If you have ever hiked with kids, you know that whining sometimes (often?) occurs. And I am here to tell you that nothing cures whining faster than a bag of their favorite trail snacks. So whenever we are backpacking with kids, we put together snack bags that they carry themselves and are totally in charge of. Not only does this relieve me of the responsibility of frequently reaching into my own pack to find their favorite trail snacks, it allows them to learn how to ration, budget and delay gratification which is a pretty important life lesson. You want to eat ten snacks today but then are going to be limited for the rest of the trip? Fine with me. You’re saving them all for a harder day ahead? Sounds good. Your snack bag – your responsibility. This comes with the added bonus of none of the kids worrying about their brother or sister eating up all the “good snacks.” Since everyone has their own trail snacks, no one pays attention to what someone else is eating. Can I get a hallelujah?!
Before we head off for a hike, I put all of their favorite snacks in a large freezer bag with their name on in and it goes in the top of their pack. Since snacks are an important part of hiking, I plan on 3 or 4 trail snacks per day along with some smaller treats to supplement their stash. Being in charge of their own snack bags lets them choose when and what they want to eat when they need a pick me up during a hike. My kids barter their favorites with each other and have even used extra snacks as payment to get out of camp chores. And I’m all about camp chores getting done without complaint!
Our Favorite Trail Snacks
Clif Bars
Little Debbie/Hostess Snack Cakes
Granola Bars of all kinds
Trail Mix (Click HERE for a Recipe to make your own)
Fun Size and Regular Size Candy Bars
Cookie Packs
Rice Krispie Treats
Hard Candies (Jolly Ranchers, Sweet Tarts, and Life Savers)
Gummy Bears/Airheads/Sour Patch Kids/Twizzlers
Fruit Snacks
Peanut Butter Crackers
Fruit Roll Ups (Click HERE for the recipe to make your own)
Mixed Nuts
Raisins and other dried fruits (Click HERE for a recipe)
Slim Jims/Beef Jerky
Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans
Click HERE for a printable shopping list of our favorite trail snacks.
Do you have a favorite go to trail snack? I’m always looking for new favorites!
Happy Trails!