Reviews > Food > Energy Bars and Drinks > Clif Bar > Owner Review by Anthony Smith

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

Reviews > Food > Energy Bars and Drinks > Clif Bar > Owner Review by Anthony Smith