There are two types of people who hike: those who actually enjoy hiking and those who are doing it for the ‘gram. Whether you’ve got your trailblazing gear on hand or you’re taking it leisurely, snacks are of the utmost importance during, well, let’s face it - any kind of activity. But just any old snack won’t cut it. Hiking snacks should be protein-packed and give you the burst of energy you’ll need to make it back to civilization. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of nourishing treats to keep on hand. Grab your water bottle, slather on some sunscreen, and let’s get snacking.
Gorp (Trail Mix)
Good old raisins and peanuts, the classic hiking snack we all learned how to “make” at scout camp. Fill up a bag with your favorite nuts, dried fruit, seeds, and (of course) chocolate. The key here is to make it your own - that way you won’t have to pick around the stuff you don’t like, and you also won’t have to deal with the added sugar you’ll find in the store-bought varieties.
Bananas
Have you heard of these? Clearly, the unquestionable best fruit for hiking or travel because it magically comes in its own wrapper (which is biodegradable, nonetheless!). Bananas are loaded with potassium to keep your cramps at bay, not to mention full of carbs that will keep your muscles moving. Best of all, they go perfectly with our next suggestion...
Nut Butter Pouches
Photo Credit: Serious Eats
Nut butters are packed with protein and healthy fats that will keep your body fueled for hours, which means no more worries about getting hangry halfway through your adventures. The pouches are easiest for travel because you can throw them straight into your bag, but we’re also fans of the jar and spoon combo.
Roasted Chickpeas
Move over, potato chips - there’s a new snack king in town. Seriously, have you tried roasted chickpeas? They’re salty, crunchy, rich in fiber, and super easy to make at home (check out this recipe or grab some from the snack aisle in the grocery store). Chickpeas are so high in protein that vegetarians eat them as a meat replacement, so put down the bag of beef jerky and try these babies instead.
Eat Your Coffee Caffeinated Snack Bars
Obviously, we weren’t going to forget ourselves! Eat Your Coffee Caffeinated Snack Bars are the quintessential hiking snack - they’ve got protein to keep you full, caffeine to give you energy (a whole cup of coffee’s worth), and whole ingredients like oats and dates to keep your mind at ease. The best part? It all comes wrapped up in a perfectly sized snack bar to throw in your backpack, shove into your pocket, or stuff into your fanny pack (are those still a thing?). You’re welcome.
