Backpacking Snack Ideas the Whole Family Will Love
Snacks aren’t simply an afterthought when backpacking but are the hidden heroes of your outdoor adventures. Consider them great pick-me-ups for those steep uphill hikes and delicious treats to snack on while taking in beautiful views.
Read on for backpacking snack ideas from the snack-lovers at GoGo squeeZ!
Types of Backpacking Snacks
Trail Mix and Nuts
Trail mix is the ideal trailside treat, with a winning mixture of nuts, dried fruit and maybe some chocolate chips a little fun. However, you can customize your trail mix based on your preferences. Here’s an example of a recipe to try:
- Put 1 1/2 cups of raw nuts, including almonds, pecans, cashews, and peanuts, in a sealable container.
- Add 1 cup of raw seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Get 1 cup of dried fruit and fun stuff like dark chocolate and popcorn to customize your trail mix, but feel free to get a little crazy with any other sweet treat and add it to the mixture.
- Consider including spices such as 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
Dried Fruit and Fruit Leather
Dried fruit on the trails offers a better-for-you pleasant treat. Popular choices include bananas, apples and mango chips. Leather fruit strips are another popular hiking snack option. Here’s a recipe to dry your fruit:
- Cut the fruits into 1/8-inch slices.
- Place the fruit in a plastic bag, then add 1 tsp lemon juice. Consider adding 1-2 tsp of spices such as cinnamon based on your preference.
- Shake the bag to coat the fruit slices evenly.
- Place your fruits on dehydrator trays and dry them at 135°F for 8-12 hours until they are leathery and malleable.
Protein and Granola Snack Bars
If you’re going backpacking, protein and granola bars are a must-have. You can make your granola bars from home using the following recipes:
Homemade Snack Bar Recipe
- Combine two tablespoons of peanut butter, 3/4 tsp of salt, 1/2 cup of honey and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well mixed.
- Add 3 cups of quick-cooking oats, plus chocolate chips, pepitas and any other dry ingredients you want to incorporate, then stir.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the mixture on top. Spread evenly.
- Place down another piece of parchment paper and use your hands to push the mixture flat to your desired thickness.
- Let the mixture set in the refrigerator for one hour before cutting and serving.
Crackers and Crunchy Snacks
Crackers and crunchy snacks are a simple, no-brainer option. Pretzel sticks, bagel chips and crackers all make great choices on their own or can be enjoyed in a trial mix. Crunchy veggie options such as carrots and celery are great for a quick, nutritious and easily accessible choice.
Convenient Fruit & Yogurt Snacks
A backpacking excursion can only be complete with some tasty and portable fruit and yogurt snacks. Here are a few options to carry with you:
GoGo squeeZ® Fruit Blend Snacks
GoGo squeeZ® Fruit Blend Snacks are a tasty and nutritional combination made with real fruit in a convenient pouch that makes packing for a day on the trail easy.
GoGo squeeZ® YogurtZ
GoGo squeeZ® yogurtZ is a tasty, low-fat yogurt and has a good source of vitamin D and calcium*. Our yogurtZ is a convenient and delicious snack that does not require refrigeration before opening a pouch.
*10% DV Vitamin D per 6 oz.
Tips for Packing and Storing Snacks
When backpacking, packing and storing your snacks can either make or break your trip. Consider the following tips:
Use Resealable Bags and Containers
Resealable bags and containers resist moisture, airborne particles and other environmental variables that might cause snacks to decay more quickly.
How to Prevent Crushed and Broken Snacks
When packing your snacks, the last thing you need is for them to be crushed or broken. Put them on top of your backpack or inside a hard-sided container.
Keep Snacks Accessible for On-the-Go Eating
Pack your snacks close to the top of the backpack and use resealable bags and containers you can open quickly while on the go.
Planning and Preparing Backpacking Snack Ideas
Here are some ideas to get you started when backpacking:
Creating a Backpacking Meal Plan
Before packing up, consider how long you’ll be out and how many meals you’ll need. Plan around shelf-stable foods and be sure to bring a little extra, just in case you or your family feels extra hungry after a day of exploring.
Testing and Adjusting Snack Preferences Before Your Trip
Before starting your trip, find out which snacks work for you and which don’t. While backpacking, you want tasty snacks that will rejuvenate you and keep your energy levels high.
Prepare to Go Backpacking With the Whole Family
Thanks to this list of snacks and several backpacking ideas, your family may go on the trail and have a nice day outside, making memories without whining about growling tummies. Explore the tasty, convenient and backpack friendly snacks you’ll love to have on the trail from GoGo squeeZ and get more ideas for snacking and activities from our blog.
