10 Tips for Packing the Best Hiking Snacks

Going on a hike and need to packs snacks, but unsure what to bring?

Don't worry, we've got you. We thrive on untraditional snacks for any adventure. 

Here are 10 essential tips you might want to consider when packing hiking snacks.

1. Consider Energy Needs and Hike Duration

Before packing your snacks, think about how long you’ll be on the trail. Short hikes may only require a couple of quick bites, while longer treks demand a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to keep you going all day. We obviously love the nutritional makeup of Neve. If you're looking for grab-n-go snacks at the grocery store, things like cheese sticks for fat and protein or pretzels for salty carbs are great options. 

Pro Tip: Pack more food than you think you need. Eating before you feel hungry helps avoid the dreaded energy crash, or "bonk."

2. Prioritize Lightweight and Portable Snacks

Balancing weight and portability is another thing we consider when packing snacks. The best hiking snacks are lightweight, compact, and easy to pack. They also don't result in a lot of trash. We often find ourselves bulk-buying snacks and repacking them into resealable bags. Empty bags are great little trash bags!

Pro Tip: You can always repack things. If you love pretzels, put a bunch in a plastic bag. Level that up by bringing things you like to pair with pretzels, like cheese!

3. Choose Durable, Long-Lasting Snacks

Hiking means exposure to heat, cold, and rough terrain. Some foods just don't hold up—fresh fruit can get smashed, chocolate melts, and crackers crumble. The best trail snacks stay intact and fresh, no matter the conditions.

Pro Tip: If you bring perishable foods, eat them early in your hike or pack them in an insulated container.

4. Stay Hydrated While Snacking

Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and even dizziness. Some snacks help with hydration, and we also highly recommend adding electrolytes to your water! This ensures you are hydrating. You can also get carbohydrate drinks that help you fuel and stay hydrated for longer events.

Pro Tip: Pre-peel your orange so it's ready to rip!

Curious about hydrating foods? Read our guide on beets for athletes to see how they support performance and endurance.

5. Pack Snacks You'll Actually Enjoy

The best trail snacks are the ones you want to eat. If you don’t like what you packed, you’ll probably avoid eating. We've been there, and it's not fun. Mix up flavors and textures to keep things interesting. Bring things you're unsure if you will want to eat because that might be the perfect thing later!

Pro Tip: Pack a variety of sweet, salty, and savory snacks to avoid palate fatigue. Salty snacks for me have made a huge difference! 

6. Choose Easy-to-Eat Snacks

Convenience is key when you’re on the move. Sometimes, you want to just have a snack and not stop. You can strategically place snacks in places that are easy to grab from, like a chest pocket, so you can keep on moving while fueling!

Pro Tip: Pack snacks in single-serving portions so you can grab and eat them quickly.

💡 We are biased, but the pouch format makes a ton of sense for athletes - we wrote a whole blog about it!

7. Balance Your Macros for Sustained Energy

A balanced snack keeps your energy steady and strong, especially when you're out for a long time. Look for snacks with a combo of carbs (quick energy), protein (muscle support), and fats (long-lasting fuel).

Pro Tip: Energy bars are overrated—think outside the box! Pack last night's burrito, a leftover pizza, or a tortilla filled with magic!

8. Consider Dietary Restrictions and Allergies

If you or your hiking buddies have dietary restrictions, plan snacks accordingly. Whether you're gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free, there are plenty of great options.

Pro Tip: Always carry emergency snacks that are allergen-friendly. You never know when you—or a fellow hiker—might need them.

9. Minimize Waste and Clean Up

Hiking responsibly means packing out all your trash. Choose snacks with minimal waste, or bring a small trash bag (or use empty snack bags!) to collect wrappers and leftovers.

Pro Tip: Stash all trash in one dedicated pocket so you can easily dispose of it later.

10. Keep Your Snack Game Exciting

Variety is key to keeping your snacks interesting. Bring different flavors, textures, and types of snacks so you don’t get bored. If you're bored of your snacks, you'll stop eating. Once you stop eating, you're on the express train to bonk town. Don't go to bonk town. 

Pro Tip: Stop by a local bakery before your hike and grab a fresh pastry. A warm croissant or muffin makes a delicious mid-hike treat!

Final Thoughts

Packing hiking snacks isn't just about throwing food in your bag—it's about planning smart, staying fueled, and making your adventure more enjoyable. People don't put enough effort into proper nutrition while hiking, but it will make or break your day.

Neve just so happens to check all these boxes - plant-based, easy to eat and use, nutritious, and portable fuel option!