Healthy Hiking Snacks: Fuel for the Trail (or the Road!)
Whether you’re hitting the trail, relaxing at camp, or cruising down the highway on your next adventure, the right snacks can make all the difference. I’ve put together a list of healthy, energizing snack ideas that are perfect for hiking, camping, and road trips. These snacks are lightweight, nutrient-dense, easy to pack, and most importantly—delicious!
When you’re active outdoors, your body needs consistent energy without the crash that comes from sugary or overly processed snacks. This list focuses on snacks that as they balance protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to keep you going strong—whether you’re chilling at camp, conquering your next peak or singing along to your favorite road trip playlist.
– Protein & Energy Focused
– Hard boiled eggs: Great protein, travel well with a cooler, or for a short hike on cool days
– Jerky: Look for low sodium, nitrate free, minimally processed
– Tuna: canned or in pouch
– Roasted chickpeas: Crunchy, protein rich, easy to season yourself
– Homemade energy balls: Use dates, nut butter, oats, chia, nuts, dark chocolate
– DIY trail mix: nuts, seeds, unsweetened coconut, dried fruit (not too much, to keep sugar low)
– Pumpkin seeds (pepitas): Mineral rich and filling.
– Nut butter packets: Almond or peanut butter with no added sugar or oils.
– Lentil or chickpea chips: Look for baked versions with short/clean ingredient lists.
Fruits & Veggies
– Apple slices: sprinkle with cinnamon (and lemon to avoid browning)
– Bananas – Nature’s ready to go energy booster.
– Carrot sticks: Crunchy, hydrating, and refreshing.
– Celery sticks: they go great with nut butter.
– Dehydrated fruits or veggies: for example, kale or beet chips (homemade or clean brands)
– Dried mango: Naturally sweet and energizing. Just make sure it has no added sugar
– Dates: High in carbs for long hikes
– Cherry tomatoes: Pack in containers to prevent squishing.
Grains & Carbs
– Homemade granola: Oats, nuts, seeds, and a bit of honey.
– Rice cakes: Top with nut butter
– Whole grain mini muffins: Made with minimal sugar, banana or zucchini are great
– Overnight oats: put chia seeds, fruit, and almond milk in a jar
– Homemade: Homemade popped in coconut or olive oil with sea salt.
Fats & Sustained Energy
– Avocado: Cut open one, and sprinkle with sea salt or lime anywhere!
– Coconut chips: Healthy fat and natural sweetness. Make sure it’s unsweetened
– Olives: High in good fats and sodium (electrolytes).
– Dark chocolate: Antioxidants and a little indulgence for energy. Make sure it’s 85%+ cacao
https://www.
Want to take the list with you?
You can download a FREE, printable PDF version to keep in your pack or glove box—perfect for last-minute trip prep!
