Crag Snacks

Yay! You’re going on an outdoor climbing trip. Likely, you’re spending the entire day at the crag. Eventually, you’ll get hungry and want food. No one wants to climb hangry. So, what should you bring to drink and eat?

Here are some things you can put on your list.

Water

It’s very important to keep yourself hydrated; you don’t want to make yourself sick and get dehydrated. Especially if the day particularly warm or hot, you'll need it to keep cool. Plus, it's healthier for you too.

Gatorade

Don’t drink a whole lot of water? Gatorade or Powerade would be my next choice of drink. It’s not as hydrating as water because of the sugar in it, but it works as a substitute.

Caffeine

Caffeine might help wake you up if you’re up early hitting the crag. However, if you’re bringing caffeine as an extra energy boost, it would be a good idea to supplement with either water or Gatorade. I would on drink this in moderation. The sugar can zap hydration and leave you wanting more to drink.

Trail mixes and Nuts

Trail mixes and nuts are nice to munch on during breaks. The one thing to keep in mind if you’re bringing those is how much salt is on them. The salt can make you thirstier.

Protein bars

I like to bring protein bars with me on trips because they’re a little more filling but not too heavy to eat. The thing to watch for though is how much sugar is in them. Some brands have more than others and may not be that healthy.

Fruit

Looking for a healthy snack to bring? Fruit is always good option to have on-hand. I try to bring at least one apple or banana to eat on hiking trips. They’re easy to pack because you don't have to wrap them up. Plus, they're biodegradable.

Cookies

There’s nothing wrong with bringing these for a treat. If making these for a trip, it might be best to not put anything in that will melt like chocolate. Unless you plan on leaving these in a cooler, then you might be good.

Eggs

These are packed with protein and can be made to be travel-friendly if you’re bringing a cooler. Climbing Magazine has a great recipe for travel-friendly eggs you can make and modify to your liking.

Keep These Thoughts in Mind

In general, it’s not good to have a lot of salty and super sweet snacks because both kinds will make you thirsty. So, you’ll have to drink more, and we know where that can lead. If you’re going to climbing outside, be smart, don’t let yourself get too hungry or dehydrated.

Please abide by the Leave No Trace principles with food wrappers, bags, and bottles. Keep the crags and the trails that lead to them clean and litter free. Bring your trash back with you to your vehicle if there isn’t a trash can nearby.

These are just ideas to help you plan for your next outdoor outing. Feel free to change this up to what your diet entails. Be aware of what you’re bringing and don’t forget to share. Until next time, happy bouldering!