There are two very different types of hikers: those who take the sport incredibly seriously, and those who accidentally find themselves halfway up Snowdon in a pair of Converse and a zip-up hoodie.
If, like us, you begrudgingly belong to the latter camp – we’re here to help you elevate your hiking game, no matter your level of experience or the geographical location of your trails.
One thing to note about us slightly too casual hikers is that we’re acutely aware of the many ways in which our experience could be improved.
This is mainly because we’re usually trekking alongside a Lululemon-clad, Gore-Tex-ified veritable ‘gorper’. Instead of protein bars filled with all the necessary nutrients to refuel, we tend to stick to our Cadbury’s trail mix (the chocolate is, after all, the best part). But the time eventually comes for us to up our hiking game if we’re going to challenge ourselves with more gruelling expeditions. Clothing and accessories aside, perhaps the most important preparation any outdoorsman can make is stockpiling to battle hiking hunger.
While good ‘ole fashioned raisins and peanuts (the acronymic origins of gorp-core, in case you weren’t aware) are all well and good, there’s an endless variety of delicious and nutritious snack options available that’ll keep you energised while on the move.
Not only is it important to consistently replace the glucose in your system, but salty snacks are a brilliant way to ensure a healthy level of electrolytes.
We spoke to Georgie Eastabrook, Senior Content Executive and Outdoor Enthusiast at GO Outdoors, for some further insight into the best hiking snacks for a quick energy hit.
Why is bringing snacks on long hikes important?
Eastabrook says “Hiking is a physically demanding activity that expends significant amounts of energy. Regularly refuelling on longer hikes is vital to help sustain energy and stamina levels throughout”.
What makes a good hiking snack?
“A good hiking snack is energy-dense and easy to carry like fruit, both dried and fresh", she explains. "Fresh fruits like oranges and sliced watermelon contain over 80 per cent water, working to help keep you hydrated during a hike, while dried fruits like apricots or raisins provide a quick source of carbohydrates and natural sugars to boost energy. Foods like nuts and trail mix which are high in healthy fats are a great way to sustain energy throughout a long hike. The healthy fats will help satisfy your hunger, and provide a slow and steady stream of energy, helping to prevent crashes".
She adds, “Energy bars are a convenient, easily digestible and nutritious-dense snack perfect for hiking. Packed full of fat, fibre, protein and carbohydrates these bars quickly provide extra energy to help keep you fuelled".
What should someone consider before curating a selection of hiking snacks?
“When packing for a hike, consider snacks that are easy to pack and won't get crushed or spoil easily - individually packaged foods or snacks in sturdy containers are ideal", Eastabrook recommends. “Longer hikes require more thought about your overall backpack weight, as you want to ensure you are conserving as much energy as possible. Opt for nutrient-dense snacks that are still lightweight to ensure you remain adequately fuelled without any unnecessary bulk".
How many snacks should one person bring on an average hike?
“This all depends on the intensity and longevity of your hike - the more energy expended, the more snacks needed to refuel. For hikes around 1-3 hours in length, around two snacks should be sufficient if the hike is not taken during a meal time,” explains Eastabrook. “Hikes any longer in length will require more snacks, including items which release energy more slowly and sustainably. It is also wise to pack a few extra snacks as emergency provisions in case your hike takes longer than expected.”
What are some examples of nutritious hiking snacks?
“Protein flapjacks are a great example due to the high fibre and protein count, which will provide energy throughout the entire duration of the hike,” says Eastabrook. “Date bars keep your energy levels stocked for sustained periods and are packed full of vitamins, minerals, potassium and antioxidants, making them a highly nutritious hiking snack.”
Without further ado, keep scrolling for a round-up of the best hiking snacks on the market for oodles of outdoor energy.
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Romneys Kendal Mint Cake 85g
Though not exactly a cake per say, Romneys Kendal Mint Cake is most famous for powering the first British expedition to Everest. Considered to be the world’s first energy bar, Kendal Mint Cake breaks down rapidly and serves as an ultra-quick source of energy. If Romneys is already your go-to, we recommend purchasing the dedicated portable tin.
Buy now £1.20, Go Outdoors
Trek Coconut Protein Flapjack
One for the Bounty lovers, this protein flapjack from Trek contains 8g of plant-based protein and slow-release energy thanks to the power of good old gluten-free oats. Complete with a delicious layer of dark chocolate, this treat is as tasty as it is a brilliant source of fibre, energy and protein.
Buy now £2.45, Amazon
Veloforte Avanti Date Energy Bar
Sticky, sweet and salty, this delicious energy bar is packed with dates, pecans and sea salt to keep your energy levels and electrolytes in good order. A brilliant slow-release option which is filled to the brim with vitamins, minerals, potassium and antioxidants, a date bar is essential for replenishing during high-intensity hikes.
Buy now £2.45, Go Outdoors
Bulk Protein Balls Chocolate Coconut
No matter your sport or exercise of choice, protein balls are a fantastic source of energy on the go. These bite-sized snacks contain dates, nuts and plant protein rolled into balls. Just one bag offers at least 8g of plant protein and contains only naturally occurring sugars.
Buy now £1.39, Bulk
Clif Bar Energy Bar Chocolate Almond Fudge 68 g (Pack of 12)
It doesn’t get any more classic than a Clif bar when it comes to tackling the great outdoors. A particular favourite of our American friends, these protein bars come in a variety of flavours – but our personal favourite is the chocolate almond fudge. A source of protein and fibre, Clif bars also contain vitamins B6 and B12 which help the body to release energy.
Buy now £22.99, Amazon
GU Energy Stroopwafel - Salty's Caramel
We couldn’t think of a better snack to enjoy at the top of a mountain peak with a thermos full of coffee. A Dutch delicacy, the humble stroopwafel has been slightly modified by GU to serve as a brilliant refuelling snack for hikers. It contains essential amino acids, electrolytes and carbohydrates for a caffeine-free energy boost.
Buy now £2.00, GO Outdoors
GU Energy Chews - Blueberry Pomegranate
No matter how many hikes you go on, sometimes you just can’t fight the altitude nausea. This debilitating feeling makes it difficult to refuel with the necessary snacks, no matter how much you need them. This is where GU energy chews come in. The blueberry and pomegranate chews are packed with energy-dense calories to help keep your energy levels up during intense hikes and even triathlons.
Buy now £3.50, Go Outdoors
Forest Feast Preda Fair-Trade Dried Mango 100g
In our humble opinion, Forest Feast produces the most delicious dried mango. Coated in a delicate dusting of sugar, each sizeable slice of mango is chewy, sweet and wonderfully juicy. While some may consider this dried mango to be too sweet, it’s the sweetness that makes it such a fantastic hiker’s snack. Plus, just 30g of dried fruit equates to one of your five a day. Winner.
Buy now £3.70, Tesco
Ember Snacks: Biltong Beef Jerky Original Flavour (10 x 28g)
Yet another popular protein-based snack for hikers, biltong is a dried, cured meat originating in South Africa. Soft and easy to chew, this biltong is lightly spiced with coriander, garlic and nutmeg. Each bag contains over 15g of protein and less than 70 kcals.
Buy now £17.59, Amazon
Boneless sardines in extra virgin olive oil
Though considered expensive within the world of hiking snacks, tinned fish soaked in olive oil serves as a brilliant protein and energy-boosting snack while on the move. Paired with a high-fibre cracker, it’ll feel like you’re having a posh picnic on your favourite trail.
Buy now £4.95, The Tinned Fish Market
