Meals on the New Jersey Trails
Autumn is a perfect time to explore New Jersey’s plethora of hiking trails, from the Appalachians in the northwest to the Pine Barrens farther south. Of course, a hike also offers a chance to enjoy a picnic with a view. Here, a few suggestions to help make the most of meals on the trails.
✅ LUNCHBOX COOLER BAG
When you want to keep food cold but don’t need a full-sized cooler, this Mountainsmith lunchbox-sized cooler bag is the perfect picnic find. Its soft material makes it easy to carry, and it comfortably holds anything from a few local beers to a mid-hike meal. It transitions well for off-the-trail use, too, meaning you can take it with you to work or school when you get back home. $30.
Big Bear Gear
1874 River Rd, Lambertville
609.460.4784
bigbeargearnj.com
✅ PACKABLE PICNIC BLANKET
If you find a gorgeous spot with a view and no nearby picnic tables, this Wilcor blanket will save you. It’s lightweight and packable, so it doesn’t take up much space in your backpack yet sprawls out to comfortably offer seating for at least two people. Plus, it’s available in two fun patterns. $14.
Big Bear Gear
1874 River Rd, Lambertville
609.460.4784
bigbeargearnj.com
✅ INSULATED WATER BOTTLE
Even if you’re not planning to stop for a sit-down picnic, you should never leave for a hike without stocking up on water. Why not store your drink in a New Jersey–themed water bottle? This fun design from Making Sunshine is one of several available at Just Jersey; it holds 17 ounces and is well-insulated, so it will stay cold throughout the duration of your trip. $19.75.
Just Jersey
163 South St, Morristown
973.590.2820
justjerseygoods.com
✅ REUSABLE UTENSILS AND BOWLS
If you’re hiking to a picnic spot or looking to set up camp, you’ll want to add reusable dinnerware to your what-to-pack list. REI offers hiking-friendly bowls and utensils made from 100-percent recycled plastic. They can be washed and reused to avoid tossing plasticware in the trash and easily pack away for storage in your backpack. Bowls $5.95; Utensils $10.
REI
501 Rte 73 S, Marlton
856.810.1938
rei.com
✅ MINIATURE OUTDOOR COOKER OR GRILL
If you’re only taking a day hike or one-nighter, then you won’t want to carry anything too bulky. A single-burner stove is likely the perfect option, and the PocketRocket miniature stove from the Ramsey Outdoor Store has you covered. Or, if you’ll be picnicking close to your car, the store also carries an all-in-one cast iron grill for a larger meal. $85 and $140, respectively.
Ramsey Outdoor Store
835 Rte 17 South, Ramsey
800.699.5874
ramseyoutdoor.com
✅ HIKING SNACKS
If it’s not quite lunchtime but you need a little extra fuel, pack some nuts, seeds, and dried fruit from the Newark Nut Company to snack on while you admire NJ nature. The brand’s unique flavors, including bourbon pecans and everything bagel almonds, are the perfect portable treat. Prices vary.
Newark Nut Company (aka nuts.com)
800.558.6887
nuts.com
