When you're deep in the backcountry, skinning up a mountain with a full pack and the promise of fresh lines ahead, your fuel matters. The right snacks can keep you charging uphill with confidence, while the wrong ones can leave you bonking harder than an overconfident first-timer in the trees.
So, let’s talk about the backcountry snack game. More specifically, let’s make sure you don’t forget your nutsack—because nothing keeps you moving like a dialed-in stash of high-octane fuel. Below, we break down the winners and losers of backcountry snacking so you know what to pack and what to leave behind.
Winners: The Ultimate Backcountry Fuel
Pocket Bacon
✔ High-fat, high-protein fuel for sustained energy.
✔ Salty goodness replenishes sodium lost through sweating.
✔ Nothing boosts morale like chomping on a warm, greasy piece of bacon at the top of a ridge.
Pro Tip: Wrap it in foil or a reusable snack pouch and keep it close to your body for a warm, salty send fuel at the summit.
Want our recipe? Check it here.
Haribo Gummy Bears
✔ Quick, easily digestible carbs for an instant energy boost.
✔ Stay soft in cold temperatures—unlike chocolate-based snacks.
✔ A little handful goes a long way in keeping morale high.
Pro Tip: We at Weston have an internal war over which gummy bear is superior (Haribo vs. Albanese), and since this is my blog, we're saying Haribo—but just take your favorite sugar rush. These are a tried-and-true win for a quick boost.
Trail Mix (aka Your Nutsack)
✔ Balanced macronutrient profile—healthy fats, proteins, and carbs.
✔ Customizable to your taste and dietary needs.
✔ Won’t freeze into an inedible brick.
Pro Tip: Trail mix is a splitboarder’s best friend—especially when you dial in your mix. Ditch the plastic bags and pack it in a reusable container to keep it eco-friendly.
Losers: Leave These at Home
Clif Bar Shot Bloks
✖ Can get rock-hard in extreme cold.
✖ Some flavors have caffeine, which is great unless you’re sensitive to it.
✖ Not the most satisfying chew when you’re craving real food.
Verdict: Honestly, take the gummy bears over the Shot Bloks. The 'rock-hard in extreme cold' factor is real—just ask Weston’s owner, Leo, who lost a filling to a frozen Shot Blok while deep in the backcountry of Revelstoke. If you want quick energy that won’t send you to the dentist, stick with the Haribos or Albanese.
Snickers Bars
✖ Chocolate can freeze solid, making it hard to eat in subzero conditions.
✖ Can get melty on spring missions if not packed properly.
✖ Not exactly the most “nutrient-dense” option.
Verdict: We honestly prefer to leave this one at home because of the freezing factor. While Snickers has a great mix of carbs, fat, and protein, the chocolate turns into a jawbreaker in subzero conditions, making it more of a liability than a reliable snack.
Bougie Bonus: Charcuterski
Charcuterski is the ultimate après-ski vibe—where powder turns meet cured meats. It’s that magical moment when you swap your poles for prosciutto and gather around a tailgate or lodge table with friends, snow-dusted gear still on, and a spread of artisan cheeses, meats, pickles, and good cheer. It’s not just about the snacks—it’s about elevating the mountain day into a full-on experience. Charcuterski is the celebration of sending it hard, then savoring it slow.
Pro's:
✔ Top-Tier Vibes – Nothing builds community like sharing a spread in the lot after a big day.
✔ Delicious Recovery – Protein, fat, and salt? Perfect après fuel.
✔ Instagram Gold – A rustic board in the snow? Come on.
✔ Elevates the Experience – Makes even a mediocre ski day feel memorable.
Cons:
✖ Cold Cheese – Brie doesn’t love sub-zero temps.
✖ Logistics – Hauling a whole spread takes commitment.
Final Thoughts
If you’re heading into the backcountry, don’t forget your nutsack—both metaphorically and literally. A well-curated snack selection can mean the difference between a strong, stoked ascent and a hangry sufferfest.
A good mix of quick energy (gummy bears) and sustained fuel (pocket bacon, trail mix) is the way to go. And, of course, if you ever find yourself bonking hard mid-skin, just remember: there’s no problem that pocket bacon and a handful of gummy bears can’t fix.
Stay fueled, stay stoked, and send it. See you out there.
What’s your go-to backcountry snack? Drop it in the comments!