There was a time when GORP and a bottle of water were all hikers needed to maintain their energy levels between meals. That may still be the case for many of us, but there has been a revolution in the sports world and popping gel packs and guzzling electrolyte supplements is a new norm.

While I still rely on my old standards, I have taken to adding a few energy bars and gel packs to my emergency rations. Nothing replaces wholesome food, but if a sudden storm hits or an emergency occurs and you need a sudden boost of energy, these long-lasting little packages offer big returns.

So what should you look at when choosing an energy supplement? Start with the amounts of protein and carbs. Quick energy gels and sports drinks are usually all carbs with no protein. They get you going fast, but as just as fast to fizzle out. For a quick energy burst that will last, look for bars with protein and carbs. Try to avoid energy bars that are high in saturated fat, simple sugars, or loaded with caffeine or other stimulants (that is, unless you have the night leg of a relay race!).

Three popular energy bar brands include PowerBar, Clif Bars and Perfect 10. PowerBar was first on the scene in 1987 and it’s still going strong. The idea for the all-natural and mostly organic Clif Bars started on a bike ride. After chowing down on other energy bars all day, Gary Erickson decided he could make something better. In 1992, Clif Bars, named after Gary’s father Clifford, came onto the growing sports bar scene. The company lays claims to a lot of firsts, including the first organic sports nutrition line made for women (LUNA Sport in 2007) and the first energy gel to go organic (Clif Shot in 2006) – but the coolest first, as far as I’m concerned, was that they were the first energy bar company to employ a staff ecologist and develop a sustainability program (way back in 2001). Call me biased – eh! – but I do like the Perfect 10, manufactured in Canada with 3 fruits, 3 nuts and 4 seeds. That’s it, that’s all.

Choose one, choose them all, then choose your favourite – but don’t forget that GORP and water still go a long way too!

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