One of the best parts about hiking are the snacks you eat along the way! Typically, you’ll burn so many calories hiking that you never need to feel guilty for what you stuff your face with on the trail.
When considering snacks, think balance: a mix of carbohydrates for quick energy, proteins for muscle repair, and fats for long-lasting fuel. Ideally, you want to pack snacks that are lightweight, non-perishable, and tightly packed with energy.
Here are some of the best hiking food ideas. I’ve taken all of these on the trail and you can’t go wrong with any of them!
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Hiking Snack Ideas
Beef or Turkey Jerky – Jerky is a lightweight protein that will keep you going for hours without weighing you down. I am addicted to having Turkey Jerky on long hikes. During one of my hikes, I was so tired- I felt like I was going to pass out. One of my friends gave me Turkey Jerky and I felt so much better afterwards. I’ve been having it ever since.
Waffle– I’m not talking about the pancake type of Waffle. Honey Stinger Waffles are flat, round and resemble waffles. They are made with honey (of course) flour, eggs, sugar and a few other ingredients. It comes in a nicely designed 1.06 oz package. I eat these when I go hiking as well as mountain biking. They taste really good and they give me more endurance.
Granola bars – Very similar to an Energy bar, but has Granola as the main ingredient. Hence one of the nicknames for hikers and people who love Nature – “Granolas”. Granola bars are packed with energy-boosting carbs and proteins.
PB&J Sandwich – A PB&J sandwich is a classic hiking food that provides plenty of protein and carbs to help you keep moving. This is one of my go to foods because it is so easy to put together and it packs well. Even if you sit on your pack and smash your sandwich it still tastes good.
GORP – GORP stands for “good old raisins and peanuts” and is a favorite hiking food among many hikers because it provides carbs, sugars, protein, calories, and plenty of flavors to keep you energized during your hike. Just like trail mix, it’s easy to throw together and you can leave in your pack between hikes. No refrigeration needed.
Energy bars – Energy bars can be helpful if you’re doing a long hike since they provide a great deal of energy for relatively few calories. The sources of energy from an energy bar are the same as from any other food product: fats, protein and carbohydrates.
Be sure to choose an energy bar that you know you’ll enjoy eating. While there are many energy bars on the market that taste like chalk, there are some that are pretty good. Cliff Bars are among my favorite as well as Kind. The Cliff Bars keep me full longer though since they are more dense.
Packaged Meat – This is not for everyone. Some of you may have thought Ewww.. Packaged tuna is lightweight and provides plenty of protein for very few calories. I had Tuna on one of my long Grand Canyon hikes and it definitely helped my energy level. It didn’t sit well with me when I got to the top though. If you know what I mean…
Packaged chicken is another good source of protein; on backpacking trips you can use to make hiking meals such as soup or a sandwich.
Chocolate – Yes, chocolate is a good hiking food! It provides a lot of sugar for quick energy, it’s also lightweight and easy to pack. If it’s going to get hot during your hike, you may want to eat this first so it won’t melt in your pack.
Cheese – Cheese is a great choice if you’re going on a hike that’s at least two hours because it provides long-lasting energy from its protein and fat content.
Trail mix – Trail mix is a great option because it’s easy to put together and it provides the types of nutrients you need on the Trail.
You can buy pre-made trail mix or make your own. If you make your own, make sure you have a combination of sweet and salty ingredients. These can include pretzels, chocolate chips, variety of peanuts, cranberries or raisins to name a few. If you take along trail mix that has chocolate covered anything, make sure the temperature won’t be too hot. I have had this happen to me on more than one occasion where the chocolate melts and the mix becomes one big blob of chocolate. For packing your trail mix, these reusable snacking bags on Etsy are absolutely adorable.
Fruit- Juicy snacks like orange segments, cucumber slices, or grapes can provide a refreshing moisture hit plus a quick energy boost. You’ll get the hydration you need with the added bonus of a mouth-watering snack. I do see hikers bring entire apples or oranges but they are heavier- and take up more room. If you are with a group that is on the go and hardly stops, whole fruit can be more difficult to eat while hiking.
These hiking food ideas are only a starting point. Try to think beyond the basics – pair your almonds with dried cherries, or your apple slices with a slice of tangy cheese. Creating your own trail mix gives you the power to tailor ingredients to your personal preferences and nutritional needs. Nuts, seeds, whole grain cereals, and a dash of dark chocolate can create a satisfying mix that’s as unique as your hiking route
Summary of the Best Hiking Foods
Jerky, fruit, energy bars, trail mix, Gorp, PB&J Sandwich, packaged meat, cheese, and chocolate are some of the best hiking food ideas. They are lightweight, non-perishable, nutritious, and easy to prepare. Try some of these great options next time you head out on a hike.
It’s not just about having fuel for your muscles; it’s also about enjoying the journey. That trail cookie? Absolutely worth it if it brightened your mood and gave you something to look forward to mid-hike.
There’s a lot of opportunity in refining your trail food choices. Each hike is a chance to test out new snacks and see what works best for you. And hey, sharing your snack discoveries with fellow hikers can be part of the fun too!
Are there other foods that you really like to take along with you on the trail? Please leave your comments below!
