There are so many options to choose from when packing snacks for a hike. Some are lightweight, while others are a more durable option for tossing in your backpack. Certain kinds are better for fuelling you up so you can hike for long periods without crashing.
It’s also a good idea to bring as little packaging with you as possible. Whether you are going for a short hike or a long one, you’ll need options that provide energy and enjoyment.
Choose foods that offer a balance of carbohydrates, fats and protein. Ideal snacks will provide energy and also help you recover from your adventure.
Here are some items to toss in your backpack before your excursion, whether it’s around the block or on a lengthy trail.
Best Snacks for a Quick Hiking Trip
If you plan to go walking through the park or a nearby wooded area, chances are you won’t be doing anything too extreme. Fresh fruit is a perfect snack to take on one of these trips. It provides a boost of energy and can make it through the day without getting spoiled or squished.
You should also consider how much your snacks weigh. If you are going on a short walk, a big backpack with lots of snacks probably doesn’t make the most sense. Choosing fresh fruit is a great way to make a more sustainable food choice, as well. There is no packaging or bags that might otherwise come with other options.
Best Snacks for a Long Hiking Trip
If you are going hiking for a large part of the day, you’ll want something more substantial to provide energy and combat hunger. Choose items that can be tossed in your bag and don’t weigh too much, as you’ll be carrying them around all day. They should also be easy to store.
Some great options for a day-long hike include nuts and granola bars. These snacks are packable and can survive the journey, whether you are hiking during the summer or trudging through the snow. You may also want to bring staples like beef jerky or cut-up veggies and hummus. These selections will help keep hunger at bay and provide that needed energy boost.
Best Snacks for a Multi-day Hike
Lengthy hiking trips are likely to be a bit more taxing, so adequate nutrients will be needed to sustain your energy. You also will be eating more often, and getting bored of a certain snack is a possibility.
You’ll want to choose items that pack a punch and provide nutritional value rather than empty calories. About 32% of consumers claim their snack foods are healthy, which is a wise choice for sustaining energy and peak performance on a long trek.
Trail mix is a great choice to provide energy and a multitude of flavors to stimulate your taste buds throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to bring something a bit more substantial, like a tomato and cheese sandwich or roasted chickpeas. Remember to pack items that provide the protein your muscles need to sustain a long hike. Post-dinner snack options can include nut butters or even some pouch tuna.
Pack It in, Pack It Out
Regardless of how long your hike was, it is always important to keep track of your trash and take it with you. Leaving no trace is a huge part of being eco-friendly. Packing snacks in reusable pouches is a great way to minimize how many wrappers you have to bring back from your trip.
Keep Mother Nature as beautiful for others as it was for you so more people can enjoy the great outdoors.
