Our Top Four Trail Snacks You Cannot Go Without!

During our years of experience on the trail, you might only see the highlights of those adventures. But what doesn’t make it to YouTube or Instagram is fuel behind our content; trail snacks! They are essential for any hike, but how should you choose them? There’s much debate over this topic, but our top 4 is all you’ll ever need!

Before we dive into the list, let’s go over what to look for in trail snacks. The most important ingredients to look for on the grocery aisle are caloric density (how many calories there are relative to size. For example, 4 to 5 calories per gram is ideal😉), Omega-3s (your brain is mostly fat, so this is important for focus), Slow-release Carbohydrates (oats), Complete Proteins, and Electrolytes (prevents cramps). You should always avoid vegetable oils (makes you feel sluggish), artificial dyes (red #40, blue #1 and any other artificial additives), Sugar Alcohols (erythritol, xylitol, which can cause digestive distress), Syrups (High Fructose Corn Syrup, Brown Rice Syrup etc. will just lead to a major sugar crash 45 minutes into the hike!), and Hydrogenated Oils (trans fat that can cause inflammation). Ok, with that aside, let’s explore the best options for a healthy hike!

#1 Bearded Brothers Bar (blueberry vanilla is our favorite!):

This is as good as you can get for a snack bar. No cane sugar, no artificial flavors, 4-4.5 calories per gram, soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. And since they’re made completely of nuts and fruits, they won’t freeze as easily as “syrup-based” bars, making them easy to bite into on a cold morning. But the best part is that the wrapping is compostable, so it degrades quite easily once in a landfill.

#2: Apples and Medjool Dates:

This may sound surprising, but these two fruits are the ultimate underrated trail snack. Comparing the two, however, you can find several differences. 

Apples have 0.5 cal/g, medjool dates have 2.8 cal/g (much higher!). 

Apple’s key nutrient: Fiber. 

Medjool date’s key nutrient: potassium (anti-cramp).

Trail durability: High (apples), Indestructible (Medjool dates)

Best Phase: Early day/scouting (Apple), The steep climb out (Medjool dates)

Main Advantages: Hydration and “Crunch” (Apple), Pure Endurance Fuel (Medjool Dates)

The main advantage about apples over dates that most people overlook is that the crunch and firmness of biting into an apple is like a sensory jolt to the brain, it’s like a “reset” button! The tart and sweetness of an apple can also trigger immediate saliva production, eliminating that “dry-mouth” feeling. But overall, the Medjool Dates are just a hair better.

#3: Grass-fed Jerky:

(This is the healthiest brand)

Grass-fed Jerky provides a crucial flavor reset and a high dose of protein and salt essential for preventing muscle fatigue and flavor fatigue. Plus, it’s simple to pack no matter the technicality of your adventure! If the brand above isn’t available in your area, choose your beef jerky brand wisely. Watch out for ingredients such as nitrates and added sugars, they can totally ruin this healthy snack. 

#4 Clean Granola:

The easiest, most ready-to-eat snack you can come by. Unlike instant oats, they don’t need cooking and can be picked straight from a ziplock bag! Oats stand out because they are complex carbs. Unlike simple carbs, which hit your body with a flood of energy all at once, often leading to a crash, complex carbs like oats take longer to digest and slowly power your body during the “slower” digestive process. A much healthier fuel for your body than simple carbs! And just like apples, the crunch of biting into granola will reset your brain. They are also pre-packed with several dried fruits, seeds and nuts which provide micro nutrients like Vitamin E, magnesium and iron. But, just like beef jerky, you must be careful when choosing a granola brand. Most are just cookies in a granola bar suit. The perfect granola will have no syrups (honey, sugar, corn syrup) or oils (coconut, vegetable, olive).

And there you have it! Portable, healthy and delicious trail snacks that will never get old. Before you start your next outdoor mission, stock up on some of these products and you will notice a difference physically and quickly. Make sure to visit our new YouTube channel @thebrotherswildvlog for more tips and outdoor/traveling adventures. Keep it wild! 👊