You’re ten minutes from the trailhead and an hour from home when you realize the snacks are still on your kitchen counter. Big bummer. Stopping at the last gas station between you and four hours of hiking, you know this is make-or-break time, the difference between a magical day on the trail and a grown-up meltdown. So how can you save the day for under $15? Here are six considerations for those looking to score some last second calories without breaking the bank.
1. Slim Jim ($1)
Not the most elegant of the meat sticks, but this classic snack packs a protein punch—seven grams to be exact—for much less than its other beef jerky competitors. Bonus points for being flexible, thin and incredibly pack-friendly, a Slim Jim offers you a nice calorie baseline in a pinch.
2. Honey Roasted Peanuts ($4)
Roasted nuts are full of burnable calories and make for great trail fuel. While almonds offer a balance of iron, calcium, and magnesium, we’re opting for peanuts that are higher in protein and fiber. That tasty coating of honey and sugar could give you a boost on a steep incline. Plus, taste, you know?
3. Pedialyte ($3.50)
Skip the sugary sports beverage and grab that drink your sick kid lived on once for some real replenishment power. Pedialyte is high in electrolytes and sugar that help replenish what you lose while sweating on the trail, and offers 780 milligrams of potassium and 7.8 milligrams of zinc per serving. Combine with water for longer days on the trail.
4. Bananas ($1)
This kind of depends on the gas station, but many (like 7Eleven) will offer some bananas hanging out by checkout. Bananas are high in potassium, which helps prevent cramping and boosts your blood sugar to keep energy levels from crashing during your day hike. If bananas aren’t available, dried apricots are a good alternative.
5. Snickers ($1.75)
The ultimate backcountry snack, Snickers might be the most useful candy bar of the lot, combining peanuts, chocolate, and caramel into a delicious energy pop when you need it most. I tend to pack a Snickers for summit days, breaking off a half at the top for a reward, but also that necessary protein and sugar kick. The second half can provide some emergency calories on the return trip, but also tastes great in the parking lot.
6. Hard-Boiled Egg ($1)
Believe it or not, lots of gas stations have them, and they’re always cheap. Hard-boiled eggs, while not the most glamorous trail snack, are a great emergency option for replenishing energy and repairing muscle tissue after or towards the end of a long day on the trail. Protein rich, these trail MVPs provide all nine amino acids and are easy to throw in the top of any hiking pack. Bonus points for pickled hard-boiled eggs, which offer lots of anti-inflammatory benefits to offset that post-hike rigor mortis.
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