Guest - Not logged in | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reviews > Food > Energy Bars and Drinks > AcliMate Mountain Sports Drink > Test Report by Derek HansenPhoto courtesy Acli-Mate Acli-Mate — Mountain Sports DrinkTest Series by Derek HansenTESTER INFORMATION
BACKPACKING BACKGROUNDI am a lightweight backpacker with a typical overnight pack weight of 15 lb (7 kg) and a multi-day weight of 20 lb (9 kg), which includes food and water. Because I pack less than 20 lb (9 kg), I prefer lightweight trail-running shoes. I prefer backpacking with a hammock as part of my sleep system. PRODUCT INFORMATION
INITIAL REPORT23 Oct 2012 PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONThe Acli-Mate Mountain Sport Drink packets are an electrolyte and carbohydrate boosting supplement designed for high altitude acclimatization. There are 30 serving packets per box. One serving mixes with 10-12 oz (283-340 g) of water of cool or warm water that can be adjusted to taste. The supplement contains no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or high-fructose corn syrup, gluten, dairy, egg, soy, yeast, corn or caffeine. This supplement is listed as "a great hydration supplement for those with food allergies or sensitivities." Each packet contains only 35 calories and 8 g (0.3 oz) of sugar per serving. Photo courtesy Acli-Mate.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONSI'm already enjoying the product. I've tried each of the packets so far and each has a great flavor. I've not noticed any distinct after taste or sugary flavor, which is nice. There is also NO effervescence or fizziness in the drink. The recommended usage requirements for acclimatization, performance, and recovery seem a little high at first and I can see that I could run through the 30-pack sample very quickly by using multiple packets before, during, and at the end of each day. I may try a reduced regimen for simple day hikes and try the recommendations for higher-altitude backpacking adventures. Since I live at elevation (7,000 ft/2,133 m), I'm looking more for electrolyte replacement and recovery help for shorter trips. However, I've experienced acute altitude symptoms at 10,000 ft (3,000 m), so I'm looking forward to boosting my acclimatization and performance for these trips. INITIAL SUMMARYThe packets offer a convenient serving option and are easy to add to my pack for on-the-go day hikes or planned backpacking trips. I'm looking forward to testing this product in the field to see how I feel while backpacking at altitude. LONG-TERM REPORT12 Mar 2013 FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONSI've used the supplement on four overnight trips and a few day hikes, totaling 8 days more than 40 miles of backpacking. Oct 26-27: Kachina Trail, Arizona. I went on a 13 mi (21 km) backpacking trip with my troop on the San Francisco Peaks. The high temperature was around 50°F (10°C) and the overnight low was around 30°F (-1°C). Elevation was 9,200 ft (2,800 m). Nov 2-3: Upper Lake Mary, Arizona. I joined the older boy scouts on a short 4 mi (10 km) backpacking trip near Lake Mary. The high temperature was around 50°F (10°C) and the overnight low was 35°F (2°C). Elevation was 7,000 ft (2,100 m). Feb 15-16: Fossil Creek, Arizona. This was a 10 mi (16 km) backpacking trip into the Fossil Creek canyon. The elevation change was 1,700 ft (520 m) with a top elevation of 5,700 ft (2,000 m). During the night, the temperature dropped into the mid-50s °F (~10 °C). Feb 27-Mar 1: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. This was as 22 mi (35 km) backpacking trip into the canyon where we experienced more than 10,000 ft (3,050 m) of grueling elevation change. The coldest overnight temperature was 28°F (-2°C) and the high was around 62°F (17°C). PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELDFor most of my trips, I followed the manufacturer's directions and drank the supplement prior, during, and after the trip. The packets are easy to open in the field, even in cold temperatures. I typically pack a collapsible, high-capacity (2.5 L) water bottle for water storage and a smaller, hard-sided 1L water bottle for mixing drinks. This is my personal preference in part because it is easier to clean out the hard-sided water bottles thanks to the larger opening. When I pour the packet contents into the bottle, I crease the packaging slightly so it funnels into the bottle easier. TasteI have two favorite flavors: Elevation Orange and Colorado Cran-Raspberry. My least favorite is the grape; there is a slight after taste that I do not like. I preferred to water down the mix just slightly, not because the flavor is too strong, but mostly for personal preference in the field. PerformanceFor most of my trips I didn't notice any dramatic change in my system, but I also didn't have any symptoms of altitude sickness either. Where I really felt a significant boost was during my trip into the Grand Canyon. I saved the remaining packets I had for this trip because my trip plan called for some long mileage days and dramatic elevation changes. I was very regimented in my use of the supplement, using it to restore my electrolytes, hydrate, and counteract the effects of elevation change. My three hiking partners all complained of muscle soreness and some elevation weariness. To my delight, I felt restored and alert each day. I attribute this to using the packets while staying well-hydrated. My hike out of the Grand Canyon was very ambitious: 10 mi (16 km) and 5,000 ft (1,500 m) of elevation change. I completed the hike in less than 4.5 hours. I used a few packets on the hike out and I was feeling great when I topped out. I was very grateful. I really like this product. I felt more refreshed and I didn't feel soreness or effects of dramatic elevation change. I feel it really worked and I would like to use this in the future. PRO—Overall good flavor, minimal after taste for most flavors. Helped to restore my electrolytes and prevented altitude sickness. CON—Not a huge fan of the grape flavor; some after taste. I would like to thank Acli-Mate and BackpackGearTest.org for providing me with the opportunity to test this product. This concludes my report. Read more gear reviews by Derek Hansen Reviews > Food > Energy Bars and Drinks > AcliMate Mountain Sports Drink > Test Report by Derek Hansen |