Hiking is the ultimate outdoor activity that tests your stamina, endurance, muscle strength, energy levels, and overall health. It is also one of the most fun and exhilarating activities as you explore nature in all its glory.

However, whether you are planning a day trip, a weekend hike, or a long thru-hiking trip, getting the proper nutrition for the trail is essential to keep your energy levels up.

Some backpackers find it difficult to carry too many healthy snacks and food options on their backs and instead choose to carry loads of unhealthy snacks such as candy bars, cookies, and crisps. These foods are full of sugar and harmful ingredients that offer short-term energy and have long-term effects on your overall health.

Here are our tops picks for healthy snacks and meals for backpackers that are easy to carry and have great nutritional properties:

Water

The first thing you need to add to your backpack is water bottles. Find out how long you plan on hiking and what kind of terrain you will be exploring to decide the right amount of water. If you think there is will be plenty of sources of freshwater available on your trail, make sure you carry enough water purifier tablets to last you through your trip. Getting dehydrated while hiking can have dangerous consequences and can increase the risk of falling and getting injured.

Swap Cookies and Crisps for Nuts and Seeds

Seeds and nuts are not only highly nutritious, but they are also convenient and portable options for backpackers. They also make excellent snacks and are high in calories, even though they are small in size. They also have plenty of vitamins and minerals as well as fiber, healthy fats, and protein, which hikers need to stay energized during their trip.

Protein Bars Instead of Candy Bars

There are plenty of delicious protein bars available in the market that taste just like candy bars but are packed full of fiber and other essential vitamins and minerals. These calorie-dense bars can keep you fueled throughout your hike and are shelf-stable, which means they don’t need to be refrigerated and won’t melt in your backpack on a hot day.

Dried Fruits

If you like eating fruits, you can add different packets of dried fruits to your backpack to munch on while exploring the wilderness. Unlike fresh fruits, which are highly perishable, dried fruits have long shelf lives and are heat-stable, which means they won’t get spoiled any time soon. They also retain most nutrients found in fresh fruits and provide a healthy source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and carbs for hikers.

The Best Ultralight Backpack to Carry All Your Snacks!

An ultralight backpack is an essential survival gear that makes it easier to carry all your hiking gear and healthy snacks without becoming too heavy to carry. Light Hiking Gear offers a range of quality lightweight backpacks that were built for comfort and convenience and help reduce the load on your back.