What Snacks to Take Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

Backpacking is an excellent way to explore the outdoors, get a good workout and push your limits. But to truly enjoy your hike, it’s important to bring along snacks that will keep you nourished and energized throughout the journey.

Calorie-Dense Foods: Backpacking requires a lot of energy and calories, so it’s important to pack snacks that are high in calories and will give you plenty of energy for the trail. Try bringing nuts, granola bars, protein bars, dried fruit and trail mix. These snacks are all packed with essential vitamins, minerals and healthy fats that will keep you energized over the course of your hike.

High-Protein Foods: Protein is essential for muscle repair and recovery after a long hike, so you’ll want to pack some protein-rich snacks as well.

Jerky is an excellent choice because it’s lightweight, high in protein and shelf stable for several days without refrigeration. You can also bring peanut butter or almond butter packets which are also high in protein but require less preparation than jerky.

Lightweight Foods: Weight is a major factor when backpacking, so it’s important to choose snacks that won’t add too much bulk or weight to your pack. Packaged energy gels are an excellent choice because they are lightweight and provide a quick burst of energy when needed. You can also bring freeze-dried meals which have been dehydrated for maximum convenience.

Hydrating Foods: It’s important to stay hydrated while hiking, so don’t forget to pack some snacks that contain a lot of water like apples or oranges which can help replenish lost fluids as well as provide essential nutrients like Vitamin C

Conclusion: When choosing snacks for backpacking trips be sure to pick calorie-dense foods that are high in protein, lightweight and hydrating. Nuts, granola bars, protein bars, dried fruit, trail mix, jerky packets, peanut butter packets and freeze-dried meals are all great choices for keeping you energized throughout your journey!