Heading out on a day hike or a longer trek without the right snacks can leave you low on energy and at risk of a blood sugar crash. Grabbing the wrong foods—or forgetting to pack them at all—can cut your adventure short and make it harder to stay focused.

The best hiking snacks offer a good balance of protein, healthy fats, natural sugars, and quick energy to keep you moving strong on the trail.

This guide covers 15 of the best snacks for hiking, why they work, and smart tips for packing them in your day packs.

Trail mix is a classic hiking snack that checks all the boxes—portable, energizing, and nutrient-rich. A good mix of nuts, pumpkin seeds, dried mangos, and dried fruits provides a solid blend of protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars. The combo of fiber and carbs helps support steady energy levels and keeps you full on a long hike.

Beef jerky is a shelf-stable, high-protein, low-fat snack that’s ideal for both a day hike and multi-day treks. It contains iron and zinc, which are important for overall energy metabolism and immune function. Its chewy texture also makes it a satisfying alternative to a candy bar.

Fresh fruit like bananas, apples, and oranges is easy to grab from a local grocery store and offers hydration, fiber, and natural sugars. Bananas contain potassium to support muscle function, while apples deliver a sustained energy boost from complex carbs. These are great hiking snacks for quick fuel without added sugar.

Energy bars and granola bars like Cliff bars or homemade granola bars are packed with carbs, protein, and healthy fats. Many contain oats, nuts, and dried fruit, offering sustained fuel and quick energy. Some are even gluten-free, making them ideal trail snacks for all hikers.

Cheese snacks offer a savory blend of protein, healthy fats, and calcium. Unlike lighter salty snacks like sweet potato chips, they provide more satiety and bone-supporting nutrients. They’re easy to pack and pair well with crackers for a great hiking snack.

Peanut butter or almond butter packets are portable and rich in healthy fats and protein. Pairing them with crackers or pretzels adds salty snacks and complex carbs to balance your macros. This combo is perfect for day hiking when you want something filling and easy to eat on the go.

Dark chocolate and chocolate-covered nuts satisfy your sweet cravings while delivering antioxidants and quick calories. They’re a great alternative to a full candy bar and are a satisfying treat that many hikers enjoy mid-hike. Add a few to your small bag for a fun, energizing snack.

Veggie chips and kale chips are salty snacks that provide crunch without the heavy oil content. They’re often rich in fiber, vitamins A and K, and can be seasoned to taste. These are a great hiking snack for variety and low-calorie munching that still feels indulgent.

Energy bites or protein balls made from nut butter, oats, and seeds pack healthy fats, protein, and natural sugars into one bite-sized snack. They’re among the best hiking snacks for long-lasting energy and easy portion control. Plus, they’re customizable to suit your favorite recipes.

Boiled eggs provide protein, B vitamins, and healthy fats—nutrients that contribute to muscle health and brain function. Easy to store in a small bag or insulated bag, they’re a convenient source of quick energy on a next-day hike or longer hikes.

Dried fruits like dried mangos, apricots, and cranberries are packed with natural sugars, fiber, and potassium. They’re light, non-perishable, and easy to toss in your backpack. These sweet snacks are ideal when you need a fast energy boost without heavy processing.

Pairing nut butter with fresh fruit like apples or celery gives you protein, fiber, and healthy carbs in one satisfying snack. This combo offers a balance of protein and carbohydrates that can help maintain energy levels between meals. Opt for almond butter for a gluten-free and nutrient-rich option.

Olives and pickles are salty snacks that contain sodium, an important electrolyte lost through sweat during physical activity. While they don’t significantly impact plasma sodium levels after exercise, they can contribute small amounts of sodium to your overall intake. Plus, they add a tangy flavor and variety to your trail mix of savory options.

Tuna packets are a lean source of protein and omega-3s, and they pair well with whole-grain crackers for sustained energy. Tuna provides lean protein and omega-3s, nutrients involved in muscle maintenance and overall health. They’re also easy to store without a cooler, making them a great choice for multi-day hikes or when you want a more filling trail snack.

Fruit leather made at home is a lightweight, sweet treat crafted with natural sugars and fruit fiber. Free from added sugar and processed ingredients, it travels well and offers a nostalgic way to stay energized on the trail.

Packing right keeps snacks fresh, tasty, and easy to reach while you hike. A well-organized backpack helps prevent your food from getting crushed and makes sure you have access to the right snacks when you need them most. Whether you're preparing for a quick day hike or a multi-day trek, packing trail snacks like dried mangos, sweet potato chips, or protein bars correctly helps preserve flavor, texture, and nutrition.

From keeping your water supply nearby to balancing salty snacks with natural sugars, smart packing helps you stay organized, makes eating easier, and supports steady energy intake on the trail.

Using resealable bags or lightweight containers helps keep your hiking snacks fresh, organized, and easy to access. They're also great for saving space and reducing waste on the trail:

• Store trail mix, dried fruits, or sweet potato chips in resealable plastic or silicone bags.

• Use lightweight, reusable containers for softer items like energy bites or fruit leathers.

• Choose clear containers so you can see what’s inside without opening everything.

• Portion snacks ahead of time to avoid overpacking and make grabbing a quick bite easier.

• Pack empty bags or containers to store food wrappers and keep your backpack clean.

To keep perishable snacks safe and fresh during your hike, use an insulated bag. This simple step helps preserve quality and prevents food from spoiling in warm conditions:

• Pack perishable snacks like cheese, boiled eggs, and fresh fruit in a compact insulated bag.

• Add a small ice pack or frozen water bottle to maintain a cool temperature.

• Store the insulated bag deep inside your day pack to protect it from direct sunlight.

• Avoid opening the bag frequently to keep the internal temperature stable.

• Use resealable containers inside the insulated bag to prevent leaks and contamination.

To make snacking on the trail quick and hassle-free, keep your backpack organized. A few simple packing tips can save time and help you stay energized throughout your hike:

• Place high-use items like trail snacks and water near the top of your day pack.

• Use side pockets or a hip belt pouch for quick-grab foods like energy bars or fruit leathers.

• Keep heavier snacks like nut butter or tuna packets closer to your back for better balance.

• Separate sweet and salty snacks to avoid flavor mix-ups and make selections easier.

• Label small bags or containers so you can find your favorite snacks fast without digging around.

Finding the best snacks for hiking means choosing foods that match your energy needs, taste preferences, and the demands of the trail. From classic trail mix and beef jerky to fresh fruit, protein bars, and homemade energy bites, there are plenty of great options to keep you going.

Mix and match snacks that include healthy fats, natural sugars, and quick energy to stay fueled throughout your hike.

A well-packed day pack with the right food can be the difference between powering through or calling it early. Choose smart, eat well, and enjoy every mile.