When you're out on the trail, whether it's a short day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, fueling your body is essential to keep your energy levels up. Luckily, finding snacks that are both nutritious and delicious is easier than ever. There are plenty of trail snack options that will give you the protein, carbs, and fats needed to power through your hike—without sacrificing flavor or convenience. Here’s a list of some of the best trail snacks to keep you energized and satisfied while out in nature!

1. Trail Mix: The Classic Go-To

No hiking snack list would be complete without mentioning trail mix. It’s the ultimate hiking snack: easy to pack, lightweight, and endlessly customizable. Making your own is a great option, allowing you to tailor the mix to your taste and dietary preferences.

To make a balanced trail mix, aim for a good combination of:

• Nuts and seeds (almonds, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds) for healthy fats and protein.
• Dried fruit (raisins, apricots, cranberries, or mango) for a quick hit of energy from natural sugars.
• Extras like dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or granola clusters for a tasty treat.

Pro Tip: Pack your trail mix in resealable bags or small containers to easily portion it out to last the hike

2. Energy Bars: Grab-and-Go Goodness

Energy bars are perfect for hiking because they’re compact while being high in energy to keep you going.

Some popular brands include:

• Clif Bars: These are a favorite among hikers for their energy-boosting ingredients and variety of flavors. Most of their products are vegan, and you can find flavors like Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut.
• Larabars: Made with minimal ingredients like dates and nuts, Larabars come in flavors like Apple Pie and Peanut Butter Cookie. Plus, they’re gluten-free, vegan and contain no added sugar.

If you prefer DIY options, you can also make your own energy bars at home using oats, peanut butter, dates, and seeds.

3. Fruit Leathers: Sweet, Portable, and Energizing

For a burst of natural sweetness, fruit leathers are a fantastic choice. They’re essentially thin sheets of dried fruit, offering all the natural sugars and nutrients of fresh fruit, but in a more portable, less perishable form. You can find plenty of store-bought options, or you can make your own by dehydrating your favorite fruits.

Some great store-bought vegan options include Stretch Island Fruit Co. or That’s It Bars, which are made with just fruit and nothing else.

4. Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy and Protein-Packed

Looking for something crunchy and savory? Roasted chickpeas are a high-protein, high-fiber snack that’s easy to make at home or buy pre-packaged. The best part is their versatility—flavor them any way you like, from spicy to sweet. At home, simply toss cooked chickpeas in olive oil, season with your favorite spices (curry powder, smoked paprika, or cinnamon), and roast them in the oven.

If you want a store-bought option, brands like The Good Bean and Biena offer roasted chickpeas in a variety of flavors, from sea salt to honey roasted.

5. Nut Butters: Easy Energy on the Go

Nut butters like peanut, almond, and cashew butter are excellent sources of healthy fats and protein, making them great for sustained energy during long hikes. You can carry small packets of nut butter from brands like Justin’s, which are super convenient to throw into your backpack and eat with crackers, apple slices, or straight out of the packet

6. Dried Edamame: A Protein Powerhouse

Dried edamame is another fantastic high-protein, vegan-friendly snack. It's crunchy, satisfying, and loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. You can often find dried edamame in the snack aisle or bulk section of your grocery store, and it’s usually lightly salted for extra flavor.

For something with a bit more kick, look for seasoned varieties with flavors like wasabi or chili lime. It’s a great snack for a quick protein boost on the trail.

7. Oatmeal: A Warm, Filling Option

If you're on a multi-day hike or just want something more substantial to eat on a cool day, oatmeal is an excellent choice. You can bring along instant oatmeal packets, which just require adding hot water, or you can make ‘overnight’ oats in a portable along the way.

Top your oatmeal with nuts, dried fruit, or chia seeds for extra protein and texture. For a lightweight and easy option, try MUSH Overnight Oats which come in a variety of flavors.

8. Fresh Fruit: Simple, Sweet, and Hydrating

Don’t forget about fresh fruit! While dried fruit is great for packing in your backpack, fresh fruit can provide hydration and a refreshing energy boost during your hike. Apples, oranges, and bananas are easy to throw in your bag (just make sure to carry out any peels or cores).

Final Thoughts

When it comes to trail snacks, there are plenty of delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-pack options to keep you fueled on the trail. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, savory, crunchy, or chewy, the key is to focus on snacks that offer a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.

With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy a variety of tasty, snacks that will keep your energy up and your taste buds happy while you explore the great outdoors!