20 Snack Ideas for Hiking For Fueling Your Outdoor Adventures

Having the right snacks for a hike can make all the difference. With the right fuel, it keeps you feeling energised, keeps your motivation high, and gives you a tasty break to look forward to on the trail.

The key is choosing snacks that not only boost your energy but also keep things fun and easy to eat as you go.

In this guide, we share what makes for a good hiking snack, plus some go-to snack ideas for hiking ideas that are both nutritious and satisfying to keep you going strong on any adventure.

What Makes A Good Hiking Snack?

When choosing snacks for hiking, keep these important factors in mind:

1. High in Nutrients: Look for snacks with a balance of protein, fats, and carbs to provide sustained energy. For longer hikes, aim for a higher calorie density with nuts, seeds, or even energy bars. Snacks like pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, beans, sweet potato, and trail mix combine healthy fats, protein, and complex carbs.
2. Look for High-Energy Ingredients: Hiking demands energy, so choose snacks with complex carbs and healthy fats to provide steady, long-lasting energy. Carbohydrates fuel your muscles, while fats offer a slow-release energy source essential for extended activity. Fibre-rich foods, like whole grains and fruits, aid in digestion and can keep you feeling full longer.
3. Protein for Muscle Recovery: Protein-rich snacks help your body recover and build muscle after exertion. Look for snacks with nuts, seeds, jerky, or legumes to support endurance and post-hike recovery.
4. Lightweight and Packable: Ideally, hiking snacks should be lightweight and compact. Dried fruit, nut butters and snack bars travel well and take up minimal space. Avoid perishable foods unless you bring an ice pack or a hard-sided container to keep things cool.
5. Low in Added Sugar: While some sugar can offer a quick energy boost, try to avoid snacks with excessive added sugar, which can lead to an energy crash. Instead, opt for natural sugars from fruit leather or freeze-dried fruits for a satisfying, sweet treat without the crash.
6. Easily Accessible: Snacks should be easy to grab on the go, especially if you’re on a long or intense hike. Ziploc bags and food bags make for a convenient, accessible option to quickly reach your snacks without taking off your pack.
7. Durable and Non-Perishable: Particularly for multi-day or backpacking trips, choose dehydrated meals or sturdy options like jerky or hard cheeses that can withstand the heat and keep fresh for a long time or dry snacks.
8. Water-Rich Snacks: While water is a must, you can also choose snacks that contain natural hydration, such as fruits and veggies. These provide both fluids and important nutrients to help combat dehydration.

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20 Great Snack Ideas For Hiking

Now that we’ve covered what makes for good hiking snack options, it’s time to get into the good stuff! These hiking snack ideas are great options for shorter and longer hiking trails and there are sure to be options on the list for everyone – even picky hikers!

High-Energy Snacks

1. Homemade Trail Mix
   Make up a batch of your own trail mix with your favourite nuts (almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds), dried fruits, and a touch of sweetness with chocolate chips or real fruit pieces. This high-calorie snack provides a mix of protein, fats, and carbs, making it an excellent option for long hikes.
2. Nut Butter and Apple Slices
   An easy snack with protein and fibre, apple slices pair perfectly with single-serve nut butter packets. Nut butters like almond or peanut butter offer good energy while being compact and lightweight.
3. Protein Bars and Energy Bars
   Opt for store-bought bars, or homemade granola bars that are packed with protein, carbs, and minimal added sugar. These great snacks provide long-lasting fuel and are ideal for any backpacking trip or long day hike.
4. Beef Jerky or Vegan Jerky
   Jerky is high in protein and very packable, making it ideal for extended adventures. Look for options with low sodium to help avoid dehydration.
5. Energy Chews and Gels
   For a quick energy boost, energy chews or gels are a good idea on challenging sections of a trail, as they provide fast-acting carbohydrates that you can pop into your mouth quickly.

Fresh and Hydrating Options

6. Fresh Fruit
   While dried fruits are often easier to pack, fresh fruit like apples, oranges, or grapes can be refreshing, hydrating, and provide a natural sugar boost. Use an ice pack if bringing softer fruits to keep them chilled and refreshing.
7. Freeze-Dried Fruits
   For a lightweight, no-mess option, freeze-dried fruits are packed with flavour and nutrition. Popular choices include strawberries, bananas, and mangoes.
8. Veggie Sticks with Hummus
   Carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers are durable veggies that travel well. Pair them with hummus in a small container for a balanced snack that provides hydration and fibre.
9. Pickles
   Pickles are hydrating and packed with electrolytes like sodium, which is especially helpful for replenishing salt lost through sweat. If you’re open to it, a small container of pickles or even a few sips of pickle juice can give you a quick hydration boost.
10. Grapes and Cherry Tomatoes
    Hydrating and portable, grapes and cherry tomatoes are a refreshing way to replenish water levels and boost energy on a hot day.

Protein-Packed Choices

11. Hard-Boiled Eggs
    Hard-boiled eggs are compact and offer an excellent source of protein, though they’re best suited for shorter hikes unless kept cool.
12. Cheese and Crackers
    Hard cheeses, like cheddar, can handle a few hours without refrigeration, making them perfect for pairing with whole-grain crackers.
13. Pumpkin Seeds or Sunflower Seeds
    These tiny, nutrient-dense seeds pack healthy fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium for muscle function. They’re great for munching along the trail.
14. Greek Yogurt with Honey
    For shorter hikes, pack Greek yogurt in a small container with an ice pack. Add honey and some nuts for a tasty, high-protein treat.
15. Olives in Olive Oil
    Olives provide healthy fats and are easy to pack in small containers.

Light but Energising Carbohydrates

16. Popcorn
    Light and airy, popcorn is an easy snack with fibre and some carbs for quick energy. Add a sprinkle of salt for extra flavour.
17. Whole-Grain Crackers
    Pair whole-grain crackers with cheese or nut butter for a balanced snack that’s high in fibre and easy to pack.
18. Rice Cakes with Nut Butter
    Rice cakes are a great way to carry light carbs. Spread with almond butter and a drizzle of maple syrup for a tasty snack.
19. Fruit Leather
    Made from real fruit, fruit leather is a sweet treat with natural sugars and an excellent source of quick energy without taking up much space.
20. Honey Sandwiches
    Simple yet effective, a honey sandwich on whole-grain bread provides carbs and a hint of sweetness, keeping you energised without weighing you down.

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Additional Tips for Packing Hiking Snacks

• Keep it Organised: Use Ziploc bags or lightweight reusable containers to keep snacks separate and easy to grab.
• Plan for Weather: In hot weather, choose snacks that won’t melt or spoil. For cold weather, snacks with fats, like nuts and cheese, are ideal since they provide extra calories to keep you warm.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water bottles, and consider adding electrolytes for long or challenging hikes.

The great outdoors is a wonderful place to explore and enjoy, and with the right snacks, your hikes can be even more enjoyable. Next time you hit the trails, try these ideas to fuel your adventure with energy and nutrition, allowing you to enjoy each moment to the fullest.