Kathleen Johnson
Enjoying the great outdoors can definitely work up an appetite. Packing the right amount of food and water on a hike is essential. Not only will you need energy, but it allows you to go further down the trail when it’s so easy to turn back. Seasoned hikers know the common snacks you can quickly throw in a bag, like beef jerky and nuts. But there are more options available. Consider these DIY organic snacks to bring on your next hike.
Dehydrated Produce
Dehydrated fruit is lightweight and healthy. It also has a long shelf life making it perfect for those long overnight hikes. You have many options to dehydrate fruit at home. Countertop dehydrators are the most common appliance, but you'll find several ovens offer a dehydrating feature.
Slice your favorite fruit to dry over an extended period of time. We like to use strawberries or apples, but you can dehydrate any fruit or vegetable you desire. Consider mixing it up and trying out different fruits and vegetables in the dehydrator to give yourself variety out on the trail. You can also create your own fruit rolls with special dehydrator trays.
Custom Trail Mix
Creating your own trail mix is one of the easiest ways to make a quick snack. It's also a great way to use odds and ends in the cupboard. Pull out anything in your pantry that you enjoy - like popcorn, pretzels, crackers, raisins, cereal, fruit, nuts, or baking chips. Mix all the ingredients. Scoop out portions into snack bags to create your very own DIY trail mix. You can add or eliminate whatever kind of snack you like best, making this trail mix one that you won’t end up picking through to find the best stuff.
Peanut Butter Bites
No-bake energy pops are trending right now, and for good reason: they’re easy to make and packed full of nutrition. Consider making your own organic peanut butter energy bites with organic oatmeal and honey. Customize these easy-to-make peanut butter bites depending on your taste. The granola bar ingredients will definitely provide a boost of energy out on the trail. If you are don't like the taste of peanut butter or have allergies, consider choosing an alternative like almond, cashew, or even SunButter.
Homemade Granola
Organic oatmeal just tastes better when covered in maple syrup and coconut! Making your own homemade granola for your time outdoors is an easy DIY snack that will satisfy a growling belly. Start with organic oatmeal and mix in some coconut shreds, slivers of almonds, sunflower seeds, vanilla, and maple syrup. Mix it all together and let it roast in the oven at a low temperature for a few hours. Stir the granola as it roasts to help it all dry out evenly. Store cooled granola in a plastic bag or airtight container for quick energy on the trail.
Making your own organic snacks for your next hike is easy and a great way to use up food that you already have in the pantry. With so many places to go hiking, you’ll want to consider these energy boosting snacks to make it through a day of exploring.
Kathleen Johnson is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for hiking, camping, and rock climbing. You’ll often find her camping near one of Colorado’s many 14ers getting ready for her next big adventure.
