Going on a hike with your family is a great way to connect, enjoy nature, and stay active. But having the right snacks is as important as wearing good shoes. RyAnn Peverly, a mom who loves hiking in Washington, says the right snacks are key. They must be full of nutrients, tasty, and easy to carry to keep energy up and everyone happy.
From my own experiences, it doesn’t matter if you make snacks at home or buy them ready-made. The aim is to have snacks that are full of energy, delicious, and easy to bring along. Getting ready for a hike means thinking about snacks well in advance. This includes making sure you have comfortable footwear, a backpack, and, importantly, healthy snacks. Now, let’s get into how to plan the perfect snacks for a fun family hike!
Why Snacks Are Essential for Family Hikes
Hiking with kids means we need to keep their energy high. Snacks do more than feed hunger during hikes. They boost energy and keep kids happy. Here’s why snacks are key for a family hike.
Energy and Nutrition on the Go
It’s key to maintain energy while hiking. Kids often get tired faster than adults. Snacks like nuts and dried fruits give both quick and lasting energy. It’s advised to have 2000-4000 calories per person for each day of hiking. Eating snacks every one to two hours keeps energy levels even, helping avoid energy spikes and drops.
Preventing the “Hangries”
Feeling “hangry” can quickly spoil a hike. Keeping hunger away is critical, especially with kids. Snacks that are full of nutrients prevent hunger for longer. Always pack extra food for emergencies, keeping everyone’s mood uplifted while hiking.
Snacks as Rewards
Kids respond well to rewards. Using snacks as motivation helps make hiking fun for them. Giving their favorite snacks when reaching parts of the trail can keep spirits high. Mixing up snacks ensures kids get a healthy balance of nutrients.
What Makes a Good Hiking Snack
Finding the perfect snack for hiking balances nutrition, convenience, and taste. We explore what makes a snack great for the trails.
Nutritional Balance
A top hiking snack has carbs for energy, proteins for endurance, and fats for lasting energy. Most hikers, 85%, want snacks with this mix. For example, nut butters like peanut and almond are favorites for their energy and balance.
Packability and Convenience
About 80% of hikers value snack convenience. They should be easy to carry, not take much space. Lightweight, stable foods like dried fruits and nuts are popular with 70% of hikers. Plus, energy bars are gaining fans, growing 15% in sales yearly.
Taste and Variety
Making hiking fun involves tasty and diverse food. This approach satisfies different tastes and spices up trail menus. Half the hikers enjoy making their trail mix for unique flavors. Meanwhile, 65% choose meat bars and jerky for their savory protein boost. A variety of textures and tastes will keep everyone happy on the hike.
DIY Snack Recipes to Try
Making your own hiking snacks is healthier and fun for the family. Let’s look at some DIY snack recipes to try.
GORP (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts) Varieties
The classic GORP mix is a favorite among hikers. It’s easy to customize, so everyone can find a mix they like. Here are different ways to make it:
- Traditional: Combine raisins, peanuts, M&Ms, and pretzels.
- Tropical: Mix dried mango, banana chips, cashews, and coconut flakes.
- Sweet & Spicy: Include dried cranberries, almonds, roasted chickpeas, and a touch of cayenne.
- No Nut: Use pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried apricots, and puffed quinoa.
- Pantry-Based: Toss together any dried fruits, seeds, and nuts you have.
Power Balls (Energy Bites)
Energy balls are great for a quick energy boost. They’re simple to make, easy to carry, and full of energy. Start with this basic recipe:
- Mix 1 cup oats, 1/2 cup nut butter, and 1/3 cup honey.
- Add-ins: Pick nuts, dried fruits, chocolate chips, or seeds.
- Roll into balls and chill for at least 30 minutes before taking them.
You can mix in things like cocoa, coconut, or protein powder to change the flavor. There are lots of options!
Pinwheels: Sweet and Savory Options
Pinwheels are great for the trail and come in many flavors. You can make them suit your taste:
- Sweet Pinwheels: Spread nut butter on a tortilla, top with banana slices, and roll.
- Savory Pinwheels: Spread hummus or cream cheese on a tortilla, add turkey and spinach, then roll.
- Cut into small pieces and use toothpicks to hold them together.
Pinwheels are tasty and give you proteins, carbs, and fats for energy. They’re perfect for hikes.
With these snacks, your family hikes will be fun and energizing!
How to pack snacks for family hikes
Packing snacks well is key to a great family hike. It’s all about finding the right balance. You want snacks that are sustainable yet convenient. Plus, they need to stay fresh and be in the right amounts.
Reusable Containers
Choosing reusable containers is good for the planet. We like using brands such as Full Circle, Russbe bags, and Bee’s Wrap. They’re handy and help reduce waste. Plus, it’s easier to keep snacks organized. Showing kids the value of being eco-friendly is a big win too.
Keeping Snacks Fresh
Keeping snacks fresh is important, especially for longer hikes. I pack ice packs for cool things, like cheese or veggies with dip. Dry snacks go in airtight containers. This keeps everything tasty and safe to eat while we explore.
Portion Control and Variety
Getting snack amounts right matters a lot. Kids use lots of energy hiking and get hungry fast. So, I pack about five snacks per kid for day hikes. Adding variety keeps things fun and meets different tastes.
We bring things like trail mix, granola bars, fresh fruit, and energy bites. This mix keeps boredom away and provides good nutrition. Adjusting snacks to fit everyone’s hunger helps too. It cuts down on waste and overeating. Letting kids pick their snacks makes the hike more fun for them.
Store-Bought Snacks for Quick Prep
Preparing for a family hike? Need snacks that are both healthy and easy to grab? There are many store-bought options perfect for the task. These snacks are great when you’re short on time or can’t make your own.
Fruit and Veggies
Eating fresh produce as a snack is both simple and healthy. Snack on pre-cut veggies like carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber for a refreshing crunch. Brands such as Simple Mills offer snacks that are free from gluten, grain, and are paleo-friendly. For a sweet treat, try YumEarth for organic, non-GMO, gluten-free candy that’s tasty and not bad for you.
Energy and Granola Bars
Need a nutrient-rich snack? Energy bars are a great pick. CLIF Zbars and Lara Bars mix carbohydrates and protein well. RXBAR and Justin’s provide nut butter packs for an energy lift. And for something different, try Nutristore or Moon Cheese for freeze-dried cheese that’s tasty and travel-ready.
Jerky and Dried Meat Options
For high-protein snacks, jerky and dried meats are top choices. Try products from Vermont Smoke and Cure, CHOMPS, and Epic Bars for delicious options. They’re often lower in unhealthy additives, making them a smarter choice. For more variety, check out meat sticks from The New Primal or Biena’s crispy chickpeas.
Choosing these store-bought snacks can simplify your hike prep. Whether you opt for fruits, bars, or meat snacks, they’ll keep everyone energized. They ensure you’re fuelled and ready to tackle the trails.
Special Tips for Hiking with Kids
Hiking with your family is a fantastic way to get closer and live healthier. Knowing what kids need on the trail means everyone will have a good time. Below are key tips to ensure your hikes with kids are both fun and safe.
Pre-Hike Nutrition
A good meal before hiking helps kids stay energetic. Choose foods that are rich in complex carbs, proteins, and fats. Good options are scrambled eggs with whole grain toast, oatmeal with fruits, or a smoothie with nut butters. These foods give slow-releasing energy for the hike.
Hydration Packs
Staying hydrated is vital for children while hiking. Hydration packs make it easy and fun for kids to drink water. Pick a CamelBak or a simple water bottle with a strap for them. It’s crucial to keep them drinking water because they can get dehydrated faster than adults.
Fun and Engaging Snack Options
Snacks can keep kids happy on the trail. Fun trail snacks like no-bake cranberry oat bites, banana carrot mini muffins, or custom trail mixes do wonders. Besides providing energy, these snacks make eating exciting during the hike.
Getting kids into hiking helps them love nature and be healthier. By using these tips, your family hikes will be something everyone looks forward to.
Conclusion
Ending this journey in trail snack preparation shows how crucial the right setup is. To make family hikes successful, it’s all about picking the right snacks. Choosing ones that are nutritious, easy to carry, and varied in taste will make every hike enjoyable and full of energy.
When thinking about snack choices, it’s important to think about kids’ needs too. This makes planning a bit more complex. Combining this with efforts to be more sustainable, like using reusable packaging, makes the adventure even better. Whether it’s homemade snacks like GORP and energy bars, or store-bought like granola bars and jerky, finding a balance is key.
The outcome of your snack choices shows in the happy, memorable moments spent on the trail. With each step and every snack, family hikes become cherished times. They’re built on a mix of good health and care for the planet. So pack the right snacks and hit the trails, ready for fun hiking times ahead.
