Your fuel source is one of the most important aspects to consider before going out on a hike. Whether you’re going for a quick day hike or a multi-day affair, you need the right amount of nutrients to keep you energized.

There are two types of energy sources you should have on hand. You should have a long-term source that releases energy slowly, such as a peanut butter sandwich. You should also have a quick source that is easily digested and converted into energy.

We’ve found that energy gels are great in giving this much-needed energy boost. 

Why Energy Gels?

Sometimes, the best fuel for hikers comes in pouch form. Hikers ingest thick energy gels before and during a hike to store up glycogen and replenish lost reserves, respectively.

As you hike, your body utilizes two fuel sources: carbohydrates and fat. Of the two, carbohydrates provide more energy in the long run; the more carbs you have stored, the faster and longer you’ll be able to hike without slowing down or feeling fatigued. 

However, bodies can only store a limited amount of carbs before they need to be replenished or your body starts using stored proteins instead. This process, known as gluconeogenesis, involves breaking down the proteins in your body to use as fuel.

This is where ingesting energy gels can help. Since you digest energy gels quickly, your body utilizes the fuel as soon as it hits your bloodstream. 

Energy gels are a great tool for improving your hiking performance and speed, as well as helping in faster recovery after a hike. However, keep in mind that energy gels work best when paired with a balanced and nutritious diet and that they are only supposed to be used as a supplement.

Here’s a list of our top picks in performance gels for hikers.

GU Roctane Energy Gel

For over 20 years, GU has been a pioneer in the energy gel world, and their formula just keeps getting better and more advanced. Roctane energy gels are formulated for quick energy boosts and contain an amazing level of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) (1220mg), 125mg of sodium, and 55mg of potassium. The main energy source comes from a combination of maltodextrin and fructose, a polysaccharide and a monosaccharide, respectively. 

Roctane gels come in both a caffeinated and non-caffeinated form and contain only 100 calories per serving. 

‍

Cliff Shot Energy Gel

Cliff is a well-known brand in the hiking community as far as fueling for performance and endurance goes. Their products are full of performance carbs balanced with just the right amount of electrolytes, and, bonus time, come in a wide range of flavors.

We love that Cliff Shot gels have a thinner consistency than most other carb energy gels on the market, so they’re very easy to ingest while on the trail. What’s more, Cliff Shot gels come in three caffeine levels: double espresso (ultra strong), mocha (intermediate), and decaf, so you can choose how much caffeine you get. No more jitters for you!

Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gel

Honey Stinger gels are known for their unique use of honey as their main sweetener, setting them apart from competitors who use artificial sweeteners. This use of organic honey makes this brand a favorite in the hiking community, particularly with people who have allergies or are sensitive to artificial food additives. However, Honey Stinger isn’t just a gimmick brand; its patented formula is backed by science and aims to improve hiking stamina and performance while providing a continuous energy boost.

Thanks to its delicious honey flavor, many hikers enjoy using this gel as a pre-hike supplement by spreading it on their toast or mixing it into their tea. Honey Stinger proves one thing: energy gels don’t always have to be inhaled from the pouch! Sometimes you can use them as a yummy supplement. 

Hammer Nutrition Gel

One of the longest-running energy supplement brands, Hammer Nutrition has provided effective energy gels for hikers since it was founded in 1987. Their product combines a carefully-formulated list of energy sources and flavors to produce one of the most popular energy gels on the market. 

One of the best things about Hammer Nutrition is that when they promise a certain flavor, you can bet that it delivers. Their fruit flavors, in particular, taste like the real thing since they use actual fruit instead of artificial flavoring. If you’re going on a multi-day hike, their 24-hour energy gel pack will keep you energized throughout the day.

Their chocolate flavor is one of THE best we’ve tasted. Trust us. 

Hüma Chia Energy Gel

We can’t deny that Hüma Chia energy gel is one of the wildest gels we’ve tried. The formula is inspired by the nutritious and unique diet of the ultrarunning Tarahumara Indians of Chihuahua, Mexico It is made up of three simple and easily-digestible ingredients, namely fruit puree, chia seeds, and brown rice syrup. This perfect ratio of glucose to fructose boosts performance and it’s easy on the stomach, making it suitable for long treks.

Hüma Chia gels come in a variety of flavors so that there is something for everyone! If you’re like us, go for the 24-flavor variety pack so that you can try them all out before you make a choice for a favorite. 

We love their mocha flavor, if you’re interested. 

Spring Energy Awesome Sauce

With a name like “Awesome Sauce”, you’d have high expectations for this particular energy gel. Thankfully, they do not disappoint! These delicious energy gels are the perfect boost for when your legs start feeling those miles. 

The smooth and silky texture of Spring Energy gels makes them easy to ingest, and we just love their mouth-watering apple pie flavor. 

So, yes, it is an “awesome sauce”. 

‍

Protein Bars: A Good Energy Gel Alternative

Okay, so here’s the thing: energy gels aren’t for everyone. Some people find that they might not like the flavor or texture. Others find it difficult to ingest energy gels since most of them use some form of artificial sweetener.

If you’re looking for an energy source that has a bit more bite, consider protein bars! Protein bars offer the same quick energy boost and easy digestibility while giving you more substance and texture.

Our Crawl bars are one of the best protein bars you can find. They’re packed with nutrients and carbs, they come in two delicious flavors, and best of all, they’re sustainably made. We use crickets as our main protein source, and crickets are the protein of the future.

Pound for pound, crickets contain twice as much protein as beef, as well as high amounts of nutrients such as potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. Finally, crickets contain a good kind of fat, i.e., polyunsaturated fatty acids, so you’re eating healthy AND good at the same time. 

It might be a bit biased, but it’s a win-win if you ask us! 

Conclusion

Whenever you go out hiking, energy gels should be part of your pack. They’re easy to store, easy to eat, and they come in a wide variety of flavors. The only thing that you need to consider is the energy source. If you have a sensitivity to artificial sweeteners, opt for gels that use all-natural ingredients such as Honey Stinger.