Whether you’re heading out on an all-day hike or a short two-mile loop, it’s essential to pack some good hiking snacks.
Choose snacks that won’t melt or go bad in your backpack, and make sure they have plenty of protein and carbohydrates to keep you energized during your hike.
Even if you’re only taking a short trail, hiking is a pretty strenuous activity and you will need the extra calories. Plus, you’ll need something to munch on when you stop for a break to enjoy the views!
Here’s a list of the best hiking snacks to bring along on any trail. These snacks will give you long-lasting energy without taking too much effort to prepare and pack.
Jerky
Many avid hikers would tell you that jerky is the best hiking snack. Not only is jerky packed with protein, but it’s delicious and really easy to pack. It will also keep you full without being too heavy on your stomach.
Be careful not to overeat jerky though. It has a high sodium content, which could make you more thirsty later in your hike.
Grass-fed whey protein cookies
Throw a couple of chocolate chip protein cookies made from graa-fed whey in your backpack and you’ll be good to go even on the toughest hike.
These cookies are the best hiking snack because they have everything you need to fuel your body, with no prep required. Naked Cookies specifically are great for hiking because they won't lead to an energy crash later.
Granola
Granola is a crunchy and satisfying snack for any outdoor activity. There are tons of store-bought options if convenience is a priority. However, if you want to avoid sugar you can easily make your own.
If you go the DIY route, you can fill your granola with tasty ingredients like oats, seeds, nuts, dried coconut, coconut oil, maple syrup, or cacao nibs.
Keto coffee or fat bombs
If you’re on a low carb diet, you can boost your energy at the beginning of your hike by adding this powder to a smoothie or a thermos of coffee. You can also mix it into your favorite drink during your hike, or add it to keto pancakes or fat bombs to bring along on your hike.
The powdered MCT oil in Naked Keto will give you sustained energy and can even help increase your endurance.
Nut butter
Packets of nut butter are one of the best hiking snacks because even one small, single-serving packet goes a long way. Nut butter packs a lot of energy in a small serving, and its high-fat content will keep you full during your hike.
Toss a few in your backpack and eat them on their own, or with an apple or some celery.
Nuts and trail mix
If you want a snack that offers volume and nutrition for your hike, pack your favorite nuts or make a trail mix. Even the name is perfect for hiking. Nuts are a great source of protein, which your muscles will need after you work them so hard.
Good options include almonds, cashews, or pecans. Feel free to make your own mixture, or combine them with dried fruit, coconut, seeds, and a little chocolate for a tasty trail mix.
Tuna packet with crackers
This is one of the best hiking snacks for a long hike. Tuna is packed with protein and it comes in a convenient packet that travels well with no refrigeration required.
Eat it with some crackers to replenish your body with the carbohydrates it needs for energy.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
If you thought PB&Js were just for kids, think again! This is a perfect snack for any intense activity like hiking.
Peanut butter provides filling protein and fat, while the bread and jelly fuel the body with carbohydrates to quickly energize you for the rest of your hike. Best of all, this snack is simple and inexpensive to bring along.
Bananas
Fruits are one of the best hiking snacks because all you have to do is grab it and go! They’re packed with carbohydrates to give you energy, and plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Banana specifically is a great source of potassium, which will help your electrolytes stay in check during your hike.