Before you head out on your next day hike, it’s a good idea to pack a nutritious and delicious lunch and snacks! Check out this list of 40+ Best Hiking Lunch ideas. From sandwiches and salads to bowls and snacks, these hiking food recipes are easy to make, portable, and customizable.
Embarking on a hiking adventure is not just about conquering trails and enjoying breathtaking vistas—it’s also an opportunity to nourish both body and soul.
Living in Oregon, we love going on day hikes around the Columbia River Gorge, the Oregon Coast, and hiking at state parks. As lovers of food and scenic hikes, we understand the importance of healthy foods to maintain energy levels, sustain stamina, and enhance overall performance on the trail.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a novice explorer, choosing the right foods to take hiking can make a world of difference in your outdoor experience. From lightweight and portable snacks like fresh fruit, to hearty and nutritious meals, we’ve got a range of lunch options that cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs.
So, if you’re ready to elevate your hiking game and unlock the secret to delicious and energizing sustenance in the great outdoors, read on. Get ready to transform your hiking experience with our carefully curated selection of hiking lunch ideas.
Let’s dive in and discover the world of trailside delights together!
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🌟 Choosing the best food to take hiking
When choosing food to take on a hike, there are several key factors to consider. Here are the top five things to keep in mind:
- Nutritional Value – Opt for foods that provide a good balance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats) to sustain your energy levels. Look for options that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support your overall health and well-being.
- Portability and Weight – Hiking often involves carrying your food in a backpack, so it’s crucial to choose lightweight and compact options. Select foods that are easy to pack, and are not easily crushed or damaged. This ensures that your load remains manageable and that your food stays intact during the hike.
- Longevity and Shelf Life – Consider the duration of your hike and choose foods that have a longer shelf life, especially for multi-day trips. Opt for items that are non-perishable, have a low risk of spoilage, and can withstand various weather conditions.
- Convenience and Ease of Preparation – Hiking is physically demanding, and you may not have access to elaborate cooking facilities on the trail. Select foods that can be prepared fully ahead of time.
- Personal Preferences and Dietary Restrictions – Take into account your personal tastes, dietary preferences, and any food allergies or intolerances. Choose foods that you genuinely enjoy eating to make the hiking experience more enjoyable. Additionally, consider any dietary restrictions or special needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free options, to ensure you have suitable choices available.
By considering these five factors, you can select hiking foods that align with your nutritional needs, are practical to carry, and bring you satisfaction and sustenance throughout your outdoor adventures.
🎒 Choosing the right lunch bag
Choosing the right storage option for food you’ll take with you hiking is critical. Here are some top features to consider:
- Insulation is crucial to keep your food at a safe temperature and prevent spoilage. Look for a lunch bag with sufficient insulation to maintain cold or hot temperatures for extended periods.
- Durability is important to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities, so choose a bag made from sturdy materials that can withstand bumps, drops, and rough handling.
- Finally, consider the size and compartmentalization of the bag to accommodate different food items and prevent leakage or cross-contamination. A lunch bag with multiple pockets, easy access and easy reach, and a waterproof lining is the best option to help keep your food organized, protected, and ready to enjoy during your day hike.
👩🏻🍳 FAQs
In addition to the easy recipes for hiking lunches and snacks below, try bringing along portable foods. Bananas, fresh fruit, beef jerky, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, dried fruit, hard cheese, protein bars, and trail snacks are all a great idea for your next hiking trip.
First, make sure you always carry a filled water bottle in your hiking pack. When the temperatures heat up on your backpacking trip, stock your lunch bag with fresh food like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, sliced watermelon, cantaloupe, and honey dew. These are all good ideas for a quick energy boost that won’t load you down on warm weather hikes.
🍽️ Best Hiking Lunch Recipes
Ready to whip up some healthy day hike lunch ideas? We love these recipes below. Don’t forget to pack your water bottle, whether you’re going out for a day hiking trip or backpacking and multi-day hikes!
Hiking Lunch Ideas
Enjoy these yummy hiking lunch ideas! Choose from sandwiches, salads, protein packs, muffins, and snack recipes!
🥪 Sandwiches
Sandwiches are convenient and versatile. making them a popular choice for hikers seeking a quick and satisfying meal on the trail. Portable, easy to make, nourishing, compact, and customizable, sandwiches offer a wide array of options to suit every taste and dietary preference. Sandwiches are the ideal go-to hiking food that allows you to refuel and recharge wherever your adventures take you!
This Turkey Pesto Sandwich recipe is easy to make, and the sandwiches can be eaten warm or cold. Wrap them in aluminum foil and enjoy on the trail!
Bring some protein and flavor on your next hike with these easy Buffalo chicken wraps. They stay great cold and taste amazing!
These Easy Peanut Chicken Wraps are a quick and healthy lunch full of flavor. They have a rainbow of crunchy veggies, protein packed chicken, and the most amazing peanut sauce!
Crunchy Chicken Caesar Wraps are the handheld version of the classic salad, making them great to take on hikes!
Can't beat a Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich, and this one is super easy to make with store-bought or homemade rotisserie chicken. Pack up along with an ice pack in your lunchbag and enjoy your day hike!
These turkey and cheese roll ups are the perfect option for a hiking lunch! Made with simple ingredients like cheese, turkey and spinach these are a great make ahead meal!
Boasting ham, cheese, salad veggies, and olive spread, all wrapped in ciabatta bread, this is a hearty, tasty on-the-go sandwich. Perfect fuel for longer hikes!
This Grinder Sandwich is big enough to share with everyone on the hiking trail! Keep it cold and enjoy it after a lengthy trip.
Pastrami sandwiches are a delicious and flavorful on-the-go meal. Made with tender and juicy pastrami, this sandwich is packed with savory flavors that will satisfy your taste buds out on the hiking trail.
Egg Avocado Tuna Sandwich is an easy, delicious sandwich that's perfect for a day hike lunch! You can prep it the night before or morning of your hike, then wrap up and keep in a cooled lunch container during your hike.
This easy-to-make Caesar Kale Wrap features a delicious combination of crunchy chickpeas, crispy kale, and a homemade Caesar dressing. It's a flavorful and satisfying lunch to take with you on day hikes!
Cucumber pinwheels, or cucumber and cream cheese sandwich rolls, are a great portable lunch to take hiking.
Loaded with fresh veggies, this Crucumber Hummus Sandwich is a nutritious and delicious hiking lunch recipe.
🥗 Salads
Salads make for an excellent choice of hiking food, offering a refreshing and nutrient-packed option for outdoor enthusiasts. Lightweight, hydrating, and nutritious, salads can provide a satisfying blend of fresh vegetables, proteins, and toppings to fuel your hiking adventures. Their portability, ability to withstand different weather conditions, and customizable nature make salads an ideal choice for hikers looking for a healthy and flavorful meal that can keep you energized on the trail.
This Simple Fruit Salad is super easy to make but packed with flavor that's anything but basic! It packs up nicely and is perfect for your next hiking adventure!
If you want a hearty pasta dish but need it to be portable and hike-friendly, try this BLT Pasta Salad. It is delicious to enjoy cold, so be sure to pack an ice pack with it and then enjoy this hearty lunch on the trail.
This easy and healthy Mediterranean-inspired white bean salad is packed with Cannellini beans, fresh herbs, vegetables, and a zesty Mediterranean salad dressing, making a great plant-based protein quick lunch on the go. You can easily transport it in an insulated container to keep it fresh and refreshing.
This couscous kale salad has the flavors and nutrients you need to recharge during your hike. It’s light yet satisfying, with chickpeas, pearled couscous, and an an earthy harissa dressing you’ll want to put on everything!
Vegan Pearl Couscous Salad with Fresh Vegetables is the perfect lunch for a day hike as it provides a nutritious and filling meal that is easy to pack and carry. Packed with nutrition and a variety of colorful vegetables, it offers sustained energy and refreshing flavors to fuel your outdoor adventure.
Southwest Quinoa Salad is filled with protein and vegetables, but it's great to pack because it doesn't need refrigeration.
For a vegetarian pasta salad option, try this Avocado Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Corn. Packed with the season's yummiest vegetables and a tasty avocado dressing, keep it with an ice pack and enjoy it cold during your hike.
Tuna Pasta Salad is a classic, versatile dish that can be enjoyed cold out on the trail.
This Trail Mix Salad features fruit and nuts mixed with whole grains and a lovely, fresh dressing. Super portable making it great for packing to school, work, or on hikes.
With fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and mozzarella pearls, this Orzo Pesto Salad is a tasty portable salad that is great to take on hikes!
🍱 Protein Packs & Bowls
Protein-packed hiking food will help keep you fueled up while you enjoy the great outdoors. Here are a few nourishing and hearty protein packs and bowls that will satisfy your hunger and keep your energy up for your next hike.
Your favorite burrito ingredients come together in this satisfying and healthy burrito bowl! With lean protein, beans, veggies, and grains, bowls like these are nutritious hiking lunch ideas.
Seafood lovers will enjoy packing up these Spicy Tuna Bowls for your next hike!
These Protein Snack Packs are perfectly portable and bursting with healthy, delicious food to keep you fueled on your day hike.
You'll love these individual charcuterie boxes packed with dried fruits, veggies, cheeses, crackers, nuts, and dips. So great for hiking adventures!
🥜 Hiking Snacks
Don't forget to pack some snacks! These snacks are portable, finger food, and most are protein-packed for fuel while hiking.
Overnight oats aren't just for breakfast. These Protein Overnight Oats can easily be customized and are portable on-the-go lunches great for hiking adventures!
Pack up a bag of these Apple and Peanut Butter Snack Balls for your next hike. They're easy to make, easy to eat, and keep your energy going while out on the trail!
These Cinnamon Spice Coconut Chips are the perfect healthy hiking snack. They travel well, and are super filling to keep you going on even the longest hikes.
These Healthy Cheez It Crackers are full of protein and delicious crunch to keep hikers energized and happy all day long.
Make your own granola bars for healthier snack options while hiking. These Chewy Apple Granola Bars are great for hikers of all ages!
Filled with protein and chocolate, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls are bite-sized treats that will keep you energized on your next hike.
These protein rice crispy treats are not only delicious but so easy to make. They are a great hiking snack.
These delicious cookies are lightly sweetened and nutrient-packed. They're refined sugar-free, soft, chewy and great portable hiking snacks!
🧁 Muffins
Muffins are great snacks to take on hikes! Throw a few of these into your backpack along with a salad or sandwich, and you're good to go!
With warm fall spices, pumpkin puree, and mashed ripe banana, these pumpkin banana muffins are sweet, delicious, and perfect for hikes all year round.
These Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins are moist, sweet, and full of tasty chocolate chips and ripe banana.
Pack some extra nutrition in your hiking snacks with these Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins. They have shredded carrots and zucchini, making them moist & fluffy and added nutrients!
Classic Chocolate Chip Muffins are great to take on hikes! With a cinnamon sugar topping, these are sweet treats that are great to nibble on during a day hike.
Dairy-Free Lemon Blueberry Muffins have a bright citrus flavor and are packed with summer fresh blueberries (or you can use frozen).
These low-fat carrot muffins are so easy to make! You don’t need to peel the carrots and all of the ingredients are blended together in the food processor in less than 10 minutes. Then they're ready to pack up for your hike!
🍴 Hiking food gear
Ready to pack up your delicious meal for your next hike? Here are our fave hiking gear and lunch bags. Click the links to buy the gear you need for all of your hiking adventures!
- Day pack – The NorthFace 24L Day Pack with rain cover is perfect for short day hikes as well as multi-day hiking adventures.
- Ice packs – Stash some cute ice packs to keep your hiking food at the right temperature.
- Freezable lunch bag – This PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag allows you to keep food super cold on hikes.
- Food storage bags – These reusable food storage bags come in various sizes and are leakproof, easy to clean, and freezer safe.
- Utensils – Instead of disposable cheap plastic utensils, buy a set of portable, eco-friendly, stainless steel utensils and straws in a waterproof case. Perfect for hiking, and each family member can have one in a different color!
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Did you make any of these recipes? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating and comment below letting us know which one you made and how it turned out. Thank you!
