The best hiking snacks are easy to carry, simple to eat, and provide enough energy to keep you moving without weighing down your backpack.
I remember packing far too much food for some of my first hikes. I'd bring containers that took up half my backpack, snacks that melted in the heat, and things that sounded delicious at home but weren't particularly appealing after several hours on the trail. Eventually, I learned that hiking snacks work best when they're simple. A handful of nuts, some dried fruit, or an energy bar was often exactly what I wanted when I stopped for a quick break.
The right snacks don't need to be complicated—they just need to keep you fueled until the next mile.
The Short Answer
Good trail snacks include:
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Trail mix
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Nuts and seeds
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Dried fruit
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Energy or granola bars
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Nut butter packets
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Jerky
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Fresh fruit
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Crackers or pretzels
A combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fats can provide both quick energy and longer-lasting fuel.
1. Trail Mix
There's a reason trail mix is a hiking classic.
It can combine:
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Nuts
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Seeds
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Dried fruit
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Cereal
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Small pieces of chocolate
It's calorie-dense, easy to pack, and you can eat a few handfuls without stopping for a full meal.
Making your own also lets you choose exactly what goes into it.
2. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts are especially useful when you want something filling without carrying a lot of food.
Popular choices include:
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Almonds
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Cashews
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Peanuts
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Walnuts
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Pumpkin seeds
They provide fats, protein, and plenty of energy in a small package.
3. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit provides carbohydrates and is much easier to carry than many fresh fruits.
Try:
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Raisins
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Apricots
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Dates
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Cranberries
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Mango
I particularly like combining dried fruit with nuts because you get something sweet and something filling in the same snack.
4. Energy and Granola Bars
Bars are one of the easiest foods to keep in your backpack.
They're:
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Lightweight
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Individually packaged
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Easy to eat while resting
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Available in plenty of flavors
Choose one you actually enjoy eating rather than simply picking whichever looks the most "outdoorsy."
5. Jerky
Jerky is a convenient savory option for hikers who don't want everything in their snack bag to taste sweet.
It provides protein and travels well, although some varieties can be quite salty.
Pairing it with crackers or dried fruit can make a satisfying trail snack.
6. Fresh Fruit
For shorter hikes, fresh fruit can be refreshing.
Good options include:
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Apples
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Oranges
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Grapes
Just remember that some fruits bruise easily, so pack them somewhere they won't get crushed.
7. Crackers and Pretzels
Sometimes a salty, crunchy snack is exactly what you want after several hours of walking.
Crackers and pretzels are:
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Lightweight
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Easy to portion
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Simple to combine with nut butter or cheese where appropriate
Just pack them carefully unless you want a bag full of crumbs by lunchtime.
How Often Should You Snack While Hiking?
There's no perfect schedule for everyone.
On longer hikes, eating small amounts periodically can be easier than waiting until you're extremely hungry and then having a large meal.
Listen to your body, and remember that longer, steeper, or more strenuous hikes generally require more fuel.
A Quick Aside About Packing Snacks
One thing I've learned is to bring at least one snack I'm genuinely excited to eat. After a long climb, that favorite treat can feel like a surprisingly good reward. I also keep a little extra food in my pack on longer or more remote hikes in case the day takes longer than expected.
My Personal Takeaway
The best hiking snacks are portable, satisfying, and easy to eat on the trail. Trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, bars, jerky, and crackers are all reliable choices. Rather than searching for one perfect hiking food, pack a combination of sweet and savory snacks that you already know you enjoy. When you've still got several miles ahead of you, the best trail snack is often the one you're actually looking forward to eating.