Tailwind Nutrition Drink Mix Review
Endurance Fuel, Recovery Mix, and Rapid Hydration For Hiking & Trail Running
October 31, 2023 – We’ve been testing Tailwind Nutrition Drink Mix to supplement hiking, backpacking, and trail running pursuits, and have been quite impressed with the results. The taste, nutrition, calories-to-weight ratio, and functionality have all been good-to-excellent, and we definitely recommend Tailwind to outdoors folk, during or after adventure.
. . .Disclaimer: We are hikers and runners, not MDs or nutritionists. Consult your doctor regarding all dietary supplements. You make Adventure Alan & Co possible. When purchasing through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Here’s why you can trust us. Now back to the Tailwind Nutrition Drink Mix Review.
Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel Review
We like the Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel for a mid-hike or mid-run boost. What sets this apart from your typical electrolyte drink powders is the influx of easily digested sugars and carbs to keep you topped off on energy, not just salt. At 200 calories for a 2oz packet, the calorie-to-weight ratio is solid and not too hard for hikers to justify carrying
The single-serve packets easily stash into a running vest or snack bag, and we love how the powder doesn’t end up tainting your water bottle. We’ve had really negative experiences with Nuun residue, which is effectively impossible to remove from a bottle. Not so with Tailwind. There’s no dye, so it’s clear, and a quick rinse purges it from your bottle.
What’s more, Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel is also available in an assortment of caffeinated flavors, 70mg per packet. That’s a bit more than an eight ounce cup of tea, a bit less than an eight ounce cup of coffee. True coffee addicts will appreciate the boost, but this will likely only supplement, not replace your addiction to bean juice.
Regarding taste, we were also impressed. It’s both sweet and savory, thanks to the salty electrolyte boost. We’re still going through our sampler pack, and so far, berry has been a favorite.
Key Stats
- Price: $2.49 per single serve packet
- Weight: 1.9 oz
- Calories: 200
- Sodium: 630mg (27% daily)
- Carbs: 50g (18% daily)
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Caffeine: 0mg standard, 70mg caffeinated varieties
Tailwind Nutrition Recovery Mix Review
Kick back after a long day of hiking or running with a celebratory Tailwind Nutrition Recovery Mix. This packet of powdered goodness exists at the intersection of protein powder and electrolyte powder and helps you rehydrate your body and restore your muscles. For backpackers in particular, in can be the perfect pick-me-up after getting to camp, but before pitching your tent.
Like Endurance Fuel, Recovery Mix also has a pleasing caloric density, albeit not exceptional. But anything over 100 cal/oz is respectable and worthy of consideration. And compared to regular electrolyte powders, it’s far superior!
What’s more, it’s high quality complete protein – superior to whey or chocolate milk, and also vegan. For backcountry users, the protein powder creates a bit of residue in your bottle, but can easily be rinsed out and the whole kit was surprisingly clean and easy to manage. The texture is smooth and not chalky, and goes down easy. Thus far, salted caramel has been the flavor to beat.
The caffeinated varieties are great if you have to drive home post-adventure, or deal with camp chores before settling in for the evening. At 80mg per packet, it’s just shy of the amount of caffeine in an eight ounce cup of coffee.
Key Stats
- Price: $2.99 per single serve packet
- Weight: 2.2 oz
- Calories: 240
- Sodium: 450mg (20% daily)
- Carbs: 42g (15% daily)
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g (20% daily)
- Caffeine: 0mg standard, 80mg caffeinated varieties
Tailwind Nutrition Rapid Hydration Review
Tailwind Nutrition Rapid Hydration is a new add to the lineup, focused entirely on replacing what you sweat out. Unlike Endurance Fuel and Recovery Mix which provide the body with actual fuel in addition to replacing lost salt, the smaller and simpler Rapid Hydration packets are a basic electrolyte mix, boosted with cane sugar and vitamin C. The fruity flavors make for a nice treat midway through a sweaty workout, and claim to help the body absorb 3x more water than if you drank water by itself.
Whether or not that’s true, hikers and runners do need to replace salt even if they don’t need bonus fuel, especially in sun-exposed and/or high altitude terrain, and the Rapid Hydration packets are a nice add to the Tailwind Quiver. If you want to go full Tailwind crazy, we’d recommend one of each packet for a long day on the trail.
Key Stats
- Price: $1.58 per single serve packet (sold in 12 packs for $19)
- Weight: .46 oz
- Calories: 45
- Sodium: 320mg (14% daily)
- Carbs: 12g (4% daily)
- Sugar: 10g (20% daily)
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g (0% daily)
Tailwind Nutrition Drink Mix Review Conclusion
As hikers and runners, we’ve generally prioritized natural foods, bars, and gels when it comes to filling up the tank. But Tailwind has us reconsidering that stance. Their Recovery Mix and Endurance fuel powders are tasty, lightweight, and offer a complete nutrition hit for adventurers on the go. Do yourself a favor and try out some Tailwind Nutrition Drink Mix!
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