+Jedi Cacher Posted November 6, 2007 Share Posted November 6, 2007 Years ago there really were not a whole lot of choices for energy bars out there. I used to chow down on power bars but made the switch a few years ago. I really love Clif Bars and they have allot of flavors to choose from. My personal favorite is the Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch and the Chocolate Almond Fudge for second choice. They even make a kid friendly Zbar that my son and his cub scout pack loves. They also make Electrolyte drinks that can be served hot or cold, but have not tried them out yet. Might have to try the cider electrolyte or hot chocolate recovery beverage when out on the slopes this winter. Quote Link to comment
+cerberus1 Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 Assuming this is a "light" hike, less than eight hours, energy bars may be okay as a quick fix. Problem with these is climate... Summer, they become a molten bag of goo, unless alongside a cool water bladder in a hydro pack (water doesn't stay "cool" for long .) Winter, they'll break your teeth like a year old MaryJane. One we've found seems to last a bit longer in both climes is ACCESS, made by Metaleuca. We like the double fudge best. I'm still a bit happier with a cheese wedge and pepperoni. Quote Link to comment
+CurmudgeonlyGal Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 Years ago there really were not a whole lot of choices for energy bars out there. I used to chow down on power bars but made the switch a few years ago. I really love Clif Bars and they have allot of flavors to choose from. My personal favorite is the Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch and the Chocolate Almond Fudge for second choice. They even make a kid friendly Zbar that my son and his cub scout pack loves. They also make Electrolyte drinks that can be served hot or cold, but have not tried them out yet. Might have to try the cider electrolyte or hot chocolate recovery beverage when out on the slopes this winter. I tend to gravitate toward Luna bars if I want something that can be found almost anywhere - I tend to stay away from chocolate (most of the time!!) and like the Iced Oatmeal Raisin and Peanut Butter Cookie flavors. They are diary free (trace amts may be present), which is a must for me. When I'm more on the ball and have planned ahead, I REALLY like larabar's 'cashew cookie', 'key lime pie' and 'cherry pie'. They're raw and vegan. They hold up VERY well and I'd have to venture a guess that eating them might take most people some getting used to. Neither of these are meal-skip-worthy... but a quick punch if my blood sugar is heading down into 'that' range and it might be a little while before I can get to a spot to eat something more substantial. michelle Quote Link to comment
ATMouse Posted November 8, 2007 Share Posted November 8, 2007 I never have warmed up to energy bars, either. Some are too....funky- tasting or sumfin. And I can cobble together snacks I like just as well or better that ride in my pocket easily. Quote Link to comment
+TotemLake Posted November 8, 2007 Share Posted November 8, 2007 (edited) I tried energy bars of several types and find they require too much water to digest easily. I tend to go after the Clif Shot Blocks. They come six blocks to a package, and you take 2 per hour with a couple swallows of water to help the digestion process. They chew like gummie bears and come in several flavors although I recommend against the margarita flavor. Edited November 8, 2007 by TotemLake Quote Link to comment
+seattlegeekgrrrlz Posted November 8, 2007 Share Posted November 8, 2007 I agree with the Lara bar recommendation. They are just fruit and nuts, so they seem handle most temperatures pretty well and are pretty easily digestible for me. They are definitely a snack, but seem to perk me up pretty well when I need it. Luna bars are second choice. Third choice, probably just some mixed nuts. I thought I read somewhere once that a peanut butter and jelly sandwich was pretty much as good as most energy bars - no guarantee of the accuracy of that, though Quote Link to comment
+CurmudgeonlyGal Posted November 8, 2007 Share Posted November 8, 2007 I agree with the Lara bar recommendation. They are just fruit and nuts, so they seem handle most temperatures pretty well and are pretty easily digestible for me. They are definitely a snack, but seem to perk me up pretty well when I need it. Luna bars are second choice. Third choice, probably just some mixed nuts. I thought I read somewhere once that a peanut butter and jelly sandwich was pretty much as good as most energy bars - no guarantee of the accuracy of that, though And then you set the PB&J up against something hard in your pack and it gets this mushy spot... right where it sat up against something hard in your pack. Ew. Mushy PB&J! With the shape of a... what was that, anyway? ... right in the middle! I don't take energy bars with me when I hike - I agree with a previous poster in that it's just as easy to pack something more nutritious and longer lasting - but I TRY to take one with me every day so when my stomach starts to grumble between 10 and 12 I have something to keep me noise-free for the rest of the time I'm a captive audience. michelle Quote Link to comment
magellan315 Posted November 8, 2007 Share Posted November 8, 2007 (edited) Started out using Power Bars, but they get mushy in hot weather and solid in cold weather, and they taste funny. Switched to cliff bars and am a big fan of the cool mint chocolate. Just sweet enough without being over powering. They are nice pick me up when I need it. Edited November 8, 2007 by magellan315 Quote Link to comment
+eM-Burr Posted November 8, 2007 Share Posted November 8, 2007 I enjoy Oatmeal & Raisin Powerbars. The gel things IMO are horrible. I do enjoy Honeybar's, more of a granola bar, but with lots of types to choose from. Also making them yourself is really easy, and can be as "healthy" as you make them. Honey Bars For making your own backpacking fare this is my favorite site. Freezer Bag Cooking Quote Link to comment
+ZSandmann Posted November 8, 2007 Share Posted November 8, 2007 Clif Bars: Anything except ones with cinnamin, I depise it. Nature's Valley: Sweet and Salty Or I'll second a hard bagel, chunk of sharp cheddar and summer sausage wrapped in a bandana. Quote Link to comment
+Mule Ears Posted November 8, 2007 Share Posted November 8, 2007 (edited) My current favorites for trail food are Kashi Roasted Almond Crunch bars and salmon jerky sticks. Those, along with some cold V8 if electrolyte replacement is necessary, pretty much cover all the bases for me. Edited November 8, 2007 by Mule Ears Quote Link to comment
MarcusArelius Posted November 8, 2007 Share Posted November 8, 2007 And then you set the PB&J up against something hard in your pack and it gets this mushy spot... right where it sat up against something hard in your pack. Ew. Mushy PB&J! With the shape of a... what was that, anyway? ... right in the middle! michelle Hey, those lock-n-locks can be used for more than just cache containers Quote Link to comment
+travis71 Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Cheesesticks & turkey pepperoni! Usually pack some sunflower seeds as well. I also have nightmares of bears following the trail of spit out shells to me. hehe Quote Link to comment
+Kit Fox Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 I don't bother with energy bars. I buy bulk pecans, unsalted peanuts, raisins, suger free (M&Ms), and some dried apricots to make a simple trail mix. My primary energy snack is GU Energy Gel. I wouldn't say they taste spectacular, but I don't feel dehydrated after having one either. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 (edited) My wife is a big fan of Lara bars. I've tried the Clif bars and like the peanut toffee buzz and the peanut butter ones. Snickers Marathon in Chewy Peanut Butter was OK. Power Bars are OK in some flavors but I'm afraid I'm going to lose a filling eating one of those. I have a couple in my pack for emergencies, but generally don't eat them because they don't fill me up. I'd have to eat about 4 of the things for lunch. My typical backpacking lunch is a spicy, dried sausage (chorizo, pepperoni, hot sopprasata, etc...) and cheddar on Triscuts, or canned tuna on Triscuts. If it's just a day hike I bring a sandwich, and maybe some soup or chili in a Thermos if it's cold out. I make my own gorp for a quick, pick me up snack on the trail. Usually raisins, peanuts, sesame sticks, dried banana chips, M&Ms and cashews. Edited November 9, 2007 by briansnat Quote Link to comment
+Kealia Posted November 11, 2007 Share Posted November 11, 2007 (edited) After years of eating PowerBars, Cliff Bars, etc. I'm now onto Cliff Shot Bloks: It's nice to have something with a different texture for a change. Think back to college days and jello shots! Edited November 11, 2007 by kealia Quote Link to comment
+seattlegeekgrrrlz Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 And then you set the PB&J up against something hard in your pack and it gets this mushy spot... right where it sat up against something hard in your pack. Ew. Mushy PB&J! With the shape of a... what was that, anyway? ... right in the middle! michelle Hey, those lock-n-locks can be used for more than just cache containers Well, one of uses the tupperware container method of sandwich carrying and the other kind of likes the randomly smashed PBJ sandwich effect. There's no accounting for taste, I guess. My personal favorite trail lunch is a salami and havarti sandwich on whole grain bread. Mmmm. Yes, I am the tupperware carrier. The Lara bars are our convenience trail food. We can buy them in bulk at the Costco here, so we usually have some on hand to throw in the pack on the way out the door. Quote Link to comment
+Arrow One Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 I prefer the PB& J stored in a container, and beef jerkey. Yummy!! Quote Link to comment
+private bones Posted December 9, 2007 Share Posted December 9, 2007 Used to love Clif bars until the discovery of Odwalla Bars. The other day my usual source was out of Odwalla so I grabbed a Clif. Guess I can't go back - compared to Odwalla it tasted like cardboard. Favorite Odwallas: Chewy Nut or Chocolate Chip. Quote Link to comment
+coggins Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 (edited) For day hikes it's Odwalla and/or Clif Bars. Edited December 14, 2007 by coggins Quote Link to comment
hwyhobo Posted December 15, 2007 Share Posted December 15, 2007 (edited) Not sure if there is a benefit to carrying the bars since they require so much water for digestion. For day hikes I prefer to carry a banana, apples, and if it is going to be really strenuous, and I will need a lot of extra sugar, perhaps a small pack of raisins or other dried fruit. A little milk chocolate is also always in my pack for long hikes (wrapped in a paper towel and a plastic ziplock bag). Edited December 15, 2007 by hwyhobo Quote Link to comment
+Kealia Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Not sure if there is a benefit to carrying the bars since they require so much water for digestion. That's actually one of the benefits IMO - they make you keep drinking to stay hydrated. Quote Link to comment
hwyhobo Posted December 19, 2007 Share Posted December 19, 2007 (edited) That's actually one of the benefits IMO - they make you keep drinking to stay hydrated. Doesn't compute. Bars force you to drink to replenish what should have been there in the first place. That is not a plus outcome, that is a zero outcome. Unless you mean you wouldn't drink otherwise? Edited December 19, 2007 by hwyhobo Quote Link to comment
+ScoutingWV Posted December 19, 2007 Share Posted December 19, 2007 Of the manufactured varieties, Clif bars are may favorites. Haven't tried the shot blocks yet but they look interesting. Of the do-it-yourself varieties, you can't beat a bag of your favorite trail mix and a few pepperoni rolls with your favorite cheese (especially since my home town is pepperoni roll world capital). Quote Link to comment
+wvcoalcat Posted December 20, 2007 Share Posted December 20, 2007 Clif bars are may favorites. I'm curious SWV, what are your favorites the other 11 months? I normally go the roni-roll trailmix route too. Haven't found an energy bar I really like but this thread has at least given me some choices to try. Quote Link to comment
+ScoutingWV Posted December 20, 2007 Share Posted December 20, 2007 Clif bars are may favorites. I'm curious SWV, what are your favorites the other 11 months? I normally go the roni-roll trailmix route too. Haven't found an energy bar I really like but this thread has at least given me some choices to try. Usually energy bars for the warm weather months. Even if they melt a bit, they still stay in their package well enough for me to squeeze them out. I generally drink enough water to help them go down well. They're also good whether I'm doing some hiking, backpacking, or on my bike. I tend to do the roni-roll/trail mix from fall through spring. Quote Link to comment
+Hula Bum Posted December 21, 2007 Share Posted December 21, 2007 That's actually one of the benefits IMO - they make you keep drinking to stay hydrated. Doesn't compute. Bars force you to drink to replenish what should have been there in the first place. That is not a plus outcome, that is a zero outcome. Unless you mean you wouldn't drink otherwise? That would be me. I am horrible about remembering to drink, so the shots get me drink probably to the point I should have been all along. Quote Link to comment
+Johny-Cachers Posted December 22, 2007 Share Posted December 22, 2007 I tend to like the sweet and salty nature valley bars, cliff shot bloks, trail mix, and a little bit of dried fruit. Quote Link to comment
+Kealia Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 That's actually one of the benefits IMO - they make you keep drinking to stay hydrated. Doesn't compute. Bars force you to drink to replenish what should have been there in the first place. That is not a plus outcome, that is a zero outcome. Unless you mean you wouldn't drink otherwise? Sorry for the late reply. You are correct - they force you to drink. For me it's not an issue, I drink plenty (just did a 13 mile 5,000-foot climb hike a few days ago and took a full 4-liters of water with me. But a lot of people don't remember to drink enough and energy bars, trail mix, etc. tend to make people thirsty, resulting in them drinking. That was my point. I like the idea of adding little peperoni rolls into trail mix - sounds good! Quote Link to comment
hwyhobo Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 But a lot of people don't remember to drink enough and energy bars, trail mix, etc. tend to make people thirsty, resulting in them drinking. That was my point. Point taken, then. Curious, where did you hike? You're not very far from me, I suspect. Quote Link to comment
+Trevuuuur1993 Posted December 31, 2007 Share Posted December 31, 2007 MMM you know whats good... caribou coffee bars.... Quote Link to comment
hwyhobo Posted December 31, 2007 Share Posted December 31, 2007 caribou coffee bars.... Isn't caffeine a diuretic? Quote Link to comment
+TotemLake Posted January 2, 2008 Share Posted January 2, 2008 caribou coffee bars.... Isn't caffeine a diuretic? Yes. Quote Link to comment
dagger dog Posted January 14, 2008 Share Posted January 14, 2008 (edited) ya just can't beat the old original Power Bar, for being able to wad the whole thing up and stickin' it down the pie hole in one piece. gotta chew onit like a Gurnsey chewin' her cud, takes a minit or two ta get it real good and soft then ya can get a swig of water, get it kinda liquified 'n' swallow it! it takes me longer to type it than ta do it. these thing weren't made for the gourmet types, just for that quick energy burst to make it to that favorite camp. right? Edited January 14, 2008 by dagger dog Quote Link to comment
ki0eh Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 I like the Pay Day PRO bars, they seem to take changes in temperature better than other protein-heavy bars and don't taste as bad as others. Quote Link to comment
+imajeep Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 I like Crank Sports eGel. No sugar, heavy on electrolyte replacement. Used them climbing out of the Grand Canyon in September. Amazed at how much easier they made the trek out. Quote Link to comment
+currykev Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 I've discovered,here in the UK,a 100% natural bar that is the perfect thing for a long days walk.I get a psychological boost as well as an energy one. Quote Link to comment
MikeB3542 Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 I feel like such a old crank -- couple of granola bars, an apple or two, and a couple liters of water (hot cocoa or coffe in a thermos in winter), maybe a PB and J, and I am good to go for a good solid day hike. Frankly, the power bars are more sugar than my body can handle (they seem like oversized Bit O' Honeys that don't taste as good) and the cheese and salami/pepperoni is way more fat and salt than I need. In either case, they don't agree with my stomach too well, and leave me thirsty. Except in winter/hypothermia weather, calorie deficit isn't often a real issue. Keeping hydrated is usually a bigger deal. Besides, here in Wisconsin, I don't see too many folks on the trails who look like they have missed meals (myself included!) Quote Link to comment
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