The Secret to Outdoor Energy: Perfect Snacks

As we sit at home or in an office cubicle, glancing at the weather forecast, it’s hard not to notice the long stretches of warm days, sunshine, and perfect spring and summer conditions.

Such forecasts make us long for a few days away with our spouse, family, or friends—escaping to the outdoors where sleepy sunrises give way to warm, adventure-filled days, and nights end around a crackling campfire, s’mores in hand, beneath a billion twinkling stars.

This season is the perfect excuse for a long weekend under the stars, a true escape from it all… just don’t forget to pack the snacks before you go!

Greg Sakowicz, Director of Acquisition Marketing for MyOutdoorTV, knows the undeniable pull of the wild. For him, it’s not just a passion—it’s part of his job in the outdoor industry.

"Camping is the perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature," he said. "Breathe in that fresh air, listen to the soothing rustling of leaves, and gather around that cozy campfire with no distractions."

The Importance of Energy on the Trail

But as enjoyable as stargazing, hiking a trail, summiting a mountain peak, or casting a line into a trout stream can be, these adventures require energy. And that energy comes at a cost—burning calories throughout a physically demanding day in the great outdoors.

Sure, we've got great meal options when we're actually in camp—pancakes on the propane-fired griddle, freeze-dried meals that need only a cup of boiling water, hot dogs and hamburgers staying chilled in our super cooler, or maybe even steaks and the fixings sitting on ice, as well. And with a little piscatorial luck earlier in the day, there might even be some natural provision by nightfall, the main ingredient for a fried fish dinner ready to be cooked up in the cast iron skillet back at camp.

But as good as all that sounds, the body still needs fuel throughout the day—long before it’s time to sit down for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The Right Snacks for the Trail

Through my time camping, bowhunting, and fly fishing across the American West, this Texas flatlander has learned that keeping the engine humming all day requires more than just three square meals. Snacks are essential—but the right kind of snacks—the ones that keep you energized and hydrated for the long haul.

Flip through any how-to guide on hunting, fishing, hiking, or even summiting a mountain, and you'll find plenty of recommendations for fresh fruits and vegetables—bananas, apple slices, carrot sticks, and the like. Whether packed straight from the grocer’s shelf or dehydrated for easier transport, these are solid choices to toss into your hiking pack.

Peanut butter, dark chocolate (which, in moderation, is actually good for you), fruit leather strips, energy bars, and of course, granola or GORP (“good old raisins and peanuts”) are staples in many hiking packs, including mine. Personally, I’m also a big fan of packing some type of nuts. They’re lightweight, packed with nutrition, provide sustained energy, and are heart-healthy. My wife just smiles and nods when I admit I’m a bit of a nutty guy, but it’s true; I love everything from almonds and cashews to peanuts and walnuts. These little protein bombs are tough to beat as a snack.

Jerky: A Trail Favorite

Another go-to is jerky, whether it’s store-bought or a homemade batch from last season’s venison haul. As we pointed out in Game & Fish magazine a couple of autumns ago, everyone loves jerky, right? It’s lean, packed with protein, easy to find, and fairly economical. And if you go the DIY route, there’s no shortage of marinades, spices, and recipes to help you craft the perfect batch for your next trip.

A word of advice: snacking on jerky is a mindless and enjoyable activity, especially during a long afternoon hike. If you're not careful, you might polish off the entire bag before you even reach camp. Don't ask how I know; I’m not spilling the beans.

A Surprising Snack: Pickles

That brings us to the next snack you’ll want to pack for a summertime camping trip, a hike in the woods, or a mountain climb with friends. It might surprise some, but it shouldn’t—considering its nutritional value, its ability to replenish electrolytes, and how easily it tucks into any pocket of your hiking pack.

What’s that snack? Pickles, of course, especially the ones made by SuckerPunch. I first discovered the brand a few years ago, and after one bite, I was hooked for life. While I’ve always had an affinity for pickles, not just any cucumber will do. I’m a bit picky about my pickles, especially when I’m spending time outdoors in the warmer months.

Made with traditional pickle-making methods, these pickles feature a signature blend of spices, kosher salt, and sugar, along with a mixture of distilled white vinegar and cold filtered water that is heated and poured over crisp cucumber slices. These aren’t the bland pickles you find at the grocery store. Instead, they’re crisp, flavorful, and bold and hit the spot every time.

SuckerPunch Pickle Packs: A Game-Changer

Speaking of hitting the spot, if your summertime plans include time spent in a camper and you’ve got the space and refrigeration, consider the traditional glass jar version of SuckerPunch pickles. There are nine different flavors available, including my favorite, the Sweet Spiced Bread & Butter Chips.

If your camping plans involve a backpack, a long hike, and a tent being set up at the end of the day, SuckerPunch has your snacking needs covered with the convenient pickle pack. Easy to carry, use, and dispose of, these packs are the perfect on-the-go snack. They’re gluten-free, certified kosher, and non-GMO—and since there’s no high fructose corn syrup, you can enjoy them without worrying about the energy crash that often follows other snacks.

What flavors are available for these SuckerPunch Pickle Packs? You have four individual options: Classic Dill, Fiery Hot Three Pepper, Spicy Dill, and Snappy Sweet Bread & Butter.

Or you can choose the Try 'Em All Snack Pack, which has one of each flavor listed above. Calories are minimal, there's no fat or cholesterol, and total carbs are just enough to give you an on-the-trial energy boost when needed. Weighing in at only 3.4 ounces, they’re easy to carry, use, and recycle—perfect for a weekend warrior like yours truly.

Don’t Forget Pickle Juice

And while you’re filling the pack for a camping trip this summer, don't forget to pack a few SuckerPunch Pickle Juice Shooters in either Classic Dill or Spicy. Made straight from the brine of SuckerPunch pickles, these 2-oz bottles are infused with electrolytes that will help keep you hydrated on the trail and avoid those nagging muscle cramps that can bring us to a dead stop if we’re ignoring the need to stay hydrated throughout the day.

If you're RV’ing this summer or planning a road trip lasting a couple of weeks or more, you can also opt for SuckerPunch's Hydration Pickle Juice in a 1-gallon plastic jug. It’s the same electrolyte-packed pickle juice as the Pickle Juice Shooters—though it’s only available in Classic Dill flavor—but in a much larger size that’s perfect for several days spent in the Great Outdoors.

As you plan for the spring and summer seasons of camping, hiking, and more, make sure to include snacks on your to-do list. They’re one of the most important items for each day. And don’t forget, no matter what else makes the snack list as you head to the store, it should definitely include plenty of SuckerPunch pickle products!

Related: How to Pick the Perfect Campsite

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