Hydration Products For Mountain Biking Compared

With so many different hydration products for mountain biking out there, knowing which one is the best option for you can be challenging and overwhelming. Some are better suited for different scenarios and activities. This article will discuss what to consider when choosing which hydration mix to purchase. Test out different hydration mixes to see what works best for you during training. Don’t experiment on a race day.

Hydration products designed for mountain biking will help your performance in two ways.

• First, to replenish electrolytes your body needs that can be lost when sweating. 
• Second, to provide carbohydrates for added fuel.

We’ve pulled together a list of our best-rated hydration drinks, recommended usage, and what each is best used for.

One of the best ways to stay hydrated on a mountain bike is to sip water throughout the day and have a water bottle around as a reminder. But don’t force it. If you’re hydrated before your ride, you’ll be less likely to get dehydrated during your ride. It is possible to drink too much water, especially plain water. As a result, you can become hyponatremic, which occurs when the sodium level in the blood is too low.

Many companies make a standard hydration mix with 20-30 grams of carbs and 300-40 mg of sodium per scoop. These are ideal if you only want to purchase one hydration mix that can be used during shorter and endurance rides. Skratch, Clif bar, and Carborocket are a few examples of these multiple-purpose hydration mixes.

Some companies make drink mixes with higher amounts of carbohydrates per serving. This can be ideal if you find it challenging to eat during rides or races. For example, during a high-speed, bumpy mountain bike race, it can be difficult to reach the goal of 30-60 grams of carbs per hour. Read this article for more information on fueling during mountain bike rides. Flow Formula, Skratch, and Carborocket produce a hydration mix with higher amounts of carbohydrates per serving. You can use fewer scoops of these mixes for shorter rides when fewer carbs are needed. Remember that you will be getting less than the serving of electrolytes listed on the label.

Another option is a mix with higher electrolytes, specifically more sodium and lower carbohydrates. These are ideal if you struggle when riding in the heat or are a salty sweater. Read my article here about hydration. I like to use these to supplement my normal drink mixes on bike rides. Or, if I have been out in the heat all day sweating and feel dehydrated, I will sip on this in the afternoon. Two examples of these products are Flow Formulas Electrolytes Mix and Liquid IV.

How do you hydrate? Tell us below in the comments.