Biltong is one of the best things you can carry on a hike. It is air-dried beef, not cooked and not jerky, packed with protein at over 60g per 100g in the lean cut, with about 3g of carbs per 100g and no sugar. It needs no fridge, weighs very little, and keeps your energy steady mile after mile.
Why does biltong suit the trail?
A good hike asks a lot of your body, and what you eat along the way matters. Biltong is made by air-drying spiced beef, a tradition roughly 400 years old, so it is dense with real nourishment rather than filler. There are just six ingredients in ours: beef, vinegar, Worcester sauce, salt, coriander and black pepper. No sugar, no additives, nothing you need to think twice about halfway up a hill.
Because it is air-dried rather than cooked, biltong holds its protein in a small, light form. That means you get a proper amount of protein without carrying much weight, which is exactly what you want when every gram in your pack counts. It also does not melt, crumble into dust, or turn to mush at the bottom of your bag.
We make ours by hand in Sintra at around 400m elevation, air-dried for about five days. Sintra happens to have some of the best hiking in Portugal, all misty forest paths and hilltop castles, so we know the sort of walking we are packing for.
How does biltong compare to bars and nuts?
Trail bars and nuts have their place, but they are not built the same way. Most bars lean on sugar and syrups for a quick lift that fades just as fast. Nuts are fine for fat and calories, but the protein is modest for the weight you carry. Biltong gives you a lot of protein for very little bulk, and none of the sugar spike.
| Per 100g | Biltong (lean) | Typical trail bar |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Over 60g | Around 8g to 10g |
| Sugar | None | Often 20g or more |
| Weight for the protein | Light | Heavy for what you get |
| Needs a fridge | No | No |
If you want a fuller look at how it stacks up nutritionally, we go into more detail on whether biltong is healthy and what makes it different from the usual trail fare.
Does biltong need a fridge?
No, and that is part of what makes it so useful outdoors. Biltong is air-dried, which draws out the moisture that would otherwise cause spoiling. That is the whole point of the method, and it is roughly 400 years old for good reason. You can keep a pack in your rucksack, your glovebox or your coat pocket and it will be ready whenever you are.
Keep it somewhere cool and dry, reseal the pack once it is open, and it will look after itself. The same qualities that make it good on a hike make it good on any journey, which is why we also write about biltong for travel.
How much biltong should you pack?
It depends on the day, but a simple rule works well. For a half-day walk, one pack between one or two people is plenty to keep you going. For a full day out, or a longer route with real climbing, pack one per person and you will not be caught short.
Because a pack is lightweight and easy to carry, there is no real penalty for bringing a little extra. It will not go off, so anything you do not eat comes home with you and waits for the next walk. Pair it with some fruit and plenty of water and you have a genuinely good day of eating on the trail.
Which flavour is best for hiking?
All three of ours travel just as well, so it comes down to taste. Lean is the honest, straightforward choice and the leanest cut, with that clean beef and coriander flavour. Garlic has a bit more depth if you like something savoury to look forward to at the top of a climb. Piri Piri brings a gentle warmth, which is rather nice on a cold, misty morning in the hills.
Many walkers bring two flavours and swap between them through the day. There is no wrong answer here, only the one you fancy most.
Frequently asked questions
Is biltong the same as jerky?
No. Jerky is cooked and often sweetened. Biltong is air-dried, not cooked, and has no sugar. The texture and the taste are quite different once you have tried both.
How long does biltong keep on a trip?
An unopened pack keeps well for a good while when stored cool and dry. Once open, reseal it and eat it within a few days. On a normal hike it will not last that long anyway.
Is biltong good for building or keeping muscle?
It is a strong source of protein, with over 60g per 100g in the lean cut, and about 3g of carbs per 100g with no sugar. That makes it a sensible thing to carry when you are active and want protein without much bulk.
Does it need refrigeration once opened?
Not for a day on the trail. Reseal the pack, keep it out of direct heat, and it is fine to carry with you. For longer storage at home, a cool, dry spot is best.
Will it survive being knocked about in my pack?
Yes. Biltong does not melt or crumble to powder, so it holds up to a day of being squashed under a water bottle and a spare jumper.
How much does a pack cost?
A pack is 17.50 EUR, and there is a subscription if you walk often and would rather it simply arrive. We ship within Portugal.
Where is it made?
By hand in Sintra, at around 400m elevation, air-dried for about five days. The same hills we make it in are the ones we love to walk.
Next time you are heading for the trail, pack something proper to eat. Shop our biltong and take real protein with you, light in the bag and ready when you are.
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