Last updated on January 2nd, 2026
Say goodbye to boring trail snacks! From energy-boosting trail mixes to protein-packed options, we’re sharing the best hiking snacks to keep you energized on the go.
Choosing the right hiking snacks can make or break your day on the trails. It’s no secret that hiking burns a lot of calories, so having a mix of snacks is an absolute must!
You’ll want snacks that keep you fueled and moving, taste amazing, and are super easy to grab on the go. The best trail snacks don’t need to be refrigerated, won’t end up a squished mess in your pack, and strike the perfect balance between salty, sweet, and savory.
Below, we’ve listed over 30 of the best hiking snacks that we swear by for every kind of hike. Each of these snacks have a spot in our packs, and we think they’ll quickly become your trail go-tos, too.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Hiking Snacks
Not Too Heavy: Heavy snacks will just weigh you down. Choose lightweight, nutrient-dense options to save space and keep things easy on your back.
Easy to Eat While Hiking: You want snacks that are easy to munch on the go. Skip anything that requires utensils or fuss.
Safe to Not Refrigerate: Leave the perishable stuff at home! Opt for snacks that can handle hours (or even days) without refrigeration.
Doesn’t Make Too Much of a Mess: Choose snacks that won’t leave a mess. Think individually wrapped or crumb-free treats.
Nutritious, Not Boring: Aim for a good mix of salty, sweet, fresh, and protein-packed. You will be burning lots of calories, so make sure you’re eating enough!
Don’t Smush Them! Some snacks need extra care. Put fragile items in a hard-sided container so they don’t get crushed.
Leave No Trace: Always bring a baggie for your trash and pack it out. This also means not feeding wildlife (as tempting as it might be).
The best hiking snacks to fuel your next adventure
Bars
Clif Bars: These are a classic for a reason. They’re filling, full of protein and carbs, and just feel substantial, especially if you’re doing a longer hike. I love the variety of flavors, and they always hit the spot when we need a big energy boost.
Kate’s Real Food Bars: Organic and downright delicious, these bars are packed with flavor and are gluten-free, (which is a nice bonus.) The peanut butter dark chocolate bar is our go-to when I’m craving something indulgent yet energizing.
Bobo Bars: If you haven’t tried Bobo Bars, you’re missing out. These are dense, filling bars that are almost like having a mini meal. Our personal faves are the lemon poppyseed and chocolate peanut butter—super satisfying, and they don’t crumble as easily as other bars.
Nature’s Bakery Gluten-Free Fig Bars: These bars are a bit lighter, making them ideal for a quick burst of energy. Plus, they’re soft and easy to chew, which is a nice break from crunchier snacks. They taste a lot like fig newtons (but better)!
Fruity Hiking Snacks
Fruit Jerky: There’s something so refreshing about these on the trail! They’re light, not overly sweet, and give you that chewy, satisfying texture. Plus they are 100% fruit–no added junk! Every flavor we have tried we have loved!
Dang Coconut Chips: These give a nice crunch with a hint of sweetness, and they’re perfect for snacking on the go without getting your hands sticky. They don’t weigh much either, so they’re easy to throw into any pack.
Salty Hiking Snacks
Chili Roasted Wonderful Pistachios: We eat these on just about every hike (plus on long driving days or anytime we need a snack). These are a little spicy, super crunchy, and loaded with protein. Perfect for a midday snack when we want something savory. The chili seasoning gives it an extra kick that’s totally satisfying.
Trail mix: Trail mix is always a must-have for us, and Kars offers a bunch of fun varieties! From chocolate and peanut mixes (our top pick!) to dried fruit and nut blends, they’ve got tons of flavors to try.
Mary’s Gone Crackers: These crackers are thick and sturdy, so they won’t break easily in your pack. The everything, basil and garlic, and jalapeno flavors are our favorites—savory with a bit of bite.
SuperSeedz Pumpkin Seeds: These pumpkin seeds are tiny, but mighty! The Somewhat Spicy flavor has the perfect amount of heat, and if you’re in the mood for something sweet, the Cinnamon & Sugar flavor is almost like a dessert.
Justin’s Almond Butter Squeeze Packs: These are perfect to squeeze onto crackers, apples, or just straight into your mouth when you need a quick protein hit. They’re super easy to pack and taste amazing!
Fillo’s Walking Tamales: We love these tamales because they’re a unique option on the trail. They are not a true tamale, but rather a corn and bean bar. But they are pretty hearty and filling! The green flavor is our favorite, as it’s flavorful without being too spicy.
Whisps Cheese Crisps: These crunchy, cheesy snacks are perfect when you’re craving something savory but don’t want to carry around bulky cheese. They’re light, low-carb, and are super flavorful.
Wilde Protein Chips: These protein chips are a great alternative to regular potato chips. They’re made with real chicken and pack a protein punch while being way less likely to crumble in your pack.
Fresh Hiking Snacks
Fruit: Fresh fruit can be tricky because it’s delicate, but apples and oranges (like cuties!) tend to hold up well. Just be careful with softer fruits. We like to pack ours in a hard-sided container to keep them from getting squished!
Veggies: Carrot sticks, celery, and bell peppers are our go-to veggies. They’re crunchy, refreshing, and won’t get soggy as quickly as other vegetables. Plus, they’re easy to dip into almond butter or hummus if you’re bringing that along.
Meat & Cheese Hiking Snacks
CHOMPS: These meat sticks are incredibly flavorful and perfect for a protein boost on the go. They’re individually wrapped, so they stay fresh, and they come in fun flavors like jalapeño and Italian-style.
Righteous Felon Street Taco: These taco-flavored sticks are seriously good. The unique flavor adds a bit of variety to the typical meat stick, and they’re filling and easy to carry.
Epic Bars: Epic Bars are a delicious mix of meats and spices. They’re protein-rich and easy to stash in a pack. They have fun flavors like bison and cranberry, which have just the right amount of savory and sweet.
Wild Zora Meat & Veggie Bars: These bars are a little more unique. They combine meat with veggies, which makes them feel a bit fresher than regular jerky. The Mediterranean Lamb is hands-down our favorite—it’s packed with herbs and has a little bit of sweetness.
Tillamook Beef jerky: This jerky is packed with protein, keto-friendly, and has no added sugar, so it gives lasting energy without the carbs. It’s easy to carry, deliciously savory, and doesn’t require refrigeration, making it perfect for long hikes!
Biltong: If you love jerky, biltong is another option with a softer, more tender texture! Kathryn personally prefers this over jerky.
Tuna packets: Believe it or not, tuna is a great hiking snack! It’s lightweight, easy to eat, and packs tons of protein. Adam likes to pair it with crackers or just eat it straight from the packet.
Summer Sausage:We buy non-refrigerated pepperoni or summer sausage at the store for a nice savory, higher protein snack.
Babybel Cheeses: Individually wrapped and sealed in wax, Babybel cheeses hold up surprisingly well on hikes. They’re creamy, satisfying, and add a nice touch of luxury to snack time without the need for refrigeration.
A+K tip: For one of the best hiking snacks around, grab some flatbread, a pizza sauce packet, babybel cheese, and some pepperoni and make a little trail pizza!
Sweet Treats
Heavenly Hunks: If you haven’t tried these little oat-based hunks of goodness, you’re missing out. They’re chewy, sweet, and totally satisfying when you’re craving something indulgent. Plus, they’re vegan!
Honey Stinger Waffles: These are soft, sweet, organic, gluten-free, and made with honey for quick fuel. Plus, they hold up well even when smushed in a backpack!
Siete Mexican Wedding Cookies: These cookies are gluten-free and have a rich, nutty flavor. They’re crumbly but hold up surprisingly well in a hard-sided container. Warning: they will cover your fingers in powdered sugar. So bring a napkin!
Heather’s Choice Packaroons: These coconut cookies are little bites of heaven! They have a soft texture, plus some crunch from the coconut. And they are small, so they are easy to pack! Our personal favorite is the Black Espresso flavor, which adds a little caffeine boost.
Candy bars: We don’t often eat candy, but for a celebratory treat, nothing beats a candy bar! We keep a Snickers or two stashed in our packs, and it’s the perfect reward for reaching the summit. There’s something so satisfying about having a little chocolatey, nutty treat after the hard work!
Electrolytes
Electrolytes may not be a hiking snack per se, but they are a crucial part of our hiking toolkit! Below are two of our must-haves when hitting the trail.
LMNT: LMNT is a must-have for us when hiking to replenish electrolytes! We love all of the flavors, including their hot chocolate ones (which you drink hot). Visit this link to get a free sample pack with any order!
Gu Energy Gel: Small, effective, and packed with electrolytes, these gels are easy to take on the go and help replace lost salt. They come in a bunch of flavors, but Espresso Love is our personal fave when we need an energy boost.
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About the author
This blog post was written by our writer Nicoll. Learn a bit about her below!
After six years of full-time travel, Nicoll is now a mountain-loving mama living in Colorado with her husband Jake, their sweet baby girl Teagan, and their pup Gunner. She loves hiking, riding her dirt bike, and finding joy in the little things.