What to Eat on a Hike: The Best Trail Snacks and Energy Foods

Heading out on an adventure? Whether you’re tackling a countryside ramble, a mountain hike, or a full-on Scout expedition, your food choices can make or break the day. You want snacks and meals that are lightweight, filling, and packed with energy. So let’s unpack the very best food for a hike to keep you fuelled and fired up all the way to the summit (or the snack stop!).

🥜 1. Trail Mix – The Classic Energy Bomb

You really can’t go wrong with trail mix. It’s the ultimate DIY snack, and you can tailor it to your own taste. Mix together:

• Almonds, peanuts, cashews
• Raisins, dried cranberries, banana chips
• Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
• Chocolate chips or yoghurt-coated raisins for a cheeky treat

Scout tip: Keep it in a resealable bag so you can snack as you go – no faffing with containers on the move.

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🧀 2. Cheese and Crackers – Fancy AND Functional

Sounds posh, but it’s practical too. Hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda or Babybels hold up well for several hours without a fridge. Pair with oatcakes, rice cakes, or multigrain crackers for a proper crunchy, satisfying snack.

Packing tip: Wrap cheese in wax paper or foil – no sweaty plastic mess.

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🍫 3. Energy Bars or Homemade Flapjacks

Quick to eat and easy to carry, energy bars are a hiker’s best friend. Look for ones that are:

• High in protein (8–12g)
• Low in added sugar
• Made with oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit

Or, go full homemade with some Scouty flapjacks. A batch of oats, honey, peanut butter, and raisins baked into bars will see you through any hike. Bonus: they’re cheaper, too!

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🍏 4. Fresh Fruit (That Won’t Squish!)

Fruit is nature’s energy booster. For hiking, go for options that are tough enough to survive your backpack:

• Apples
• Oranges (peeled and segmented at home)
• Dried mango, apple rings or banana chips

Avoid: Bananas – unless you like your fruit mashed into a gooey mess.

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🥪 5. Sturdy Sandwiches

Not all sandwiches are created equal. Avoid squishy bread and mayo-based fillings. Instead:

• Use wraps, pittas, or bagels
• Fill with peanut butter & jam, cheese & chutney, or hummus & roasted peppers
• Wrap tightly in foil or beeswax wrap for durability

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💧 6. Don’t Forget the Water!

Snacks are great, but don’t forget hydration. Carry at least 1–2 litres of water on a day hike. Add a hydration tab or a splash of squash for variety, especially if it’s hot out.

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🏕️ Fuelled Up and Ready to Ramble?

Planning a full camping trip too? Check out our full post on what to gather for an overnight campfire – ideal for Scouts, Guides, and outdoor lovers who want to end their hike with a well-earned toasted marshmallow!

And don’t forget to look the part with our custom Scout neckers – they’re made for every hike, adventure, and campfire singalong.

Need badges for your hiking challenge? Browse our full range of Scout & Guide badges to mark the moment!

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So, what’s going in your hiking snack bag? Whatever it is, keep it light, keep it tasty, and keep it Scout-smart. 🥾💚🍫