15 Best Electrolytes For Hiking In 2024

Are you searching for the best electrolytes for hiking?

Finding the best electrolytes for hiking can be an absolute game changer when it comes to gaining energy on long trails or backpacking adventures.

Over several years, we have tried and tested countless hiking products including the best energy bars for hiking, crampons vs microspikes, the best energy foods for hiking, and the best electrolytes for hiking. 

We hope this list allows you to pick the best electrolyte for your next hiking adventure!

Check out our ultimate guide below as we dive into the best electrolytes for hitting the trails.

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Don’t have time to read the whole article? Check out our quick guide below!

Quick Guide to The Best Electrolytes for Hiking:

🌟 #1 Pick: The Best Electrolytes Tablets – Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets

⭐️ #2 Pick: The Best Electrolyte Powder – Liquid I.V. Powder Packets

⭐️ #3 Pick: The Best Electrolyte Drinks and Liquids – Mio Sport

⭐️ #4 Pick: The Best Electrolyte Chews – Clif Bloks Energy Chews

The Ultimate List of The Best Electrolytes for Hiking

Best Electrolyte Tablets

Electrolyte tablets were created to drop into your water to provide you with more electrolytes during your hike or backpacking excursion. Not only do electrolyte tablets provide you with more flavor in your water but they also provide you with more energy as you take in the electrolytes. 

Tablets are an easy and simple option and are one of our go-to’s when packing our bags for a hiking adventure! We love that tablets take up little space in our packs and all you have to do is drop one tablet into your water to enjoy its taste and value. 

1. Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets

One of the best electrolytes for hiking is Nuun Sport tablets. We absolutely love the different flavors you can choose from and that you can purchase a variety pack. Additionally, we love that these tablets are gluten free.

Pros:

• Multiple Flavors – We adore that Nuun’s come in a variety of flavors including orange, lemon lime, tri-berry, and more! 
• Gluten Free – These tablets are gluten free which is great for those with gluten allergies or those wanting to avoid gluten in general
• Low Calories – These tablets consist of 15 calories which is not much at all for the amount of electrolytes and flavor you receive 
• Takes Up Little Space – We love that these tablets are in small tubes which allow for easy transportation and they only take up a tiny amount of space in your hiking pack

Cons:

• Tablets Are Large – Oftentimes you have to break the tablets in half in order to fit it inside the mouth of the water bottle 
• Take A While to Dissolve – Due to their large size, these tablets take a little bit of time to dissolve

👉🏼 Check out this link to order your own Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets today!

2. GU Energy Hydration Electrolyte Drink Tablets

Another fantastic option when it comes to the best electrolytes for hiking is GU tablets. We love that these tablets are low in calories and come in a variety of flavors to pick from!

Pros:

• Low Calories – These tablets are only 10 calories which is awesome for the amount of electrolytes and the flavor produced
• Vegan – These tablets are made with vegan ingredients which is incredible for those following a vegan diet
• Dairy Free – The GU tablets do not contain any dairy in them which is a huge pro for those looking to avoid dairy products and ingredients
• Compact – It is super easy to put these GU tubes in your hiking backpack and they do not take up much space at all
• Variety of Flavors – You can pick from tri-berry, strawberry lemonade, and so many other flavors to enjoy!

Cons: 

• Takes a Bit to Dissolve – These tablets take a few minutes to dissolve into your water
• Okay Taste – Some people have complained about the taste of these tablets. We recommend trying a few flavors out to see which one you like best.

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to purchase your own GU Energy Hydration Electrolyte Drink Tablets!

Best Electrolyte Powder

Another form of the best electrolytes for hiking is electrolyte powder that you can pour into your water for a great taste and extra boost in energy. Not only is electrolyte powder a great option when hitting the trails but it’s also a go-to of ours for long travel days to keep us energetic and hydrated. 

3. Liquid I.V. Powder Packets

Liquid I.V.’s have been one of our favorite electrolyte powders for several years now. We absolutely love the taste and love how quickly they work. 

Pros:

• Vitamins and Electrolytes – Not only do these packets come with an immense amount of electrolytes but they also have 5 different vitamins packed in 
• Great Flavors – Not only do Liquid I.V. packets come in a variety of different flavors but they truly are delicious and strong. We highly recommend the lemon lime flavor!
• Easily Dissolves – Many people complain that electrolyte tablets take a while to dissolve and because this is a powder packet you don’t have to wait several minutes to drink it just be sure to stir or shake and then enjoy!

Cons:

• Expensive – Compared to other electrolyte powders, this product is pretty expensive 
• Very Sweet – Many people have complained that these packets are too sweet 

👉🏼 Click here to get your own Liquid I.V. Powder Packets today!

4. Skratch Labs Hydration Packets Drink Mix

Skratch Labs Hydration Drink Mix is another phenomenal option when it comes to picking out the best electrolytes for hiking. We love the variety of flavors you can pick from and that these powder packets are gluten free as well as vegan!

Pros:

• Variety of Flavor Options – You can pick from a variety pack, pineapple, raspberry limeade, and so many other flavors to enjoy
• Gluten Free – These powder packets are gluten free which is phenomenal for those following a gluten free diet
• Vegan – The Skratch Labs Hydration Drink Mix is made out of vegan ingredients which is awesome for those following a vegan diet

Cons:

• Hard to Open Individual Packets – Many people have complained that it can be pretty hard to open up the individuals packets which can be a pain when hiking on trails and trying to quickly fill up on electrolytes
• More Calories – These packets are worth 80 calories which is high compared to other electrolytes products on the market for hiking 

👉🏼 Check out this link to order your Skratch Labs Hydration Packets Drink Mix!

5. Ultima Replenisher Hydration Electrolyte Packets

For those searching for a great budget friendly electrolyte powder that is sugar free, look no further. We love the Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Powder packets due to their variety of flavors, low cost, and they are sugar free. 

Pros:

• Budget Friendly – These packets come in a 20 count and are right under $20 which is phenomenal for electrolytes
• Variety of Flavor Options – You can pick from a variety pack, blue raspberry, tropical, watermelon, and so many other flavor options to enjoy while hiking!
• Sugar Free – We adore that the electrolyte powder packets are sugar free which is great for those watching their sugar intake 
• Zero Calories – These powder packets contain zero calories which is excellent for those looking for flavor without all the calorie intake 

Cons:

• Does Not Dissolve the Best – Many people have complained that this powder does not completely dissolve in the water
• Very Sweet – Some people have complained that this product can be very sweet 

👉🏼 Be sure to click here to order your Ultima Replenisher Hydration Electrolyte Packets!

6. LMNT Electrolyte Powder Packets

Another popular option for electrolyte powder packets is LMNT. We love that these electrolyte powder packets have no artificial ingredients within them!

Pros:

• No Artificial Ingredients – These powder packets were created with no artificial ingredients and with zero sugar
• Multiple Flavors – We love that you can pick a variety pack that includes citrus salt, raspberry salt, orange salt, and watermelon salt
• Keto-Friendly – These packets were designed to be keto-friendly for those following a keto diet

Cons:

• Expensive – These packets are relatively expensive for similar products on the market
• High in Sodium – For those looking to avoid sodium intake, you should avoid taking this product due to the large amounts of sodium in each packet

👉🏼 Click here to get your LMNT Electrolyte Powder Packets!

7. Dr. Price’s Electrolyte Powder Packets

For those looking for a great budget friendly electrolyte powder packet option, Dr. Price’s Electrolyte Mix is a great option for you! We love that these packets are not very expensive and that they are filled with electrolytes to provide you with hydration and energy while out hiking. 

Pros:

• Budget Friendly – This product includes 30 packets for roughly $20 which is a great deal for electrolytes
• Several Flavor Options to Pick From – You can pick from raspberry, tropical, lemon-lime, and blueberry pomegranate flavors to enjoy while out on the trails!
• Naturally Sweetened – These packets are naturally sweetened by Stevia which is awesome for those looking to avoid extra calories and loads of artificial sugar

Cons:

• Very Salty – Many people have complained that these powder packets are very salty in taste
• Too Sweet – Many people have complained that this product is very sweet

👉🏼 Click here to get your Dr. Price’s Electrolyte Powder Packets today!

Best Electrolyte Drinks and Liquids

Another way to enjoy electrolytes while hiking is by simply drinking a sports drink or by infusing electrolytes into your water. Some of our all time favorite electrolyte drinks and liquids include BodyArmor, Powerade, and Mio Sport. 

8. BodyArmor Lyte

BodyArmor Lyte is one of our go-to sports drinks. We love that this product comes in a wide array of flavors, is low in calories, and includes a variety of vitamins within it!

Pros:

• Variety of Flavors – You can pick from peach mango, kiwi strawberry, tropical coconut, and so many other delicious flavor options to enjoy!
• Low in Calories – These drinks are about 20 calories which is not much at all for a tasty electrolyte drink 
• Vitamins and Antioxidants – These drinks come with a handful of vitamins and antioxidants to keep you hydrated, healthy, and energized

Cons:

• Bulky Compared to Other Electrolyte Products – When it comes to hiking with electrolytes carrying around a bottle (or multiple) is quite bulkier than just carrying a few packets of electrolyte powder or a few tubes of electrolyte tablets

👉🏼 Be sure to click here to order your own BodyArmor Lyte!

9. Powerade Zero

Powerade Zero is another one of our favorite electrolyte drinks. We adore that these drinks come in a variety of different flavors to pick from and we love that they are zero calories!

Pros:

• Variety of Flavor Options – You can pick from grape, orange, mixed berry, and so many other flavor options to enjoy while hiking!
• Zero Calories – We love that these drinks are zero calories which is awesome for those wanting to avoid large calorie intakes
• Zero Sugar – These drinks are made with zero sugar which is great for those looking to avoid sugary ingredients

Cons:

• Bulky for Hiking – Similar to BodyArmor, carrying around Powerade bottles is quite bulky and annoying compared to just carrying around electrolyte powder, packets, or chews while hiking 

👉🏼 Click here to get your Powerade Zero today!

10. Mio Sport

Another great option when it comes to the best electrolytes for hiking is Mio Sport. We love that this product is compact, has zero calories, and can be easily squirted into your water for some added flavor and electrolytes.

Pros:

• Multiple Flavor Options – You can pick from berry blast, citrus, black cherry, and many other options to enjoy while hiking or backpacking!
• Different Sizes to Pick From – You can pick from various size options depending on how many servings you want or how compact you want the product
• Zero Calories – We love that these droplets contain zero calories which is awesome for those looking to watch their calorie intake

Cons:

• Takes a Few Tries to Figure Out the Perfect Amount of Droplets – Mio Sport requires you to squirt a bit of the electrolyte juice into your water, it may take a few tries to figure out how much of the substance you want which can be annoying

👉🏼 Check out this link to order your Mio Sport for your next hiking adventure!

Best Electrolyte Chews 

For those looking to grab a quick burst of energy and enjoy gummies, you must check out electrolyte chews!

11. Clif Bloks Energy Chews

One of our absolute favorite electrolytes for hiking is the Clif Bloks. We love that these blocks are easy to pop in your mouth and chew while on the go and we love the various flavor options!

Pros:

• Variety of Flavor Options to Pick From – You can pick from black cherry, strawberry, mountain berry, and more flavor options to enjoy while hiking!
• Quick and Easy – It is easy to pop these chews into your mouth while hiking or backpacking. You don’t have to wait for tablets or powders to dissolve in your water and you don’t have to pull over while hiking and get all of your things out! Instead, we recommend keeping these chews in your hip belt so that you can quickly and easily enjoy them while on the go.
• Organic Ingredients – These bloks are made out of organic ingredients which is awesome for those that are fans of organic foods

Cons:

• Sticky – These bloks can make your hands and fingers quite sticky especially during the warm summer months

👉🏼 Check out this link to get your Clif Bloks Energy Chews!

12. Honey Stinger Energy Chews

One of my favorite energy chews for running and hiking is Honey Stinger Energy Chews. I adore the different flavor options you can pick from and I love that the packaging is compact and easy to put in your hip belt while backpacking or hiking. 

Pros:

• Compact – These energy chews are in a small square packaging which is easy to get the chews out and it is easy to store the chews while hiking or backpacking
• Variety of Flavors – You can pick from pink lemonade, fruit smoothie, orange blossom, and many other delicious flavors to enjoy while out on the trails! My personal favorite is the pink lemonade flavor. 
• Gluten Free – These chews are gluten free which is great for those following a gluten free diet

Cons: 

• Very Sugary – These chews are very sugary which is annoying for those looking to avoid or decrease their sugar intake 

👉🏼 Be sure to click here to order your Honey Stinger Energy Chews!

13. SaltStick FastChews

For those looking for a quick electrolyte fix that will keep you energized and going while hiking, you must check out SaltStick Electrolyte Fastchews. We love that these chews are meant to be taken while exercising and that they not only provide you with electrolytes but are supposed to help your muscles too. 

Pros:

• Great While Exercising – We love that these chews were designed to be enjoyed while exercising 
• Multiple Flavor Options – You can pick from tropical mango, peach, coconut pineapple, and many other flavor options to enjoy!
• Gluten Free – These chews are gluten free for those looking to avoid gluten
• Vegan Friendly – We love that these chews are vegan friendly for those that follow a vegan diet
• Low in Calories – We adore that these chews are low in calories which is great for those looking to watch their calorie intake

Cons:

• Not the Most Tasty – Many people have complained that these chews are not the most tasty or desirable 

👉🏼 Check out this link to order your own SaltStick FastChews today!

14. ProBar Bolt Organic Energy Chews

The Probar Bolt Organic Energy Chews are another fabulous option for electrolyte chews for hiking. We love that this product was created by Probar, one of our favorite energy bar brands. Additionally, we love the endless flavor options to pick from and the compact packaging that is excellent for hiking. 

Pros:

• Compact Packaging – We love that these chews are in a small rectangular packaging that is easy to pack in your backpack for long hikes
• Variety of Flavors – You can pick from a variety pack, raspberry, strawberry, pink lemonade, and many other flavor choices to enjoy!
• Organic Ingredients – We love that these chews were made out of organic ingredients 
• Soy Free – These energy chews are soy free which is great for those with a soy allergy or looking to avoid soy

Cons:

• Very Chewy – Some people have complained that these gummies are pretty chewy

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to purchase your Probar Bolt Organic Energy Chews!

15. Jelly Belly Sport Beans

For those looking for a fun textured electrolyte snack that was made to provide you with energy while exercising, the Jelly Belly Sport Beans should be on your list of products to try! We love that these jelly beans were created to provide you with electrolytes and vitamins while working out. 

Pros:

• Created for Pre Workout – These jelly beans were created to be enjoyed before working out or hitting the trails so that you have plenty of energy and hydration when embarking on your excursion
• Compact – The packaging for these jelly beans is compact and easy to store in your hiking backpack
• Created with Non-GMO Ingredients – These chews were made with non-GMO ingredients 

Cons:

• Sticky – These chews can get quite sticky especially during the warmer months when hiking 

👉🏼 Click here to get your very own Jelly Belly Sport Beans!

FAQs About The Best Electrolytes for Hiking

Should you take electrolytes when hiking?

Yes! Electrolytes are great to enjoy while hiking because they keep you extra hydrated and provide you with a burst of energy. 

What electrolyte is best for backcountry hiking?

We recommend any of the above products for backcountry hiking! In general, we typically recommend bringing electrolyte tablets, powders, and chews while hiking in the backcountry because these products take up less space in your backpack.

What are the best electrolytes for hiking?

Above you will find a complete list of the best electrolytes for hiking. However, our personal favorites are Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets, Liquid I.V. Powder Packets, Clif Shot Bloks, Powerade Zero, and Body Armor. 

Should you drink electrolytes before or after hiking?

You should take electrolytes before, during, and after hiking. Electrolytes help you stay hydrated and healthy while hiking. 

We recommend starting with something small before a hike like a bottle of BodyArmor or Powerade Zero. 

During the hike we recommend munching on the best energy bars for hiking or enjoying electrolyte chews for a quick burst of energy. 

Afterwards, we love to follow up long hikes or backpacking excursions with electrolyte tablets or powders. 

What is best to drink while hiking?

Water is always the best drink to enjoy while hiking in order to keep you hydrated and healthy while out on the trails. 

For those looking for extra hydration or a boost in energy, we recommend adding electrolyte powder or tablets into your water to enjoy while hiking. Our personal favorites are Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets and Liquid I.V. Powder Packets.

What should I drink before a long hike?

Be sure to drink plenty of water before embarking on a long hike. You want to make sure that you are hydrated before, during, and after a hike for the best possible time out on the trails!  

Additionally, we recommend enjoying some electrolytes beforehand so that you are feeling extra hydrated and energized. Oftentimes, we like to enjoy BodyArmor or Powerade Zero before our hikes so that we do not have to lug around extra water bottles with us while out in the wilderness. 

We hope you enjoyed this article on the best electrolytes for hiking! For similar posts be sure to check out the best hiking socks to prevent blisters and the best hiking flashlights. Happy Hiking!