Food & Energy for training, mountains and adventures

Whether you're training for an ultra-marathon, going on a mountain hike in the Åre Mountains or planning several days on the hiking trail, the right energy is crucial. At Outdoor Buddies Shop you will find carefully selected sports nutrition and outdoor food for endurance, recovery and performance in tough environments.

We've chosen products that work in the real world — tested during long mountain hikes, ultra-marathons, ski adventures and cold winter days where energy intake actually makes a difference. Here you'll find energy gels, bars, sports drinks, protein and recovery drinks, chews and freeze-dried food from brands we use ourselves during training and expeditions.

Energy for different types of activities

All activities require different types of energy. What works during a short run rarely works during an 8-hour mountain adventure or an ultra-marathon in the cold.

Energy for running and trail running

When running and performing high-intensity activities, the body needs quick, easy-to-absorb energy. Energy gels and chews are popular because they:

provides a rapid supply of carbohydrates

are easy to carry

works under high pulse

can be taken without further interruption

For longer sessions, we recommend combining gels with sports drinks and bars for a consistent energy supply.

Well suited for:

trail running

ultra race

cross-country skiing

cycling

swim run

triathlon

➡️ See our range of energy gels
 ➡️ Discover chews and quick energy
 ➡️ Sports drink for endurance training

Bars and solid energy for longer adventures

During longer activities, the body often needs more than just fast carbohydrates. Energy bars provide:

longer saturation

more stable energy

better variety

opportunity to consume more calories

During hiking, mountaineering and expeditions, bars are often an important part of the energy plan.

Many people choose to combine:

gels during activity

carried at a slower pace

recovery after completing a workout

➡️ See our energy bars for training and outdoor activities

Sports drink for hydration and performance

During hard exercise, the body loses both fluid and electrolytes. Sports drinks help to:

maintain energy levels

reduce the risk of cramps

improve fluid absorption

replace salts and minerals

In cold environments, it is common to underestimate fluid needs. This is especially true during peak trips and winter training, where the feeling of thirst often decreases.

We recommend sports drinks especially for:

workouts over 60–90 minutes

hot weather

longer mountain trips

high-intensity workouts

➡️ Shop for sports drinks and electrolytes

Recovery and protein for recovery

Recovery begins immediately after activity. Recovery drinks and protein help the body to:

rebuild muscles

replenish energy reserves

reduce recovery time

to last several days in a row

After long mountain sessions or hard training days, proper recovery can make a big difference to the next day's performance.

We use recovery products ourselves after:

ultra race

long ski passes

strength training

multi-day adventure

➡️ See recovery drinks and protein products

Freeze-dried food for mountains and expeditions

Freeze-dried food is an easy way to get a lot of energy with little weight in your pack. For hiking, skiing expeditions and longer trips, it is often the most practical option.

Advantages of freeze-dried food:

low weight

long shelf life

easy cooking

high energy density

We have chosen meals that work both in terms of taste and energy after long days out.

Perfect for:

mountain hiking

summit tours

bikepacking

winter tours

camping

➡️ Discover freeze-dried food for outdoor and expeditions

How to plan energy for longer activities

A common reason people “hit the wall” is too little energy too late. The body needs a continuous supply during longer activities.

General guidelines

Shorter sessions (up to 90 min)

water is often enough

possibly sports drink

2–4 hours

sports drink

gels or chews

less worn

Full day in the mountains

continuous energy

was carried

nuts/snacks

sports drink

hot food

Ultras and expeditions

combination of fast and slow energy

recovery between stages

extra electrolytes

Tested in real environments

What sets Outdoor Buddies apart is that we use the products ourselves in real environments:

mountain running in Åre

mountain tours in winter climates

ultra race

multi-day hikes

expeditions and long passes

We choose products such as:

works in the cold

are easy to ingest during activity

keeps the stomach stable

provides consistent energy

This means that the range is smaller — but better selected.

Common mistakes with energy

Too little energy

Many people only eat when they are tired. By then it is often too late.

Only fast carbohydrates

For longer days, more stable energy is also needed.

Too little fluid

Even in cold weather, the body loses a lot of fluid.

No recovery

Recovery affects the next day's performance more than many people think.

Find the right energy for your adventure

Do you need help choosing the right products for:

ultra race

mountain hiking

summit trip

skiing

multisport

trail running

then we are happy to help.

We use the products ourselves during long days outside and know what works when conditions get tough.

FAQ – Food & Energy for outdoor and training

What is best – gels or bars?

Gels provide quick energy and are suitable for high intensity. Bars provide longer lasting energy and satiety. Many people use both.

How often should you take energy during exercise?

For longer sessions, energy is often recommended every 20–40 minutes depending on intensity and experience.

Do you need sports drinks in winter?

Yes. Even in the cold, the body loses fluid and electrolytes, especially during strenuous activity.

Is freeze-dried food good for hiking?

Yes, because it weighs little, lasts a long time and provides a lot of energy per gram.

What is a recovery drink?

A recovery drink with protein and carbohydrates that helps the body recover after activity.

How much energy do you need during an ultra race?

It varies, but many aim for 60–90 grams of carbohydrates per hour during longer races.

What works best for a sensitive stomach?

Many people prefer milder sports drinks, chews or gels without too strong a taste. It is important to test during training.

What energy is suitable for mountain hiking?

Combinations of bars, snacks, sports drinks and freeze-dried food often work best for longer trips.