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How Many Snacks Do You Actually Need?

Calculate your trail fuel based on activity, duration, and intensity. Get a personalized snack pack list so you never bonk again.

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What's the adventure?

Tell us about your trip and we'll sort your snacks

1 hour12 hours

Some elevation, steady pace, regular stops

Why Trail Nutrition Matters

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Under-Fueled

  • • Energy crashes mid-adventure
  • • Poor decision making (bonk brain)
  • • Slower pace, can't keep up
  • • Miserable final hours
  • • Higher injury risk from fatigue
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Properly Fueled

  • • Consistent energy all day
  • • Sharp mental focus
  • • Strong finish, happy crew
  • • Actually enjoy the views
  • • Recovery starts on the trail

Trail Snacking Tips

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Day Hikes

Pack 250-300 calories per hour of hiking. Mix quick energy (fruit, gummies) with sustained fuel (bars, nuts). Always bring more than you think you need.

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Cold Weather

Keep snacks in inside pockets - frozen bars are useless. Choose calorie-dense foods to minimize pack weight. Hot drinks count toward both calories and warmth.

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Hydration

Drink 500ml per hour minimum, more in heat or high effort. Add electrolytes after 2-3 hours. If you're not peeing, you're not drinking enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories should I eat while hiking?

Aim for 200-300 calories per hour of hiking to replace 60-70% of what you burn. A 6-hour moderate hike burns ~2,100 calories, so pack 1,200-1,500 in snacks.

What are the best snacks for hiking?

The best hiking snacks combine quick and sustained energy: energy bars, trail mix, bananas, nut butter packets, and dried fruit. For long hikes, add a sandwich or wrap.

How much water should I bring?

Plan for 500ml per hour minimum. In hot weather or high intensity, increase to 750ml per hour. Always bring electrolyte tablets for hikes over 3 hours.

When should I eat while hiking?

Start with a snack before you begin, then eat every 45-60 minutes. Don't wait until you're hungry. Take a proper break at the halfway point for a larger meal.

What is 'bonking' and how do I avoid it?

Bonking happens when you run out of glycogen, causing sudden fatigue and confusion. Prevent it by eating regularly throughout your activity, not waiting until hungry.

Ready to Plan Your Adventure?

Scroll back up to calculate your snack plan, or check if your fitness is ready for your trip.

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