What Food to Take Hiking
If you’re hiking on a multi-day trip, you’ll want to pack enough food to keep you going for several days. Try to include a balance of carbohydrates, protein and fats to keep your appetite satisfied and energy levels high. Be sure to take foods that you enjoy eating – a backpacking trip isn’t the place for trying new food for the first time!
Flapjack
A homemade flapjack makes a good snack for a hike. It’s a combination of complex carbs (oats, butter and sugar) and simple carbs (sugar). These provide long-term energy without the sudden sugar rush of chocolate. It also contains fat, which helps keep you going.
Another good snack is biltong: thinly sliced, dried and cured meat. It’s not ideal for veggies, but it could be useful for meat-eaters who want a quick hit of protein.
Dried fruit is also a good snack for hiking. It keeps longer than fresh fruit and is less bulky in your pack. You can also carry a small Jetboil or lightweight camping stove to make a hot meal such as soup, ramen noodles, beef jerky and a hard-boiled egg. These meals are easy to prepare and will give you a big boost of carbohydrates and protein.
Oat-based bars
Oat-based bars are a great food to take hiking because they are easy to pack and are a good source of energy. Look for ones with a short ingredients list and natural foods. Avoid those with added sugar and artificial flavors. They are also a bit small from a hunger standpoint, so you may want to pair them with other foods on your day hike, such as beef jerky or a salad.
Another option is to make your own oatmeal-based bar with oats, peanut butter and dried fruit. If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, try substituting it with honey. You can even add a sprinkle of slivered almonds or shredded coconut to give the bars a nutty texture and added flavor. A deliciously chewy trail snack that won’t trigger blood sugar spikes.
Cheese
Cheese is an easy and delicious addition to backpacking meals. It can be eaten alone or paired with other food items like jerky and trail mix. A good cheese to take hiking is cheddar, as it has a long shelf life and a pleasant flavor. It also pairs well with bread and crackers.
Avoid high-moisture cheeses, like mozzarella and ricotta, as they spoil quickly. Also, avoid cheeses with washed rinds, as they can be smelly and are unpleasant in hot temperatures.
Another great option is biltong, a thinly sliced, dried cured meat that is similar to beef jerky. It is high in protein and can help you stay energized throughout your hike. You can get it from most stores and online. Try a sample pack to find one that you enjoy.
Soreen’s fruity malt loaves
When it comes to hiking, there’s no denying that food is a huge part of the experience. Whether you’re snacking during the day or sitting down to dinner after a long hike, eating your favourite foods will give you a real boost on the trail. That’s why it’s worth planning out what you’re going to eat on a hike, especially for your dinners, as they’re likely to be the biggest meals of the day.
For those who love to start their hike with a hearty breakfast, try Mountain House’s Breakfast Skillet. This dehydrated meal packs a punch of protein thanks to scrambled eggs, crumbled pork sausage, and peppers in each bite.
Trail mix
A classic hiking snack, trail mix combines nuts and dried fruit. The ingredients are lightweight and high in energy. It’s also a good source of protein, fiber and healthy fats. It can also include seeds and chocolate. You can find pre-packaged trail mix in many supermarkets and Whole Food stores.
Avoid trail snacks with a lot of salt, especially on short hikes. Sodium can dehydrate you and increase your thirst. You should also avoid foods with a lot of sugar, as they will provide you with unnecessary calories.
Try to mix sweet and savory trail mixes. This will prevent your taste buds from getting bored. For example, you can mix pistachios and raisins with wasabi peas and pretzels for a salty-sweet trail mix. Also, add some spices to your trail mix.
