Mountain Chow

By Henry McFetridge, ChopChop Kid Advisory Board Member

My little brother and me on a hike in the Dolomites, Summer 2017

The Earth is full of wonders. Wonders that will take you to a view you will never forget, and wonders that humankind will talk of for generations. Whatever it is, it’ll make you hungry. Whether running, skiing or just believing through the wonder, you’re going to need a snack when out in nature. This post is about portable snacks, the ones that are packed with energy and keep us going.

A trail snaking through the Italian Alps

Something that you could always have on you when hiking is a couple of sausages and crackers (if you’re a meat eater). I haven’t been everywhere, but I assume that sausages and crackers can be bought nearly everywhere. I practically live off the stuff while hiking. Sausages can be bought pre-cooked or cured, which means they most likely won’t spoil during your hike. They are easily cut up and easily shared with fellow hikers or outdoor enthusiasts. Crackers like Saltines give you electrolytes and come in little packs that are perfect for your pocket or backpack.

Nuts are also a great idea if you don’t have allergies. A recipe that I pre-tested for the ChopChop kitchen last year before it was released in the magazine was Sweet Sesame Snacking Almonds. This recipe was easy to make and it was enough for my family of four.

Another healthy and portable alternative is ChopChop’s carrot slaw wraps for that extra push to the top, although this recipe is a little more involved. If you are willing to go the extra mile, this snack-which is closer to a meal will sustain you better than the others.


As for drinks, all I will say is don’t drink the mountain water downstream from animals, or for that matter other hikers. Once, when hiking past a small building near the base of a mountain, we passed a water fountain, similar to the one you would find in an elementary school. Above the fountain was a large sign that had no words, but only a picture of a little boy peeing into a stream. In the picture, the stream leads to a pipe, that leads to a water fountain. I wasn’t exactly sure what the sign was trying to tell me, but I made sure not to fill my water bottle up there.


Also, speaking of water bottles, a stainless steel bottle is ideal because plastic in the heat of the sun can grow bacteria that you definitely do not want in your stomach. 


On that happy note, I hope you try out these recipes next time you go for a walk in the woods!