Hiking Food!!
What up Road Trip Warriors!? This is a topic I have wanted to address for some time. I know everyone has their own preferences, but I wanted to share what food I believe the best to bring along when hiking! I have my reasoning for carrying these foods besides the fact that they taste good.
Before diving into the foods, I want to clarify that this blog is targeted towards day-hiking. These are foods I have brought along on hikes that are anywhere from one to twenty miles. I have’t gone on a multi-day excursion so I lack that expertise….anyways, lets dive in!
1) Trail Mix
Trail mix is a staple that I bring on every hike and I always buy a new bag before heading into the mountains. There have been no exceptions to this and my reasoning for this is simple:
- It is easily portable and lightweight
- It doesn’t require refrigeration
- It is a good source of carbs and healthy fats. Nuts are also a good source of protein
Trail mix provides the energy that physical activity demands. Because of that, it will always be a staple in my hiking bag.
2) Peanut-butter Sandwiches
Peanut butter sandwiches have been in my bag since I first started hiking. I buy them before every hike at a gas station. They’re served on a hard roll and taste great! I typically have one or two of these in my bag because:
- They’re easy to pack and make (if you don’t buy them)
- They don’t require refrigeration
- They are lightweight
- Peanut butter sandwiches are also a good source of carbs and healthy fat during a day hike
3) Granola Bars
I know “granola bars” is vague provided that there are hundreds of different kinds of bars you can purchase. The ones I typically carry for a hike are either Nature Valley peanut butter granola bars or Larabars. I carry these for the same reasons as trail mix and peanut butter sandwiches. They’re easy to fit in a hiking bag, good source of carbs for energy, etc. However, despite being a little more pricey, I prefer Larabars because they are denser, have fewer ingredients, and keep my stomach full for a longer period of time. Whatever kind you choose, it doesn’t hurt to have a few of them in your bag!
4) Pasta
If you have never had pasta on the summit of a mountain, believe me when I tell you that it is one of the most satisfying and rewarding things you can offer yourself! You really can’t beat a little tin of ziti or linguini when you’re out in the wilderness.
Yes, it might add a little extra weight to your bag and the way you store it could be bulky (like a reusable container), but sometimes its nice to switch up the food you carry. Pasta also provides a good source of carbohydrates to fuel your body!
5) Rice (Preferably Brown Rice)
This one might come as a surprise, but I love having cooked brown rice in my bag when I go hiking. The reasons for this are simple. Being a whole grain, brown rice provides benefits such as:
- The fiber in brown rice can help lower cholesterol
- Helps move waste through the digestive tract
- Is a complex carbohydrate (breaks down slower in the body) therefore promoting fullness
You might find these to be attractive reasons to carry this food if you plan on using a lot of energy out in the woods and mountains.
Honorable Mentions
The following is just a list of foods that have made it in my bag on occasion for a hike. They’re lightweight and do not take up much space if packed correctly. You might find this list helpful when packing your bag for a day in the backcountry. If not, its just a list of food to eat.
- Crackers
- Chips (particularly Tostitos)
- Beans
- Carrots
- Dried fruit
RTW Note
Well Road Trip Warriors, I hope this post was helpful for planning your next big hike! Packing the proper food and fluids is important. Healthy carbs, fats, and proteins are ideal! If you found this post insightful, SMASH that subscribe button, give this post a like, and leave a comment on what your favorite food to bring on a hike is! Stay safe and stay healthy!
-Ant
Granola bars and peanut butter sandwiches are an absolute essential!
They are definitely a must-have!