Snacks are essential for fueling outdoor adventures. The right food keeps your energy up, your mood steady, and your legs moving. For short day hikes, go simple and light with snacks that give a quick energy boost. On longer trips, you’ll want fuel that’s more substantial and calorie-dense since you’re carrying it all on your back. Whether you’re on a day hike conquering steep switchbacks or multi-day backpacking through a forested trail, here are our trail-tested snack recommendations to keep your engine running strong:
Snacks for Quick Energy
1. Trail Mix
A classic mix of your favorite bites – dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and a little chocolate. Grab a pre-mix like Power Up Trail Mix for balanced energy and snackable flavor. Or make your own “Favorite Trail Mix” by combining dried goji berries, dried blueberries, and salted roasted pistachios (thanks Maria for passing down this tasty combo!).
2. Granola Bars or Fruit-filled Bars
Reliable, compact, and packed with energy. We love Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars and KIND Oats & Honey for their great taste and packability.
3. Fresh Produce
Apples, clementines, bananas, and grapes travel well and offer natural hydration – just remember to pack out cores and peels.Carrot sticks and bell pepper strips add crunch and color, while edamame brings a boost of plant-based protein that’s easy to portion out. Dates or Figs are naturally sweet, full of fiber, and offer a quick sugar hit that’s whole food-based. When you’re unable to pack fresh produce, we grab GoGo squeeZ Applesauce and Fruit Puree or That’s It Fruit Bars for on-the-go snacking with zero mess.
Snacks for Sustained Fuel
4. Protein Bars
High-calorie and balanced with protein, carbs, and fats to keep you full longer. Our top picks are KIND Breakfast Protein Apple Cinnamon and CLIF BAR.
5. Jerky
Long-lasting protein in a savory, satisfying form. We have packed Country Archer Jerky Beef or Vermont Smoke & Cure Meat Sticks on backpacking trips for flavorful bites.
6. Hard Cheese (Cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, and Asiago)
Naturally shelf-stable and rich in protein and fat. Wrap wedges in beeswax wrap for a low-waste, high-reward snack.
Homemade Snacks
7. Energy Balls
Easy to make, pack, and customize with ingredients like oats, nut or coconut butter, chia seeds, and honey. Limited time to prepare? We found GFB Variety Pack Protein Bites offers a convenient, no-prep option for quick snacking on the go.
8. Dehydrated Fruit or Veggie Chips
Dehydrate bananas, mangoes, or beets into flavorful chips. Make your own or buy dried fruit from Costco in bulk to reduce waste.
9. Hummus + Crackers
A satisfying savory option packed in reusable containers. Homemade hummus or Sabra hummus singles work great with Back to Nature whole grain crackers.
Mini-Meals on the Trail
10. Instant Meals
Lightweight and easy to prepare with just hot water, instant meals are perfect for refueling at camp. We like ready-to-eat Fillo’s Walking Tamales and freeze-dried meals, such as Backpacker’s Pantry Drunken Noodles with Chicken and Mountain House Beef Stroganoff with Noodles. Something about the warmth, comfort, and serious calories after a long day on the trail hit the spot!
11. Bagels + Spread
A solid carb base with protein and fat to stay full. Pack early in your hike with spreads like peanut butter, hummus, or shelf-stable cream cheese.
12. Fish or Meat Packet + Crackers
Shelf-stable tuna, salmon, or chicken packets offer lean protein without refrigeration. We opt for the StarKist Tuna packet flavors like lemon pepper, herb and garlic, and ranch. Pair with crackers for a quick and satisfying trail meal.
Trail Treats
13. Cheese Crackers
Crunchy, cheesy, and just salty enough to hit the spot. We love packing nostalgic favorites like Goldfish Cheddar Cheese Crackers and Cheez-It Cheese Crackers for a fun snack on the go.
14. Gummy Candy
A guilty pleasure that boosts morale. Gummies like Haribo of America Goldbears and Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers deliver a quick sugar rush and a smile. We enjoy Grüns Superfood Greens Gummies, packed with vitamins and nutrients, for a healthier, feel-good boost. Perfect for solo snacking or sharing.
15. Chocolate Bars
Chocolate is perfect for a summit reward. We like to indulge on Ghirardelli Assorted Minis, Peanut M&Ms, or local chocolate bars.
Summary
What you put in your pack matters just as much as what you put on your feet. The right snacks not only fill your stomach but keep your body going, your focus sharp, and your spirits up. Snacks are your backup battery when you hit that mid-hike slump. Pack smart, fuel often, and enjoy every bite along the way.
What’s in your snack pack? Drop your favorite snacks for hiking and backpacking in the comments.
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