Top 10 Best Snacks to Bring When Hiking

A good hike can be one of the most refreshing ways to spend your day. You get fresh air, beautiful scenery, and a solid workout without even stepping into a gym. But if you’ve ever gone hiking without enough food, you already know how quickly things can go downhill. Your energy drops, your legs feel heavier, and even the best trail starts to feel endless. That’s why bringing the right snacks matters.

The best hiking snacks are easy to carry, don’t spoil quickly, and give your body the fuel it needs to keep moving. Ideally, they include a mix of carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle support, and healthy fats to help you stay full. They should also taste good, because food always feels more satisfying when you’ve earned it on the trail.

Below are the top 10 best snacks to bring when hiking, along with why each one is worth packing before your next adventure.

What Makes a Snack Great for Hiking?

Before choosing snacks, it helps to understand what your body needs during a hike. Hiking burns calories steadily, especially on steep trails or long distances. Your muscles use carbohydrates as quick fuel, but protein helps with recovery and keeps you satisfied. Healthy fats can provide longer-lasting energy, which is especially helpful for all-day hikes.

You also want snacks that travel well. Foods that melt, crush easily, or spoil quickly can become a mess in your backpack. The best hiking snacks are durable, portable, and simple to eat without needing extra utensils or preparation.

1. Trail Mix

Trail mix is one of the most classic hiking snacks for a reason. It’s lightweight, easy to portion out, and packed with energy. Most trail mixes include nuts, dried fruit, and sometimes chocolate or granola pieces. This gives you a mix of carbs, protein, and fats that can keep you fueled for hours.

The best part is that you can customize it to your liking. If you want more energy, add dried fruit. If you want more staying power, add extra nuts. It’s also easy to snack on while walking, making it perfect for quick trail breaks.

2. Protein Bars

Protein bars are a convenient option when you want something filling but easy to carry. They don’t take up much space, they’re individually wrapped, and they provide a good balance of nutrients. Many protein bars include both protein and carbohydrates, which is exactly what your body needs during longer hikes.

They’re also helpful when you don’t want to think too much about food planning. Toss a couple in your bag, and you’ll have a reliable snack ready whenever hunger hits.

3. Jerky

Jerky is an excellent hiking snack because it’s high in protein, doesn’t spoil easily, and is easy to pack. It’s especially useful on hikes where you need something more satisfying than a sweet snack. Protein helps support your muscles during prolonged physical activity and can help reduce hunger between meals.

Beef jerky is the most common, but turkey, chicken, and plant-based jerkies are also great options. Jerky can be a little salty, which may actually be helpful when you’re sweating and losing electrolytes.

4. Fresh Fruit That Travels Well

Fresh fruit is a refreshing snack on the trail, especially when the weather is warm. The key is choosing fruit that won’t get smashed easily. Bananas, apples, and oranges are popular choices because they hold up well in a backpack and don’t require refrigeration.

Fruit provides natural sugars for quick energy, along with water and fiber. It’s a great way to get a boost without feeling weighed down. Apples offer a crisp bite, bananas provide quick carbs, and oranges can feel incredibly refreshing when you’re tired and thirsty.

5. Nut Butter Packets

Nut butter packets are small, portable, and full of energy. They’re packed with healthy fats and a bit of protein, which can help keep you full longer. Peanut butter and almond butter are the most popular, but there are plenty of other options, too.

You can eat nut butter straight from the packet, or pair it with crackers, fruit, or a piece of bread. It’s a great snack for hikers who want something calorie-dense without carrying heavy food.

6. Crackers or Pretzels

Crackers and pretzels may not seem exciting, but they’re a great hiking snack for a few reasons. They’re easy to pack, simple to eat, and provide carbohydrates that help keep your energy steady. They also offer salt, which can be helpful when you’re sweating a lot.

Pretzels are especially useful when you want something light and crunchy. Crackers pair well with nut butter, cheese, or even jerky, giving you more variety on the trail.

7. Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is lightweight, sweet, and a quick source of energy. It’s also easy to store and doesn’t spoil quickly. Raisins, dried mango, dried apricots, and dried cranberries are all popular hiking choices. Because the water has been removed, dried fruit is more concentrated in sugar and calories, which makes it great for long hikes.

Dried fruit is especially helpful when you need a quick boost during a steep climb or when you’re starting to feel tired. It’s also a great option for hikers who want something naturally sweet without carrying candy.

8. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are some of the best hiking snacks because they’re full of healthy fats, protein, and calories. That combination helps keep you full and energized. Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are all great options.

They’re also easy to portion out into small bags so you can grab a handful whenever you need it. Nuts and seeds work well for both short hikes and long-distance trails because they provide long-lasting fuel.

9. Cheese Snacks

Cheese is a satisfying snack that provides protein and fat, helping you feel full longer. While some cheeses need refrigeration, many hikers bring harder cheeses like cheddar or parmesan because they hold up better during a day hike. String cheese is also a popular option for shorter hikes, especially in cooler weather.

Cheese can be eaten alone or paired with crackers for a more filling snack. It’s a great choice when you want something savory instead of sweet.

10. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is one of the most enjoyable hiking snacks, and it boosts energy. It provides quick calories and a little caffeine-like boost that can help you feel more alert. It also feels like a reward, which makes it a fun snack to save for the middle or end of a hike.

If you’re hiking in hot weather, you may want to keep it in a small container so it doesn’t melt in your bag. But in cooler conditions, dark chocolate can be the perfect trail treat.

How to Pack Snacks the Smart Way

Bringing good snacks is only part of the plan. Packing them properly makes the experience much easier. Use small resealable bags or lightweight containers to keep food from getting crushed. Try to bring a mix of sweet and salty snacks so you don’t get bored halfway through the hike. It also helps to pack snacks you can eat easily without stopping for long.

Another smart move is packing more than you think you’ll need. Hiking can take longer than expected, and having extra food can make a big difference if you end up staying out later than planned.

The best hiking snacks are the ones that keep you energized, travel well, and taste good enough to look forward to. Whether you prefer sweet options like dried fruit and dark chocolate or savory choices like jerky and crackers, having a variety of snacks makes hiking more enjoyable and helps you stay strong on the trail.

With the right snacks in your backpack, you’ll be able to focus on the views, the fresh air, and the adventure instead of counting the minutes until you get back to your car. Hiking is always better when you’re well-fueled, and these top 10 snacks are a great place to start.