[DigitalJanitor]

I have stupidly low BP/pulse, something that runs in the family. My doc even firmly advised me NOT to forgo salt while pregnant after seeing how low my BP was parked even after a mocha and walking a couple miles before coming in for the usual morning checkup. Endurolytes have really been a game changer, as previously I would sometimes get sidelined with searing headaches and occasionally would get downright lightheaded. They've also helped w cramping afterwards. I have tried just eating more salty stuff and it seems to help as well. That and caffeine are my friends for life.

[ejain]

$1 of Nuun tablets while hiking saves me from eating a $2 bag of potato chips after hiking :-)

[Pyrites]

Before this thread I’d never heard of Nuun tablets. I do drink a lot of water.

[Adohrn]

Gatorade does not work for me. I believe it’s all the sugar. Seems to be working at first, but then I start excessively urinating to get rid of the sugar which then leads to dehydration. At some point I loose all desire to drink which only makes the problem worse. If using the powder making a very diluted version is much better. In the end it took me an embarrassing long time to learn to just not use it at all. Nunn on the other hand is wonderful. I just use a half tab in my water bladder (generally in 1 1/2 litters) in the morning. It’s amazing how much more water efficient this makes me compared to Gatorade or even plain water. If it’s stupidly hot I sometimes add another half tab at lunch.

[Sculpin]

I cannot drink straight water while hiking in warm weather, no matter how many salty snacks I have. I am good for about a day and then I lose my appetite and start getting weaker. I have tried a variety of products and most of them have worked as long as they have real sugar in them. Gatorade is the cheapest so that is what I use. Meanwhile, my lifelong hiking companions, my sister and bro-in-law, do the exact same hikes but have zero problems with straight water. Your urine should be a nice healthy yellow when you are hiking. If it is clear, that means that your body is short of electrolytes and is rejecting water, so you will eventually weaken from dehydration. The yellow color is excess electrolytes. Figuring out the Gatorade thing was a game-changer for me! I need a full canister of powder per week.

[RumiDude]

[Malachai Constant]

In the southwest they often have color coded signs over urinals with the clearer colors indicating proper hydration and the darker colors indicating dehydration. Nothing is said about electrolytes.

[BigBrunyon]

I DONT NEED THAT!!! i just buck up and get it done!!

[Naches Hiker]

Only time I drink electrolytes while hiking is if I got the drink/packet for free. I usually have 1-2 drinks with electrolytes a day while working in the summer.

[Sculpin]

[Just_Some_Hiker]

I use SUCCEED S Caps on longer hikes in the summer. They seem to work quite well.

[Riverside Laker]

I use them on long bike rides where it can be hard to carry water and nutrients. But while hiking it's easier to stop and gawk at the view while ingesting calories and water.

[DIYSteve]

[Malachai Constant]

We use some on desert hikes in summer, but I think a lot of this is BS.

[Ancient Ambler]