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The beauty of nature is all anyone really needs, right? But one thing can damper that notion — hunger. Getting hangry while straining to reach the waterfall at the end of a hike can spoil the joy of reaching the destination.
It’s not necessarily an easy fix. Eat too much beforehand, feel cruddy during the hike. Carrying food requires pack-space and added weight. To aid in your dietary well being, we’ve compiled a few favorite snack hacks for your next outing.
While not creative inherently, trail mixes have taken an evolutionary leap from your parents’ camping days. No longer simply peanuts, raisins and M&Ms; oh no, we’re talking pecans, hemp hearts, dried pineapple and pumpkin seeds. It’s not just filler anymore, folks. These days you can make a whole meal out of this once-humble offering.
I didn’t like the name at first either, but really, what else to call them? They are literally balls of energy. Typically made with a base of nut butter, honey or agave, and sometimes oats, the world is your energy ball from there. Seeds, dried fruits, powders, natural sweeteners — go nuts. ;-)
The chip is a perfect vessel for trail snacking — non-perishable, delicious and simple. But greasy chips mid-hike is asking for trouble. There are healthy alternatives with all those benefits; try dried or baked fruit and veggie chips. Countless recipes are available, in hundreds of creative flavorings and varieties.
Ah oatmeal, the traditional meal of travelers since time immemorial. Oats have possibly the best ratio of dried carry weight to cooked calorie load. Again not creative on its surface, add in some dried blueberries, chia seeds, walnuts, honey and cinnamon, you’ve got yourself a whole new ballgame.
Speaking of dietary staples on the frontier — beans. Really any grain (legume, whatever) can be cooked fireside, with DIY solutions or collapsible cookware. Dried grains are easy to carry, and if beans or rice seem like a hassle, try a quicker, lighter alternative like quinoa or couscous, which take only minutes to cook. Just remember, when using foil or disposable options, ethically managing the waste is your responsibility.
How do you maintain carb intake without carting around a loaf of squished bread? Tortillas, my friend. They’re flat, delicious, and also flat — perfect for knapsack packing. Premade wraps — PB&J, ham and cheese, smoked salmon, whatever. In a pinch, tear off pieces of tortilla to eat plain as you go. But I’d recommend taking some homemade refried beans along to slather — it’s a great trail-side comfort food.
Another idea straight out of the Old West. If you’re a baker, find some recipes for trail-worthy biscuits. Fair warning, we’re talking more akin to the British variety, so don’t start imagining fluffy southern biscuits on your week-long hike. But it can be a tasty treat if made and packed correctly.
Thinly sliced raw root veggies — like sweet potato, kohlrabi and carrots, to name a few — can be a nice, hydrating change of pace. They provide way more nutritional value than most snacks, plus they are refreshing and tasty. Another take: Cut a variety into matchsticks, mixed together for a veggie trail mix. My personal twist, add in some raw sweet onion slices, which have the added benefit of warding off yellow-spotted lizards. (Deep cut,Holes anyone?)
There are two factors that limit outdoor foods: perishability and space. Fortunately, damn near every food out there can be dehydrated, and though it doesn’t always improve the food, it does negate those two elements. It can also be done cheaply, without a professional-grade dehydrator, if you’re crafty and willing to put the work in.
It’s a little trickier than your average adventure food, especially if you’re trying to go the natural route, but there’s nothing quite like hot soup at the end of a day hiking in the brisk fall air. As long as you can carry the ingredients and some kind of vessel, you’ve got soup.
Truthfully, staying on top of your diet can be life or death, so carefully consider what you’re taking along. If you’re used to hiking with potato chips and oreos, try some of these alternatives instead — you may be surprised how much it improves your adventure.
