Are you planning a day hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia? Looking for some tasty snacks to keep you energized on your adventure? Look no further! In this post, we share 25 easy and delicious day hike lunch ideas. Whether you’re planning short hikes or full-day treks, these snacks will keep you fueled for the entire trip.
Snack Ideas for Your Day Hike
As you hit the trails, it’s important to stay nourished and energized! I am personally hypoglycemic, so snacks are always a must for me, in case I feel my blood sugar levels dropping. I usually like to have a mixture of items to snack on, but the priority for me is easy and quick to consume (if I start to feel shaky!).
This is a list of 25 lunch or snack ideas that are perfect for a day hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Of course, practice leave no trace, and make sure to bring all of your trash back out with you.
1. Trail Mix
This one should seem obvious! A classic choice, trail mix is an easy and filling snack that can be packed with nuts, dried fruit, and seeds to keep your energy levels up and sustain your hunger. You can also mix it up by adding in some chocolate or granola for a sweet treat. When I am on the go, I just buy it. But when I have family or friends visiting at the cabin, we like to make our own mixtures the night before our hike. Kids especially love this activity, and everyone can get a chance to make the trail mix their own (or take out the raisins, according to my nephew!).
2. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is another classic hiking snack that is easy to pack and provides plenty of protein. For a healthier option, consider making your own at home with lean cuts of meat and minimal additives.
3. Hummus and Veggies
Pair fresh veggies with your favorite flavor of hummus for a refreshing and healthy snack that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
4. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
This classic combination of peanut butter and banana is perfect for hikers who need a quick and filling lunch on the go.
5. Apples and Almond Butter
Slice up some fresh apples and pair them with a dollop of almond butter for a delicious and nutritious snack.
6. Granola Bars
Granola bars are another good idea. They are easy and portable and can be packed with nuts, oats, and dried fruit to keep you energized for hours.
7. Cheese and Crackers
Simple yet satisfying, cheese and crackers make for a great snack on the trail. Choose your favorite type of cheese and pair it with whole grain crackers for an added boost of energy.
8. Tuna Salad and Crackers
Tuna salad is a tasty and filling lunch option that can easily be packed with crackers for a quick and easy meal on the go.
9. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein and are easy to prepare and pack. Add some salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning for added flavor. I love this little egg storage container that I can clip to my backpack.
10. Beef or Turkey Wrap
Wraps are a great choice because they are easy to pack and can be filled with a variety of ingredients. Using beef or turkey as your filling will provide plenty of protein to keep you going.
11. Veggie Wrap
For a lighter and more nutritious lunch option, try filling a wrap with your favorite veggies. You can also add some hummus or avocado for added flavor and nutrients.
12. Apple Chips
Sliced apple chips are a tasty and healthy snack option that is low in calories and high in fiber.
13. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is another easy and lightweight snack that provides plenty of energy and nutrients. Choose your favorite fruits or try out some new ones for a fun twist.
14. Raisins
You can’t go wrong with a classic box of raisins. These small and portable snacks are perfect for on-the-go energy. And they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help keep you healthy.
15. Popcorn
Popcorn is low in calories and high in fiber. It’s a universal favorite and perfect for snacking on while enjoying the beautiful views on your hike.
16. Cold Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Feta Cheese
For a hot day, a cold pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese can be a refreshing and fulfilling choice. Pack it in a sealed container with ice packs to keep it cool during your hike.
17. Pita and Hummus
Pita bread and hummus is a great combination for a filling snack. You can even add some veggies like carrots or celery for added crunch and nutrition.
18. Lemon-Infused Water
Staying hydrated is the most important thing during a hike. Enhance the flavor of your water by adding a splash of lemon juice to your trusty water bottle. Lemon-infused water not only tastes great but can also help regulate blood sugar levels. I also like to use a fruit-infused water bottle and add strawberries, kiwi, or blueberries.
19. Freeze-Dried Meals
For longer and more strenuous hikes, freeze-dried meals are a good option for their convenience and high nutritional value. Just add hot water and voila! You have a warm, tasty meal ready in minutes.
20. Sweet Potato Chips
Swap traditional potato chips for sweet potato chips. These offer a dose of complex carbohydrates and are rich in nutrients. Bake them at home and pack them in plastic bags for an easy, homemade snack.
21. Nut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
A twist on a classic sandwich, swap out the peanut butter for any other nut butter of your liking. And for a healthier option, choose whole grain bread and a sugar-free jelly.
22. Edamame
This legume is a great source of plant-based protein and can be easily packed in a reusable container. Munch on these while taking a break to recharge and refuel.
23. Mango Slices
One of the sweetest fruits, mango will give you a healthy energy boost while satisfying your sweet tooth. Pre-cut slices from fresh mangos and pack them in a collapsible storage container.
24. Rice Cakes Topped with Peanut Butter and Banana
If you love rice cakes, try topping them with peanut butter and sliced banana for more protein, fiber, and flavor. This snack is perfect for quick breaks on the trail.
25. Turkey or Chicken Salad
Filling and satisfying, turkey or chicken salad can be paired with crackers or eaten on its own for a hearty lunch option with lots of lean protein and healthy fats.
FAQ’s
What’s the best way to keep food fresh on a hiking trip?
To maintain the freshness of your day hike food, use a combination of ice packs and insulated containers. For longer hikes, consider freeze-dried meals that are both lightweight and retain their flavor.
What foods should I avoid bringing on a hike?
Avoid bringing foods that are heavy, perishable, or easily crushed. Examples include canned goods, fresh produce, and delicate snacks like cookies. Also, try to avoid bringing highly processed or sugary foods as they can cause an energy crash during your hike.
What foods attract bears and other wild animals during a hike?
Avoid bringing strong-smelling food items like cured meats and fish as they can attract unwanted attention from wildlife. It’s also best to properly dispose of any food waste and keep your campsite clean to avoid attracting animals. Always follow proper safety precautions when hiking in areas with potential wildlife encounters.
What are some condiments I can bring for sandwiches?
Mustard and individual mayo packets are good choices as they don’t spoil easily. Consider using plastic wrap or small containers to prevent leakage.
What are the best types of bread for sandwiches during hiking?
Breads with a higher fiber content, like whole grain or whole wheat bread, are great options because they provide sustained energy. Avoid breads that are too soft or delicate as they may not hold up well during the hike. Also, consider using pita pockets or tortillas for a more compact and portable sandwich option.
Can I bring dairy products on a hiking trail?
While hard cheese, such as feta or cheddar, can endure room temperature for a certain duration, it’s crucial to exercise caution due to the potential to attract bears — they’re good at sniffing out food. It is advisable to consume these dairy products earlier in your hike to ensure they stay fresh. For longer hikes, consider opting for individually packaged portions to minimize the risk of attracting wildlife.
Is there a recommended limit for the weight of food to carry on a hiking trip?
A general rule is to carry about 1.5 to 2 pounds of food per day. However, the exact amount depends on factors such as your activity level, body weight, and the duration and intensity of your hike. Plan accordingly to avoid carrying too much weight, and make sure you have enough water.
Are there any specific meal ideas for multi-day hikes?
For multi-day hikes, prioritize lightweight and non-perishable options. Dehydrated meals, meal bars, and freeze-dried foods are excellent choices that provide essential nutrients without adding excessive weight to your backpack.
Conclusion
Hiking is one of my favorite ways to enjoy the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia. If you’re planning a day hike, be sure to pack plenty of nutritious snacks (and water!) to keep you fueled and energized throughout your adventure. The hiking lunch ideas we shared in this post are easy to pack and will provide plenty of energy to keep you going. Whether you prefer sweet or savory snacks, vegetarian or meat-based, we hope these ideas have inspired you to pack a delicious and satisfying lunch for your next hiking adventure. Do you have any recipes or other hiking lunch ideas to share?
And don’t forget to check out my Etsy shop for unique items inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountains to enhance your hiking experience!
You may also like: