Just as wildfires need fuel to burn, wildland firefighters need to replenish their fuel to battle them. To do this taxing and strenuous work, and proper nutrition is extremely important to keeping up with the challenges that you face in the field.

Below are five snacks that you can easily carry in your pack to keep you performing at your best:

• Nuts – All nuts are good options for high-fat snacks, but almonds and walnuts also have the added benefit of keeping your cholesterol low.
• Dried Fruit – A healthy, carbohydrate rich and tasty snack.
• Beef Jerky – Beef jerky is a high protein snack that can easily be carried in a firefighter’s pack or pocket. Look for brands that don’t contain chemicals like sodium nitrate and MSG.
• Peanut Butter and Apple – Peanut butter is a great source of both fat and protein (and it’s also pretty tasty). Add it to your snacks to up your caloric intake. You don’t need to refrigerate it, making it perfect for carrying in your pack.
• Granola Bars – Individually wrapped granola and breakfast bars are a great source of carbohydrates. Be careful, as some brands contain very high amounts of sugar.

Maintaining a healthy diet and taking in enough calories is key to performing at your best. In a field where a mistake can mean the difference between life and death, it is critical that you keep yourself sharp by taking in enough calories.