Fetch’s Ultimate Guide to the Best Hiking Snacks

Fetch is the ultimate tool for staying prepared with proper snackage, all while getting rewarded for your adventure fuel. Athletic and outdoor-oriented people know that snacks are an important part of any excursion, and equally important is the convenience, nutrition, and cost. Download the Fetch app for free to see how easy it is to earn rewards as you stock up on some of the recommended hiking snack ideas outlined below.

Why choosing the right hiking snacks matters 

Whether your hike is long or short, choosing a good snack for the hike matters greatly. Long hikes require serious fuel, in the form of hunger-satiating protein, along with electrolytes to keep dehydration and muscle cramping at bay. Short hikes require convenience and less fuss to avoid wasting precious minutes on refueling. 

Fetch’s favorite hiking snacks for any kind of adventure 

No two hikes are the same, even if you are on the same trail. Weather, climate, air quality, cloud cover, and your personal health are all factors to what constitutes a good or healthy hiking snack. Consider these guidelines for the best hiking snack depending on the adventure:

• Healthy hiking snacks: A good healthy snack hinges on being clean and nutrient-dense. This means clean protein and healthy fat. Think raw nuts, boiled eggs, quality dried meats, and meal replacement bars that skip bulky fillers.
• Easy-to-pack snacks for hiking: Skip the perishables and anything too liquidy or sticky like peanut butter or cheese. Nuts, oats, and protein bars fit the bill.
• Indulgent snacks for hiking: Calories and fats have a place in our lives, as they serve as brain food and a pick-me-up. It’s good to have candies like Peanut M&Ms on hand for moments when you need a quick sugar hit or morale boost on a long or grueling hike.
• Protein-packed hiking snacks: Good protein options skip a lot of other filling ingredients. Think Jack Link’s beef jerky or Munk Pack and Epic protein bars.
• Quick carbs: Providing quick energy and convenient storage, Larabars and Nature Valley Granola Bars have their place in your pack.
• Electrolyte boosting hiking snacks: You don’t want to be miles-deep into a hike and get hit with dehydration, fatigue and a charley horse. Pack Gatorade powder or gummies, pickles, or a sweet & salty trail mix to avoid this altogether. Pro-tip: adding a pinch of salt to your water bottle is also an easy preventative measure!

Good hiking snacks for health-conscious hikers

When it comes to good hiking snacks for the health-conscious hiker, the name of the game is preparation. The more prepared you are with your grocery lists, budget and calendar, the more likely you are to make healthy choices. While there’s a time and place for snacks-of-convenience, like pre-packaged meal bars, you may have specific macros or dietary needs to plan for. Find your ideal mix of low sugar, high protein or healthy fat in Carnation Breakfast Essentials or other quality brands.

Hiking snack ideas for every season

Weather and terrain has an impact on your food and nutrition needs, so check out our hiking snack ideas warm and cold climates:

• Summer months or hot climate conditions: Opt for snacks that won’t melt or spoil, such as dried fruits or nuts. Pro tip: Choose Power Up Trail Mix or Kar’s Trail Mix for a nutrition-dense option.
• Winter months or colder climates: Energy-dense snacks are a good option for cold weather because you will need to stay fueled to generate body heat. Peanut butter cups, dark chocolate, and jerky are the best snacks for hiking in cold weather.

Fetch turn hiking snacks into sweet rewards

There are a number of ways Fetch helps you save on hiking snacks, so start by downloading the app free in your app store, then exploring the many ways you can stretch your dollars:

• Shop local offers in the app to get curated deals you can redeem at a store near you.
• Use Fetch Shop to complete your online shopping and earn points-per-dollar spent on eligible items.
• Know which brands to buy that’ll earn you rewards.
• Use brand boosts and other features to get even more points on every receipt you snap.
• Cash out the reward points you earn for free gift cards to dozens of top brands and stores.

Bonus tips for packing and storing your hiking snacks

Preparing for a hike requires foresight and proper planning, so rely on Fetch’s tips for packing and storing your hiking snacks to ensure a smoother adventure:

• Every pound matters when you’re carrying gear on your person, so opt for lightweight materials and packaging.
• Minimize waste and the potential for litter by choosing reusable containers. Pro tip: Choose reusable baggies for the leak-proof and freshness, while saving space and weight from clunky containers.
• Create compartments within your pack, so your necessities are easily accessible.
• Pick up some reusable ice packs that can double as a cooler for fresh protein (like Eggland’s Best boiled eggs or electrolyte-heavy pickles) or become a solution for overheating if necessary.

From planning to packing: rely on Fetch when stocking up for your hike

When it comes to planning your hike and snacks, it’s important to be thoughtful and prepared. From shopping smart for reusable storage to saving money on your grocery haul, let Fetch be your guide. We’re here to help you find the quality products and brands you need, and ensure you are rewarded every step of the way. Download the Fetch app today to start collecting rewards points on snacks and to make your next hiking adventure even sweeter!