6 Best Jerkies For Budget Backpackers That Thru-Hikers Swear By

You’re three days into a five-day stretch, the sun is beating down, and the last town is a distant memory. Your legs are burning, your stomach is growling, and you need fuel that’s dense, delicious, and doesn’t require a stove. This is where the humble jerky becomes a backpacker’s best friend, a savory, protein-packed powerhouse that keeps you moving toward the next vista.

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What Makes a Jerky Ideal for Thru-Hiking?

When you’re carrying your life on your back, every single ounce matters. The ideal thru-hiking jerky isn’t just a tasty snack; it’s a calculated piece of gear. It must be calorically dense, shelf-stable for weeks in a hot pack, and above all, offer a high protein-to-weight ratio to help rebuild muscle after a 20-mile day.

The decision often comes down to a balance of three factors: cost, weight, and nutrition. A gourmet, grass-fed jerky might taste amazing, but its cost per ounce can be prohibitive over a 2,000-mile journey. Conversely, the cheapest option might be loaded with sugar and sodium, offering less of the pure protein your body is craving. The sweet spot is a jerky that delivers maximum protein for a reasonable price and weight.

Finally, consider the human factor: chewability. After a long day on the trail, your jaw can be as tired as your legs. A jerky that’s tough as boot leather can feel like a chore to eat, while a more tender option goes down easy, getting that crucial protein into your system with minimal effort.

Old Trapper Beef Jerky: Bulk Value for the Trail

If you’ve ever walked into a gas station or grocery store in a trail town, you’ve seen it: the giant, clear 10-ounce bag of Old Trapper. This is the undisputed champion of bulk value. For thru-hikers watching every penny, the low cost-per-ounce is a massive advantage that allows them to pack out more protein for less money.

The classic, peppery flavor is straightforward and satisfying, and its widespread availability makes it a reliable resupply staple. You don’t need a specialty store to find it, which is a huge logistical win when you’re planning food drops or buying on the fly. It’s a no-frills, workhorse jerky that gets the job done.

The trade-off is its texture. Old Trapper is a traditionally tough, dry jerky that requires some serious chewing. While some hikers enjoy this, others may find it taxing after a long day. It’s a prime example of sacrificing a little comfort for excellent value and reliability.

Kirkland Signature Steak Strips: Top Costco Pick

For hikers who can plan ahead and have a Costco membership, the Kirkland Signature Steak Strips are a game-changer. Bought in a large bag before hitting the trail, these strips can fuel the first few hundred miles or be easily divided into mail drops. They represent a significant cost saving compared to buying smaller bags in trail towns.

What sets these apart is their texture. They are thicker, softer, and more tender than traditional jerky, making them significantly easier to eat. This higher moisture content makes them feel more like a satisfying piece of steak than a dry, leathery snack, which can be a huge morale boost on the trail.

The compromise for that pleasant texture is a slightly lower protein-to-weight ratio due to the extra water weight. However, for many, the superior flavor and chewability are well worth the minor nutritional trade-off. It’s a perfect example of prioritizing eating enjoyment to ensure you’re actually consuming the calories you need.

Jack Link’s Original: The Ubiquitous Trail Staple

Jack Link’s is the jerky you can find everywhere. From the smallest convenience store in the Sierra Nevada to a supermarket in New England, its presence is a given. For a thru-hiker, this absolute reliability is a strategic asset, eliminating the stress of finding a preferred brand during a quick resupply.

This jerky sits squarely in the middle of the pack in terms of texture, price, and nutrition. It’s not the toughest or the most tender, nor is it the cheapest or most expensive. Its familiar, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor profile is a dependable classic that rarely disappoints.

While it may not top the charts in any single category, its greatest strength is its consistency and accessibility. Knowing you can always find a decent, protein-rich snack in the next town allows for more flexible resupply strategies. It’s the safe, reliable choice that has fueled countless long-distance journeys.

Oberto Thin Style: A Lighter, Easier-to-Chew Fuel

Imagine you’re exhausted, slightly dehydrated, and the thought of gnawing on a thick piece of jerky is completely unappealing. This is where Oberto’s Thin Style shines. It’s sliced exceptionally thin, giving it a brittle, almost chip-like texture that shatters in your mouth.

This unique form factor makes it incredibly easy to eat quickly, delivering protein and salt without the jaw workout. It’s a fantastic option for hikers who find traditional jerky to be too much of a chore. The light, crispy texture can be a welcome change after days of eating dense, heavy trail food.

The main drawback is that it can be more fragile than other jerkies, potentially turning into a bag of crumbs at the bottom of a food bag. However, for those who prioritize ease of consumption, this is a small price to pay. It’s an excellent choice for a quick afternoon snack when you just need to get calories in and keep moving.

Tillamook Country Smoker: Zero Sugar Trail Protein

Many popular jerkies use sugar or corn syrup to enhance flavor and texture, which can lead to unwanted energy spikes and crashes. Tillamook Country Smoker’s Zero Sugar line directly addresses this, offering a product that is all savory, smoky protein. This is ideal for hikers who want sustained, even energy throughout the day.

By eliminating sugar, Tillamook delivers one of the highest protein-per-ounce ratios on the market. The flavor is a simple, hardwood-smoked taste that is satisfying without being overpowering. This makes it incredibly versatile.

Its simple flavor profile means it’s not just a great snack on its own, but it’s also a fantastic ingredient to add to trail meals. You can tear it up and rehydrate it in a pot of ramen or add it to couscous for a major protein boost without making your dinner strangely sweet. For the backpacker focused on clean fuel, this is a top-tier choice.

Stryve Biltong: A Tender, Air-Dried Jerky Option

It’s important to know that biltong is not technically jerky. Instead of being cooked with dry heat, biltong is air-dried, a process that results in a remarkably tender and flavorful product. For anyone who has sworn off jerky because it’s too tough, biltong is the answer.

Stryve is one of the most accessible biltong brands, and it offers a texture that is more akin to a well-done steak. It’s often seasoned simply with vinegar and spices, and most varieties contain zero sugar, making it a nutrient-dense powerhouse. The chew is soft and satisfying, a welcome luxury on the trail.

The primary trade-off is cost. Biltong is typically more expensive per ounce than most conventional jerkies, placing it in a more premium category. For a budget thru-hiker, it might be a "treat" to pick up in a trail town rather than a daily staple, but its high protein content and superior texture make it a splurge that many find worthwhile.

Reading Labels: Sodium, Sugar, and Protein Ratios

Beyond brand names, the most powerful tool a backpacker has is the ability to read a nutrition label. The "best" jerky is subjective, but the numbers don’t lie. Your goal is to find the most efficient fuel for your body and budget.

When you pick up a bag, go straight to the stats. Look for a protein content of 10 grams or more per one-ounce serving. Next, check the sugar; anything over 7 grams per serving means you’re getting a significant amount of sweetener with your protein. For thru-hikers, lower sugar is generally better for sustained energy.

Finally, consider sodium. In hot weather, a high-sodium jerky can be a great way to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. However, if you’re already eating salty ramen and snack mixes, you may want to find a lower-sodium option to stay balanced. Ultimately, comparing the protein-to-sugar and protein-to-cost ratios will empower you to make the smartest choice, no matter the brand.

In the end, jerky is just fuel, and the perfect snack is the one that keeps you walking. Don’t let the search for the "best" gear or food keep you from the trail. Grab a bag that fits your budget, stuff it in your pack, and get outside.