From leisurely strolls to harrowing mountain climbs, certain foods can provide hikers with the energy they need while making the trip much more enjoyable as well. Whether a hiker prides themselves on being a survival-minimalist or fancies a full-on picnic, there are a multitude of options available to stay energized and satisfied when hitting the trails. Let’s take a look at three energizing trail foods that are perfect for the hike ahead.
Trail Mix
There’s a reason it’s called trail mix. This versatile food is full of energy and nutrients, making it ideal for the trail. Trail mix can be easily purchased at nearly every grocery store or retailer, but other than the endless energy it provides, the best part about this power food is that it can be personalized simply by perusing the local grocery store or market. Trail mix can include a variety of nuts, dried fruits, seeds, chocolate, and just about anything else that makes one’s mouth water.
Jerky
Jerky is a favorite food amongst avid hikers, and nearly everyone else for that matter. It provides an ample dose of salt, protein, and fat, which are all helpful ingredients for staying energized during a long trek. Those averse to red meat can mix it up by bringing along salmon or turkey jerky. Ready-to-eat jerkies, such as beef, venison, salmon, buffalo, and a number of other meats, are easy to find in any store or rural area. The lack of water in dehydrated meats also makes it extremely lightweight and easy to carry along the trail.
Chocolate
Most people may not associate chocolate with being a healthy and energizing trail food, but for many hikers, chocolate tops the list for the energy it provides. The sugar contained in chocolate helps hikers fight fatigue, and since cacao contains caffeine, chocolate is also an immediate pick-me-up. The fat in cocoa butter also provides burnable fuel to tackle a challenging trail. For the best of both worlds, chocolate covered peanuts or almonds are an excellent option as well. On hot days, M & M’s are a terrific choice, because the hard candy shell will keep the chocolate from melting under the summer sun.
