Biltong for the Outdoors: Best High-Energy Snacks for Camping, Hiking, Cycling & More

With summer fast approaching, many of us are eagerly planning outdoor adventures to make the most of the warmer weather. Whether you're preparing for challenging hikes across the countryside, cycling through scenic routes, camping under the stars, or enjoying a peaceful day of fishing, one thing's for sure: you'll need the proper fuel and nutrition for your activity.

According to the NHS, adults taking part in moderate to vigorous physical activities require additional energy intake to maintain performance and recovery. In fact, the NHS Eatwell guide recommends consuming approximately 50-60% of your energy from carbohydrates, 15-20% from protein, and 30% or less from fats when participating in endurance activities- making the right snack choices crucial for your next adventure.

Although there are plenty of snack options on the supermarket shelves, biltong has become incredibly popular over recent years as a healthy, high-protein outdoor snack option. This tasty South African dried meat delicacy is winning over British adventurers with its impressive nutritional profile and unlike many processed snacks, biltong offers several health benefits without artificial additives or excessive sugar.

In our latest blog post we'll dive into the reasons why biltong is perfect for outdoor adventures, whilst examining its benefits for various activities and comparing it to other popular energy snacks. We'll also share some really handy tips for incorporating biltong into your outdoor nutrition strategy, ensuring you stay energised whatever you're up to this summer.

Read on below as we reveal all!

Why Biltong is the Ideal Outdoor Snack

Need energy booster snacks that are genuinely healthy? Or maybe you're after practical snack ideas on the go that won't melt, leak, or spoil after an hour in your rucksack. That's where biltong comes in.

Perfect for walks in the countryside, cycling getaways, or weekend camping trips, biltong is made for outdoor life. Here's why it's a great choice:

Best Snacks for Outdoor Activities

Every outdoor adventure calls for a different kind of snack. A slow, scenic fishing trip doesn't require the same fuel as a mountain hike or a long ride on the bike. Matching your snacks to your activity helps you stay energised and enjoy the experience more.

Biltong is one of those rare snacks that works across the board. It's high in protein, easy to pack, and doesn't spoil quickly- making it incredibly versatile. Let's take a look at how this tasty treat fits into different outdoor situations and we'll also share some other great snack ideas.

Best Hiking and Backpacking Snacks

When you're covering miles on foot, your body needs consistent, long-lasting energy. Hiking demands sustained fuel that won't weigh down your backpack or leave you crashing mid-trail. When heading out on a trail, especially if the terrain is challenging, it's also important to think about bringing slow release energy snacks as well as instant energy foods.

Fortunately, biltong ticks both boxes and delivers substantial protein in an incredibly lightweight package. Unlike fresh meats, it also requires no refrigeration even during temperature fluctuations on multi-day treks. The protein content helps maintain muscle function during challenging terrain and keeps hunger at bay for hours between proper meals.

Hiking Snack Ideas

Although grabbing one of our delicious bbq or piri piri biltong snack bags and placing them in your backpack will suffice, if you want to mix up your snacking game consider pairing biltong with the following high energy snacks:

Best Camping Food & Snacks

When you're out camping, whether it's a weekend family trip or a multi-day adventure in the wild, you want food that's easy, reliable and gives you the energy to enjoy the outdoors. The best snacks for camping are the ones that don't need refrigeration, are easy to pack, and still taste great after a few days in your backpack or food box.

Biltong is one of those snacks that's perfectly suited to the campsite environment. It's lightweight, long-lasting, and packed with protein, making it one of the best foods to bring camping. It doesn't need chilling, there's no mess, and it's ready to eat straight out of the pack. Whether you're looking for something quick between meals or something more substantial to build around, it fits in seamlessly to your meal routine.

Below we've also laid out some great camping meal suggestions for different times of the day:

Best Breakfast Foods for Camping

Mornings at the campsite are all about keeping things simple, especially if you're trying to get going early. When you're short on time (or don't feel like doing much cooking), portable and no-fuss options are key.

• Some great breakfast foods for camping include:
• Porridge pots or overnight oats
• Boiled eggs (pre-cooked at home)
• Granola or muesli with long-life milk
• Fruit like bananas or apples
• Wholegrain wraps or oatcakes

Biltong pairs surprisingly well with a lot of these. For example:

These combinations help set you up with slow-release energy and protein to keep you going through the day.

Best Lunch Foods for Camping

Lunchtime while camping is usually about convenience. You might be out walking, exploring nearby trails, or even mid-paddle on a kayak. So, lunch needs to be portable, satisfying, and ready to eat with minimal fuss.

Here are some top snack ideas for camping lunches:

• Wholegrain crackers or flatbreads

• Hummus or nut butters

• Cheese (hard cheeses travel well for a day or two)

• Cold pasta or couscous salad made in advance

• Tinned tuna or beans

For an extra protein and energy boost, add premium biltong or droewors to:

Best Evening Foods for Camping

After a full day outdoors, dinner is about relaxing and refuelling. While some campers go all out with campfire meals, many prefer something tasty but straightforward: especially if you're managing with limited gear.

Some good evening meal ideas at the campsite include:

For an extra-filling meal you can also combine biltong with:

• Sweet potato with a dollop of sour cream and chives
• Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and olives
• Pizza- you may have to make this at home but biltong on a pizza is an absolute must-try!

Best Snacks For Fishing Trips

Anyone who enjoys fishing knows that having the right snacks on hand can make the difference between a pleasant day by the water and a hungry, frustrated one!  Biltong fits perfectly into a fishing trip food basket, offering plenty of nutrition without the drawbacks of many traditional options.

Unlike sandwiches that turn soggy or fruits that bruise easily in a tackle box, biltong maintains its texture throughout your fishing adventure. Its non-messy nature is very handy when handling fishing equipment and bait- you can grab a piece without worrying about sticky fingers compromising your grip on expensive gear.

The absence of refrigeration requirements makes biltong really practical too. Whether you're shore fishing on a summer day or spending hours on a boat, biltong remains ready to eat without having to worry about temperature control. Packing some biltong snack bags also removes the need for bulky coolers that take up valuable space in fishing vessels or along shorelines.

If you’d prefer to pack a more substantial meal ahead of your day by the lake or river, biltong can be used as part of a proper meal, adding depth and flavour to simple dishes, including:

Biltong & three-cheese quiche: If you’ve prepped it at home and kept it chilled, this makes a satisfying lunch on the go. Read our recipe here.

Biltong-stuffed rolls: Add some pickles and cheese for a quick sandwich with a twist.

Biltong with pasta salad: A great make-ahead option using cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and a light dressing.

Best High Energy Snacks: A Comparison

When choosing snacks for outdoor adventures, it’s worth taking a moment to compare what you’re actually getting from them. While there’s no shortage of energy bars, trail mixes, and other packaged options out there, not all snacks are equal- especially when it comes to nutrition, ease of use, and how they make you feel after eating them.

As we’ve touched on above, nutritionally, biltong offers a higher protein content than most common snacks in a compact serving, with minimal sugar and carbs. It’s also made from whole cuts of beef and air-dried, not cooked or heavily processed, which gives it a cleaner ingredient profile than many protein bars or flavoured snacks.

Compared to jerky, which it’s often confused with, biltong is also generally softer, less processed, and contains fewer additives. Jerky is usually cooked quickly at high heat, while biltong is cured and air-dried over several days, helping retain more natural flavour and nutrients. It also typically has a higher moisture content, which many people find more enjoyable to eat, especially when you’re on the move.

Here’s a quick side-by-side look at how biltong compares to other popular high-energy snack options: