In case you live under a rock and haven’t noticed, energy drinks and other products that give you an energy boost are extremely popular these days because many of us run around like a hamster on a wheel most days. We are tired and worn out. Chances are at some point in the last 5 years you have slammed a 5-hour energy, a Monster Energy drink, or some other drink to help keep you going. There are now healthier alternatives out there that were designed to aid in better outdoor energy for bowhunters.
Whether you’re packing bear bait, elk quarters, or whitetail gear on your back, you must have the energy to keep climbing when the going gets tough.
Most nutritional products, especially energy drinks, are formulated to give you an instant boost of energy, but a crash happens shortly thereafter. There are a few companies now marketing energy drinks and other nutritional products to outdoorsmen that are different according to Mark Paulsen, Founder of Wilderness Athlete. “Many sports drinks contain electrolytes and sugar. Some contain a lot of caffeine and not much else. We are a nutritional company, and we want to provide products that help hunters push hard all day because that is what hunters have to do. Our products are nutritionally sound and scientifically formulated with the hunter and what the hunter has to do in mind,” Paulsen explained. Many of today’s top outdoor nutritional product companies focus on making products that provide energy and vitamins that help give people a healthy boost that lasts without all the added sugars and ingredients they don’t need. “Our Hydrate and Recover drink contains 1000 grams of vitamin C, branch chain amino acids, herbs, and other things that are good for people and very good for a hunter working hard on the mountain or working hard hanging treestands.”
By simply switching from drinking soda or other energy drinks to one formulated for hunters, a person could see other health benefits. “Let’s face it; many of today’s most popular drinks are full of calories. Drinking something healthier can help a hunter cut calories which can help them shed a few pounds,” Paulsen added.
Most western hunters understand the importance of being in shape, but whitetail hunters 
aren’t always as easy to convince to eat healthy. Paulsen is a former Strength and Conditioning Coach for the University of New Mexico, but he grew up in Minnesota so he understands the challenges whitetail hunters face. “Whitetail hunters don’t typically walk very far to the treestand, so they don’t always see the need to be in really good shape. But the truth is deer hunting can be hard on the body. Dragging a deer out of the woods is hard on the body. Hanging treestands is hard on the body. The better shape a person is in the harder they will be able to hunt. Outdoor nutritional products are great for giving people energy to hunt harder and also helps them get into better shape. Hunting can be just as hard on a body as other sports; the difference is other sports last a few minutes or few hours. Hunters need to keep at it for hours. Being in shape is extremely important, and many of the outdoor nutritional products on the market can help a hunter get in shape and go hard all day long.”
If you want to get in shape or are looking for a product that might help give you a boost when you are hanging stands, check out the list of products below. Many of them are much better for you than drinks made of red dye, corn syrup, and caffeine.
When choosing an energy drink, Paulsen suggests going with a powdered drink instead of a pre-mixed drink. “Products that are pre-mixed that sit on a shelf for a long period of time break down. By mixing a drink moments before you drink it, you end up with a better product that hasn’t broken down and lost its potency.”
WILDERNESS ATHLETE HYDRATE & RECOVER
After working hard in the field, we all need to refuel. Hydrate & Recover from Wilderness Athlete will help you recover. It contains a balanced electrolyte and mineral composition to support proper hydration. It also contains glucosamine to maintain and nourish joints. Last but not least, it has a Low Glycemic Index (GI) – sugars combined with complex carbohydrates and L-Glutamine help support increased endurance and prevent fatigue, making it a great option for the hunter who is hunting all day.
MTN OPS ENDURO
Enduro powder is another hydration drink option for hunters. It is designed with a
special ingredient called L-Arginine; a naturally occurring amino acid that helps increase blood flow and oxygen to the muscles and cells of the body. The black pepper extract and bio protected blend in Enduro increase absorption of nutrients to the body. The increased circulation and blood flow allows for the cells of the body to be hydrated and perform their proper functions, including that of energy output which makes it a great option for hunters who are pushing hard on hot days.
TRAX RELOAD
Trax nutrition has a drink powder called Reload. Reload has been scientifically developed to keep your body and mind strong by rapidly healing stressed muscle fibers, preventing muscle soreness, and providing physical and mental endurance.
There are also some great options for those that want to shed a few pounds or need a quick healthy meal when they are on the go. Many companies make meal replacement shakes that will fill you up and give you the nutrients you need. One of the added benefits of eating meal replacement shakes is you will know exactly how many calories you are taking in when you drink one. Keeping track of calorie intake is a great way to lose weight. Below are a couple meal replacement options.
WILDERNESS ATHLETE MEAL REPLACEMENT
Wilderness Athlete offers a Meal Replacement and Recovery Shake. The shake is a nutritionally complete meal that effectively satisfies hunger while providing a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, fiber, essential fatty acids, and associated nutrient factors. Meal Replacement and Recovery is the ideal meal-on-the-go to take into the backcountry, along on those “non-stop” days, or with you to the gym or the game.
MTN Ops offers AMMO meal replacement. AMMO has over 19 grams of protein per serving and is packed with the nutrients of 4.5 servings of real vegetables and fruits. It contains the daily recommended fiber and the healthy fats your body needs for proper function. This blend of protein, minerals, vitamins, low glycemic, and natural sweeteners combine to produce long lasting satiety on top of satisfying the body’s immediate needs.
Pay close attention to what you “fuel” your body with this season. There’s some great products on the market that can certainly aid in your quest to hunt hard and punch more tags this year.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
