Ever hit the trail only to realize your energy is fading fast? Or found yourself craving something tasty miles from the nearest store? Choosing the right hiking snacks can make or break your outdoor experience. The best snacks keep you energized, satisfied, and ready to tackle every switchback—without weighing down your pack.
But with so many options, what should you actually bring? Are you packing snacks that truly help you go the distance, or just filling your bag with empty calories? Let’s break down the smartest, most delicious hiking snacks for every kind of trek.
Why the Right Hiking Snacks Matter
When you hike, your body burns a mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The right snacks help you:
- Maintain steady energy
- Prevent muscle fatigue
- Recover faster
- Enjoy the journey (because good food matters!)
You want snacks that are calorie-dense, portable, and easy to eat on the move. Think protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Bonus points if they’re tasty and don’t melt or spoil quickly.
Top 25 Hiking Snacks for Every Trail
1. Trail Mix
A classic for a reason. Mix nuts, dried fruit, and a touch of chocolate or seeds. Try making your own with almonds, walnuts, raisins, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate chips for the perfect balance of energy and taste.
2. Jerky
Beef, turkey, or even vegan jerky packs protein and salt to help replace what you sweat out. It’s lightweight, non-perishable, and satisfying.
3. Nut Butter Packs
Single-serve nut butters (like Justin’s almond or peanut butter) are easy to squeeze onto crackers, fruit, or straight into your mouth for a quick energy boost.
4. Granola Bars
Choose bars with whole grains, nuts, and natural sweeteners. Homemade versions let you control the ingredients and avoid excess sugar.
5. Energy Bites
No-bake energy balls made with oats, nut butter, honey, and seeds are portable and customizable. Add cocoa, coconut, or dried fruit for variety.
6. Fresh or Dried Fruit
Dried mango, apricots, or apple rings are lightweight and high in quick-burning carbs. Fresh fruit like oranges or bananas work for shorter hikes.
7. Cheese
Mini Babybel wheels, string cheese, or hard cheeses last several hours without refrigeration and add protein and fat to your snack lineup.
8. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Great for protein and healthy fats. Peel them before you leave for easy trail eating.
9. Tuna or Salmon Packets
Shelf-stable and packed with protein, these are perfect for longer hikes. Pair with crackers for a mini meal.
10. Crackers or Rice Cakes
Pair with nut butter, cheese, or tuna for a satisfying crunch and carb boost.
11. Veggies
Baby carrots, snap peas, or bell pepper strips hold up well and add a refreshing crunch. Pair with hummus or nut butter for extra calories.
12. Muffins or Baked Goods
Homemade oatmeal muffins or savory cheddar-egg muffins are filling, portable, and can be made ahead for the week.
13. Stuffed Dates
Pit dates and fill them with almond or peanut butter for a sweet, energy-rich treat.
14. Protein Bars
Look for bars with at least 8g protein and minimal added sugar. RX Bars and Perfect Bars are popular choices.
15. Chocolate-Covered Almonds
A little indulgence goes a long way. These offer a mix of protein, healthy fat, and quick carbs.
16. Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwiches
Simple, classic, and packed with carbs and potassium. Use whole grain bread for extra fiber.
17. Walking Tamales
Shelf-stable, ready-to-eat tamales (like Fillo’s Walking Tamales) are a hearty, vegan-friendly option that’s gaining popularity in the hiking community.
18. Fruit Leathers
These chewy snacks are easy to pack and offer a natural sugar boost.
19. Pepperoni or Salami
Cured meats are calorie-dense and satisfying, but watch the sodium if you’re hiking in hot weather.
20. Edamame
Salted, roasted edamame is a crunchy, protein-rich snack that travels well.
21. Takis or Savory Chips
Sometimes you just want something salty and crunchy. Takis, pretzels, or crackers can hit the spot.
22. Homemade Cookies
Oatmeal or peanut butter cookies can be made healthy and energy-rich. Add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for extra punch.
23. Applesauce or Fruit Pouches
Easy to eat and mess-free, these are great for quick carbs on the go—especially for kids.
24. Recovery Drinks
After a long hike, a recovery drink like Tailwind can help replenish electrolytes and carbs.
25. Squeeze Packs (Honey, Nut Butter, or Jam)
Single-serve packs let you add a quick shot of energy to crackers, bread, or fruit.
Read more: How to Make Cowboy Coffee: A Simple Guide
How to Choose the Best Hiking Snacks
Not all snacks are created equal. Here’s how to pick what’s right for your hike:
- Duration: For short hikes, fresh fruit and lighter snacks work. For all-day treks, focus on calorie-dense, non-perishable foods.
- Weather: Avoid chocolate or yogurt coatings in hot weather—they melt fast.
- Personal Preference: Bring snacks you actually enjoy. You’re more likely to eat them when you need the energy.
- Allergies/Diet: Vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free options are widely available. Always check labels if you have dietary restrictions.
Packing Tips for Hiking Snacks
- Use resealable bags or containers to keep snacks fresh and organized.
- Pre-portion snacks for easy access and to avoid overeating.
- Keep quick-grab snacks (like trail mix or bars) in side pockets.
- Pack out all wrappers and food waste to leave no trace.
Smart Snack Combinations
Mix and match to keep things interesting and balanced:
- Protein + Carb: Jerky + dried fruit, cheese + crackers, nut butter + banana
- Sweet + Savory: Trail mix with chocolate and pretzels, stuffed dates with nut butter and sea salt
- Crunch + Creamy: Rice cakes + hummus, carrots + nut butter
Real Hikers’ Favorite Snacks
According to hikers on Reddit, some go-to favorites include hard-boiled eggs, pickle spears, PB-filled pretzels, Snickers bars, dried fruit, homemade jerky, tuna packets, Babybel cheese, pepperoni, trail mix, Takis, dried cherries, and protein bars. Many hikers also swear by mixing nuts, candy, and dried fruit in a Nalgene bottle for easy access and a quick energy boost on the move.
Where to Find the Best Hiking Snacks
You don’t need to visit a specialty store. Most grocery stores carry everything you need, from nut butter packs to dried fruit and jerky. For unique options like Fillo’s Walking Tamales or to stock up in bulk, check out online retailers or stores like Amazon and Walmart.
For more snack inspiration, the Hungry Hiker offers a list of cheap and easy hiking snacks you can grab at any grocery store.
Hiking Snacks FAQ
What makes a good hiking snack?
A good hiking snack is calorie-dense, portable, non-perishable, and a mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
How much should I pack for a day hike?
Aim for 200–300 calories per hour of hiking. Pack a variety of snacks so you have options.
Are fresh foods okay for hiking?
Yes, for short hikes. For longer treks, stick to dried or shelf-stable foods.
What snacks should I avoid?
Skip anything that melts easily (like chocolate in summer), spoils quickly, or is hard to eat on the move.
Can I make my own hiking snacks?
Absolutely. Homemade granola bars, energy bites, muffins, and trail mix are easy to prepare and customize.
What’s a good vegan hiking snack?
Try nut butter packs, dried fruit, roasted chickpeas, vegan jerky, or Walking Tamales.
Should I bring salty snacks?
Yes, especially for long or hot hikes. Salt helps replace what you lose through sweat.
How do I keep snacks fresh on the trail?
Use airtight containers, keep snacks in the shade of your pack, and eat perishable items early in your hike.
Ready to fuel your next adventure?
With these hiking snacks, you’ll stay energized, satisfied, and ready for whatever the trail throws your way.