Day Hike Trail Snacks and Recipes!!

I’m not sure about the rest of you but when we hike we get hungry! Regardless of how far we hike, we always seem to need some snacks. Here are some of our favorite trail snacks and recipes! Remember to always pack our your trash!!!

Trail Mix

Trail mix comes in so many different varieties and brands. In fact, you can even make your own trail mix if you like. Trail mix is one of the most popular trail snacks and there are many recipes for this on line. It is great for hiking because it doesn’t need refrigerated and it is easy to pack Trail mix contains a good balance of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fat. Also if you are hiking in the heat and working up a good sweat, the salt will help replenish the sodium you need.

Although we have tried many trail mixes, Power Up is our favorite. We usually buy in bulk and repackage but these serving size packs are perfect for stashing in your bag and also a great size to take on an airplane for an extra munchie if you need it. In addition there are different flavor choices.

Peanut Butter

We like peanut butter because it fills you up and gives you the protein you need for energy. Also there are plenty of calories to keep you energized as well. As a matter of fact, we don’t count calories on hikes!!

Cheese

I like to cut up little squares of cheese for our hikes because they are tasty treats on the trail. All in all, hard cheeses work best. We pack the cheese in the middle of our bag for some insulation and usually eat it on our first break. According to Undeniably Dairy web site, cheeses can be left out for up to 2 hours. Other sources such as Bon Appetit, state cheese can be left out longer. I’ll leave it up to you to decide!!

Crackers or Bagels

Sometimes we take crackers and bagels to accompany the cheese and peanut butter. Of course, no mater how careful we think we pack these they always seem to get smashed. So for the most part, we just eat the peanut butter with a spoon!

Beef Sticks or Beef Jerkey

We used to take these on all of our trips and they provide a good amount of protein, but we must have overdone it because we just don’t seem be interested in either one lately.

Energy Puree-Fuel For Fire

I swear by Fuel For Fire when I am feeling worn out or exhausted. I really believe this energizes me. This stuff looks disgusting but actually tastes pretty good and gives me a quick boost. It has a bit thicker consistency than baby food. It is easy to pack and easy to use.

Electrolyte Replacement

Again, when you are hiking you are burning a lot of energy and depleting electrolytes, especially when sweating or exerting yourself more than your normal. In reality, electrolyte replacements are a great way to replenish them. Along with water this helps keep you properly hydrated. We like the Nuun brand as it is simple, just drop a tablet in our water bottle. I usually find drinking electrolytes on my mid morning and mid afternoon break works well for me, but do what works best for you. The Hiking Life is a good website that discusses hydration and water on the trails.

Salt Tablets

I find salt tablets essential on long hikes if it is hot out, I am sweating a lot and my electrolytes supplements aren’t cutting it. The ones I take are SaltStick Fast Chews because they are easy to pack. I have had episodes in which, in spite of how careful I am hydrating and replenishing, I get headaches and muscle spasms in my legs. A couple of these salt tablets always alleviate the cramping. You don’t want to get hyponatremic (low blood sodium) on your hike. Symptoms include: Nausea; Headache; Vomiting; Fatigue; Confusion; Cramps. Of course in the event that you have severe symptoms seek medical help especially if you notice a change in mentation. Check out Outdoor Lab’s website on hyponatremia. I believe it is an add for their product, regardless it is good information.

Homemade Energy Balls

Recipes for these delicious balls of yumminess have been popping up for a few years now. I do not know the nutritional value of these but with peanut butter, oat, honey and whey protein, they can’t be all that bad. Although, the candy probably doesn’t add to the health benefits! All I know is that we love these and they are a fantastic treat on or off the trail. I make three different kinds and the recipes are bellow. It is nice that you can make them ahead of time and freeze for up to 6 months!! Although, ours have never lasted that long!

Recipes

That’s all I have for favorite trail snacks, here are the recipes!

M&M Energy Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oatmeal
• 3/4 cup chunky peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup + 1 TBS Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
• 1 TBS flax seed
• 1 TBS chia seed
• 1/3 cup mini M&Ms

Mix all together in mixer. Roll into balls and place on wax paper until well set. If mix is to dry add 1 TBS peanut butter, if too moist add 1 TBS oatmeal. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks or Freeze up to 6 months.

Reeces Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oatmeal
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup + 1 TBS Chocolate Whey Protein Powder
• 1 TBS flax seed
• 1 TBS chia seed
• 1/3 cup Reeces Pieces Candy

Mix all together in mixer. Roll into balls and place on wax paper until well set. If mix is to dry add 1 TBS peanut butter, if too moist add 1 TBS oatmeal. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks or Freeze up to 6 months.

Blueberry Oatmeal Energy Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oatmeal
• 3/4 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup + 1 TBS Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
• 1 TBS flax seed
• 1 TBS chia seed
• 1/3 cup Dried Blueberries
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all together in mixer. Roll into balls and place on wax paper until well set. If mix is to dry add 1 TBS peanut butter, if too moist add 1 TBS oatmeal. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks or Freeze up to 6 months.

Conclusion

There are many other trail snacks out there for day hikes, these are our go to’s and work for us. Would love to hear about your favorite trail snacks and recipes!

Follow These Links for More Hiking Tips!

What to Wear on a Long Mountain Day Hike

Packing for a Day Hike

My Favorite Backpacking Gear