The Epic energy bar.     Photo: Courtesy of EPIC
It powered Shackleton, Mallory, and Amundsen, and now dehydrated meats are being pressed into energy bars. They’re just as easy to stash in a pack or pocket for a long run or hike, and they’re usually higher in protein. The only bone of con-tention: the taste. You’ll either love it or hate it.
Epic: A mix of meat, nuts, and dried fruit—and that’s about it. This Paleo-inspired snack has something most trail foods lack: omega-3 fatty acids. Available in bison, beef, and turkey. ($8.50 for three bars)
Omnibar: According to Brent Ruby, the physiologist behind Omni, the bars aredesigned with the precise nutritional balance of complex carbohydrates and protein for optimal energy synthesis. Made from Montana-raised beef, they’re intended for sustained activity—four hours or more. Comes in four flavors, including roasted peanut and mango curry. ($3)
Tanka Bar: A sweeter, softer take on beef jerky. Think organic bison plus cranberries—a recipe based on the Lakota food wasna, a type of pemmican. ($3)