Make your own energy bars

3 unbeatable home-made energy bar recipes:

Peanut butter cranberry go-bars
Loaded with good-for-you ingredients, these not-too-sweet bars still taste like a treat, and they’ll withstand cold, heat, and being stuffed in a backpack or pocket. Natural peanut butters vary from brand to brand in terms of spreadability; we prefer Laura Scudder’s Old Fashioned Nutty Peanut Butter, because it makes a moister, chewier bar.

Cashew bars
An energy bar with a little bit of sophistication.

Sesame date bars
Made with a nod to the flavors of the Middle East.

Other must-bring items for your hike
For overall well-being, toss these into your backpack along with our energy bars:

Sunscreen: Get a broad-spectrum sunscreen that helps block both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply liberally to exposed areas 30 minutes before going outside; reapply every two hours; throw away sunscreen that’s past its expiration date (it loses potency over time).

Insect repellent: The best bug deterrents contain the pesticide deet, and are considered safe as long as you follow package directions. Deet-free products include Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent and Sawyer Sunblock with Insect Repellent.

Water bottle: Avoid hard, clear bottles made from polycarbonate plastic, which contains a compound called bisphenol A (BPA), a suspected health hazard. We love Klean Kanteen’s nonleaching and durable stainless steel bottles.

Bandages: For the inevitable blister. Go for reliable adhesiveness and water-resistance; we like Band-Aid’s Advanced Healing Blister pads.