Simple Yet Healthy Snacks to Bring on Your Next Hike

Looking for the best hiking snacks? Try these simple, healthy, and trail-ready hiking and backpacking snacks that are easy to pack, nutritious, and perfect for outdoor adventures on the trail.

HIKING

4/13/202511 min read

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Simple Yet Healthy Snacks to Bring on Your Next Hike

I love snacking anytime. Maybe too much! 😂 But, snacking when you are out on the trail is different. It isn't just a "want to." In many situations it becomes a "have to." Snacks are needed to keep energy up as you hike, especially if you are hiking difficult terrains or hauling a heavy pack. Not just any snack will do on the trail, though! You need something that keeps your energy up, your pack light, and your taste buds happy. Hiking snacks should be lightweight and portable -- you don't want your pack weighing you down! They should be shelf-stable, especially in warmer temperatures. The snacks should be nutrient-dense -- you'll need carbs for energy, protein for muscle support, and healthy fats for lasting fullness! And, they should be easy to grab and eat! No one wants to mess with utensils on the trail.

This blog post will share a handful of simple, healthy snack ideas that are perfect for hiking. Check them out!

Snack Ideas in this Post:

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DIY Trail Mix

OK, let me be honest. I LOVE trail mix. Like, really love it. I will choose trail mix as a snack anytime, not just when I am hiking. There is something about the sweet and salty mixture that is irresistible! But, my favorite part? Trail mixes are so completely DIY. You can make a trail mix out of just about anything! It is the perfect customizable snack. Here are a few tips:

Start with a base of raw or roasted nuts. Think almonds, cashews, or walnuts. Put in as much or as little as you would like.
Toss in some seeds. Shelled sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are healthy options.
Add in some dried fruit for sweetness. Dried raisins, cranberries, apricots, or mango pieces are delicious options.
If you would like, add in some coconut flakes. This makes it feel a little extra special.
Adding in a small amount of chocolate pieces is up to you. Something to think about -- chocolate can melt in a pack on a hot day, so if you opt to toss in some chocolate, I would recommend chocolate in a candy shell (like M&Ms). They tend to hold up a bit better. Don't want to chance it? Leave the chocolate out.

Pro Tip: Stick to unsalted nuts to avoid dehydration. Also, portion out servings ahead of time to avoid over-snacking. It is easy to do with trail mix!

Nut Butter and Apple Slices or Rice Cakes

Nut butter makes everything taste better, am I right?!? The great thing about nut butters is that they are easily portable and packed with protein. Plus, they pair beautifully with apple slices and rice cakes. This combination gives you a great balance of fiber, healthy fat, protein, and natural sugars. Perfect for a mid-hike energy dip!

Here are a few preparation tips:

You can opt to purchase single serve nut butter packets. These are simple to toss in a pack and use when you are ready. Here are a few options.
If you prefer, you can package your own nut butter. To avoid having to deal with utensils on the trail, you can choose to spread it on the rice cakes ahead of time. Avoid mess by spreading the nut butter on the top of two rice cakes. Then put the two tops together (like a rice cake sandwich). Store in a plastic bag.
You can also save some time and hassle on the trail by slicing your apples ahead of time. Place them in a small, airtight container. If you are preparing your own nut butter as well, you can put a dollop of it in the container. Then, just dip the apple slices and enjoy when you want your snack!
- Here is a great on the go container option for hiking. It even has a separate section for toppings!

Pro Tip: Soak your apple slices in lemon juice after slicing. This will help to prevent browning.

Homemade Energy Bites

This are SO good! And slightly addicting. Definitely pre-portion these out in your pack! 😂 The best part...no baking needed! Don't get me wrong, I love baking. But, when you are prepping for a hike, you don't want to have to worry about prepping, baking, cooling, cleanup up, etc for a snack before you can get going. These energy bites can be whipped up and ready to go in about half an hour. And...these little powerhouses are loaded with complex carbs and healthy fats, ideal for long-lasting energy. Here are the basic steps.

Ingredients:

1 cup of rolled oats (don't use steel cut)
1/2 cup of your favorite nut butter
1/3 cup of honey or pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons of chia seeds
1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips (or cacao nibs)
1/4 cup of shredded unsweetened coconut (skip if you don't like coconut)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
a pinch of salt

Steps:

In a bowl, mix oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt together.
Stir in chia seeds, and your other add-ins like shredded coconut or mini chocolate chips. Bonus option: Add a scoop of protein powder or a few crushed walnuts for an extra nutrition boost.
Roll into bite-sized balls.
Refrigerate until firm (about 20-30 minutes).

Pro Tip: Enjoy these near the beginning of your hike if you will be hiking on a hot, summer day. They hold their shape best in cooler temps.

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Jerky

Jerky offers a satisfying salty snack that is high in protein, lightweight, shelf-stable, and easy to pack. It comes in a variety of types and flavors, and it is great for longer backpacking trips where refrigeration isn’t an option. Just be sure to check labels to avoid flavors with excessive sodium, sugar, or MSG.

Here are a few types of jerky that you can now enjoy!

Beef Jerky – The classic. Look for grass-fed, nitrate-free, low-sodium options when possible.
Turkey Jerky – Leaner than beef, with a slightly softer texture and milder flavor.
Chicken Jerky – Another lean alternative, often a bit drier, but just as protein-rich.
Salmon or Tuna Jerky – A flavorful option packed with omega-3s.
Plant-Based Jerky – Made from mushrooms, soy, seitan, or jackfruit. Great for vegans or those looking to reduce meat intake.

Want a DIY option?

If you have a dehydrator (we have this one, it works well!), you can make your own! You can also use your oven if it is set on a low temperature setting (around 160–175°F).

Slice lean meat thinly.
Marinate for 4–8 hours in a mix of soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and honey.
Dry in a dehydrator for 4–6 hours or oven-bake on a wire rack. Be sure you dry/bake until the jerky is fully dried.
Cool completely and store in an airtight container.

Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are a delicious trail-ready snack. They are crispy, savory, and loaded with plant-based protein and fiber. They’re budget-friendly and easy to make at home. They offer a satisfying crunch and they will keep you full and full of energy on the trail. Plus, you can customize the flavors!

Ingredients:

1 15 oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Note: the seasonings are completely customizable. Explore!

Here are a few fun flavor options.

Smoky BBQ: Mix with a pinch of brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cumin.
Sweet & Salty: Toss with a little maple syrup and sea salt for a trail treat.
Zesty Lemon-Herb: Add lemon zest and dried Italian herbs after roasting.

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread the chickpeas out on paper towel and pat them dry. Be thorough! This step is key to getting them crispy!
Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and seasonings of your choice in a bowl.
Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast for 30–40 minutes, shaking the pan every 10–15 minutes, until the chickpeas are golden and crunchy.
Let them cool completely.
Portion out the chickpeas, and pack them into airtight containers. They are ready to enjoy on the trail!

Crackers and Hummus Packs

Hummus and crackers is a hearty snack that is filling and will give you lasting energy. This snack combo delivers a balanced bite of complex carbs, healthy fats, plant-based protein, and fiber. Whole-grain crackers offer complex carbs that provide steady energy - perfect for hiking. Hummus is rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, so you get a well-rounded snack that keeps you fueled and full without weighing you down.

This is a snack that can also be tailored to your taste preferences. You can choose from a variety of cracker styles—seeded, gluten-free, or multi-grain options to name a few—and customize your hummus with different flavors such as roasted red pepper, garlic, or even a bit of lemon zest to brighten the flavor.

Trail Suggestions:

These crackers won't crumble easily in your pack:

Mary's Gone Crackers - gluten-free, packed with seeds, durable
Finn Crisp - sourdough rye thins that are sturdy and not too salty
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers - Grain-free, light
Triscuit Thin Crisps - widely available, crunchy
Homemade pita chips - make your own by baking whole wheat pitas!

These hummus options are shelf-stable and work well if you will be hiking in warm weather, or if you can't bring an insulated pouch.

Helena Hummus - shelf-stable, on-the-go pack
Mezete Hummus - shelf-stable, offers a variety of flavors
If you opt for a different option that is NOT shelf-stable, then you will want to be sure to carry it in a small insulated pouch.

You could also make your own hummus! Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1–2 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt, to taste
Water (to adjust consistency)

Instructions:

Combine chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor.
Blend until the mixture is smooth.
Add water gradually (about 1–3 tablespoons) to reach your desired consistency.
Season with salt and any other seasonings that you prefer.
Transfer to a small, portable container for easy dipping on your hike.

Fruit Leather

Fruit leather is like having a little dessert on the trail. It is sweet and chewy, like having some candy to snack on! Bonus -- it is also mess-free. You can opt for versions that contain just fruit puree with no added sugar or preservatives. They provide a quick energy boost thanks to the natural sugars and are a hit with kids and adults alike.

Fruit leather is a great hiking snack for many reasons. First of all, it is lightweight and extremely packable. It takes up almost no space in your pack—perfect for both day hikes and multi-day treks. Next, it is naturally energizing. It offers quick-burning natural sugars to keep your energy up during climbs or long trails. Finally, it is shelf-stable. It stays fresh for weeks or even months when stored properly.

Here are a few recommended brands that contain simple ingredients.

That's It Fruit Bars - 100% real fruit. No sugar added.
Stretch Island Fruit Leather - Known for simple ingredients and good texture
Zest Delites - offers a variety of flavors

Or, you can make your own! It is surprisingly easy!

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh or frozen fruit
1–2 teaspoons lemon juice (this helps to preserve color and brighten flavor)
Optional: 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (only if the fruit isn’t sweet enough on its own)

Instructions:

Puree the fruit and lemon juice in a blender until it is smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding honey or maple syrup. Note: If you are using a seedy fruit, you will want to also strain through a mesh sieve for a smoother texture.
Pour the puree onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread evenly to about 1/8" thickness.
If you are using the oven, set it to its lowest setting (around 140–170°F or 60–75°C). Bake for 4–8 hours, checking periodically. The leather should be firm, not sticky.
If you are using a dehydrator, set it to 135°F (57°C). Dry the fruit for 6 to 8 hours, depending on the thickness and moisture level. It’s done when the leather is dry to the touch but still flexible, not sticky or brittle.
Remove from pan from the oven. Let the fruit leather cool completely
Peel it off the pan and cut it into strips.
Wrap individual portions and keep them in an airtight container or resealable bag.
Pro tip: Roll your homemade fruit leather strips with parchment paper into tight fruit “roll-ups” and secure with a rubber band. They’re easy to unwrap, eat, and share.

Granola Bars

Granola bars are a hiking classic, but not all bars are created equal. Look for ones made with whole ingredients—like oats, seeds, dried fruit, and nuts—without high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors. Or better yet, make your own at home for full control over sweetness and texture.

Granola bars work well for hiking for so many reasons. They have a high energy to weight ratio and they can be a great long-lasting fuel source. They are shelf-stable and easy to stash in a pack. There are so many flavor variations! This helps prevent snack boredom! They can be a light snack or they can even be a meal replacement.

These brands offer some great options.

Clif Nut Butter Bars - 7 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, 9 grams of added sugar (less than some other varieties of Clif bars)
Kate's Real Food Bars - Granola bars and protein bars in a variety of flavors. Clean ingredients.
LARABAR - minimal ingredients, gluten free, naturally sweetened
RXBAR - Clean ingredients like egg whites, nuts, dates, etc.

You can also make your own homemade no-bake trail bars!

Ingredients:

2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup nut butter
½ cup honey or maple syrup
½ cup chopped nuts or seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds, etc.)
½ cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, dates, cherries, etc.)
¼ cup dark chocolate chips or shredded coconut (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Warm the nut butter and honey/maple syrup in a saucepan over low heat until it is melted and smooth.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in vanilla.
In a large bowl, mix oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, and mix well to coat everything evenly.
Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 8×8 inch pan.
Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour until firm.
Cut into bars, wrap individually, and store in the fridge or freezer until ready to pack.

a bar of granola sitting on top of a table

Before you head out on the trail...

I hope that you find this list of hiking snack options helpful. Simple snacks can truly make a big impact out on the trail. They keep you filled, keep you fueled, and keep you going! No one likes to feel run down, worn out, or hangry while hiking.

Something else to consider...hydration is critical when hiking. Don't forget about that piece! Always, always pack more water than you think you will need. For longer hikes, consider including electrolyte packets to your water.

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