Make your own energy bars

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.

2 tasty variations on the basic 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.

Hiker's checklist
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 (kleankanteen.com).

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