The Best Energy Bars for Hiking and Backpacking

[UPDATED 11-6-23: Added organic, natural ingredients trail/energy bars]

Picking the best energy bars for hiking trips is crucial to having the right nutrition and calories for moderate or difficult hiking since energy bars are a convenient, lightweight, and nutritious snack for fueling outdoor adventures. With so many brands and flavors available, it can be tricky to determine which energy bars are best suited for hiking, backpacking, and camping trips. This guide compares the top energy bar brands and provides tips for choosing bars that will power you through miles on the trail.

Benefits of Energy Bars for Outdoor Activities

Energy bars offer many benefits that make them a smart choice for hikers, backpackers and campers:

• Portability – Energy bars are lightweight and compact. They don’t take up much space in your pack.
• Nutrition – Energy bars provide a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to fuel your body over long distances. Many also contain added vitamins and minerals.
• Convenience – No prep or cooking required! Just unwrap and eat on the go.
• Taste – Most energy bars are tasty enough to curb hunger and cravings for sweet or salty snacks.
• Long shelf life – Energy bars stay fresh for months, so you can stock up in advance of a trip.
• Affordability – Energy bars cost just $1-3 per bar, making them an economical hiking food option.

Comparing the Top Energy Bar Brands

To help you select the best energy bars for your needs, here’s an overview of 6 top brands: Clif Bar, Luna Bar, KIND Bar, RxBar, Larabar, and ProBar.

Clif Bar

• Base Ingredients: Oats, soy protein
• Popular Flavors: White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch, Cool Mint Chocolate
• Nutrition Per Bar (example): 250 calories, 44g carbs, 10g protein, 5g fat
• Pros: Cheap (around $1 per bar), high in carbs for energy
• Cons: Higher in sugar than some brands, contains soy and gluten

Luna Bar

• Base Ingredients: Oats, soy protein
• Popular Flavors: Lemon Zest, S’mores, Cherry Vanilla
• Nutrition Per Bar (example): 180 calories, 29g carbs, 8g protein, 5g fat
• Pros: Lower in sugar than Clif Bars, vegan options available
• Cons: Contains soy, not gluten-free

KIND Bar

• Base Ingredients: Nuts, spices
• Popular Flavors: Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt, Maple Glazed Pecan & Sea Salt, Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate
• Nutrition Per Bar (example): 200 calories, 18g carbs, 5g protein, 13g fat
• Pros: Low in sugar (5g or less), gluten-free, non-GMO
• Cons: Higher in calories than some bars, expensive (around $2 per bar)

RxBar

• Base Ingredients: Dates, egg whites, nuts
• Popular Flavors: Peanut Butter, Mixed Berry, Chocolate Sea Salt
• Nutrition Per Bar (example): 220 calories, 20g carbs, 12g protein, 10g fat
• Pros: Simple ingredients, high in protein, gluten-free
• Cons: Chewy texture not for everyone, contains egg (not vegan)

Larabar

• Base Ingredients: Dates, nuts
• Popular Flavors: Peanut Butter Cookie, Cashew Cookie, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
• Nutrition Per Bar (example): 190 calories, 33g carbs, 4g protein, 5g fat
• Pros: Limited ingredients (most have 3-9), vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO
• Cons: Higher in sugar due to dates, lower in protein

ProBar

• Base Ingredients: Oats, nuts, seeds
• Popular Flavors: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Superberry Slam, Coconut & Cashew
• Nutrition Per Bar (example): 270 calories, 37g carbs, 10g protein, 9g fat
• Pros: Higher calorie meal-replacement option, certified organic, non-GMO, vegan
• Cons: More expensive (around $3 per bar), contains more sugar than some bars

How to Choose the Best Energy Bar for Your Needs

With so many options, selecting the right energy bar comes down to your specific preferences and needs. Here are some factors to consider:

• Dietary restrictions – If you require gluten-free, vegan, or allergen-free bars, read labels carefully. KIND, RxBar, Larabar and ProBar offer gluten-free options. Larabar and ProBar are vegan.
• Flavor preferences – Think about textures and flavors you enjoy. Chewy and crunchy bars have different mouthfeels.
• Calorie needs – Higher calorie bars from ProBar or RxBar can work well for ultralight backpackers needing more calories.
• Cost – Clif, Luna and Larabars tend to be the most budget-friendly at around $1 per bar.
• Nutritional priorities – Pick bars higher in carbs for energy or protein for muscle recovery.
• Ingredients – Some brands use more natural, less processed ingredients.
• Weight of Bar – When backpacking, lighter bars may be preferred to save pack weight. See the chart below for weights of popular flavors.

Energy Bar Nutrition Comparison Chart

This nutrition comparison highlights differences between the brands, such as higher protein in RxBar and lower sugar in KIND Bar.

Energy Bar Weight Comparison

Lighter bars from KIND and Luna can help minimize pack weight. Heavier bars from Clif and ProBar provide more calories.

Tips for Eating Energy Bars on the Trail

Follow these tips to get the most out of your energy bars while hiking, backpacking or camping:

• Stash bars in multiple spots in your pack for easy access.
• Pair energy bars with other snacks like trail mix, jerky or fruit for more calories.
• Enjoy bars in the morning with coffee or tea as a quick breakfast.
• Eat every 2-3 hours while moving to maintain energy levels.
• Drink plenty of water when consuming bars to stay hydrated.
• Select bars higher in protein and fat for more satiety and sustained energy.
• Try new flavors and brands on shorter trips before longer excursions.
• Store bars so they don’t get smushed in your pack.

With the right energy bars packed, you’ll be fueled up and ready to take on the miles ahead on the trail!

Tips for Choosing Energy Bars for Ultralight Backpacking

When trying to cut pack weight for ultralight backpacking, consider these tips:

• Prioritize lighter bars around 1.5 oz per bar.
• Look for bars with more calories per ounce.
• Choose bars with a good balance of carbs, fat, and protein to sustain energy longer.
• Pair with calorie-dense nuts, seeds, nut butters for more calories without weight.
• Buy mini or “half” sized bars to allow variety without excess weight.
• Make your own lightweight bars with oats, nuts, dried fruit, honey or maple syrup.

With strategic choices, you can still enjoy energy bars without the extra ounces on ultralight trips.

DIY Energy Bar Recipes

Want to make your own custom energy bars at home? Here are a few simple recipes to try:

No-Bake Trail Mix Bars

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup toasted oats
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts and seeds
• 1/2 cup dried fruit
• 1/3 cup honey

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Press mixture firmly into a pan lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before cutting into bars.

5-Ingredient Oat-Date Bars

• 1 cup dates, pitted
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)

Pulse dates in a food processor until a sticky paste forms. Add remaining ingredients and pulse until combined. Press into bars and let set in fridge or freezer.

Maple-Walnut Protein Bars

• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 cup dates
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 scoop vanilla plant-based protein powder
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Pulse walnuts and dates in a food processor. Add remaining ingredients and process until bars hold together when pressed. Shape into bars and refrigerate before eating.

Looking for Organic Trail or Energy Bars?

The energy bars above are the most common brands that we all recognize… Clif, RxBar, Luna, etc. While these are excellent, and often lightweight, choices that are good for a quick energy boost on the trail, we’ve compiled some of our favorite, more organic choices for getting that energy fix while putting in the big miles. We like these bars for their wholesome ingredients!

Greenbelly Meals: Dark Chocolate Banana

Greenbelly Meal pouches provide a nutritious and convenient meal replacement while backpacking. Each pouch contains two hearty 650-calorie bars that deliver over 25% of the Daily Value for six key nutrients. Weighing just 5.5 oz, these satisfying bars will keep you fueled while hiking.

As a ready-to-eat meal, the bars require no cooking. Just open the pouch and eat. This saves time and allows traveling light without a stove or dishes. The bars have a light, fluffy texture with whole fruits and nuts. They are gluten-free and easy on the stomach. Formulated by a chef, the all-natural bars have a fresh, heavenly taste.

Key features:

• 3x more nutrition than an energy bar
• Faster and lighter than add-hot-water backpacking meals
• Healthy, natural ingredients and taste

Range: Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Coffee Meal Bar

This tasty energy bar by Range delivers a nutritious and convenient meal on the go. It features organic, shade-grown coffee from Colombia that provides rich, chocolatey notes. The peanut butter and dark chocolate flavors come through boldly, complemented by organic clover honey.

At 700 calories per bar, it packs a substantial amount of energy in a deck-of-cards sized package. With 123 cal/oz, it is an ultralight backpacking food option. Each bar contains 16g of all natural protein from sources like peanut butter and almonds, not soy protein isolate. It won’t freeze solid in cold temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. With a 12 month shelf life and no exotic preservatives, it offers great value as a portable, ready-to-eat meal.

Key features:

• 700 calories per bar – barely bigger than a deck of cards!
• 123 cal/oz – great ultralight food option
• 16g all natural protein, no soy protein isolate
• Won’t freeze solid in the cold
• 12 month shelf life without preservatives
• Great value for portable, ready-to-eat meals

Kate’s Real Food: Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Bars

These bars are sold in boxes of 12. Satisfy PB and chocolate cravings with Kate’s Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate bars! Made with pure, organic ingredients like plant-based peanut butter, creamy milk chocolate, fiber-filled sunflower seeds, and nutrient-rich dried fruits. They are additive and preservative-free with a nutritionally balanced mix of protein, slow-digesting carbs, fiber, and healthy fats.

These bars are like trail mix – the perfect hiking and outdoor snack. They contain endurance-boosting foods including raisins, apricots, and sesame seeds. Lightly sweetened with certified honey for a clean, lower-sugar snack.

Each bar packs 3g of protein to fuel activities and busy days. The bars are certified gluten-free with oats, making them safe for those with gluten allergies or intolerance. Also available in convenient mini 24-packs for quick, satisfying bites between adventures.

Key features:

• Made with organic, pure ingredients
• Nutritionally balanced mix of protein, carbs, fiber and healthy fats
• Perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures
• 3g protein per bar to fuel activities
• Certified gluten-free
• Available in mini 24-packs

Bearded Brothers: Awesome Almond Butter Chocolate 12 Pack

Bearded Brothers energy bars are made with clean, simple, organic and delicious ingredients. Only the highest quality, organic components are used to craft a great-tasting product you can feel good about eating.

Key features:

• USDA Organic certified
• Certified gluten-free
• Non-GMO verified
• Plant-based and certified vegan
• Certified kosher
• Soy-free
• No added sugars
• Low glycemic
• Paleo
• Good source of omega-3s and fiber

Founded by two brothers in 2011, Bearded Brothers wanted an organic energy bar made with the best ingredients that actually tasted great. The short, simple ingredient list creates a bar that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Still family-owned, the bars are handcrafted in Austin, TX to ensure quality.

Taos Bakes: Dark Chocolate Almond + Sea Salt Bars

This Dark Chocolate Almond + Sea Salt bar offers a satisfying, homemade chocolate chip cookie texture packed with healthy, whole ingredients to fuel your day.

It delivers a sublime balance of rich dark chocolate, sliced almonds, buttery pecans and shredded coconut with a touch of sea salt. With 6g of protein and only 10g sugar, you can enjoy the cookie-like taste while still eating clean.

Key features:

• Cookie-like texture from dark chocolate, nuts and coconut
• Made with real, whole food ingredients
• 6g plant-based protein
• Only 10g sugar
• Hints of sea salt
• 280 calories per bar

Ingredients: Almonds, Organic Maple Syrup, Organic Dark Chocolate (Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Sunflower Lecithin), Almond Butter, Pecans, Almond Meal, Organic Shredded Coconut, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Coconut Sugar, Organic Chia Seeds, Sea Salt.

**Contains:**Almond, Pecan, Coconut. (Processed in a facility that handles other Tree Nuts, Peanut, Sesame, and Milk.)

This energy bar lets you indulge in a chocolate chip cookie taste while providing quality nutrition to power you through your day.

Organic Energy Bars

The organic energy bars described above, including Greenbelly, Range, Kate’s, Bearded Brothers, and Taos Bakes, provide nutritious and lightweight meal options perfect for hiking and backpacking. With calories ranging from 280 to 700 per bar, they deliver substantial energy in compact packages. Many boast organic ingredients, non-GMO verification, plant-based protein between 3-16g, and limited added sugars. Made with whole foods like nuts, seeds, chocolate, coconut, fruits, and oats, they offer balanced nutrition for the trail. These bars won’t freeze in cold temperatures and have a long shelf-life. Easy to pack and eat on-the-go, these energy bar options help trim pack weight while providing quality sustenance to fuel outdoor adventures.

About the Author

Jason Merrill

Jason Merrill: Backpacking expert with 25 years of experience. Outdoor guide, thru-hiker (PCT & AT), wilderness 1st responder, & LNT master educator.

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