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Author: Chelsea Barron
The best hiking snacks will put an extra pep in your step! Hiking is a favorite activity of many campers. After all, what could be better than reconnecting with nature via a walk through the woods, up a mountain, or on a beach? I know my family adores hiking, and most people—yes, even those who think they aren’t the outdoorsy type—would love it just as much if they were to give it a try.
That said, as a family with a growing kid, we often run into a bit of a problem: Our little hiker gets hungry while walking the trail. Not only that, we adults also tend to need a bit of snack as well.
The obvious solution is to pack up some premade trail mix and granola bars and call it good. Sure, this does work. However, if you hike often enough, it gets old pretty quickly. For this reason, we are always on the lookout for new hiking snacks to stash in our bags.
If you’re also looking for new and interesting ideas, this is the article for you. Below I’ve included several interesting snack options that are filling, tasty, and easy to take on the go.
Related Read: Awesome RV Eats: Survival Cookies
Trail mix is the quintessential hiking snack. It’s delicious and offers a bit of variety, even if it’s the only thing you pack. However, we find that trail mix is much more fun and even more tasty when we make our own.
Below are a few awesome trail mix recipes that everyone should give a try. These can be made ahead of time and kept in reusable snack bags so you can grab-and-go anytime.
Classic GORP — Good old raisins and peanuts! Throw in some chocolate chips or candy-coated chocolates and you have a classic that everyone loves.
Tropical Mix — Dried mango, dried pineapple, and dried banana chips are the key ingredients in this mix. Add some roasted salted almonds and a sprinkling of unsweetened coconut flakes and you’ve got a mix fit for paradise.
Nut and Fruit Mix — Grab a container of mixed salted nuts, toss in a few of your favorite dried fruits, and enjoy a healthy snack that can be customized to suit your tastes.
Movie Night Mix — Pop a bit of popcorn, let it cool, and add chocolate-covered raisins and some peanuts for an unusual and delicious mix that’ll remind you of cozy movie nights.
Make Your Own Snack Bars
Snack bars are another classic favorite. However, I’m not always a fan of what companies put into their store-bought bars. Besides, there are tons of amazing recipes out there for homemade snack bars that blow the store-bought ones out of the water.
Try these recipes and find a few that your family likes. Once you have a few go-to options, make a few batches and store them in the fridge until your next big hike, or even just until you need a quick breakfast while running out the door.
Banana Oat Bars — With just four simple ingredients, these bars couldn’t be any easier to whip up!
Homemade Clif Bars — Clif Bars are my favorite store-bought bar. This homemade version is just as good, but a fraction of the cost.
Homemade Kind Bars — Need something gluten-free and/or vegan? These are your bars!
Whip Up DIY Fruit Leather
Did you ever eat Fruit Roll-Ups as a kid? Those things are tasty, but are really just candy and not a great hiking snack. However, if you’re looking for something similar with a little more nutritional value, fruit leather is an excellent option.
You can purchase natural fruit leather in stores. However, it’s actually fairly easy to make on your own, and if your family eats a lot of it, the DIY version will definitely save you a few bucks.
Here is my favorite recipe for this awesome, kid-friendly snack.
Bake Up Some Energizing Cookies
Generally speaking, cookies aren’t exactly the ideal hiking snack. After all, a traditional cookie is packed with sugar and doesn’t offer much in the way of nutrients. That said, there are some exceptions to this rule.
The first exception to the “no cookies on the trail†rule are these amazing, protein-packed peanut butter cookies. They’re absolutely delicious, filling, and just perfect for pulling out of your pack when your tummy starts rumbling.
Another wonderful exception to the rule are these completely sugar-free and protein-filled cookies. These are loved by kids and adults alike, and are ideal for those who are trying to watch their calorie intake, as a single serving (one cookie) is only 90 calories.
Looking for a cross between cookies and trail mix? A batch of trail mix balls are the ideal solution. These little bites of goodness pack a whole lot of energy into a tiny snack that is easy to make, easy to carry, and easy to eat.
There are a number of trail mix ball recipes out there. However, a few stand out from the rest. We especially like this version because it’s totally kid-friendly without including ridiculous amounts of sugar. The author of this recipe does use chocolate candies in her bites, but that isn’t necessary if you’re trying to cut back on sugar.
Another great recipe is this one from Fresh Off the Grid. It’s awesome because it uses all-natural ingredients and has absolutely no added sugar or salt. Just fruits, nuts and seeds in this recipe, folks, and it is surprisingly delicious!
Jerky is a fabulous snack to keep you going when out in nature. Unfortunately, pre-made jerky can get pricey really fast. In fact, I rarely buy jerky because of how expensive it is and how quickly we go through it.
Instead of spending a small fortune on bags of beef jerky at the store, try making your own. This jerky recipe turns out quite nicely and doesn’t require any special equipment. It does take a bit of time to make, so make sure you allow for that, but the results are well worthwhile.
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Contact us for Guest Guide, Advertising & Listing Inquiries
contactus@rvingusa.com or Call: 800-832-3292
3.148.231.77