The name of this popular snack blend strongly suggests its intended purpose: consumption while traveling on footpaths. It is a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and sometimes chocolate, designed to provide a quick and sustained source of energy for outdoor activities such as hiking or backpacking. The ingredients are generally calorie-dense and require no refrigeration, making them ideal for carrying in a pack.
The practice of combining these types of foods dates back considerably, but the specific designation arose as recreational hiking became increasingly prevalent. The combination offered a convenient and nutritionally balanced way to maintain energy levels and replenish essential nutrients lost during physical exertion. Its compact nature and lack of perishability proved particularly advantageous in environments where access to fresh provisions was limited.