Snacking along the trail is the only way to keep your energy levels topped up. Skip the snacks and there’s a good chance you’re going to crash. Low energy levels can lead to mistakes – a foot placed wrong, a trail sign missed, a hiking pole forgotten. Why take the chance? Keep yourself energized with GORP – that good ‘ol raisins ‘n peanuts mix. It’s easy to make, quick to pack and convenient for quick munching. The only problem is that eating the same thing time and again can get a little boring. Here are a few ideas for switching the mix.

Add Chocolate
Sugar never fails to enthuse! But the problem with chocolate is that it has a tendency to melt. M&M’s don’t. Simply add these sweet treats to your standard raisin and peanut mix to bump the excitement level up a notch.

Try Something Different
Switch the peanuts for almonds, cover the raisins with sugary yoghurt and add some tart dried cranberries. Yoghurt-covered raisins do well in cool to moderate temperatures, but know that they will melt on hot hiking days.

Go Bananas
Dried fruits (beyond raisins) are great energy boosters. Take some dried bananas, chop up some dried apples, add a little dried pineapple and dice up some dried mango. Add some thickly shredded dried coconut and cashews for a little protein and you’ve got a treat worth going ape over!

Take a Twist
Add some salty pretzels to your raisins and peanuts. Crunchy salty stuff always pleases the palate!

Skip the Sweet
For a change, leave the chocolate and dried fruit out of the mix. Take some pretzels, peanuts and those melt-in-your-mouth, fish-shaped, cheesy crackers along in a bag for the ultimate in crunch and salt appeal.

And finally, you can buy a range of pre-mixed snacks in the dried fruit and/or bulk section of your local grocery store. If you’re looking to save a few pennies, try the ones that appeal and then purchase the separate ingredients to blend yourself.

Munch away!