15 Simple Backpacking Snack Ideas

Maintain and refuel your energy during a hike with high-protein snacks that are critical to keep you going. Lightweight and shelf-stable snacks fit easily into your pack so you have the energy to keep up on the trails. 

Most of these snacks are great for any hike. Keep in mind the weather and how long you’ll be hiking. If you’re hiking in hot weather you’ll want to avoid anything that melts, like trail mix or granola bars with chocolate. Long hikes will require more protein and carbs for continuous energy. 

What are the best backpacking snacks?

If you’re looking for backpacking snacks that you can munch on while hiking the following are great options, but if you have a little more time, read on for some quick snack ideas that you can whip up ahead of time or at a rest break. 

1. Protein Bars

Protein bars are a go-to for hikers, kayakers, runners, and any other outside excursions. There are tons of options on the market from low-carb to all-natural ingredients to high calorie. 

Find one that fits your needs. Popular options include Larabars, Clif Bars, Luna Bars, and Quest bars. You can find protein bars at almost any store including sporting goods stores, grocery stores, online, and even at gas stations. 

2. Jerky

Another well-known snack throughout the camping community is jerky. Jerky is having a moment and you don’t have to choose just your standard beef jerky. Turkey jerky is a popular option as well as pepperoni sticks. Some boutique locations even carry alligator or kangaroo jerky. 

Vegans don’t have to be left out on the jerky craze, either. Beyond Meat has a high-protein vegan jerky for those who don’t consume animal products. 

3. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are a backpacker’s best friend. They easily fit into your pack and you can keep it simple with almonds, peanuts, and macadamia nuts. Make it into a trail mix with some fruit and chocolate (if it’s not too hot) for some extra fuel. 

4. Dried Fruit

Dried fruit provides a quick burst of energy and something sweet on the trails. You can find dried fruit at most grocery or camping supply stores, as well as online. Mango, apple, and banana chips are popular options for hikers and campers. 

5. Leather Fruit Strips

Just like dried fruit, leather fruit strips are at the top of the list for any backpacking snack ideas list. You can buy these in most grocery stores or even make your own. You can use a dehydrator to create both leather fruit strips and beef jerky if you’d prefer to make them yourself. 

6. Crackers

Crackers are an easy, no-brainer snack. Something like goldfish, pretzel sticks, and bagel chips are great on their own but also work well in trail mix. Combine these savory carbs with sweet dried fruit and nutrient-packed nuts that cover all the nutrients you need in the backcountry.

7. Chicken or Tuna Packets

Bring some chicken or tuna packets as they provide a good source of protein that can help give you sustained energy throughout the day. They come in single-serving sizes and don’t require any preparation so you can just grab them and go when you’re ready to eat. Some packets also contain crackers. Eat these packets with string cheese and you have a balanced, quick snack. 

8. Peanut Butter or Almond Butter

Peanut and almond butter are  major sources of protein and healthy fats to keep your energy levels up while backpacking. They are easy to pack as single-serving packets that can be used with crackers or fruit for an instant snack on the go. Plus, they provide essential vitamins such as niacin, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and more. 

9. Instant Oatmeal

Instant oatmeal is a convenient way to get a quick breakfast in the morning when you’re out on the trails. It provides complex carbohydrates that will give you sustained energy throughout the day. Plus, it’s lightweight so it won’t take up too much space in your pack. 

10. No Bake Energy Bites

No-bake energy bites are a great snack for backpacking because they provide complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Prep them in advance so that they can be eaten on the go so you can keep your energy levels up throughout your outdoor adventures. They taste delicious which makes them an enjoyable treat on the trails. Keep in mind the weather before you go—often, no-bake bites contain chocolate or nut butters that can melt during hot days. Keep them close to an ice pack or cool water bottle if you have one in your pack. 

11. String Cheese

String cheese is a great snack that’s full of protein and calcium, making it an essential part of any backpacking trip. It’s light and portable, so you can easily take it with you on the trails without weighing down your bag. String cheese also doesn’t require any preparation so you can just grab a stick and go. 

12. Electrolyte Gummies

Electrolyte gummies are  useful for replenishing your electrolytes while out on the trails. They come in individual serving sizes and provide essential vitamins and minerals as well as electrolytes which can help keep you hydrated and energized throughout your backpacking trip. They make a fun and tasty treat while you continue in the backcountry. 

13. Peanut Butter Pretzels

Peanut butter pretzels are a tasty treat that provides a great balance of carbohydrates and protein to keep your energy levels up while out on the trails. They are lightweight and easy to carry in packs so you can eat them whenever you need a quick snack. 

14. Dark Chocolate-Covered Fruit

Dark chocolate-covered fruit is the perfect sweet treat for when you’re out on the trails. It provides antioxidants and healthy fats to keep your energy levels up, plus it adds a touch of sweetness that can help boost morale and motivation. In general, dark chocolate doesn’t melt as quickly as milk chocolate so this chocolate-covered snack won’t melt in the heat. 

15. Sweet Potato Chips

Sweet potato chips are a great way to get complex carbohydrates while out backpacking or hiking. They provide good sources of dietary fiber, vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Plus, they are easy to carry around with you in single-serving bags so you can bring them along on your next backpacking adventure.

More Backpacking Food Ideas

Need some more inspiration? Combine some of these meals with our 13 Smart Backpacking Food Ideas for delicious, nutritious, and lightweight backpacking meals.

If you are looking for meals for other times of the day we have you covered with these additional meal ideas and recipes:

Backpacking Breakfast Ideas
Backpacking Lunch Ideas
Backpacking Dinner Ideas