5 Best Hiking Snacks for Light Packing

Going hiking this summer? Any experienced hiker knows that you don't want to carry a lot of extra weight while hiking around. You'll want hiking snacks that will give you energy, keep you fueled, but won't take up extra space or weight in your pack. The best hiking snacks are high-protein snacks that will give you a lot of energy in just a small snack. Here are a few of the best hiking snacks that pack a lot of protein without packing a lot of weight!

Best Hiking Snacks Idea #1: Trail Mix

Okay, we're starting off with a classic. We know trail mix is the quintessential hiking snack, but there's a reason for that! Trail mix, particularly trail mix with lots of nuts, is one of the best hiking snacks out there because of the high protein content. Nuts, especially peanuts that are so common in most trail mix, are one of the highest protein foods out there. Not only are peanuts high in protein (19 grams of protein in just 1/2 cup! source), they are shelf-stable and portable so they're an easy snack to take hiking. Trail mix with lots of peanuts is a perfect hiking snack as it's a non-messy, high-protein, on-the-trail food!

Best Hiking Snacks Idea #2: Beef Jerky or Meat Sticks

Another classic, beef jerky is one of the best hiking snacks! If you're looking for something to keep your energy up, jerky is a great choice. With 7-9 grams of protein in just an OUNCE of jerky, it doesn't take much of this high-protein snack to stay fueled on the trail! Pack along a few strips of beef jerky or a few meat sticks and enjoy a hearty hiking snack. Plus, if you're looking for something more exciting and delicious than peanuts, beef jerky and meat sticks come in a variety of yummy flavors and will leave both your taste buds and energy levels happy and satisfied. High protein and easy to carry, jerky makes one of the best hiking snacks ideas!

Click here to buy the best beef jerky and meat sticks

Best Hiking Snacks Idea #3: Granola

You may not think of granola as having a lot of protein, but it can! Oats are a good source of protein, and granola with peanut butter, almonds, and other nuts or seeds is packed with good protein! You can either buy some from the store, or make your own at home using oats as your base and adding peanut butter, almonds, pumpkin seeds, etc. Granola is also shelf stable, and while it can be messy to eat, when you're eating it outside as a hiking snack it's okay to have a few crumbs spill on the ground! A bag of granola is one of the best hiking snacks for going lightweight. 

Best Hiking Snacks Idea #4: String Cheese

Cheese is another great high-protein hiking snack, so if you're packing light, it's a perfect option. In just one stick of string cheese, you usually get 7 grams of protein. That's about as much protein per ounce as beef jerky! Although you run a risk of cheese melting when you take it as a hiking snack, string cheese's individual wrapping helps it keep its shape and be edible even if it starts to get soft. Because it's high protein and conveniently wrapped, cheese sticks are one of the best hiking snacks for a lightweight pack!

Best Hiking Snacks Idea #5: Energy Bites

Did you know you can make one of the best hiking snacks in just a few minutes at home? Mix peanut butter, oats, and honey to make protein-packed snack bites that are easy to throw in a hiking pack. You can add chocolate chips, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or whatever else you want to add some pizzazz to this hiking snack. Form peanut butter, oats, honey (and whatever else you add) into balls, throw them in the fridge until it's time to hike, and you'll have a perfect high protein, easy, portable snack for your next hike! Here are a couple recipes to get you started on one of the best hiking snacks:

4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls

Packing Light? Try one of these Hiking Snacks Ideas

If you're packing light for a hike, having high-protein snacks is key. Whether it's beef jerky or homemade energy bites, let us know which of these high protein hiking snack ideas you decide to try! The best hiking snacks have a lot of protein in just a small amount, so be sure to try one of these hiking snack ideas on your next outdoor adventure.

5 Best Hiking Snacks Ideas 2023