Unearth The Voyage
When you are grinding up steep switchbacks or pushing through mile after mile of trail, your body needs reliable fuel to keep going strong. Energy bars are the perfect hiking companion because they pack serious calories, carbs, and protein into a small, portable package that fits right in your pocket. The right bar can mean the difference between bonking halfway up a mountain and summiting with energy to spare. We have rounded up fifteen of the best energy bars that hikers trust for long days, big climbs, and everything in between.
1. CLIF Bar (Original) – the classic, carb-forward trail fuel
Ask any thru-hiker what they carry, and chances are a CLIF Bar will be on the list. Built on a foundation of organic rolled oats, this bar delivers steady energy through complex carbohydrates that keep you moving without spiking your blood sugar. Each bar packs around 250 to 260 calories, making it a solid choice for fueling moderate-paced hikes.
You can find CLIF Bars in nearly every gas station, grocery store, and outdoor shop across the country, which makes restocking on long trips incredibly easy. The moderate protein content keeps hunger at bay without weighing you down. Whether you are tackling a morning ascent or cruising through afternoon miles, this bar has earned its reputation as a trail staple for good reason.
2. PROBAR Meal – dense meal-replacement energy
Sometimes one snack just does not cut it, and that is where PROBAR Meal steps in with serious calorie density. Weighing in heavier than your average energy bar, this one gives you filling calories and at least 8 grams of protein from whole-food ingredients you can actually recognize. Think of it as a mini meal wrapped up in foil.
Perfect for those moments when you need real sustenance but do not want to haul two or three bars up the mountain. The texture is thick and chewy, which some hikers love for the satisfying, substantial feel. If you are planning a long day with big vertical gain and limited resupply options, tossing a PROBAR Meal into your pack can save the day when hunger strikes hard.
3. RXBAR – simple ingredients, 12g protein
No mystery ingredients here. RXBAR keeps things refreshingly straightforward: dates for sweetness, egg whites for protein, and nuts for healthy fats. The Chocolate Sea Salt variety delivers a solid 12 grams of protein in about 200 calories, giving your muscles what they need without any weird fillers or additives.
The chewy texture might take a bite or two to get used to, but many hikers appreciate the honest, whole-food approach. When your stomach feels sensitive on the trail or you just want to know exactly what you are eating, RXBAR makes it simple. The protein content also makes it a smart choice for recovery after a tough climb, helping your legs bounce back for the next day’s adventure.
4. Bobo’s Oat Bar – soft-baked, gluten-free oats
If you have ever wished your energy bar tasted more like homemade baking and less like processed fuel, Bobo’s Oat Bar is your answer. Soft-baked with whole-grain oats, this bar feels almost like grabbing a fresh oatmeal cookie from grandma’s kitchen. It is certified gluten-free, which matters if you have dietary restrictions or a sensitive gut on long hikes.
What really stands out is the calorie count per bar, which runs higher than many competitors. That makes Bobo’s a smart pick for big vertical days when you need maximum energy without carrying extra weight. The slow-burning carbs from whole oats keep you fueled steadily over hours, not just minutes, so you avoid the dreaded energy crash mid-climb.
5. GoMacro MacroBar – plant-based, 11g protein option
Plant-based hikers, this one is for you. GoMacro’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip MacroBar delivers 11 grams of plant protein from organic ingredients, proving you do not need animal products to fuel big adventures. The calorie heft is substantial enough to power you through demanding terrain without needing constant snack breaks.
Many vegan bars skimp on taste or texture, but GoMacro nails both with a satisfying chew and flavors that actually taste like real peanut butter and chocolate. The organic certification gives you peace of mind about what you are putting in your body. Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or just want to mix up your snack rotation with quality plant-based fuel, this bar earns its spot in any trail pack.
6. KIND Energy – oats + 10g protein
KIND took their popular nut bar formula and upgraded it specifically for active people who need real energy. Made with 100 percent whole grains and packing 10 grams of protein, the Energy line is designed to fuel you through physical challenges, not just tide you over between meetings. The difference shows in both nutrition and performance.
Unlike some energy bars that taste medicinal or overly sweet, KIND keeps things balanced with recognizable ingredients you can see right through the wrapper. The texture hits a nice middle ground between crunchy and chewy, making it easy to eat even when you are breathing hard on a steep grade. For hikers who want quality ingredients and proven energy support, this bar delivers on both fronts without compromise.
7. Skratch Labs Energy Bar Sport Fuel – real-food fueling
Endurance athletes helped design this bar, and it shows. Skratch Labs built their Energy Bar Sport Fuel from fruit, nuts, nut butters, and quinoa, creating something that tastes more like a homemade snack than a lab-engineered product. The lighter profile makes it easier to eat during activity when your stomach might rebel against dense, heavy bars.
Real-food ingredients mean your body recognizes and processes the fuel efficiently, which matters when you are asking your legs to carry you thousands of feet upward. The simpler ingredient list also reduces the risk of gut issues that can derail a great hike. If you prefer knowing exactly what you are eating and want fuel that works with your body instead of against it, Skratch Labs delivers performance through simplicity.
8. Picky Bars – balanced macros from athlete founders
Created by professional athletes who got tired of bars that did not work for serious training, Picky Bars balance simple and complex carbs with fats and protein for energy that lasts. Typical bars hover around 180 to 200 calories with about 7 grams of protein, hitting a sweet spot for sustained fueling without feeling overly full or sluggish.
The macro balance means you avoid the spike-and-crash cycle that plagues many high-sugar bars. Instead, you get steady energy that carries you through hours of hiking without constant refueling stops. The bars are also easy to eat on the move, which matters when you want to maintain momentum on challenging terrain. Athletes designed these for athletes, and hikers pushing big miles or vertical gain definitely qualify for that club.
9. Kate’s Real Food Peanut Butter Cup Protein Bar – tasty, higher-protein real-food bar
Born in the mountains of Jackson Hole, Kate’s Real Food understands what hikers need because the founder lived it. The Peanut Butter Cup Protein Bar brings a serious protein bump at around 270 calories per bar, all wrapped up in whole-ingredient goodness that tastes like an indulgent treat instead of workout fuel. The chocolate and peanut butter combination hits perfectly when you crave something satisfying.
Higher protein content makes this bar especially valuable for multi-day trips when muscle recovery matters as much as immediate energy. The whole-food approach means cleaner ingredients that your body can actually use efficiently. When you want fuel that performs like a premium energy bar but tastes like dessert, Kate’s nails the balance between nutrition and enjoyment.
10. LÄRABAR Peanut Butter Cookie – ultra-simple, 3-ingredient energy
Three ingredients. That is it. Peanuts, dates, and sea salt come together to create about 220 calories of pure, simple energy. When your stomach gets finicky on the trail or you just want to avoid complicated ingredient lists, LÄRABAR strips things down to the absolute basics. The result is a carb and fat hit that your body recognizes instantly.
Many hikers keep a LÄRABAR in their pack specifically for those moments when nothing else sounds appealing or when their gut needs a break from richer, more complex bars. The minimal processing means easier digestion for most people. Sometimes the simplest solution really is the best one, especially when you are miles from anywhere and need reliable fuel that just works without drama or discomfort.
11. ALOHA Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip – organic, vegan, 14g protein
USDA Organic certification, vegan, and free from basically everything that might upset your stomach or conflict with dietary restrictions. ALOHA’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip bar delivers 14 grams of plant protein and 10 grams of fiber in about 240 calories, all without soy, dairy, gluten, GMOs, stevia, or sugar alcohols. That is impressive clean fueling.
The high fiber content supports steady energy release and keeps you feeling satisfied longer, which matters on extended hikes where frequent snack breaks slow you down. Despite all the restrictions on what it does not contain, the bar actually tastes good, with real peanut butter and chocolate flavors coming through clearly. For hikers with multiple dietary needs or anyone seeking the cleanest possible fuel, ALOHA checks every box.
12. 88 Acres Pumpkin Seed Protein Bar – allergy-friendly, seed-based protein
Nut allergies should not keep anyone off the trail. Made in a dedicated bakery completely free of peanuts, tree nuts, gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and sesame, 88 Acres creates a safe space for hikers with serious food allergies. Their pumpkin-seed bars clock in at about 12 grams of protein and 260 to 280 calories depending on flavor, proving allergy-friendly does not mean low-performance.
Pumpkin seeds provide quality plant protein along with minerals like magnesium and zinc that support muscle function and recovery. The seed-based approach opens up trail nutrition for people who previously struggled to find safe, effective options. Whether you have allergies yourself or share snacks with hiking partners who do, 88 Acres makes inclusion on the trail easier and more delicious.
13. Perfect Bar (Peanut Butter) – refrigerated, whole-food, 17g protein
Yes, it lives in the fridge, which might seem odd for trail food. But that refrigeration keeps the whole-food ingredients fresh and gives Perfect Bar its signature taste that feels more like real food than processed fuel. The Peanut Butter variety packs a whopping 17 grams of protein and hefty calories, delivering serious satiety for big elevation days when hunger hits hard.
The trick is stashing it at the top of your pack and eating it sooner rather than later, especially on warm days. Many hikers grab one for summit snacks or early-hike fuel before it has time to warm up too much. The protein content makes it especially valuable for muscle recovery on challenging climbs. Sure, the refrigeration adds a planning step, but the taste and nutrition payoff makes it worth the extra thought.
14. Maurten Solid 225 – light, fast carbs with predictable gut feel
Think of this less as a traditional energy bar and more as a structured carb block engineered for performance. Maurten Solid 225 delivers exactly 225 calories per 60-gram serving with a focus on fast-absorbing carbohydrates and low fiber content. Ultra-endurance athletes love it for the predictable gut feel that avoids mid-activity digestive drama.
While designed primarily for runners and cyclists, hikers who prefer simple carb delivery without the bulk of nuts, seeds, or high fiber can find real value here. The light texture makes it easy to eat even when you are working hard and breathing heavy. If you have experienced gut issues with richer bars or just want straightforward carbohydrate fuel that absorbs quickly, Maurten takes a scientific approach that delivers consistent results when performance matters most.
15. EPIC Bison Bar – savory protein alternative
Not everything on the trail needs to be sweet. EPIC’s Bison Bar offers a savory protein alternative with about 10 grams of protein at roughly 110 calories, giving your taste buds a break from the endless parade of chocolate, peanut butter, and fruit flavors. The meat-based approach provides complete protein with a satisfying savory bite.
The lower energy density means you will want to pair this with carb-rich snacks for complete fueling, but as a protein complement it shines. Many hikers pack one or two for variety, breaking up the monotony of sweet bars with something that tastes more like a meal. If you find yourself craving salty, savory flavors after hours of sweet snacks, having an EPIC bar in your pack can be a genuine morale booster that keeps your appetite engaged.
