Summer Kayak Snacks for Your Next River Adventure

As the weather heats up, many of us are itching to get outdoors and on the water with our kayaks. Summer kayaking trips can be amazing adventures, but they also require a lot of energy.

Kayaks are small, which makes finding the perfect kayak snack a little tricky. But don’t worry! Whether you’re splashing on a Sunday or planning a week-long river trip, we have tons of delicious snack options you can enjoy on your next kayaking journey.

What Snacks Should You Bring On the River While Kayaking?

Some kayakers adorn themselves in waterproof gear, while others don’t mind getting wet and wild. No matter your river trip style, one thing is certain: Protect your snacks at all costs.

Kayaking is rip-roaring fun, but it’s also hard work. An easy way to ruin your river trip is to be distracted by an empty stomach.

However, before you start stockpiling snacks for your kayak, there are some key things to keep in mind.

Packaged

You may not have a problem getting soaked, but imagine your precious snacks getting wet. You were looking forward to them all day, and now they’re ruined! It’s enough to shake your fist angrily at the sky.

You can easily prevent fits of rage by bringing snacks that are securely packaged. Not only will they stay dry, they’ll also be easier to locate in your kayak or on the sandbar.

Easy to Handle and Share

“Did anyone bring something to eat?” There’s bound to be someone asking that question on every river trip. And that’s okay! After all, kayaking is best when it’s a shared experience, and that includes sharing your kayak snacks.

Whatever you bring, have a little extra to share with the people in your group. Pack your snacks in bigger bags, which are easier to pass across kayaks that are bobbing up and down in the water.

Ensure your snacks are also easy to handle and ready to eat. No one wants to mess with cumbersome snacks requiring preparation. Your fellow kayakers should be able to just easily grab the snacks from your fingertips and get right to munching.

Low Mess

River trips are all about getting back to nature. It’s your chance to feel like an explorer and admire pristine landscapes. And, most importantly, to keep them pristine.

For kayak snacks, adopt a “pack it in, pack it out” mentality. Whatever you bring into nature, make sure you also remove it.

That’s why low-mess snacks are ideal. It’s easier to leave your surroundings as you found them with snacks that have minimal (or zero) amounts of trash.

Small Enough for the Backpack

Going on a river trip can require a hefty amount of gear. From your sunscreen to a first aid kit, you’re trying to pack a lot of things in a small space.

Even if the size of your kayak is on the bigger end of the kayak spectrum, it’s still a small space. Pack snacks that are sleek, compact and more lightweight.

Delicious Kayak Snacks to Bring On the River

Jerky Tender Bites

Smoky, savory and tender, nothing hits the spot like our Jerky Tender Bites. These bite-sized nuggets of meat nirvana come in airtight bags, making them easy to share with your kayaking group. You won’t have to mess with any peels or individual wrappers, and the package can double as a trash bin once you’ve emptied the bag!

Dried Fruit

Sweet, lightweight and nonperishable, dried fruit is an easy way to fuel your river trip. You can buy it pre-packaged or customize your own mix in a resealable bag for a virtually mess-free kayak snack.

Nuts

From almonds to peanuts to shelled pistachios, nuts are an effortless way to re-energize yourself on the water while keeping your kayak tidy. Small and compact, nuts are easy to fit into your small kayak—just pack them in a resealable bag and you’re ready to hit the river.

Protein Bars

If your kayak’s storage is feeling at capacity, never fear. Thanks to being ultra-slim and dense, you can slide protein bars into your kayak’s tiny nooks and crannies without crushing them. Plus, they only have a single wrapper to clean up afterward.

Gummy Worms

Colorful gummy worms can be easily stored in your kayak, vest or small backpack. 100% shareable and mess-free, your river pals will be begging you to share this energizing snack when they’re feeling that midday fatigue.

Apples

An apple a day makes the kayak trip slay. (That’s how the saying goes, right?) But honestly, don’t overlook trusty apples as a kayak snack.

Crisp, sweet and easy to pack, apples are durable enough to stay intact among all of your kayaking gear. Plus, sharing a small bag of apples with your kayaking coalition is hassle-free. 

Get Out There This Summer With Fun, Easy-to-Eat Snacks on the River

Summer is a time to make outdoor memories. Make the most of your adventures by staying fueled with delicious snacks that don’t distract from your experiences. At Jack Link’s, we have all sorts of portable snacks to take with you on your next kayaking voyage. Keep hunger at bay by grabbing some snacks today!