Is there anything better than a challenging yet refreshing hike? I think not! There’s nothing quite like escaping the daily grind and immersing yourself in nature, uncovering hidden gems. Bringing some nutritious snacks for hiking can make these adventures even more enjoyable.
Unlike longer backpacking trips, you get to return home for a much-needed snooze in your bed at the end of the day. Talk about a win-win situation, right?
Now, there’s no denying that hiking can be pretty strenuous, so it’s super important to stay properly fueled up. But not all hiking snacks are created equal.
While some are packed with sugars that might weigh you down, others offer a more nutritious and balanced blend. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a novice, the sheer abundance of hiking snacks can be overwhelming—but I’ve got your back.
Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite healthy snacks to see you through the deepest valleys and highest mountains.
What Makes a Good Snack?
First things first, what constitutes a good snack? The main thing we’re looking for is something that provides sufficient calories. Remember, a moderately challenging hike can burn up to 400 calories per hour, excluding steeper terrains.
You want something that’ll replenish your energy while hitting those trails. Here are some attributes to keep in mind to ensure that you’ve got a good snack:
Altitude
Believe it or not, high-altitude snacks differ from regular ones. If you’re trekking up a mountain, your body will most likely burn up your meals within a couple of hours, so you must pack some mini brunches to keep your energy levels up. Light yet nutritionally dense products like jerky, dark chocolate, bananas, and trail mixes are perfect. For longer climbs (7+ hours), throw in some energy gels and hydration tablets.
Calories
Hiking isn’t immediately followed by sudden bursts of energy like other sports, which is why novice hikers tend to underestimate how much power they’re using. Keep an eye on your fitness stats during your hike. If you’re burning 500 calories or more per hour, ensuring your snacks are calorically dense is crucial. High-fat and dense foods like nuts, dried fruits, and bars are great choices.
Portable
If you’re a novice hiker embarking on a strenuous hike, stuffing all your favorite food in your backpack can be tempting. But a hodge-podge assortment of snacks can make your backpack heavy halfway through the hike. Ensure your backpack weighs between 15 and 25 pounds. A good rule of thumb for a snack is to aim for 100 calories per ounce of food.
Minimal Packaging
Minimal packaging means less weight and less trash after your hike. Avid hikers can buy snacks in bulk and portion them out. Use reusable containers to make your hike zero-waste. Disposable packaging isn’t just harmful to the environment; it can also be dangerous for local wildlife if left behind. Check out My Homemade Trail Mix Recipe.
How to Pack Snacks
Believe it or not, your hike can be zero-waste. Look into reusable containers—disposable packaging is insufficient for the environment and can also be dangerous for wildlife. I’m a huge fan of reusable silicone baggies like Stasher.
Opt for reusable hardshell containers for more delicate snacks like sandwiches or fresh fruit.
Am I venturing out on a hot, humid day? Grab a reusable ice pack or a soft-sided cooler. The ice pack will add weight, but an ice-cold drink mid-trail is worth it!
My Favorite Snack Recommendations
Okay, enough with the heavy stuff. Let’s check out 11 delicious snacks to stash in your hiking backpack. These will provide you with ample energy to explore all those glorious sights!
Stroopwafel
This pastry from the Netherlands is mind-blowing! Don’t stuff your day pack with cookies, but make an exception for Stroopwafels. They act like energy gels, providing an instant blood sugar boost. The decadent taste is a bonus!
Fruit Leather
The holy grail of hiking snacks! Light, portable, and the taste of fresh fruit without any pits or peels. They have a shelf life of up to 9 months and hold well in any weather. If you’ve got time, make your own using a good-quality dehydrator.
Summit Snickers
Or any candy bar, for that matter! Candy bars are great for strenuous expeditions where you need a sugar rush. When hiking in warmer climates, bring ice packs or freeze the candy bars beforehand.
Clif Bloks
Clif Shot Bloks prevent bonking episodes and provide electrolytes and sugar. The Margarita-flavored one is packed with carbs, electrolytes, and extra salt. Other flavors, like Tropical Punch, feature caffeine for additional energy.
Nuun
It is more of a hydration tab than a snack, but it is essential for hikes in the sun. Nuun tablets provide minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes without carbs or sugars.
Charcuterie Board
Who says hiking can’t be fancy? Treat yourself to grapes, cheeses, and prosciutto. Opt for dense cheeses like aged cheddar and smoked gouda. Add dark chocolate chips and nuts for a perfect recovery snack.
Jerky
A popular snack for its protein content, jerky helps you refuel and push on. High in sodium, it replenishes the salt and minerals lost through sweating. Just don’t go overboard, as it makes you thirstier.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is the hiker’s snack by excellence. It is lightweight, nutritious, and easy to store. Trail mix combines nuts, dried fruits, and granola. You can make your own to cut costs and customize the ingredients.
Crackers
When packed properly, sturdier crackers like Trader Joe’s Mango/Ginger and Fig/Olive crisps can hold up well. Pair them with dehydrated hummus for an ideal carbs-to-protein ratio.
Nut Butter
Cashew, almond, or peanut butter are excellent hiking gear additions. Calorie-dense and versatile, they can be brought in a whole jar for family hikes or small squeeze pouches for ease of use.
While these snacks provide essential energy for any hiker, they are especially critical when you are preparing kids for long hikes because children require more frequent fuel stops to maintain their momentum and mood.
Also read: The Florida Trail!
Protein Bars
Not to be confused with energy bars, protein bars have a lower carb-higher protein formula. Portable and often used as meal replacements, they help your muscles recover. Plant-based options are available, too.
Leave No Trace
Pack everything, including organic and perishable produce like fruit cores, peels, and cookie crumbs. Any food will attract wildlife, which can be dangerous for both species. Even tiny bits of food left behind can damage the local ecology. Pack a portable trash container or convert one of your larger snack containers into a trash box.
Try to leave the trails cleaner than you found them. If there’s trash on your track, consider picking it up. Imagine the difference if every hiker picked up some rubbish daily.
By following these tips and packing the right snacks, you’ll be ready to tackle any trail. Happy hiking, and don’t forget to share your favorite hiking snacks and tips in the comments!
