Ever hit that energy wall on a trail where every step feels like a challenge? After countless hikes and some questionable snack choices (like that time I thought a single granola bar would fuel my 8-mile trek), I’ve learned what truly works and what doesn’t. Through pure trial and error on various trails, I’ve fine-tuned my selection of best hiking snacks to perfection.

Today, I’m excited to share my personal experience with 10 hiking snacks that have consistently delivered when it matters most. From protein-rich mixes that keep you going for hours to perfectly balanced bars that won’t melt in your pack, I’ve done the testing so you don’t have to. Whether you’re planning a quick day hike or a challenging full-day trek, these tried and tested options are some of the best snacks for hiking that will help you stay energized from trailhead to summit.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which hiking snacks to pack to keep your energy high on your next outdoor adventure. Let’s dive in and level up your trail snack game!

The 10 Best Healthy Hiking Snacks For Energy

1. Snak Club Sweet & Salty Trail Mix High-Protein Hiking Snack

First up on our list of best hiking snacks is the Snak Club Sweet & Salty Trail Mix – a snack that has saved me during countless energy slumps on challenging trails. I discovered this gem during a particularly grueling hike in the Cascades, and it’s earned a permanent spot in my pack ever since.

The magic of this mix lies in its thoughtful blend of salted peanuts, butter toffee peanuts, chocolatey candies, toasted corn, honey sesame sticks, and almonds. While most trail mixes feel like an afterthought, this one actually delivers the perfect balance of sweet and salty that keeps you reaching for more, even when your legs are telling you to turn back.

I’ve found the 5g of protein per serving particularly clutch during those steep ascents, and the mix of quick-energy carbs and sustained-release nutrients means you won’t bonk halfway up that switchback. Just a heads up from someone who learned the hard way – keep this in a shaded pocket during summer hikes, unless you’re a fan of chocolate-covered everything!

2. FULFIL Vitamin and Protein Bars, Chocolate Salted Caramel

Next in our selection of good hiking snacks is FULFIL’s Chocolate Salted Caramel Protein Bar – a game-changer that genuinely tastes like a candy bar but packs the punch of a serious protein snack. The double-dipped chocolate coating and salted caramel combo give you that indulgent candy bar experience, while 15g of protein works to keep your muscles happy on those demanding trails.

The double-dipped chocolate coating and salted caramel combo give you that indulgent candy bar experience, while 15g of protein works to keep your muscles happy on those demanding trails. What really sets this bar apart is its impressively low sugar content – just 1g – which means no sugar crash when you’re halfway up that steep incline. With added vitamins and only 160 calories, it’s like having a guilt-free Snickers in your pack!

3. Nature’s Bakery Whole Wheat Vegan Hiking Snack

Third on our list is Nature’s Bakery Raspberry Fig Bars, which completely changed my perspective on trail snacks. While most hikers load up on nuts and protein bars, these whole-grain, fruit-filled bars offer a perfect alternative when you need steady, reliable energy.

Each twin pack delivers 200 calories and 38g of carbs, making them ideal for maintaining energy levels on longer trails. The combination of figs and raspberry provides natural sugars that metabolize gradually, while the whole grains add a substance that keeps you satisfied. Being vegan and nut-free, they’re also incredibly inclusive for group hikes.

What really sets these bars apart is their practicality on the trail – they don’t melt in summer heat or freeze in cold conditions. The soft-baked texture makes them easy to eat even when you’re breathing hard on steep inclines, and the twin-pack format lets you easily portion your fuel throughout the hike.

4. CLIF BARS High Energy Snacks For Hiking

Among essential hiking snacks, the CLIF Bar, with its Chocolate Chip flavor strikes an ideal balance between nutrition and taste for demanding trails. Each bar delivers 250 calories and 9-11g of protein, combining organic rolled oats with chocolate chips for both quick and sustained energy release.

The bar’s effectiveness lies in its balanced nutritional profile. Complex carbohydrates from organic whole grains fuel long ascents, while the protein content helps maintain muscle endurance. Unlike many energy bars, CLIF Bars remain substantial enough to satisfy real hunger without causing digestive discomfort during strenuous activity.

For long-distance hikers, these bars are particularly valuable due to their nutrient density and practical packaging. They’re compact, durable, and provide reliable energy for extended treks. Store them in an inner pocket during cold weather hikes to maintain their ideal chewy consistency.

5. Alpen Glow and Trail Blaze Trail Mix For Healthy Hiking Snack

Altitude Snacks’ premium trail mix duo stands out in our collection of good hiking snacks. The Trail Blaze and Alpen Glow varieties offer a zero-added-sugar approach while delivering essential trail nutrition through natural ingredients.

The Trail Blaze blend combines dried apricots, roasted almonds, dried cherries, tart apples, and macadamias, providing 120 calories and 2g of protein per serving. Its counterpart, the Alpen Glow mix, features roasted cashews, raw almonds, coconut, dried peaches, and golden berries, offering 140 calories and 3g of protein per serving.

Both varieties are gluten-free and sulfite-free, making them suitable for hikers with dietary restrictions. The balanced combination of nuts and dried fruits provides quick energy through natural sugars while the healthy fats and protein content offer sustained fuel for longer treks. The convenient resealable packaging keeps portions fresh and easily accessible throughout your hike.

6. Wonderful Pistachios No Shells Snack for Hiking

When it comes to protein-rich hiking snacks, Wonderful Pistachios No Shells Variety Pack offers an efficient solution that eliminates the common trail inconvenience of shell disposal. Each 0.75-ounce pack provides 120 calories and 5g of protein, with a mix of healthy fats essential for sustained energy on the trail.

The variety pack includes three distinct flavors – Roasted & Salted, Chili Roasted, and Honey Roasted – offering welcome flavor variation during long hikes. The individually wrapped portions prevent the nuts from getting crushed in your pack while making it easy to monitor intake during different segments of your hike.

The nutritional profile is particularly impressive for hikers, featuring 10g of heart-healthy fats and only 2g of sugar per serving. With no shells to manage and compact packaging, these pistachios solve the traditional mess issues associated with nuts on the trail while delivering concentrated nutrition when you need it most.

7. That’s it. Probiotic Fruit Bar Variety Pack for Hiking

Among our tested best snacks for hiking, That’s it. Probiotic Fruit Bars offer a refreshingly simple approach to trail nutrition. Available in Mango and Blueberry varieties, each 100-calorie bar delivers 19g of carbohydrates from pure fruit sources, with no added sugars or preservatives.

What sets these bars apart is their digestive health focus – the added probiotics can help maintain gut health during strenuous hikes. With 5g of fiber per serving and zero fat, they provide clean, sustained energy that won’t weigh you down on the trail.

Their allergen-free formulation (free from all top 12 allergens) makes them a reliable choice for group hikes, while their shelf stability ensures they maintain quality regardless of trail conditions. The minimal ingredient list – just fruit and probiotics – means you’re getting pure, natural energy without any unnecessary additives.

8. Feel Vegan Protein Bars for Hiking

Number eight in our lineup features Feel Vegan Protein Bars, combining immediate energy with sustained fuel through their unique blend of natural sugars and plant protein. Each bar packs 15g of protein and is crafted from a clean blend of hemp, chia, and pumpkin seeds, making them substantially more nutritious than typical trail bars.

The variety pack offers six distinct flavors including Sunbutta Chocolate Chip, Golden Goodness, Vanilla Spice, Matcha Latte, Caramel Sea Salt, and Brownie Chocolate Chip. This flavor diversity helps combat taste fatigue during long treks. The natural sugars from Medjool dates provide that crucial quick energy boost needed during steep climbs, while the healthy fats and protein ensure sustained energy release.

These bars excel in meeting various dietary needs – they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and suitable for keto and paleo diets. Their dense nutritional profile (7g of fiber, 7g of healthy fats) makes them particularly valuable for longer hikes where maintaining steady energy levels is crucial.

9. Skratch Labs Energy Chews for Hiking

For number nine on our list, we have Skratch Labs Energy Chews, a unique take on quick-release trail energy. These raspberry-flavored chews are specifically designed for rapid absorption during intense activity, delivering 80 calories and 19g of carbohydrates per 5-piece serving.

Unlike traditional gels or blocks, these chews utilize a distinctive drop shape that aids quick digestion. Their blend of glucose and fructose is particularly effective for fast energy absorption, making them ideal for those moments when you need an immediate boost on challenging ascents or during long-distance treks.

The chews stand out for their clean ingredient list, featuring real raspberry juice and no artificial additives. Being gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, they’re suitable for most dietary needs. Their compact, resealable packaging makes them perfect for grabbing a few pieces at a time without the mess associated with energy gels.

10. That’s it. Tropical Passion Caffeine Blends Energy Mini Bars for Hiking

Rounding out our selection of hiking snacks, That’s it. Energy Mini Bars in Tropical Passion blend combines natural fruit energy with a caffeine boost. Each mini bar packs 60 calories and 14g of carbohydrates, plus the equivalent of one espresso shot, making them perfect for those early morning summit pushes.

These bars are impressively simple, containing just organic pineapples, passion fruit, and caffeine from coffee. The natural fruit sugars provide quick energy, while the caffeine helps maintain mental alertness on challenging trails. At just 20g per bar, they’re lightweight and easy to stash in any pocket.

Their allergen-friendly profile – free from the top 12 allergens and containing zero added sugars make them a reliable choice for any hiker. The mini size allows for easy portion control, letting you manage your caffeine and energy intake throughout your trek without weighing down your pack.

Conclusion

Having the right best hiking snacks can make the difference between a challenging hike and an enjoyable adventure. Each option in this list has been carefully selected to provide the right balance of nutrients and energy when you need them most.

Whether you prefer natural trail mixes, protein-packed bars, or quick-energy chews, these snacks for hiking have you covered. Mix and match based on your hike duration and intensity – combine quick-energy options for immediate boosts with sustained-release snacks for longer treks, and you’ll never hit that dreaded energy wall again.