For hikers and backpackers, electrolyte supplements are essential. They help you stay hydrated and energized during long hikes and multi-day trips.
When picking one, think about what’s in it, how easy it is to carry, and how simple it is to use.
This guide will help you choose the best electrolyte supplement, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your adventures. Let’s get started.
Key Specs
Weight: 0.15 ounces (4.3 grams) per tablet
Suitable for Vegans: Yes
Price: $
PROS
✅ Ultralight
✅ Various flavors
✅ No sugar
CONS
❌ Weak flavour
Staying hydrated on long hikes is crucial, but plain water can get boring. That’s why we were eager to try the SIS Go Hydro electrolyte tablets. As avid hikers who sweat a lot during strenuous climbs, we need to replace lost electrolytes and make drinking water more appealing.
After testing them out on several backpacking trips this summer, we’re happy to report the Go Hydro tablets deliver on both fronts. Simply drop one in your water bottle and it quickly dissolves into a lightly flavored, fizzy drink. The effervescence makes it more refreshing than plain water, helping us drink more.
The tablets have a clean, subtle taste we found inoffensive, if a bit weak for our preferences. But the main draw is the electrolyte content to replenish what we sweat out. We felt hydrated and energized even during grueling hikes in the heat.
While not a miracle cure for dehydration, the SIS Go Hydro tablets are a handy and lightweight way to maintain electrolyte levels and make drinking water more appealing. The portable format makes them easy to toss in our pack. For active folks looking to enhance their hydration game on the go, we definitely recommend giving them a try.
Key Specs
Weight: 0.28 ounces (8 grams) per packet
Suitable for Vegans: Yes
Price: $$$
PROS
✅ No sugar
✅ Various flavors
CONS
❌ Expensive
With a focus on staying hydrated and maintaining balance during outdoor adventures, LMNT offers an array of flavors such as citrus, grapefruit, watermelon, orange, raspberry, unflavored, mango and many more to suit all preferences.
Knowing that LMNT prioritizes quality ingredients, without added sugars or fillers, adds to its appeal in our opinion. Their commitment to sharing the recipe for those interested in a DIY approach showcases their dedication.
We appreciate the wide variety of flavors LMNT offers to keep hydration interesting on long hikes. The boost in energy and clear-headed feeling are definite benefits we noticed from using their electrolyte packs.
While a bit costly, LMNT remains a go-to electrolyte supplement that we find enhances our outdoor adventures.
Key Specs
Weight: 0.46 ounces (13 grams) per packet
Suitable for Vegans: Yes
Price: $
PROS
✅ Affordable
✅ Various flavors
CONS
❌ Not gluten free
For backpackers seeking optimal hydration, Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier is a game-changer. The 12 flavors are a bit specific and might not suit everybody, for instance, the lemon lime is a bit weird while others are too sweet for our tastes.
However, it quickly enters your body using Cellular Transport Technology (CTT), which can be especially beneficial during long hikes and for post-hike recovery. This technology ensures that you get hydrated 2-3 times faster and more effectively than simply drinking water.
While the flavors are hit or miss depending on preference, we appreciate the hydration benefits and recovery support.
Key Specs
Weight: 0.19 ounces (60 grams) per bar
Suitable for Vegans: Yes
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Good for sensitive stomachs
✅ An candy alternative
✅ Caffeine options
CONS
❌ Heavier than other options
For hikers in need of a quick and tasty energy boost, Clif Bloks Energy Chews are a smart choice. These chewable energy bites, designed by athletes for athletes, provide a convenient way to fuel your hiking or backpacking adventures.
With various flavors and customizable sodium and caffeine levels, they cater to different preferences and goals. Their easy-to-eat texture and portable packaging will let you concentrate on what’s most important: the trail ahead.
We found them tasty and appreciated the burst of energy they provided. However, we did find them a bit difficult to open on the go.
Key Specs
Weight: 8 ounces (5.5 grams) per tablet
Suitable for Vegans: Yes
Price: $
PROS
✅ Extremely affordable
CONS
❌ Some odd flavors
For outdoor enthusiasts seeking a refreshing and effective way to stay hydrated, Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets are a good budget choice. They come in various flavors that make drinking water more enjoyable and provide the essential electrolytes you need for your best performance on the trail.
While not everyone may like all the flavors, we find these tablets convenient and appreciate that they use natural ingredients, along with having a balanced formula. This is why we suggest trying different flavors before settling on one for a long hike.
And remember, you do have to cut the tablets with a knife to fit them into a regular water bottle, which is a minor inconvenience.
Choosing the ideal electrolyte supplement is key for maintaining proper hydration and replacing lost nutrients during outdoor adventures, and endurance activities.
Electrolyte supplements help replenish essential minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride that are lost through sweat, vomiting, or diarrhea.
When selecting an electrolyte supplement, consider:
If you want to learn more about electrolyte supplements and their importance in backpacking, check out our post here.
