Summer is here and the sun is out - that just means it's the perfect time of year to go on those hikes you've been wanting to go on. But before you take one foot out the door, make sure you're packed and ready to go, including bringing along energizing, filling, and tasty snacks that will keep you refreshed and motivated during your hike. Here are 20 delicious snack inspos for you to consider!
1. Trail Mix
You can't go on a summer hike without bringing some delicious trail mix along. The two are basically tied together at this point. Trail mix is a classic hiking snack that's perfect for giving you the energy boost you need. You can customize it to contain your favourites, from nuts, seeds, dried fruits, pretzels, and even chocolate. It's one snack you definitely won't ever regret bringing along.
2. Energy Bars
The snacks you want to bring along while hiking should be convenient, lightweight, and energy-boosting. That's why energy bars are great - they check off all three of those boxes! You can easily find them at your local grocery store (you could even make them yourself) and they often come in a variety of different flavours you can choose from.
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3. Dried Fruit
To keep you fueled for the long journey ahead, the natural sugars you'll find in dried fruits are perfect for giving you that boost of energy. Whether it's dried apricots, mangoes, raisins, or pineapples, just grab your favourites and pack them to go.
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4. Beef Jerky
Great for road trips, beef jerky also doubles as a fantastic hiking snack. Not only are they high in protein, but they're also easy to pack, lightweight, and satisfying to munch on. You'll be able to stay energized for hours thanks to these little goodies.
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5. Nut Butter Packets
Great for spreading on crackers, fruit, or bread, you can enjoy single-serving nut butter packets alongside other snacks or simply on its own. They work well as a satisfying, more filling snack, and are even rich in healthy fats and protein that will help you keep moving forward.
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6. Granola
Fun to snack on as you trek down the hiking trail, granola is a versatile snack that you can customize to your liking. If you want to eat it on its own, just pack it in a zip lock bag or small container for easy munching access, or toss it in with some yogurt for a more substantial snack.
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7. Cheese Sticks
Quick and easy to eat, individually wrapped cheese sticks will definitely hit after or during a long hike. Not only are they tasty and great sources of protein and calcium, they're fun to play with too. Just pull down the cheese to make funny shapes. Not to mention, you can enjoy them with some crackers or fruit for an elevated snack combination.
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8. Fresh Fruit
You can never go wrong with taking the simple route. Just bring a container with cut up fresh fruit to satisfy your hunger and give you a healthy boost of energy. You'll definitely feel so hydrated and refreshed after eating this snack.
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9. Hard-Boiled Eggs
The night before your hike, boil some eggs for a nutritious and filling snack. Don't forget to pre-peel them too! These protein-rich goodies are so easy to pack and carry along. It's a great option for all you hikers who prefer something a bit more substantial than just a few slices of dried fruit.
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10. Veggie Chips
Instead of snacking on greasy and fattening chips, bring along some veggie chips instead that tend to be a healthier alternative. You can get them of your favourite vegetables, from kale to sweet potatoes, carrots, or beets. You'll enjoy the satisfying crunch you love from a good potato chip as you continue on your hike.
11. Popcorn
For the hikers who really get the munchies halfway up the trail, popcorn is the perfect snack to satisfy your cravings. Unbelievably light and easily portable, you won't complain about carrying a large container full of popcorn with you. If you want some extra flavour, don't forget to toss it in some of your favourite spices beforehand.
12. Rice Cakes
If you're watching your weight and want a filling but low-calorie snack, rice cakes will do the trick. Easy to bring along and eat on the go, you can enjoy these plain as is, or topped with your favourite spreads.
13. Hummus and Veggies
Whether you prepare it at home yourself or buy it premade at the grocery store, you can never go wrong with a healthy and delicious cup of hummus and veggies. The plus side of making it yourself is you get to choose your favourite vegetables to pair with the dip. The most popular options are carrots, celery, and bell peppers, but choose whatever you like!
14. Dark Chocolate
Need a little sweet treat to keep you motivated? Dark chocolate is just what you're looking for. Just be careful not to keep it in your pants - if it's hot outside it'll make a melted mess!
15. Tuna Packets
When small snacks just aren't enough, it's time to bring along some of the heavy hitters. If you need something that'll keep you full and energized for the long road ahead, bring something more substantial like tuna packets. You can find them in grocery stores individually wrapped and ready to eat, making them so easy to pack. They taste the best if you have some crackers to eat with it, making it a more filling snack too.
16. Edamame
During those small breaks on your hike, take out your small container of edamame for a satisfying trail-side snack. High in protein and nutritious all around, these vegetables can be enjoyed in any weather. They're fun to eat but also great for revitalizing you as you continue on.
17. Yogurt Pouches
Need some yogurt with your granola? Whether you want it as a side to some of the other snacks you're bringing or just want it on its own, yogurt pouches are a convenient way to bring along this beloved snack on your hike. It's a healthy option that'll have you feeling refreshed and ready to go.
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18. Fruit Leathers
Reminding you of your childhood (Fruit By The Foot, anyone?), fruit leathers are a delicious, sweet, and satisfying snack that is both tasty and fun to eat texturally. It has a nice chewy bite to it and takes little to no space in your backpack. Bring them along for a quick and easy way to get some natural sugars into your body.
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19. Pretzels
Pretzels are good no matter where you are, whether it be in a bar or in the middle of nowhere hiking up a mountain! These salty treats are great for helping you replenish your electrolytes while also keeping your tummy full. Just throw them in a zip lock bag for a hassle-free snack that'll never disappoint.
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20. Coconut Chips
Here's something a bit more unique - have you ever brought along coconut chips on your hike? These lightweight, crunchy snacks are able to provide you with healthy fats and a good amount of energy. They weigh nothing at all and can easily fit into your backpack for a quick and delicious snack.
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