electrolyte replacement drinks

[chai guy]

I can't stress how important an electrolyte replacement drink is for this hike, especially in the desert. Even though I had previously been an athlete, I hadn't read much about electrolyte replacement drinks on the trail and figured I didn't need them.

Once I understood what I was missing and started using them, my hike went much better, I had more energy and enjoyed my hike more.

I also became a big fan of Emergen-C and drank at least 2 packets per day of the stuff, it's also good to mix in with your sports drink. http://www.alacer.com/

I don't have a favorite sports drink, I used Gatorade and Gookinaide but I hear that Cliff Bar now makes one too.

The bottom line is make sure you take some and use it.

[Ender]

Indeed. Especially through the desert section, I made sure to carry extra. Gatoraid worked well for me, and I was occasionally able to find EmergenC packets.

[footslogger]

Same thing I use ...plus that company also makes Eletro-Mix (separate from Emergen-C) which is an eletrolyte replacement powder. I carry them both and often combine them in a single drink during the day.

One thing I notice is that I tend to sweat more than the average hiker. As a result I lose more of my body salt(s). So ...as I drink more water in an attempt to offset perspiration I actually dilute and deplete what few salts by body is able to retain and I get really exhausted. Since starting to use the Eletro-Mix combined with the Emergen-C I have noticed that my energy levels stay much higher into the afternoon on those high mileage days. That along with frequent snacks has become my standard daily routine.

[chai guy]

wow, I didn't know that emergen-c made an electrolyte replacement, I just looked at it (called electromix). I like that such a small amount of powder will treat a liter of water, more bang for your weight than gatorade for sure!

[Ender]

Indeed. The only downside is that you don't get the extra sugar energy like you do from Gatoraid, which I really like. It's worth the extra weight for me, because it helps to counteract the post-meal sluggishness.

[girlscout]

gatorade was crucial to my hike. i drank alot more of it than most hikers i saw. if there had been a feasible way to ALWAYS drink gatorade, i would have done it.

i took lots of emergen-c as well. i always had at least one packet a day, usually mixed in my gatorade, but if i was feeling crappy, i would take alot more than that. i just don't recommend taking it straight-up without water!! pretty hardcore, only did it once out of desperation!! :)