Whether you’re hunting big game or connecting with the great outdoors, you need to keep your energy up. To enjoy yourself to the fullest, you’ll need some high-energy snacks.
What are high-energy snacks though? Ideally, they’re snacks that have enough calories to replenish your energy, while also having a variety of nutrients. For hunting and camping, they should be portable, easy to access, and non-perishable.
Luckily, there are plenty of high-energy snacks that are perfect for your outdoor adventures.
Our Favorite High-Energy Snacks To Pack For Your Trip
There’s a wide range of high-energy snacks to fuel your favorite outdoor activities. Here are some of our favorites to take with you on your next camping or hunting trip.
| High Energy Snack | Protein | Fat | Sugar | Serving Size |
| Beef Jerky
(Wild River Mild Old Fashioned) |
15 grams | 2.5 grams | 0 grams | One ounce |
| Mixed Nuts (dry roasted with peanuts and salt added) | 4.9 grams | 14.6 grams | 1.36 grams | One ounce |
| Energy Bars | Varies | Varies | Varies | One bar |
| Trail Mix | Varies | Varies | Varies | ¼ cup |
| Dried Fruit (Mixture) | Less than a gram | Less than a gram | 26.5 grams | ¼ cup |
| Meat Sticks | Varies | Varies | Varies | One stick |
| Protein Bars | Varies | Varies | Varies | One bar |
All nutritional values were gathered from the USDA’s FoodData Central.
1. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky has been a favorite high-energy snack among outdoor lovers. Besides being delicious, it’s portable, easy to access, and a quality source of protein. In fact, Wild River’s beef jerky has an impressive 15 grams of protein per serving to help boost your energy.
Wild River’s jerky is made with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. It’s the rough and tough jerky that connects you to your country roots. Along with a robust flavor, it takes time to chew, so you can savor each morsel slowly.
There are a variety of mouthwatering Wild River flavors to choose from, including:
- Mild Old Fashioned Beef Jerky: Authentic, flavorful, and chewy, this is the jerky you grew up loving. When you need to feel invigorated, sink your teeth into a piece and savor the hearty texture and taste.
- Hot Old Fashioned Beef Jerky: Relish the classic taste of beef jerky, but with a spicy twist. This jerky is seasoned with spicy chili peppers to awaken your taste buds and energize you for your nature adventures.
- Black Pepper Old Fashioned Beef Jerky: Black pepper adds a vigorous kick to this old-school jerky. Enjoy the rip and tear feel as you stimulate your senses with each tasty bite.
- Green Chile Old Fashioned Beef Jerky: Perk up your energy with this zesty jerky. Green peppers compliment the natural smoky flavor and rugged, meaty texture.
2. Nuts
Nuts are dense in nutrients and calories, which can energize you quickly. Whether you stick with one kind or go for a variety, you can’t lose.
Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown of some popular nuts:
| Nut | Serving Size | Protein Content | Fat | Carbohydrates |
| Almonds | One ounce | 6.01 grams | 14.1 grams | 6.12 grams |
| Pistachios | One ounce | 5.73 grams | 12.8 grams | 7.71 grams |
| Hazelnuts | One ounce | 4.25 grams | 17.2 grams | 4.73 grams |
| Cashews | One ounce | 5.16 grams | 12.4 grams | 8.56 grams |
| Peanuts | One ounce | 7.31 grams | 13.9 grams | 4.56 grams |
All nutritional values were gathered from the USDA’s FoodData Central.
3. Energy Bars
When you need a high-energy snack, energy bars say it right there in the name. These compact, hassle-free bars are easy to slip into your hunting vest, camping pack, or cargo pants. With so many varieties out there, you can walk into almost any grocery store or gas station and pick one up for a quick boost.
The amount of protein, carbs, fats, and sugars will vary from bar to bar. No matter what type of energy bar you choose, read the nutrition label. Aim for bars that don’t have added sugar and highly processed ingredients, but still have enough calories to supercharge your energy.
4. Trail Mix
When you’re out hiking or hunting and hunger strikes, fuel up with some tasty trail mix. The number of calories and nutrients will depend on the kind of trail mix you take with you.
Trail mix can be store-bought or you can get your favorite ingredients and mix them yourself. If you have a sweet tooth, try dried fruit, chocolate candies, or even yogurt-covered pretzels. If you lean more salty, try nuts or corn snacks. You can also add some dried wasabi-flavored peas for a spicy kick.
5. Dried Fruit
From apricots to cranberries to banana chips, dried fruit can be enjoyed in all shapes and sizes. This high-energy snack has plenty of calories to fuel you as you trek through the woods or canoe on the lake.
Dried fruit is dehydrated, which concentrates its natural sugar content. The amount of sugar will vary from fruit to fruit. Buy it in bulk at your grocery store and pack it into airtight containers to keep it fresh.
6. Meat Sticks
Slim, lightweight, and easy to eat, meat sticks are a scrumptious, savory snack you can really sink your teeth into. As an energy boost, smoked beef sticks may contain 4 grams of protein and 9 grams of fat, depending on the brand.
Besides beef, meat sticks can be made out of turkey, venison, pork, bison, chicken, or elk. As always, read the nutritional label to find out how many calories and nutrients are in each stick.
7. Protein Bars
If energy bars aren’t for you, protein bars are a great way to fuel your body during your trip. The amount of protein in each bar depends on the brand, as well as other nutrients like fats and carbs.
When choosing a protein bar for a high-energy snack, aim for one that has between 150-250 calories per serving and less than five grams of added sugar. Also, read the label to see what kind of ingredients are in the bar to avoid triggering any sensitivities you may have. For instance, if you need to stay away from dairy, avoid protein bars with whey protein.
Try Our High-Energy Snacks Made With 100% Beef
The next time you pack up your outdoor gear, make sure you also pack a quality, high-energy snack to fuel your adventures. Our old-fashioned beef jerky is made to savor slowly while delivering a hefty dose of energy-boosting protein. Stock up for your next expedition by shopping our products today.
Wild River Jerky does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.