GORP Explained Everything You Need to Know About the Classic Trail Mix

What Exactly is GORP?
At its core, GORP is a mixture of raisins and peanuts, but the beauty of it lies in its versatility. Over the years, people have adapted the basic recipe to include all kinds of goodies—chocolate, dried fruits, seeds, and more. It’s the kind of snack that gives you a perfect blend of quick energy from sugars and long-lasting energy from fats and proteins. Plus, it’s easy to pack, doesn’t spoil quickly, and requires no prep in the field.

The Origins of GORP
The origins of GORP are a little fuzzy, but it likely got its start in the early 1900s when hikers and outdoor adventurers needed a reliable, high-energy snack. Before energy bars were a thing, GORP was the original trail mix. There’s some debate about whether the acronym stands for “Good Old Raisins and Peanuts” or “Granola, Oats, Raisins, and Peanuts,” but either way, it’s clear that GORP has been keeping people fueled for decades. Today, it’s still a go-to for anyone looking to stay energized on the trail.

Common Ingredients in GORP
While the classic GORP is just raisins and peanuts, you can (and should!) customize it to fit your tastes and nutritional needs. Here’s a breakdown of what people typically throw into their mix:

Raisins: The original sweet component, packed with natural sugars for quick energy.
Peanuts: High in protein and healthy fats, providing lasting energy and keeping you full.
Chocolate or M&Ms: A fun and tasty way to add a little extra sugar for those long treks.
Dried Fruits (cranberries, apricots, blueberries): Great for adding vitamins and a burst of flavor.
Nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts): Different nuts add variety in flavor and texture while providing extra nutrients.
Seeds (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds): Another source of healthy fats, plus some extra crunch.
Pretzels or cereal: A fun twist to give the mix a bit of salty crunch.
Feel free to play around with the ingredients—GORP is all about making it your own!

Benefits of GORP in the Outdoors
So why is GORP such a staple for bushcrafting and survival situations? Here are a few reasons:

Energy Boost: The mix of sugars, proteins, and fats provides both quick and sustained energy, perfect for long hikes or setting up camp.

Portable and Lightweight: You can pack a lot of calories into a small space, and GORP is lightweight enough to carry in bulk without weighing you down.

Long Shelf Life: Most GORP ingredients have a long shelf life, so you don’t have to worry about it spoiling on your trip.

No Prep Required: You can eat GORP right out of the bag—no cooking, heating, or mess to deal with.

Nutritional Benefits of GORP
GORP isn’t just a tasty snack—it’s also packed with nutrients that are key for surviving the wild:

a. Carbohydrates: The raisins, dried fruits, and chocolate provide quick carbs to give you a fast energy boost.
b. Protein: The nuts and seeds offer plenty of protein to help keep your muscles fueled for all that hiking, chopping, and camping.
c. Healthy Fats: Nuts and seeds are also full of healthy fats that provide sustained energy and help you feel full longer.
d. Fiber: Dried fruits and nuts are a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion—important when your diet might be a little less balanced in the wild.

DIY GORP Recipes for Special Diets
One of the greatest things about GORP is how customizable it is. Whether you have dietary restrictions or specific nutritional goals, GORP can be adapted to suit just about any diet. Here are some ideas for specialized GORP recipes:

Gluten-Free GORP: Swap out any gluten-containing ingredients like pretzels or certain cereals for gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free granola or puffed rice. Focus on dried fruits, nuts, and seeds for a naturally gluten-free mix.

Keto GORP: On a low-carb, high-fat diet? Stick with high-fat ingredients like macadamia nuts, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and sugar-free dark chocolate. Replace sugary dried fruits with unsweetened coconut flakes or freeze-dried berries (lower in carbs than typical dried fruits).

Vegan GORP: Traditional GORP is already pretty vegan-friendly, but some variations might include milk chocolate or honey. To keep it 100% vegan, opt for dark chocolate or vegan chocolate chips, and use maple syrup or agave if you want to sweeten things up.

Protein-Packed GORP: For those who want extra protein, add high-protein nuts like almonds, peanuts, and pistachios. You can also throw in protein powder-coated nuts or seeds, roasted chickpeas, or even small chunks of protein bars.

Each of these variations keeps the core benefits of GORP while making it accessible to more people with different dietary needs.

GORP vs. Modern Energy Bars: Which is Better?
In the modern world of outdoor nutrition, energy bars seem to dominate the market. But how does the old-school GORP compare? Let’s break it down:

Ingredients: GORP typically consists of whole, simple ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, and sometimes chocolate. Energy bars, on the other hand, can be loaded with preservatives, sugars, and hard-to-pronounce ingredients.

Customizability: With GORP, you control what goes into your mix. Want less sugar or more protein? It’s up to you. Energy bars don’t offer that same level of customization—you’re stuck with whatever the manufacturer chooses.

Shelf Life: Energy bars often win in terms of shelf life due to added preservatives. GORP, made with fresh ingredients, might not last quite as long, but it’s healthier and more natural.

Cost: Making your own GORP can be more affordable than buying pre-packaged energy bars, especially if you’re buying in bulk.

In the end, GORP is a great natural alternative to energy bars, offering more flexibility and wholesome ingredients. For those who like control over what they’re eating, GORP is often the better choice.

Trail Mix Around the World: Global Variations of GORP
GORP might be a classic in North America, but people around the world have their own versions of portable, high-energy snacks for the trail. Exploring global variations of GORP can offer inspiration for your next mix:

Pemmican (Native American): A traditional Native American food, pemmican is a mix of dried meat (usually buffalo or venison), dried berries, and fat. It’s a calorie-dense, long-lasting food that was used by indigenous people for survival during long winters or while traveling.

Biltong and Dried Fruit (South Africa): Biltong is a type of dried cured meat from South Africa, often eaten with dried fruits and nuts on long journeys or treks. It’s a savory alternative to the sweeter GORP.

Tsampa (Tibet): Tsampa is a traditional Tibetan food made from roasted barley flour, often mixed with dried fruits, nuts, and sometimes yak butter for added energy. It’s portable and nutrient-rich, perfect for those living or traveling in high altitudes.

Energy Balls (Middle East): In some Middle Eastern cultures, dates, nuts, and seeds are often mixed together to create compact, nutrient-dense energy balls. They’re perfect for quick energy boosts on the go.

Looking at these global snacks can give you ideas for new GORP recipes or even inspire you to create your own unique blend!

How to Store GORP for Long-Term Adventures
When you’re prepping for a long outdoor trip, knowing how to store GORP properly is essential to keep it fresh and tasty. Here are a few tips for ensuring your trail mix lasts the distance:

Use Airtight Containers: To keep moisture out and prevent your ingredients from going stale, store your GORP in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.

Keep It Cool and Dry: Heat and humidity can cause nuts and seeds to go rancid. If you’re adventuring in hot weather, consider packing your GORP in a cooler or insulated bag to keep it fresh longer.

Pre-Mix Only What You Need: If you’re heading out on an extended trip, consider packing the components of GORP separately (dried fruits, nuts, etc.) and mixing them as needed. This will keep the ingredients fresher for longer.

Add a Desiccant Pack: A small, food-safe desiccant pack can help absorb any moisture in your storage container, extending the shelf life of your GORP.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your GORP stays fresh and ready for action on even the longest of journeys.

Top 5 Survival Snacks to Pair with GORP
While GORP is a great snack, having a variety of food options on hand is always a good idea for longer trips or survival situations. Here are five survival snacks that pair perfectly with GORP:

Jerky: High in protein and low in moisture, jerky is an ideal pairing with GORP. The saltiness of jerky complements the sweetness of dried fruits and chocolate.

Hard Cheeses: Some hard cheeses, like aged cheddar or parmesan, can last for days without refrigeration and add a savory element to your trail snacks.

Dried Meat or Biltong: A more nutrient-dense option than jerky, dried meats like biltong or homemade pemmican can provide a hearty, protein-packed boost.

Energy Gels: If you’re looking for quick, easily digestible energy on the go, energy gels can complement the longer-lasting energy provided by GORP.

Crackers or Rice Cakes: Lightweight and easy to pack, crackers or rice cakes offer a crunch and can be a great vehicle for spreading nut butters, which are often included in GORP mixes.

These snacks help round out your GORP, giving you a variety of flavors and textures while keeping your energy levels high.

Final Thoughts
GORP may be simple, but it’s a highly adaptable and powerful snack for anyone spending time in the great outdoors. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or surviving off the grid, having a mix of raisins, peanuts, and other nutrient-dense ingredients is a smart way to stay energized and nourished. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, GORP never gets boring!

So, next time you’re preparing for an outdoor adventure, make sure to pack some GORP—and maybe experiment with some of these variations to keep things interesting on the trail. Happy snacking!

Who We Are
At Texas Bushcraft, we are a small family-owned business founded in 2018 in Austin, Texas. We were motivated to share our love for the outdoors and inspire others to enjoy nature without the need for big, fancy gadgetry. Our mission is to preserve traditional bushcraft skills and support our customers on their path to self-reliance. We offer simple, elegant outdoor gear and educational resources to help you prepare to thrive in the great outdoors. Thank you for choosing Texas Bushcraft as your guide.