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Clif Bar
Owner Review
September 22, 2005
Personal Biographical Information
Name – Anthony (TJ) Smith
Age – 30
Gender – Male
Height – 5’ 10” (1.78 m)
Weight – 155 lb (70 kg)
Email Address – tjsmith1946@gmail.com
City, State, Country – Pensacola, Florida USA
Background – I have been camping for a little over 5 years now, mostly
car camping. I have recently begun backpacking, and I am constantly adding new
gear to my “collection” in an effort to get my gear list tailored
more towards backpacking. Most of my backpacking trips are short duration, not
more than one or two nights. I am planning some longer trips in the near future.
My current pack weight is around 15-20 lb (7-9 kg) without food and water, depending on if I'm solo camping or taking my son along, as I have to carry some of his gear. I am a dedicated hammock camper and have tailored my personal gear to that aspect of camping.
Product Information
Manufacturer – Clif Bar
Year of Manufacture – 2005
Manufacturer URL – www.clifbar.com
Stated Weight – 2.4 oz (68 g)
Weight as Measured – 2.5-2.6 oz (70-74 g)
MSRP – US $14.25 per box of 12
Product Description – Clif Bars are an all natural energy bar designed
for athletes. Clif Bars are currently available in 14 flavors: Apricot, Black
Cherry Almond, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Almond Fudge, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate
Chip, Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch, Cookies 'N Cream, Cool Mint Chocolate, Cranberry
Apple Cherry, Crunchy Peanut Butter, Lemon Poppyseed, Oatmeal Raisin Walnut,
and Peanut Toffee Buzz. In addition, there are three seasonal flavors offered:
Spiced Pumpkin Pie, Caramel Apple Cobbler, and Iced Gingerbread. According to
the manufacturer, Clif Bars are made of "healthy ingredients, such as organic
rolled oats, organic roasted soybeans, organic milled flaxseed and organic soy
flour." The bars themselves are approximately 3.5 in x 2.5 in x 0.5 in
(8.9 cm x 6.4 cm x 1.3 cm). They are packaged in a plastic and paper package,
sealed to maintain freshness. The package measures 5.75 in x 2.5 in x 0.75 in
(14.6 cm x 6.4 cm x 1.9 cm). Nutrition information is listed as from 230 to
250 calories, 2.5 to 6 grams of fat, 40 to 47 grams of carbohydrates, and 10
to 12 grams of protein per bar depending on the flavor.
Field Information
Locations Used
I have used the Clif Bars in a variety of backcountry locations throughout Northwest
Florida, as well as carrying them when traveling by car. I have used the Clif
Bars in a variety of temperatures, ranging from 25 F (-4 C) to 96 F (35 C).
They have been exposed to humidity ranging from extremely dry to near 100%,
and from sunny days to downpours. I have had Clif Bars in terrain ranging from
crystal white beaches to pine forests to marshy bogs.
Discussion
I have carried Clif Bars with me on virtually every outing I have gone on in
the last 12 months. I find them a convenient snack or meal substitute on the
trail, when I don't feel like preparing a full meal. I have not tried all the
flavors, but have had the Black Cherry Almond, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate
Chip, Cookies 'N Cream, Cranberry Apple Cherry, Lemon Poppyseed, and Oatmeal
Raisin Walnut. All have had a similar texture and consistency. Based on the
description, I thought the bars would be crunchy, but I found them quite chewy.
I personally find the amount of chocolate in the Chocolate Brownie and Chocolate
Chip to be a bit overpowering. I find the other flavors to be quite enjoyable
and a pleasant change to my usual trail food fare. My six year old son also
enjoys them very much, including the chocolate flavors. He will not let us leave
for the trail without at least two or three for his pack also.
The bars tend to retain their form and shape at cooler temperatures, but as
the temperature rises the bars become soft. At the higher temperatures I find
the bars are much easier to handle if left in the wrapper while eating them.
This prevents me from getting my hands sticky while consuming the bar.
When carrying, I place the bars at the top of my food bag for easy access, and
have found that if I'm not careful the bars do become a bit deformed from being
stored in my pack. This does not affect the flavor or texture, but has caused
some of the bars to break which makes them a bit more of a challenge to eat.
Would I Buy This Again?
Overall I'm very pleased with the Clif Bars. The wide variety of flavors keeps
me from getting bored as I would if there were only one choice. Another plus
for me is that my six year old son enjoys the bars as well, and healthy snacks
that he will eat are hard to find. Even with the few drawbacks I have already
listed, the Clif Bars are by far the most convenient and best choice for me
for a quick energy boost or meal replacement while on the trail.
Likes
1. Variety of flavors
2. Nutrition for the small size
3. My six year old likes them
Dislikes
1. Changes in consistency at different temperatures
2. Packaging is bit difficult to open at times
Read more reviews of Clif gear
Read more gear reviews by Anthony Smith
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