6 Delicious Hiking Lunch Ideas

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Who ever gets tired of the classic trail peanut butter and jelly sandwich, trail mix, and granola bar hiking lunch? It’s great, but hey, it gets old sometimes.

Lucky for you, we take food seriously here at the Explorer Chick headquarters and we’re all about some bomb backpacking food to go along with strenuous hiking. Because it’s not just about the food — it’s about the fantastic women we get to chow down with.

Plus, good food (and lots of it) means less hangry outbursts or meltdowns. But to get there requires some thoughtful meal planning and creative packing solutions. That’s where we’ve got you covered with these creative hiking lunch ideas and other tips to create your own meals on the trail.

Your Guide to Trail Nutrition

First things first is making sure you get enough food and nutrients to fuel for a long day hike.

Protein

Protein is key when thinking of day hiking food ideas. It will keep you feeling full longer as a metabolism booster and it will be a good source for muscle repair.

Here are a few suggestions when it comes to packing in your protein with trail snacks.

• Nuts or trail mix
• Energy bars and protein bars, either homemade or store bought
• String cheese
• Hard boiled eggs
• Lean beef jerky or other dried meats
• Tuna packets
• Nut butter like peanut butter packets or almond butter

Carbs

No two carbohydrates are created equal. While carbs have gotten a bad rap with a few diet fads, they do have an importance in some capacity. Carbs come in the form of sugars, starches or fibers and there are complex or simple carbohydrates. Complex carbs are where it’s at. Simply put, a complex carb, like in veggies or whole grains, is absorbed slower so your glucose levels won’t spike. The bottom line: complex carbs provide a more consistent energy source.

Fats

Much like your carb intake, there are a few fats that are necessary and will help fuel you when you’re burning calories on the trail. Foods with healthy fats, like nuts and seeds in your trail mix are providing energy and cell growth. With the trifecta of good and healthy proteins, carbs and fats, you’ll have the ideal lunch for hiking fuel.

What Explorer Chicks say about our trail lunches…

“I loved the lunch sandwiches SO much I have started making them at home and sharing them with friends. New food options were a big bonus I wasn’t expecting!”

Explorer Chick on our Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park Glamping Trip

Expert Hiking Lunch Idea Tips

You don’t have to be a culinary connoisseur to put together a tasteful hiking lunch. Here are a few tricks to level up your lunch while on the trail.

Pre-Cook Chicken or Bring Chicken Packets

Keep it easy with pulled, pre-cooked chicken. For longer a backpacking trip, keep it non-perishable with chicken packets that are easy to pack.

Prep Salad Kits

Just add your favorite protein like meat, beans or cheese and toss it into a wrap or pita for a quick, hearty hiking lunch option.

Personalize for Dietary Preferences

Take some tried and true recipes and add your own zest or dietary preferences. Make any sandwich or wrap gluten free, dairy free, veggie friendly or vegan.

Note: we have yet to find a gluten free wrap we like. Instead, skip the wrap, toss it in a Tupperware, and pack a fork.

Pack it out

Even “biodegradable” items (like fruit peels, pits or food scraps) are still a big “no no” to leave on the trail. It negatively impacts the wildlife around where you’re visiting (and no one wants to see your old banana peel while hiking). Remember that food waste is still considered littering. Keep your waste low by bringing along reusable items like small camping utensils, bamboo chopsticks and reusable sandwich baggies for snacks.

Treat Yo Self

Some things may seem extravagant, but it makes the hiking or backpacking lunch break better. You may be at a lunch rest stop feeling tired and not as chipper as you did at the trailhead. Little things like seasonings, spices, sauces or a special treat like a piece of dark chocolate can really feel luxurious if you’re tired, hungry, and sore.

Plus, it forces you to SLOW DOWN. Look around! You’re in a beautiful area with some fantastic people! Kick back and enjoy.

Make it fancy

Just because you’re in the wilderness, doesn’t mean your hiking and backpacking food has to be bland! Make your own spice blend and put it in a small reusable container and sprinkle on top of your wrap or sandwich to kick it up a notch. Bring them along in something small, light and reusable like a baby food jar, prescription pill bottle, or a silicon travel size cosmetic container.

Want to bring something that’s a liquid? Pack it in a flask — a lightweight way to carry a dressing or oil. Looking to heat things up? Take a baby hot sauce bottle or bring along Sriracha on a keychain to add some spice and flavor to your hiking and backpacking meals.