Trail snacks are usually lightweight, easy to pack, and a delicious way to take a break. (Power Up/)
If you are beating the bush in pursuit of elk, venison, or some other free-ranging organic vittles, chances are you aren’t too concerned with, say, vegan trail snacks. But in addition to all the humanely sourced nuts and molasses on the shelves today, there are a host of other dietary qualifiers making their way into this most basic of outdoor foods. Fortunately, we live in the Golden Age of choice, making it easy to find trail snacks for even the most discerning palates.
Keto and Paleo Friendly
Keto and paleo trail snacks are low on carbohydrates and include mixes of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. (Keto Farms/)
Two of the most popular diets in recent years are the Ketogenic and Paleo diets. Both call for reducing or limiting your carbohydrate intake to either move your body into ketosis (the state of burning fat for fuel), or to mimic the diet of our paleolithic ancestors before processed foods and commercial deep fryers turned us into walking carb sponges. If you are a serious adherent to either diet, then a keto or paleo friendly trail snack will keep you on the wagon even in the wild.
Gluten and Lactose Free
If your body reacts to gluten or dairy, there are trail snacks that don’t contain either. (Larabar/)
Gluten and lactose intolerance are serious conditions that can make life miserable for sufferers. Fortunately, it's easy to stay on the right path with gluten and dairy-free trail products that go heavy on nuts and berries.
Tried-and-True GORP
If your hike has you burning more calories than you’re taking in, bring along a snack that can replenish your fuel tank on the trail. (Happy Belly/)
If you are among the fortunate who can eat anything with impunity, then there's nothing wrong with a bag full of GORP (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts), either homemade or store-bought. Just remember that commercial products contain loads of sugar, usually in the form of M&Ms.; While great for instant energy, it's basically like eating candy and you could experience a "crash" after the sugar high wears off. That said, when you are ascending a couple thousand feet in a day of mountain hunting or humping out a hind quarter from two miles back, simply having the calories at all is at least as important as where they come from.