best hiking snacks.

Written By Hannah Scherer

The pick-up line, “Lookin’ like a snack,” makes me laugh. I don’t think I’d ever want to look like a snack! Anyways, whenever Logan and I travel, I’m in charge of snacks! Packing snacks, especially for hiking trips saves so much time and money. Trader Joes has changed my life when it comes to grocery shopping. They have so many healthy and affordable grab and go options. If you do not have a TJ’s near you, I am confident you can find these snacks anywhere!

Before we leave for a trip, I always make hard boiled eggs for the mornings. It’s crucial to get to the trails early in the morning, so hard boiled eggs make for a quick and easy breakfast. We really like to support local coffee shops (my parents owned a coffee shop while I was growing up), so we usually will stop for a coffee on our way to the hike. 

Also before leaving for a trip, I make energy balls. These are another quick breakfast item and they are so easy to make. To make energy balls, mix the below ingredients together and refrigerate overnight before rolling into balls: 

  • 2c. GF Instant Oats

  • 1c. Organic Peanut Butter

  • 2/3c. Shredded Coconut

  • 2/3c. Honey

  • ½ Package of dark chocolate chips

  • 1/4C. Chia Seeds

  • 2Tbls. Vanilla 

The night before our hike, I always make Logan a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for the trail. Our favorite hiking snack is extra sharp cheddar cheese and precooked turkey sausage. Before the hike, I’ll slice some cheese and sausage and refrigerate overnight. No we do not bring coolers on our day hikes. But, if we are hiking during the day, the cheese and sausage usually stays pretty cool between the start of our hike and lunch! 

Other great snacks are Cliff Bars, Kind Bars, trail mix (save time and buy Trader Joe’s pre-made mix, we like the Rainbow Mix), apples, clementines, and jerky. Logan also loves Cheez-Its and I love dried bananas and sesame sticks!

Lastly, I always pack a bag of popcorn and a bottle of wine to enjoy in the evenings! Other than the cheese and sausage, all of these items can go in your checked bag if traveling by plane. We have even brought fresh fish on a plane...but that’s a whole other story! 

I’ll never forget the Thanksgiving that we ate PB&J’s and trail mix in the trunk of our car in the Grand Canyon. Packing snacks and wine for your trips will save you so much money and will give you more time to explore. What are your favorite hiking snacks? 

Hannah Scherer
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