Best Backpacking and Hiking Snacks of 2025: Trail Fuel That Tastes Good and Packs Light

A good snack on trail is honestly one of life’s great joys. Whether you’re just a couple miles from the trailhead or deep into a multi-day backpacking trip, there’s something magical about pulling out something tasty when your legs are tired and your morale is low. And let’s be real, snacks can be the difference between a grumpy slog and a happy hike.

In this guide, I’ve pulled together some of the best hiking and backpacking snacks of 2025. These are trail-tested picks that hold up in your pack, fuel your body, and actually taste good (because no one wants to chew on chalk halfway up a pass). You’ll find everything from ultralight snacks to comfort treats that make camp feel a little more like home.

Best High-Calorie Snack for Big Miles

RecPak Pouch
Why I Love It: This one’s a calorie bomb in the best way! Perfect when you’re deep into a long day and just need a solid boost. It's quick to make and quick to drink.

Best Protein-Packed Snack

Fatty Meat Stick
Why I Love It: Great protein content without weighing you down. I reach for this after a climb or when I know I’m not getting a real lunch anytime soon. If you're a jerky fan, you will absolutely love these.

Best Vegan Snack

VAFELS Stroopwafel
Why I Love It: Plant-based and surprisingly filling. Also nice if you’re hiking in heat and want something light on the stomach. Most stroopwafels are not vegan, but these are. Big yay!

Best Bar Style Snack

Kate's Real Food Bar
Why I Love It: These are one of the yummiest bars available. And they have solid ingredients that will fuel you up well! These could easily be your new favorite bars.

Best Ultralight Snack

Karen's Naturals Freeze Dried Fruits
Why I Love It: Ounce-counters, this one’s for you. Freeze-dried fruits are barely any weight, and easy to stuff in your hip belt pocket. They have a nice crunch and can be added to oatmeal if you end up not snacking on em.

Best Cold Soak Snack or Lunch

Farm To Summit Thai Carrot Slaw
Why I Love It: If you like to cold soak your meals, this one rehydrates well and doesn’t taste like soggy cardboard. I usually let it soak while I hike the last mile or two to camp. I also eat this one on day hikes, as it's mostly veggies.

Best Sweet Treat on Trail

Bobo's PB&J Oat Snacks
Why I Love It: Because sometimes you just need a morale boost or a reward after a long haul. This one’s always a go-to. It tastes like a supreme PB&J with an extra sweet twist. But of course it wont get crushed in your pack like a sandwich.

Best Budget Trail Snack

Trail Mix
Why I Love It: Trail mix is a classic! Tastes great, easy to buy everywhere, simple to make your own, and you don’t feel guilty eating a few handfuls in a row. Perfect for resupply boxes or car snacks too.

Best Cookie Style Snack

Lenny & Larry's Complete Cookie
Why I Love It: This is the one I save for basecamp nights or special occasions on trail. These have become common to find in gas stations and grocery stores even in rural areas, but they still feel like such a treat!

What I Look for in a Good Trail Snack

When I’m choosing snacks for hiking or backpacking, here’s what I care about:

• Calories per ounce: Especially important for long trips when every ounce counts.
• Durability: Can it handle being squished in a bear can or stuffed in my hip belt pocket?
• Nutrition: I aim for a mix of protein, fat, and carbs to keep energy steady.
• Taste and texture: If I’m not excited to eat it, I won’t eat it.
• Weather resistance: No melting, no spoiling, no turning to dust.
• Availabillity: Can you find it in a rural gas station? Available on Amazon Prime? That counts when I think about the best snacks!

Basically, I want something I’ll actually eat, even when I’m exhausted and sunburned and just want to crawl into my tent. And I want to know I can find these snacks en route to the trail if I don't have them at home!

Honorable Mentions

Taos Bakes Bars: super delicious, great texture.
Thunder Bird Real Food Bars: clean ingredients and solid energy.
Lecka Energy Bars: simplicity at its very finest!
Packit Gourmet Cajun Ranch Chicken Salad: cold soaks fast, tastes homemade.
Good To-Go Peanut Chicken Salad: cold soaks quick, absolutely scrumptious.

Packing It Out

Snacks are a lot more than just fuel! They’re a little bit (bite?) of joy on the trail. The right snack can lift your spirits when your feet hurt and your pack feels heavy. Whether you’re thru-hiking, weekend wandering, or just out for a quick day hike, these snacks can keep you going (and maybe even make you a few friends when you offer to share).

I’ll be updating this list, or creating new lists, as I try new stuff. So check back before your next trip. And if one of these snacks sounds like a good fit, you can click through to grab it and support this site while you’re at it. Win-win.

This article is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.