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Lifestyle

The Best Foods to Bring on Your Next Backpacking Adventure

Backpacking is no easy activity. Whether it be 15 miles or a daunting thru-hike, backpackers challenge their bodies and minds every step of the way. However, the hard work of  backpacking pays off because it allows you to explore the wilderness on a new level, experiencing public lands in a more personal way.

With all the difficulties of backpacking, it’s crucial to have high-calorie snacks to fuel your trek. It is important to plan your snacks carefully; these snacks must be lightweight so they do not weigh you down, but also need to pack an energy punch to keep you going. So without further ado, here are some of the best foods to bring on your next backpacking adventure.

Wild Friends Nut Butter Single Serve Packet

These single-serve nut butter packets can fit just about anywhere in your pack and are the perfect complement to any sweet snack. With exciting flavors like almond cashew super butter, you can get a whole lot of flavor and energy from every bite.

Ezekiel 4:6 Sprouted Whole Grain Tortillas

Tortillas are the perfect carb to bring backpacking: versatile, lightweight, and flexible so they can fit in any crevice of your pack. These healthy tortillas are the perfect vessel for nut butter, hummus, or any tasty creation you dream up while on the trail.

Trader Joe’s Nothing but Fruit and Nuts

These energy-rich snacks are perfect for when you need a little pick-me-up. With dates, hazelnuts, and cacao, the rich flavor will fill you up and give you the energy you need to keep on killing it. 

Trader Joe’s Trail Mix

Let’s continue this Trader Joe’s roll: what hike would be complete without trail mix? Trader Joe’s has some of the best trail mix combos, with both sweet and savory options for every hiker.

What’s more, trail mix also provides a wide array of nutrients essential to strenuous activities, such as sodium to help keep you hydrated and prevent muscle cramping, and sugar to supply short-term energy. 

Honey Stinger Organic Waffles

Have an energy snack that you actually enjoy with these Honey Stinger Waffles. Eating these treats is like having dessert on the trail.  With flavors like chocolate mint, cinnamon, and gingersnap there’s an option for every sweet craving you’ll feel in the wilderness. 

Mountain House Freeze-Dried Lasagna

Mountain House makes freeze-dried food taste like a fresh delicacy. With so many options to choose from, everyone around the campfire (or camp stove at least) can find a personal pack that they love.  My favorite is definitely their lasagna.

PROBAR Wholeberry Blast Meal Bar

No time to stop for lunch? PROBAR’s meal replacement bars are the perfect snack to munch on while hiking. With comforting and delicious flavors, these bars pack a punch of energy and are very easy to eat on the go. 

Bobo’s Cinnamon Raisin Oat Bar

Finally, Bobo’s Oat Bars are a must-have for any outdoor adventure. Chock full of hearty oats, these bars have simple ingredients and unique flavors, making them an outdoor classic. 

Backpacking is an incredible experience: it allows you to immerse yourself in nature, push your limits, and take time to evaluate your place in the world. Although it may sound cliché, connecting with nature never fails to provide perspective about what is important: my friends, my family, and sharing meaningful experiences with those around me. 

So pack your bag, get your snacks ready, and embark on your next adventure. 

High school senior in Scottsdale, AZ. Lover of mountain biking, the great outdoors, reading, and (of course) food.