Backpacking adventures demand a lot of energy, and the key to keeping your stamina high is choosing the right foods, snacks, and supplements. Let’s dive into the top 25 options that will help you stay fueled and ready for the trails.
1. Mountain House Freeze-Dried Meals
Mountain House offers a range of lightweight, freeze-dried meals that are perfect for backpacking. Just add boiling water, wait a few minutes, and you have a delicious, nutritious meal.
2. Clif Bars
Clif Bars are energy-packed, easy-to-carry snacks perfect for a quick energy boost on the trail.
3. Almonds
Almonds are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They’re a great lightweight, nutrient-dense snack for backpacking.
4. GoMacro Bars
GoMacro Bars are organic, vegan energy bars that provide a great balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
For a quick energy burst, Honey Stinger Energy Chews offer natural, honey-infused chews that are easy to pack and eat on the go.
Backpacker’s Pantry offers a variety of freeze-dried meals that are flavorful, lightweight, and easy to prepare.
GU Energy Gels provide a quick source of energy on the go. These gels are small, lightweight, and packed with carbs and amino acids.
Justin’s Nut Butter packs are a tasty and nutritious snack option, providing healthy fats and proteins.
Nuun Hydration Tablets are a great way to ensure you stay hydrated. They dissolve in water and replenish key electrolytes lost during physical activity.
For a protein-packed snack, Epic Provisions offers a range of bars made from grass-fed meat, fruit, and nuts.
11. Wild Zora Meals
Wild Zora provides lightweight, paleo-friendly meals that are easy to carry and prepare.
12. Bobo’s Oat Bars
Bobo’s Oat Bars are a hearty, wholesome snack perfect for a quick breakfast or trail snack.
13. Lara Bars
Made from simple, natural ingredients, Lara Bars are a nutritious, energy-packed snack for your backpacking adventure.
14. Primal Strips Meatless Jerky
For vegetarians and vegans, Primal Strips offer a plant-based jerky that’s high in protein and flavor.
Peak Refuel offers high protein, high-calorie freeze-dried meals that are delicious and lightweight.
16. PROBAR Meal Bars
Packed with raw, whole-food ingredients, PROBAR Meal Bars are a complete meal replacement that’s perfect for long hikes.
17. Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel
Tailwind Nutrition offers a drink mix that provides complete energy and electrolytes for long-distance hiking.
18. KIND Bars
KIND Bars are a healthy, nutrient-dense snack made from whole nuts, fruits, and whole grains.
19. Good To-Go Meals
Good To-Go provides gourmet, dehydrated meals that are lightweight, easy to pack, and delicious.
20. Mary Janes Farm Organic Meals
For organic meal options, Mary Janes Farm offers a variety of tasty, easy-to-prepare meals perfect for the backcountry.
21. Vitalyte Electrolyte Replacement
Vitalyte provides a fast-absorbing electrolyte replacement to prevent dehydration during intense physical activity.
22. Greenbelly Meals
Greenbelly offers ready-to-eat meal bars that are calorie-dense and lightweight, perfect for long hikes.
NuGo Protein Bars provide a tasty source of protein and come in a variety of flavors.
24. AlpineAire Foods
AlpineAire Foods offer a variety of freeze-dried meals that are easy to prepare and pack.
For vegan and vegetarian hikers, Outdoor Herbivore offers a range of plant-based, dehydrated meals.
Proper nutrition is vital to sustain energy during your backpacking adventures. With these 25 resources, you’ll find a variety of foods, snacks, and supplements to suit your dietary needs and preferences, and keep you fueled on the trails.