Best Hiking Energy Bars of 2023

Reasons to Buy

• Delicious, sweet honey flavor
• Natural, clean ingredients listed
• Good energy boost while on the trail
• Individually packaged and easy to carry

Reasons to Avoid

• Too sweet for some
• Can melt in hot conditions
• More pricey than other energy bars on the market

The Important Specs

• Protein: 3 grams per waffle
• Calories: 150 per waffle
• Dimensions: 3.5 x 1 x 0.5 inches
• Carbohydrates: 21 grams per waffle

Review Roundup

The Honey Stinger Waffle has quickly become a firm favourite among hiking enthusiasts, outdoor lovers and fitness addicts alike. This unique energy bar-styled waffle offers a sweet and delicious alternative to traditional gummy or granola energy bars. With its unique waffle design, it's easy to hold and even easier to consume on the go.

Honey Stinger Waffles are packed with organic honey, which not only gives it a naturally sweet taste but also offers powerful energy fuel for your hiking trails. The honey ingredient provides a sustainable source of energy that keeps hikers and backpackers going for a longer time.

On top of the convenience and energy provided, what outdoor folks really love about the Honey Stinger Waffles is their first-rate taste. Users rave about how tasty these waffles are and appreciate the variety of flavours available. You've got options ranging from honey to vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate; there's definitely a flavour for everyone.

On the flipside, although a lot of people love Honey Stinger Waffles, a few mention that they may find the waffles to be a bit too sweet for their liking or have a bit of a sticky texture. They appreciated the product but noted that it might not be their first choice when in need of an energy snack.

As for how it fits with the gear, the packaging is slim and light, meaning it's easy to slip the waffle in your backpack or pocket and doesn’t add any significant weight. Keep in mind that the waffle's soft structure might crumble if squeezed, so handle with care.

Reviewers have also pointed out how versatile the Honey Stinger Waffle can be. Not only can it be a great hiking snack, but it can also function as a pre-workout snack or a midday snack at the office. So you're not just buying an energy bar, you're buying a versatile snack that can fit into various aspects of your life.

Reasons to Buy

• Delicious taste
• Good mix of nutrients
• Long shelf life
• Value for money
• Wide variety of flavors

Reasons to Avoid

• A bit on the pricey side
• Not suitable for people with certain dietary restrictions
• Some flavors can be too sweet for some

The Important Specs

• Size: 2.2 oz
• Flavors: Grizzly Bar, Handle Bar, Stash Bar, Tram Bar, Tiki Bar
• Calories: 260-360 per bar
• Dietary Information: Organic, non-GMO, gluten-free

Review Roundup

Kate's Real Food Bars stand out among the sea of typical energy bars that advertise themselves as trail-ready. What sets Kate's bars apart is that they're not trying to reinvent the wheel. Their philosophy seems to be that real, wholesome ingredients result in an energy bar that does the job without any quite unnecessary additives or weird tastes, and turns out they're right.

These bars are crafted from whole, natural foods, like organic oats, honey, and peanut butter. The result is a robust flavor and a firm texture that doesn't crumble or become squishy when squished at the bottom of a backpack during a long hike. It's impressive, to say the least, the way it holds up during rugged adventures.

Like we said, the flavor is robust. You can actually taste the natural sweetness from the honey, the creaminess of the peanut butter, and the hearty, homey feel of the oats. There isn't any of that artificial aftertaste that many of these generic energy bars leave behind. You won't find bland or boring here. Expect a flavor burst from each variety - be it the dark chocolate, the mango and coconut or the raspberry.

Most online reviews echo our sentiments. Customers seem to appreciate the 'no-nonsense' approach of Kate's Real Food Bars. They praise the all-natural ingredient list, the bold, satisfying flavors, and even the bar's durability in backpacks. However, it is important to note that these bars are not low in sugar or calories. So, if you're watching your sugar or caloric intake closely, these may not be the best option. Despite that, for individuals needing lots of readily available energy for the trails, they're often a hit.

A few customers did note that the bars aren't exactly wallet-friendly. At nearly $3 per bar, they fall on the pricier side of the spectrum. Though many agree that for the quality, taste, and ingredient list, they're well worth the extra dollars.

Reasons to Buy

• Great taste and texture
• High in nutritional value
• Long shelf life
• Good value for money
• Suitable for various dietary needs

Reasons to Avoid

• Caloric density may be high for some
• Consistency can feel a bit dense

The Important Specs

• Flavors: Available in multiple flavors
• Ingredients: Made from real, simple, and organic ingredients
• Serving Size: One large bar is approximately 80g
• Nutritional Content: Contains a significant amount of fiber, protein, and healthy fats

Review Roundup

The ProBar Simply Real Bar has generated quite a buzz in the outdoors community, garnering both adulation and critique from its users. A big selling point among customers is its all-natural ingredients and its perfect blend of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats - an excellent energy cocktail for those long, draining treks.

Users have been vocal about the variety of flavors available, with the Peanut Butter Chocolate being a fan-favorite. This provides a refreshing deviation for those who have grown tired of the same old flavors typical of many energy bars. Plus, many have pointed out that these bars don't leave you feeling thirsty after consumption - a definite advantage in the arid outdoors.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Some users have criticized the ProBar for its size. They find it a bit too large, making it slightly inconvenient to pack in a backpack already brimming with camping gear. Several users also lamented the rather steep price point - a drawback for those on a tight camping budget.

While the ProBar Simply Real Bar might not be everyone's cup of tea, it certainly has carved out a significant customer base. Its use of natural, non-GMO ingredients sets it apart in a market dominated by highly processed products. For those who prioritize quality over quantity, this might just be the energy bar for them.

Reasons to Buy

• Great taste that doesn't tire over multiple eattings.
• Well-rounded nutritional profile for sustaining energy.
• Keto-friendly and low in sugar.
• Compact design easy to carry while hiking.

Reasons to Avoid

• Possibly overpriced for some budgets.
• Contains dairy, which could be an issue for those with dietary restrictions.
• Texture may be somewhat difficult for those with sensitive teeth.

The Important Specs

• Count: Usually sold in boxes of 12 bars.
• Price: Retail price can vary, but it generally ranges between $35 - $40 for a box of 12 bars.
• Flavors: Offers multiple flavors including chocolate chip, almond butter brownie and lemon poppyseed.

Review Roundup

Straight from the heart of the wilderness, we bring you our thoughts on the Perfect Keto Keto Bar, an absolute gem in the niche of Keto-friendly hiking energy bars. Its simplicity, both in design and ingredients, is its secret weapon.

In terms of taste, Perfect Keto wasn't kidding when they labelled this as the 'perfect' bar for Keto dieters. Available in a variety of mouthwatering flavors like chocolate chip cookie dough and almond butter brownie, these little champs may just be the holy grail for those looking for a sweet, guilt-free treat during their hikes or climbs.

The texture of these bars is something we feel might be a bit polarizing. Some folks, as gleaned from online reviews, find them slightly more crumbly and less chewy compared to regular hiking bars. However, many keto dieters seem to find this refreshing, considering that a lot of Keto products tend to be on the denser side.

Nutritionally, these bars are every keto enthusiast's dream: high in fats, moderate in protein, and low in carbs. Plus, they're completely free from all things artificial - a characteristic that's become increasingly important to modern, health-conscious adventurers.

However, there have been a couple of gripes floating around. There are some online reviewers who've noted that these bars can be a bit tough on the stomach if not consumed with a decent amount of water. Moreover, some feel that there's a bit of an aftertaste, likely due to the added stevia.

Price-wise, they fall on the higher end of the spectrum compared to regular hiking bars. But customers seem to believe that the advantages - being Keto-friendly, tasty, and all-natural - outweigh the slightly higher cost.

Reasons to Buy

• Great vegan alternative
• Hearty and satisfying taste
• High in fiber and protein
• No artificial ingredients
• Affordable for every budget

Reasons to Avoid

• May be too dense for some
• Oats can sometimes seem undercooked
• Taste might be bland for those used to sugary bars

The Important Specs

• Flavor Profiles: Chocolate Chip, Original, Coconut
• Pack Size Options: Single, Pack of 6, Pack of 12
• Dietary Considerations: Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Vegan

Review Roundup

Bobo's Oat Bars Oat Bar has quickly become a trusted go-to for vegans in the hiking community. Made with simple, organic ingredients, these energy bars have a lot to offer.

First off, the taste of Bobo's is often reported as exceptional. Many customer reviews laud the texture and flavors, which resemble homemade oatmeal bars than the typical commercial energy bar. The sweetness is just enough without being overly sugary. There's a wide assortment of flavors available, from the much-loved original to more exotic choices like Almond Butter or Chocolate Chip, ensuring there's something for even the pickiest eaters.

Part of what sets Bobo's apart is its small-batch cooking process. This 'home-cooked' element shines through in consumer feedback, with many remarking about the hearty, wholesome nature of these bars. As far as the nutrition side of things goes, Bobo's Oat Bars are packed with carbs and fibers, providing a slow, steady release of energy that will sustain you during long hikes.

An important thing to keep in mind is that these bars are fairly dense and a tad on the larger side. While this makes them nutritionally hefty and filling, a few users have found them somewhat heavy to carry in abundance or hard to eat in one sitting. That being said, many people consider this a small trade-off for the quality and taste of the product.

One consistent complaint from customers, however, is the price. As is often the case with organic, vegan products, Bobo's Oat Bars don't come cheap. Some buyers have mentioned that the cost can be hard to justify, especially for frequent hikers who consume energy bars in large quantities.

Finally, it is worth noting that Bobo's Oat Bars are gluten-free - a big win for those with dietary restrictions and preferences. This broadens the appeal of the bars, making them an inclusive choice for just about any hiker.

Reasons to Buy

• Delicious flavor range
• Boost of energy during hikes
• Gluten-free
• Long shelf life
• Value for money

Reasons to Avoid

• Texture is a bit too chewy for some
• Some may find them overly sweet

The Important Specs

• Fiber Per Bar: 4g
• Sugar Per Bar: 12g
• Protein Per Bar: 9g
• Total Carbohydrates Per Bar: 39g

Review Roundup

The gluten-free niche of energy bars can sometimes be stuck on the sidelines, but the Tahoe Trail Bar Energy Bar sure does put it back in the game. This beast of a bar is not only free of gluten, but it's also packed with a whopping amount of nutrients, providing you a sustainable energy source for your outdoor adventures.

You'd expect that a gluten-free bar might compromise on the taste, but Tahoe Trail Bar proudly proves that notion wrong. Users rave about its flavor profiles from Chocolate Cherry Bliss to Mango Coconut, bursting with natural sweetness to give you a mouth-watering, guilt-free treat on your hikes.

Those opting for plant-based lifestyles quite often find the vegan-friendly Tahoe Trail Bar as an ideal partner. Its mix of non-GMO and dairy-free ingredients makes it an easy pick for health freaks too. You can easily track your nutrients with the clear labeling of ingredients and macros.

Now, getting into how it performs when you are out and about, buyers seem to like how it balances long-lasting energy without a heavy feeling in the stomach. It's compact and easy to carry, which is important when you are counting every ounce in your backpack.

A minor drawback some users have voiced is its price tag. It’s a bit high-end compared to other bars on the shelf. This rings true especially for hikers and backpackers who consume a stash of them during multi-day trips. But many argue that the higher cost brings along superior quality and taste.

Regarding the texture, it's neither too chewy nor too smooth. It does however, tend to melt somewhat when exposed to direct heat making it a little messy during summer hikes. We recommend keeping it in a cool compartment of your bag, to ensure you don't end up with an unintentional energy goo.

Overall, the majority of customer reviews reflect that they're digging the Tahoe Trail Bar Energy Bar for its top-notch taste, high-quality ingredients, and power-packed energy, despite a slight hitch in price and heat resilience. It's a definite contender in your search for the best gluten-free energy bar to fuel up your wild explorations.