Hammer Gel vs. Gu, etc. - Electrolyte Replacements

[Kraken]

Forgive me if this has been discussed before but a search didn't find anything.

 

What do you find to be the single best electrolyte gel on the market?

 

For extremely taxing multi-day alpine climbing (think late in day two and three), what is the body most lacking, how is it degenerating and what helps and further taxes the body?

 

Gu has long been the go to energy gel that is full of electrolytes and seems to work well.

THen there's Clif Shots, which seem really similar.

 

Finally there's Hammer Gel. This stuff has a totally different make up and has only 25% as much sugar. Is this stuff any better or is it just different?

[billcoe]

As I get older, I find that I am on occasion, getting horribly painful cramps in the insides of my thighs after climbing. I'd seen some good info on this site about Accelerade and the other version they make and started using it.

 

Same cramps.

 

Jimmy O suggested I do "Calm", which I did and it worked much better. However, it's not a sports drink and tastes like crap. I had seen John Friehs recommendation that all the Hammer stuff was the best. So I tried the Heed. Hammer Heed electrolyte drink.

 

IT IS THE ONLY THING THAT WORKED TO STOP THE CRAMPS. I don't know a hell of a lot, but I do know that much. The stuff is expensive, which I think prevented me from committing to it at first. Worth it - for me. Now I'm keeping the electrolyte pills in the car so I always have some if the need is there.

[genepires]

if it is electrolytes you need, why look at gels when there are products made for electrolyte issues, like hammer endurolytes or something spelled like that. or the heed stuff.

[Kraken]

Whatever it is, whether it's gels or drink powders, does not really matter. Gels are the most typical form used while alpine climbing although I do use both gel and drink powder.

 

Bill, thanks for the heads up on the heed. I have a similar problem and that is great advice.

 

The pills on routes...haven't tried them. Does anyone have any experience with them? I guess they're lighter than the gel packets...more expensive for a container it seems. Do they provide the same amounts as in gel form per use?

[John Frieh]

perpeteum + hammer gel (or GU) pre route + on route.

 

recoverite post route/rest periods.

 

however the diet you choose/follow during your training period leading up the event in question will potentially have a much larger impact on how well you perform.

 

I.e. water intake during the day, carbs within an hour of working out, protein within 15 minutes of working out, etc etc etc

[korup]

Cytomax is amazing. Lemon-lime is the only decent flavor.

[BirdDog]

IMHO "electrolyte gel" is an oxymoron. To get electrolytes into the right places you need water to get them there. Electrolyte gels will only help if you are hydrated. I have used GU2O (mixed with water) the past year or so as an electrolyte supplement - seems to work well for me on long bike rides or hikes/climbs. If I'm going hard and it's hot, I'll add some salt to the GU2O. Salt helps your cells retain water. Best thing you can do for multi day intense activity is totally hydrate for two days before you go, and then stay hydrated. Drink enough so that when you hit the trailhead you're pissing gin clear every 20 minutes. After that you can stay well hydrated with 1-2 quarts a day for three days; as long as you're not crossing the Mojave in July.

[tomtom]

I'm another Cytomax addict. I have no idea if it is actually any better than the other mixes, but I like the taste. And I do agree that hydration also plays a big part in preventing cramps. The worst cramping I have is when aid climbing (probably due to hauling) where water is budgeted. Getting leg cramps while sleeping in a bivy sac on a ledge is pretty wicked. Cytomax twice a day helped me reduce cramping. I do avoid the Cytomax flavors with the 'Herbal Lift' as they weird me out more than anything.

 

In regard to gels, I've tried Gu, Hammer, and Cliff Shots and can't tell the difference. I buy Cliff Shots because they are cheaper, but they get stiff in cold weather. The litter leash (a good idea) doesn't work for me as I end up ripping it off accidentally when opening the package. I think in the end you just need to try them out and see what works best for you.

 

REI has pretty good pricing. If you buy 12 nutrition items (a bucket of Cytomax and 11 cliff shots, for example) you get a 20% discount. Cytomax also ends up being about half the price of gels on a per calorie basis.

 

As always, YMMV.