl or spoon is needed!

This hiking snack idea is high in protein and low in sugar. This is one of my favorite hiking lunch ideas.

Tip >>  Bring a small bag for the garbage so you don’t get tuna juice all over your backpack!

4. Apple and Peanut Butter

Always a classic combo.

Although an apple is bulkier and heavier than some of the other hiking snacks on this list, it can be so refreshing to bite into a nice juicy apple on the trails.

Especially on hot hikes.

They go great with some peanut butter or almond butter. My favorite nut butter packets are  RX Nut Butter , which has a little extra protein from egg whites.

5. Olive Packets

I first discovered these single-serving olive packets at Trader Joe’s and soon realized that they needed to come with me on some hikes!

Olives are salty and fatty, and definitely a unique snack!  They’re a really nice balance to some of the sweeter hiking snacks on this list. 

If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s nearby, you can try  these olive packets  instead.

6. Dried Fruit or Fruit Roll-Ups

Dried fruit is great for when you need a quick boost in energy.

I like to go to the bulk section of the grocery store and pick out a variety of dried fruit for a hike. Trader Joe’s also has an incredible selection! My favorites are dried mangos, figs, bananas, and pineapple.

I also love the chewy sweet boost from fruit snacks or fruit roll-ups on the trail. Nowadays there are so many delicious options.

You can find fruit bars that are made with real fruit purees and juices. They’re often small and easy to store in the hip pocket of your backpack for a quick bite.

Here are some great options:

• Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars
• That’s It Fruit Bars
• Bear Fruit Rolls
• Homemade Peachy-Pear Fruit Roll-Ups

MONEY-SAVING TIP >> Many of these options can be found a Costco for a great price!

7. Medjool Dates and Nut Butter

This is nature’s candy right here!

Medjool dates are sweet and chewy with a caramel-like flavor.

Bring them along with a packet of almond butter or peanut butter and you’ve got a perfect hiking snack.

It’s sort of like peanut butter and jelly without the bread.

The best nut butter I’ve tried is definitely the  RX Nut Butter packets.

8. Protein Bars

I love taking protein bars on hikes because they fill me up! I find them really helpful on longer hikes and backpacking trips.

Below are some of my favorite hiking snacks with a lot of protein:

• Oatmega Protein Bars – The raspberry white chocolate is my favorite flavor!
• G2G Protein Bars – I LOVE these bars. The ingredients are so simple and they’re very high in protein and keep me full for hours! They’re found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store but can be stored out of the fridge for up to 30 days. If you’re a Costco member, you can save money by buying these in bulk.
• GoMaco Protein Bars – I love the chewy texture of these vegan protein bars. The Oatmeal Chocolate Chip and the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip are my favorite flavors!

All of the protein bars above have a good amount of protein without being too dense.

9. Beef Jerky or Meat Sticks

Beef jerky is one of my favorite hiking snacks. It’s a bit expensive, so I try and save it only for hiking because I can easily eat the entire bag in one sitting! 

Beef jerky and jerky sticks make great hiking snacks because they’re high in protein.

It’s a really nice change of pace from some of the more sugary hiking snacks, giving you some variety out on the trails.

These are some of my favorite meat sticks:

• Chomps Free-Range Meat Sticks  (these are my go-to)
• Sweetwood Smokehouse Fatty Meat Stick
• Dukes Shorty Sausages

10. Mixed Nuts or Candied Nuts

When you’re out hiking all day, you want to make sure you’re consuming enough calories so you have energy for the hike.

Nuts make a great hiking snack because they’re high in calories for their weight and size. 

If you want to take things to the next level, pack some candied nuts – they’re so addicting!

You can usually buy them in the bulk section of the grocery store or Trader Joe’s. If you want to dial back the sugar, try mixing some candied nuts with raw nuts.

11. Homemade Energy Bites and Granola Bars

The next hiking snack idea on this list is homemade granola bars and energy balls. They’re so fun to make at home and there are so many ways to change them up!

I love energy balls because they can be a quick single bite on the trail to boost your energy.

Below are a few healthy hiking snack recipes from around the web for you to try: 

• Everything Trail Bars by me!
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Balls by Running to the Kitchen
• Salted Date Brownie Energy Bites by Ambitious Kitchen
• Mango Energy Bites by Minimalist Baker
• Chewy Coconut Cashew Granola Bars by Ambitious Kitchen
• Almond Chocolate Chip Granola Bars by Cookie and Kate

PRO TIP >> These Bumkins bags and ReZip bags are great reusable bag options for your homemade hiking snacks!

Why Eat Salty Snacks When Hiking?

When you’re sweating on a hike, you need to replenish with water and electrolytes in order to stay hydrated. That’s why people often suggest that you eat salty snacks on a hike – salt is a good source of electrolytes. Electrolytes are essential minerals like calcium, sodium, magnesium, and potassium.

One way to get some of these essential minerals is to eat salty snacks like salted peanuts. Another way is to carry electrolyte packets to mix into your water. This is my favorite way to get electrolytes on the trail and stay hydrated.

Electrolytes for Hiking

In addition to food, you also might want to pack electrolytes to help keep you hydrated, especially on hot and sweaty hikes. I carry a separate small water bottle to mix my electrolytes into so I don’t get my main water reservoir full of salts.

Here are some of my favorite options:

• LMNT Electrolyte Packets
• Re-Lyte Electrolyte Packets

Instant Bone Broth Packets

Bone broth packets are high in protein and contain salt which will help with hydration!

They are one of my favorite things to pack on cold hikes .

You can either pack a thermos of hot water to mix the bone broth into or pack a small lightweight stove to boil some water when you take a break.

Either way, bone broth packets can be so comforting on a cold hike and a great way to boost protein on the trail.

How Much Food Should You Eat and Pack on a Hike?

While you’re hiking, it’s important to stop regularly to eat and drink.

Oftentimes, people want to power through the hike without stopping for a break. But then what happens is we forget to eat and drink until it’s too late.

In general, if you wait until you’re hungry or thirsty, you’ve already waited too long, and your output is going to start to decrease.

I know it can be so exciting on the trail with a lot of scenery to take in, but try to remember to stop regularly to take a bite of a snack and a sip of water.

Lastly, when it comes to packing snacks, it’s always a good idea to pack more hiking snacks than you think you’re going to need. That’s one of the  essentials for day hiking .

Where to Buy Snacks for Hikers

You can buy snacks for a hike just about anywhere that sells food, however, there are some stores that have great variety and great prices. Here are my favorite places to shop: 

1. Trader Joe’s (best for dried fruits, trail mix, and nuts)

If you’re looking for well-priced nuts, dried fruits, and unique trail mix combos, Trader Joe’s is the place to go!

2. Costco (lowest prices)

I am constantly surprised by the prices of snacks at Costco. If you don’t mind buying in bulk, things are a lot cheaper at Costco. They also have a ton of healthy hiking snack options. This is where I buy the Pure Organic fruit bars, bone broth, Chomps meat sticks, and G2G protein bars that I mentioned above. I have not found better prices for these items anywhere else.

3. Grocery Store Bulk Section (buy only what you need)

The bulk section at your local grocery store is always a great place to get a variety of nuts, dried fruits, granola, and trail mixes. When I’m making my own trail mixes, I love to get my ingredients at the bulk section because I can buy exactly what I need.

4. Walmart (low prices, good variety)

Lastly, Walmart has a really good selection of snacks at great prices. Over the last few years, I’ve noticed so many healthier options hit the shelves and it’s become a great place to find some trail snacks at lower prices.

5. Amazon (most convenient)

Of course, if you want to shop online, Amazon has just about everything you could need when it comes to snacks for hiking!

Enjoy these hiking snacks on your next adventure!

Have you ever heard the saying –  “Everything tastes better outdoors”?  I think it’s true!

I hope you enjoy your hiking snacks and pack some delicious food that will keep you energized for a day of exploring.

For more day hiking resources, check out these popular blog posts:

• What Gear I Pack on a Day Hike
• My Guide to Hiking Footwear
• What Clothes to Wear Hiking

Amanda is a Utah-based adventurer with a major love for fresh sage, slot canyons, and dutch oven brownies! If you’ve come to learn about camp cooking, hiking, and USA travel, you’re in the right place.

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Best Hiking Snacks for Day Hikes and Backpacking

Snacking is an often overlooked part of hiking that is actually vitally important. Snacking can mean the difference between having an exhausting hike and an exciting one. Make sure you give your body the fuel it needs to conquer the trail by finding the most delicious snacks. Stuck for ideas?

Check out this list of the best hiking snacks for day hikes and backpacking trips to figure out what to bring on your next hike. Whether you just want store bought convenience, or you’re looking for inspiration for homemade snacking, we’ve got the list for you.

Why Hiking Snacks are Important

Your body needs fuel in order to function. On a normal day at the office, you can exist on a lower amount of food and calories because you’re not doing that much activity. But on a hike, your body is working very hard to get you to the top of that mountain, and you need to feed it accordingly.

The best hiking snacks will have a well-balanced mix of the three macronutrients: fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Macronutrients are three food groups that our body needs in order to repair tissue, gain energy, and build new muscle. If you don’t fuel your body during a long hike, you’ll end up irritable, tired, and sore.

The best hiking snacks change depending on whether you are planning a day hike or a long distance backpacking trip. For day hikes, fresh foods like fruits and veggies are a great idea. The fresh fruit has a high water content to hydrate you and provide fiber to keep you full. Additionally, before and after a day hike you can eat a big meal in town, so you don’t need to worry about eating high calories during the hike.

For backpacking, snacking becomes much more essential. As a rule of thumb, the higher the calories, the better the snack. You want to give your body enough calories to keep up with the exertion of climbing mountains with a 25 pound pack on your back. Snacks like energy bars, peanut butter, and other calorically dense options are very sensible.

Whatever you choose, make sure you pair it with drinking lots of water, and preparing ahead of time. For weekend warriors, that might mean a quick trip to your local grocery store to pick up whatever granola bars and trail mix they have on the shelves.

For hikers with more time, there are plenty of ways to get creative and make some homemade snacks to bring on the trail. The thing that matters most is bringing a variety of snacks that won’t bore your tastebuds, and will give your body the fuel it needs. Do that, and you’ll set yourself up for some amazing hiking.

Serving Size: 1/4 cup

Calories: 177

Trail mix is number one on everyone’s list of top hiking snacks and for good reason. This snack food hits all the criteria for solid hiking snacks, and there are practically limitless combinations of ingredients. The base for all trail mix combinations remain the same: nuts, seeds, dried fruit, something sweet, and something salty. What ingredients you choose is up to you.

This snack, along with being delicious, is also a nutritional powerhouse. The nuts and seeds provide much needed calories, proteins, and fats. The fiber in the nuts will fill you up, while the fats and proteins will help heal sore muscles and give long lasting energy.

The sweet ingredients and the dried fruits give a boost of carbohydrates, supplying your body with immediately available energy. And of course, the salty ingredients help you retain water, preventing dehydration on the trail.

Here is a list of ingredients for a killer trail mix:

• Salted Peanuts
• Cranberries

Fill up a liter bag of this for an overnight hiking trip and snack throughout the day for sustained energy.

Dried Fruit

Serving size: 1/4 cup fruit

Calories: 100

Another all natural snack food that saves you money and space in your bag, dried fruit is a favorite among day hikers and overnight backpackers alike. Dried fruits have a wide range of flavors, bulk, and caloric value, so you can adjust your snacking to your needs.

For a simple day hike, lighter dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apple chips are a good choice. They’ll give you quick energy without overloading you on sugars.

But for overnight backpackers or long distance thru hikers, a higher calorie snack is called for. Generally speaking, the sweeter the fruit, the greater the caloric density. Go for dried mango, pineapple, or papaya for a sugary kick that will see you through those 15+ mile days.

Crackers and Cheese

Serving size: 6 crackers 1 slice of cheese

Calories: 200

This snack doesn’t get the love it deserves on the hiking trail. Possibly because most people think that since cheese is kept in a refrigerator, it can’t be taken on the trail. Well, it’s time to set that belief aside, because cheese and crackers is a delicious and filling hiking snack.

Choose your favorite kind of crackers, generally salty ones are a good idea to help with electrolytes, and pair them with your favorite cheese. A note on the cheeses though, the harder the cheese, the better, especially if you’ll be on the trail for multiple days.

Good choices are aged gouda, sharp cheddar, or parmesan. Terrible choices are brie and camembert, but hopefully you didn’t need us to tell you that.

Serving Size: 1 packet

Calories: 123

This one almost goes without saying. It is a time-honored, time-tested hiking tradition to bring jerky on the trail, and we understand why. Traditionally made from beef, these days you can find salmon jerky, pork jerky, and chicken jerky all available at grocery stores and outdoor shops everywhere.

Jerky has the nutritional benefit of being a protein powerhouse. Since jerky is dried spiced meat, it is literally almost entirely protein. It will fill your belly and give you the much needed nutrients to repair sore muscles. Great for day hikes, jerky is also the most optimal snack for long distance backpacking trips.

On a day hike, you can easily have a protein heavy meal for dinner once you get back into town. But on long backpacking trips, not getting enough protein leads to fatigued and sore muscles, and lowered energy levels.

Today, thanks to its popularity among hikers and casual snackers, there are a wide variety of jerky flavors and meats available in most grocery stores. Choose from teriyaki to barbecue to more. Whatever your favorite flavor, you can probably find it on the shelves. Or, if you’ve got more time on your hands, you can make your own jerky at home.

Granola Bars

Serving Size: 1 bar

Calories: 180

The idea of granola bars as one of the best hiking snacks was started by brands like Nature Valley. The choice of summer camp kids everywhere, granola bars are a great snack idea for day hikers and thru hikers.

The main benefit to prepackaged or homemade granola bars is portability. These snacks are small and lightweight, so they’ll give you energy without weighing you down. Granola’s main ingredients are oats, nuts, dried fruit, and sugar, meaning these snacks are packed with fiber, carbs, and a bit of protein.

In stores today you can find granola bars in every flavor imaginable, from sweet to savory. Cinnamon and sugar, honey caramel, or chocolate chip are some of the most popular. But for those who want to get creative, whipping up homemade granola bars is pretty simple, you just need a bit of time, and an oven.

Energy Bars

Calories: 210

A step up from your routine granola bars, energy bars are high calorie, dense snacks that are great for intense day hikes, or long term backpacking excursions. Usually store bought, you can also put together your own homemade version using high calorie dried fruits like dates and figs.

The most popular brand of energy bar in the U.S. is the hiker’s favorite Clif Bar, but other well-known brands include Powerbar and Balancebar. The advantage to these foods is their high calorie and protein content. They’ll give you carbs, proteins, and all the calories you need to get through a whole day of hiking.

Carrying these with you can eliminate the need for you to stop for lunch, letting you put in some huge mile days on your trek. For the adventurous hiking chef, a homemade energy bar can be pretty easily created using dates, figs, other dried fruits, and high calorie nuts and seeds.

Some versions of this snack don’t even need to be baked, so you can eat them raw. A word of caution, however, if you are going on a long thru hike, perhaps it is better to make a baked version, or get the prepackaged store brand, to avoid having your food go bad.

Fruit & Peanut Butter

Serving size: 1 fruit, 2 tbsp peanut butter

Calories: 260

For day hikes, fresh fruit and peanut butter make a filling and delicious snack. Consider easily portable fruits like apples, pears, or bananas, and stay away from easily crushed fruits like strawberries or blueberries. Bring along a jar of peanut butter to add some much need fats and protein to your carb driven fruits, or buy some of the portable packs of peanut butter like those sold by Justin’s.

For long distance backpackers, fresh fruit isn’t really an option, unless you don’t mind carrying the weight of the world on your trek. Instead, consider bringing some dried apple or banana chips, and packets of peanut butter. This will have the same nutritional value as the fresh fruit, but it will be a bit less filling because the dried fruit doesn’t have the same water content as fresh.

Veggies and Hummus

Serving Size: 1/2 cup veg, 2 tbsp hummus

Another snack that is best left to day hikers, hummus and veggies provides all the filling fiber, nutrients, carbs, fats, and proteins that you need to find sustained energy for the duration of your hike. Pick up a bag of baby carrots or celery at the grocery store, and a packet of hummus for dipping.

Most grocery stores should have a huge selection of hummus flavors available in the deli section, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can prepare a batch of homemade hummus by tossing chickpeas, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, and tahini into a blender.

But if tahini sounds like the name of a tropical island to you, better off just buying store-brand hummus. We promise it’s still delicious. A great addition to this veggies and hummus snack, if you have room in your bag, is pita bread.

Try snacking on pita stuffed with cucumbers, bell peppers, and hummus next time you’re on the trail. It is a delicious snack that also hits all the major nutrition points.

Roasted Chickpeas

Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Calories: 170

While this may sound like a bit of a hippie snack, sometimes the hippies are on to something. Roasted chickpeas have the elegant simplicity of a more traditional hiking snack like trail mix, with the ability to take on almost any flavor profile and spice up your regular hiking snack routine.

These days you can buy roasted chickpeas packaged up in the grocery stores, but this snack is easy and quick to make at home as well. Buy a can of chickpeas, rinse them off, coat them with salt, oil, and a bit of spice, then roast them in the oven for around 10 minutes.

They’ll turn into crunchy balls of flavor that provide you with the fiber, carbs, and protein you need to make it up the hill. This portable snack is great for day hikes, but can also make it a few days into a long backpacking trip.

Homemade roasted chickpeas, however, will get a bit stale after three or four days. If you’re looking to bring them on a two-week excursion, better to go with store bought.

Calories: 190

After all those healthy options earlier on the list, pop-tarts may seem like a bit of an outlier. But the truth is, what is not so healthy for you during your everyday life, can be the caloric boost you need when you are on the trail.

Pop-tarts have that magical combination of high calories, high carb, and addictively delicious flavor to get them included on the list of best hiking snacks. They are an especially good choice for long distance backpackers who can’t be bothered to cook a hot breakfast before heading out in the morning. Just open up a packet of pop-tarts and enjoy.

They come in a huge variety of flavors these days, from more traditional strawberry and blueberry to some whackier flavors like s’mores and cookies’n’cream. Find the one you think is most delicious and get snacking.

Gummy Bears

Serving Size: 14 pieces

Calories: 140

Continuing on the junk food train of thought, gummy bears are another sugary options that is generally a no-no in everyday life, but can be a godsend on the trail. The good thing about gummy bears is that, unlike most candies and chocolates, they won’t dissolve when subjected to heat.

They more or less maintain their form and their flavor, even when sitting in your pack in the hot sun all day. This snack food is high in calories and very high in sugar, so they will give you an immediate energy burst when you need it most. For long distance hiking, gummy bears are a great snack for the days when you’re facing a monster of a climb, or a huge number of miles.

Dark Chocolate

Serving Size: 1 oz

Calories: 164

This choice of snack can sometimes be a polarizing issue, and if you’re on team milk chocolate, than you can go ahead and consider this a suggestion for that. But dark chocolate has an advantage over milk in its concentration of cacao. Cacao, the bean that forms the main ingredient for all chocolate, is packed full of caffeine.

In our daily lives, most of us drink coffee pretty regularly for energy, so why not try something similar on the trail? On top of that, dark chocolate is such a nice reward when you finally get to the top of the massive climb. A word of caution, however, if hiking in very hot conditions, dark chocolate, or any chocolate for that matter, is likely to melt in your bag.

Serving Size: 1 Bar

Calories: 250

Rounding off our list of best hiking snacks, Snickers has been the hiking snack of champions for decades and no list would be complete without it. Why is Snickers one of the best hiking snacks of all time? Because it hits all the major criteria exactly as it needs to.

Snickers is lightweight, portable, sweet, savory, delicious, and packed with carbs, fats, and protein. As a rule of thumb, always bring at least one Snickers on any long distance backpacking trip. For day hikes, we’ll forgive you if you forget to bring one every now and then.

Next Steps: Snack Planning for Your Next Adventure

Now that you’ve got a solid list of the best snack foods for hiking, you can begin to make your plan for your next trip. If it’s a day hike you’re planning for, try to spice things up and get a bit creative. You have much more flexibility since weight isn’t really an issue.

If you’re planning for a backpacking trip, calories become much more important. Focus on filling your pack with high calorie food to carry you from one day to the next. Now get out there and hit the trail.

Barry Wilcox is an avid hiker and camper. He was born and raised in a small town in the Appalachian Mountains. His love for the outdoors started when he was a kid, running around the forests with his friends. He now lives in a small city, but still escapes to the hills whenever he can. Barry Wilcox is a well-known hiker, naturalist, and camper. He has hiked the entire Appalachain Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. He has been featured in many hiking and camping magazines, on national radio and TV shows.

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13 Mouthwatering Homemade Hiking Snacks That Will Put You Off Bars for Good

Tasty enough for food bloggers, but portable enough for the trail: these homemade hiking snacks will quickly replace any pre-packaged bars from the store..

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Most people won’t admit it, but hiking snacks might just be the best part of hiking. There’s nothing like chowing down beside a pristine alpine lake or on a bald summit—but fueling your body properly can be a challenge, and store-bought bars don’t always get high marks. Up your snacking game with these nutritious, easy-to-prepare, and oh-so-delicious recipes.

Espresso Date Balls

These protein-packed snacks will give you the boost you need for long days on the trail. Get the recipe

Everything Spiced Nuts

Tastes like a bagel, fuels you like nuts. Make this recipe

Flavor-Packed Breakfast Bars

Skip the trip to the store: These delectable treats blow Clif bars out of the water.   Make this recipe

Aloha Trail Mix

Turn your hike into a tropical vacation with these island flavors. Make this recipe

Apple Pie Energy Bites

These dessert-inspired morsels provide slow-burning energy to keep you going.  Make this recipe

Don’t Knock it ‘Til Ya Try it Trail Mix

It’s what you love about the classics, but with tailored to fuel your body for hard hiking. Mix up your snacking with this nutritious concoction. Make this recipe

Chipotle Lime Banana Chips

MiddView Granola Bars

This legendary recipe has earned a reputation in one college hiking program. Try it for yourself. Make this recipe

Savory Nut Bars

Enough with sweet trail snacks, already. These savory bars are a welcome change for the tastebuds. Make this recipe

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

Packed with protein and all the classic flavors you love, this trail snack is sure to become a staple. Make this recipe.

Spicy Garlic Popcorn

Trail popcorn? ‘Nuff said. Make this recipe

Cinnamon Cocoa Almonds and Paleo Crunch

You’ll want to eat these easy recipes by the handful. And what’s stopping you? Makes the recipe for cinnamon cocoa almonds and paleo crunch

Last updated January 2022

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18 Hiking Snack Ideas To Keep You Fueled All Day

We're running up that hill...to eat these snacks.

If you have more of a sweet tooth when it comes to hiking snacks, look no further than our recipes for peanut brittle , peanut butter protein balls , and cookie dough keto fat bombs . After trying these, you'll wonder why you kept mixing up the same ol' boring trail mix.

Have more of a salt tooth? We got you. Try any of our amazing alternative healthy chips , like our recipes for salami chips , faux-tato chips , and sweet potato chips .

Don't get us wrong, we love nuts and fruit when we're hitting the trails. But we upgraded our snacking with crunchy, savory curried cashews and these easy, customizable baked plantain chips .

Planning a longer trip and need some camping inspiration? Look no further than our favorite camping snacks . Looking to replace your camping gear or upgrade your campfire kitchen? We have a handy guide to all the best camping gear and best camping cookware that will turn anyone into an outdoors expert. Camping on a budget? Check out our handy $20 Budget Eats guide to feeding four people while camping .

PB Cup Trail Mix Cookies

True to their name, these chewy trail mix cookies are a satisfying snack on a hike, but they also make a delicious dessert any day of the week. Chock-full of trail mix, shredded coconut, and quick oats , they're a hearty pick made even more mouthwatering with a special ingredient: peanut butter cups chopped up in the dough and added as a topping once the cookies are baked! Get the PB Cup Trail Mix Cookies recipe .

Everything Bagel Popcorn

Stovetop popcorn finally gets a turn in the everything bagel seasoning craze. Now your favorite savory breakfast is your new favorite savory popcorn. Get the Everything Bagel Popcorn recipe .

Peanut Brittle

If you love sugar and you love peanuts , peanut brittle is naturally a treat you should have on hand, always. Thankfully, it's not at all a complicated process, and you can make it right at home—with or without a candy thermometer! Get the Peanut Brittle recipe .

Fauxtato Chips

These crispy, salty, radish chips are light-as-air and a million times better than potato chips. P.S. You toootally don't have to peel the radishes ! In fact, leaving on the red skin will give them a nice peppery flavor. Get the Fauxtato Chips recipe .

Perfect Paleo Granola

This paleo granola will give you a carb fix without the grains. Granola is typically made with a mixture of oats, nuts and seeds, a sweetener, and a fat (like oil). This granola skips the oats, instead using nuts and seeds to create those nice crunchy clusters. Get the Perfect Paleo Granola recipe .

Homemade Granola Bars

Who doesn't love a granola bar? These are so easy to make at home, which means you can control what goes in them! Switch this recipe up with your favorite nuts or dried fruits. Make sure to chop large nuts or fruit into small pieces—this helps keep the granola bars together. Get the Homemade Granola Bars recipe .

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

If you are looking for a perfect muffin recipe, look no further. These are soft, incredibly moist, and just sweet enough. They are basically like the perfect combination of a moist, tender muffin and a cinnamon-y apple crumble . Get the Apple Cinnamon Muffins recipe .

Sweet Potato Chips

To make these sweet potato chips extra crispy, slice the potatoes as thin as you can (a mandoline is very helpful here!). The chips will also crisp up as they cool, so don't feel like you have to keep baking or they will get too dark. Try out our fauxtato chips next! Spoiler: They are made with radishes . 😲 Get the Sweet Potato Chips recipe .

Lemon Poppy Zucchini Bread

Zucchini bread is the first thing on our list to make with summer’s squash bounty, but we wanted to switch it up this time. Lemon plus poppy seeds felt like the perfect upgrade. The lemon glaze goes on while the bread is still warm so that it soaks some of it up for a sticky, crunchy coating. Get the Lemon Poppy Zucchini Bread recipe .

Curried Cashews

Sure, a handful of these nuts curbs hunger pangs, but they’re more than just a snack. Try these chopped up as a crunchy topping on your favorite roasted vegetables or atop a spoonful of instant-pot yogurt . Get the Curry-Lime Cashews recipe .

Cookie Dough Keto Fat Bombs

Fat bombs alone make us want to go try more keto treats, but we'll take any excuse to eat cookie dough . These are perfect to keep stored in the freezer for whenever the craving hits. Get the Cookie Dough Keto Fat Bombs recipe .

Roasted Chickpeas

These chickpeas have the most satisfying crunch that keeps us reaching for more. Want even more ideas? Try our cool ranch chickpeas next. Get the Roasted Chickpeas recipe .

Salami Chips

This salty, low-carb snack doubles as a great GF hiking snack. These are so easy to make in the oven or in the air fryer for a super quick chip. The dipping sauce makes the whole thing even better! Get the Salami Chips recipe .

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

When you need a little energy boost, these peanut butter bites will give you new life. We wanted these protein balls to taste a little bit like cookie dough (😈), so we added some mini dark chocolate chips. Get the Peanut Butter Protein Balls recipe .

Baked Plantain Chips

If you love a wildly crunchy chip, plantains are the way to go. With a bit more fiber than your average spud chip, these plantain chips only require three ingredients. They're darn addictive on their own, but can pair nicely with some creamy dips like a bowl of guacamole or Greek feta dip too. Get the Baked Plantain Chips recipe .

Puppy chow (aka muddy buddies) is one of the easiest and most delicious snacks EVER. There's something about Rice Chex that makes it kind of perfect for puppy chow. Their hollow, gridded shape helps them stay crunchy, while still allowing all that chocolate mixture to stick and fully coat their exterior. Get the Puppy Chow recipe .

PB&J Apples

These hike-friendly snacks are almost too cute to eat. Got kids on your hike? They'll absolutely eat these up.

Get the PB&J Apples recipe .

Everything Snack Mix

This snack mix is proof—yet again—that the magical mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, and salt knows no bounds. Combined with a flawless array of pretzels, Goldfish, toasted rice cereal squares, and white cheddar crackers, it’s crunchy and (we’ll be honest) hard to stop eating. Get the Everything Snack Mix recipe .

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Road Trip? Pack for your next PNW adventure with these ideas

Embarking on a road trip through the Pacific Northwest offers stunning scenery, diverse landscapes, and unique local finds.

Whether you're planning a short jaunt, an adventure that might take a bit of time, or you’re in it for the long haul, having the right essentials can make all the difference.

Here’s a guide to help you pack for your next PNW road trip, tailored to the distance of your journey.

Short Distance Trips (1-3 Hours)

Perfect for a quick weekend getaway or a day trip, short-distance road trips allow you to explore nearby attractions without extensive preparation.

Local Snacks

• Fran’s Chocolates : Satisfy your sweet tooth with Seattle's own Fran’s Chocolates. Their sea salt caramels are a must-try.
• Beecher’s Handmade Cheese : Pack a cooler with some Beecher’s Flagship Cheese, made in the heart of Seattle’s Pike Place Market.
• Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt : Grab a few tubs of this creamy, locally made yogurt for a healthy and delicious snack.
• Washington Tote of Snacks : This curated snack bag from Made in Washington features a variety of locally made treats, including Cougar Mountain Cookies, Puget Sound Salt Co. Sea Salt, and more. It’s a convenient and tasty addition to any short trip.

Comfortable Layers

• REI Co-op Fleece Jacket : The PNW weather can be unpredictable, so bring a cozy fleece jacket from REI.
• Patagonia Capilene Base Layers : Perfect for layering, these base layers will keep you comfortable in varying temperatures.

Road Trip Entertainment

• Audio Books from Libro.fm : Support local bookstores by purchasing audiobooks from this Seattle-based company. They have a wide selection of titles to keep you entertained.
• Spotify Playlist: Create a road trip playlist with a mix of local artists like Brandi Carlile and The Head and The Heart for the ultimate PNW vibe.

Medium Distance Trips (4-6 Hours)

For those looking to venture a bit further, medium-distance trips offer the chance to explore a wider variety of PNW destinations while still being manageable in a day or two.

Gourmet Road Snacks

• Theo Chocolate : Stock up on ethically sourced, organic chocolate from this Seattle-based company for a decadent treat.
• Kettle Brand Potato Chips : Made in Salem, Oregon, these chips come in a variety of flavors to satisfy any craving.
• Bob’s Red Mill Granola: A nutritious and filling snack made in Milwaukie, Oregon, perfect for mid-journey munching.

Outdoor Gear

• Hydro Flask Water Bottle : Stay hydrated with a durable, insulated water bottle from this Bend, Oregon-based company.
• Darn Tough Socks: Made in Vermont but perfect for PNW hikes, these socks will keep your feet comfortable and dry.

Travel Comforts

• Pendleton Wool Blanket : These high-quality, warm blankets are perfect for impromptu picnics or keeping cozy in the car. Pendleton is a brand with deep roots in the PNW.
• Therm-a-Rest Pillow : Ensure a good rest with this compact, comfortable pillow from the Seattle-based company.

Long Distance Trips (7+ Hours)

Long-distance road trips require more planning and preparation, but the payoff is the opportunity to explore the far reaches of the PNW and beyond.

Sustaining Provisions

• Tillamook Cheese and Sausages : This Oregon-based company offers a variety of cheeses and sausages that are perfect for long journeys.
• Clif Bars: Easy to pack and full of energy, these bars will keep you fueled throughout your trip. Clif Bar & Company is headquartered in Emeryville, California, but they have a strong presence in the PNW.

Comprehensive Gear

• Osprey Daypack : Ideal for hikes and exploring new areas, these packs are designed with comfort and functionality in mind. Osprey is based in Cortez, Colorado, but is a favorite among PNW adventurers.
• Marmot Sleeping Bag : For those planning to camp along the way, a high-quality sleeping bag from Marmot will ensure you stay warm and comfortable.
• Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock : Relax and enjoy the scenery with a Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock. Lightweight and easy to set up, this hammock is perfect for taking a break during your trip and soaking in the natural beauty of the PNW.

Other Road Trip Essentials

No matter the distance of your road trip, there are a few universal essentials that will enhance your travel experience. I never hit the road without these!

• National Parks Pass . If your journey takes you through any of the PNW’s stunning national parks, having a pass will save you time and money. The America the Beautiful pass provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including iconic PNW destinations like Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and Crater Lake National Park.
• Portable Charger . Keep your devices powered with a reliable portable charger, ensuring you can capture all your road trip memories and stay connected. A high-capacity portable charger can keep your smartphone, camera, and other gadgets running throughout your journey, even in remote areas without easy access to power outlets.
• First Aid Kit . A well-stocked first aid kit is a must-have for any road trip. Include basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications. Being prepared for minor injuries or illnesses can save a trip from turning into a hassle.
• Reusable Shopping Bags. Having a few reusable shopping bags on hand is useful for impromptu grocery stops or storing souvenirs. They’re environmentally friendly and easy to pack.
• Roadside Emergency Kit. Be prepared for unexpected car troubles with a roadside emergency kit. Essentials include jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, a flashlight with extra batteries, and basic tools.
• Maps and Guidebooks. While smartphones and GPS are great, having physical maps and guidebooks can be invaluable in areas with poor reception. They can also provide additional insights and historical context to enhance your journey.

No matter the distance, a road trip through the PNW is an adventure filled with breathtaking views and unique local experiences. With these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your journey, from short day trips to extensive explorations. Pack wisely, enjoy the ride, and savor the beauty and charm of the Pacific Northwest, there’s truly nothing like it!

Kate Neidigh is a writer for Seattle Refined, covering lifestyle, fashion, beauty, travel, real estate, gift guides and feature stories. See more of her work on Instagram here .

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