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Energy gels
When your body needs quick energy during training, competition or long adventures, energy gels are one of the most convenient options. They are easy to carry, easy to consume on the go and designed to provide a quick supply of carbohydrates when you need it most. At Outdoor Buddies Shop you will find energy gels for running, trail running, cycling, triathlon, swimrun, cross-country skiing, ultra-running and other endurance activities.
Energy gels are especially good when the intensity is high and it is difficult to eat solid food. During a long workout, marathon, bike race or mountain run, a gel can help you replenish energy without having to stop. This makes gels a popular choice for both exercisers and elite athletes who want to maintain more consistent energy over time.
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During longer workouts, the body uses carbohydrates as an important source of energy. When energy levels drop, the pace can feel slower, focus decreases, and the body becomes more difficult to push forward. Energy gels are designed to quickly and easily replenish carbohydrates during activity.
Benefits of energy gels:
Fast and smooth energy during training and competition
Easy to carry in pocket, running vest, cycling jersey or hydration belt
Easy to take without long stops
Suitable for high heart rate and intense activity
Available with and without caffeine
Available in different flavors, textures and carbohydrate amounts
Good to combine with sports drinks, water, bars or chews
For those who run longer than an hour, cycle long distances, run a triathlon or train for an ultra, energy gels can be an important part of your energy plan.
For runners, energy gels are particularly practical because they are lightweight and easy to carry. On a long run, half marathon, marathon or ultra race, energy needs to be readily available. A gel can be taken quickly during a run and requires minimal packing space.
When trail running and mountain running, energy needs are often even greater because the terrain is more demanding. Slopes, technical trails, weather and longer time outdoors mean that the body needs continuous replenishment. Gels can then be combined with sports drinks, bars or other energy to create a more complete plan.
For shorter, more intense sessions, a gel can be used before or during the key session. For longer runs, gels can be taken regularly according to a plan you have tested in training.
In cycling and triathlon, energy gels are an easy way to replenish energy without losing speed. On the bike, it is easy to carry several gels in your pocket, and during triathlon, gels can be used on both the cycling and running phases.
For longer races, it is common to combine multiple energy sources. Sports drinks provide both fluid and energy, while gels provide a more concentrated carbohydrate replenishment. Bars can work well at lower intensities or earlier in the race, while gels are often better suited when the pace is high or when the stomach does not want solid food.
Not all energy gels work the same, so it's important to choose a gel based on your activity, intensity, taste preference, and stomach.
Caffeine-free energy gels
Great for steady energy replenishment during longer sessions. A good foundation for most training sessions and races.
Caffeine gel
Can be used when you want extra focus and sharpness, for example at the end of a race, before a climb or during intense moments. Always test caffeine during training first.
Isotonic gel
Often have a thinner consistency and can be easier to swallow. Some isotonic gels require less water than more concentrated varieties.
Natural energy gels
A good choice for those who prefer simpler ingredients, a milder taste or a more natural feel.
High-carbohydrate gels
Suitable for those who want to get a lot of energy per serving, for example during marathons, ultras, cycling races or longer competitions.
How often you should take energy gels depends on distance, intensity, body weight, weather, experience and what you eat or drink in general. A common strategy for longer sessions is to start refueling early and then take energy regularly, rather than waiting until you are already tired.
A simple setup could be:
Shorter sessions up to about 60–90 minutes: water is often enough, sometimes sports drink
Longer sessions over 90 minutes: gels, sports drinks or chews may be useful
Races and high intensity: plan energy in advance and test in training
Ultra and mountaineering: combine gels with bars, sports drinks and other energy
The most important thing is to test your energy plan before competition. Stomach, taste and tolerance are individual, especially when the intensity is high.
Energy gels are effective, but often work best as part of a larger energy plan. Sports drinks can provide both fluids, electrolytes and carbohydrates. Bars provide more satiety and variety during longer sessions. Chews can be an alternative for those who want to chew something but still get quick energy.
For many, a combination works best:
Gels when the pace is high
Sports drink for fluid and steady energy supply
Bars during quieter parties or longer adventures
Recovery after completing a workout
At Outdoor Buddies Shop you will find products for the entire chain: before, during and after training.
Sports drink for endurance
Energy bars and waffles
Recovery drinks and protein
The best energy gel is the one you can actually use when you're tired. Taste, consistency, sweetness, and caffeine content all play a big role. That's why it's smart to try several different varieties before deciding what you want to use on a race.
A sample pack can be a great way to find the right one. This allows you to compare different flavors, textures, and energy forms without buying large quantities of a single product.
Try trial packs of gels and sports drinks
At Outdoor Buddies Shop you will find carefully selected energy gels for those who run, cycle, ski, train for races or need quick energy during long days outdoors. We focus on products that work in real life – during long runs, mountain runs, ultra races, bike rides and tough training days.
Whether you're looking for a caffeine gel, mild energy gel, high-carb gel, natural gel, or something easy to digest for sensitive stomachs, you can find options that suit your training and goals.
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See all energy gels
Energy gels are small packets of quick energy, usually in the form of carbohydrates, used during running, cycling, triathlons, skiing and other endurance activities.
Energy gels are most often used during longer workouts or races, especially when the activity lasts longer than about 60–90 minutes. Many people take gels regularly during long workouts, marathons, bike races or ultra races.
It depends on which gel you use. Some gels should be taken with water, while others have a thinner or isotonic consistency. Always read the product information and test on exercise.
Gels without caffeine provide energy from carbohydrates. Gels with caffeine provide both carbohydrates and caffeine, which can contribute to increased alertness and focus. Caffeine gels should be tested in training before competition.
Yes, energy gels are a common choice for marathons because they are lightweight and easy to take during the race. It is important to have a plan and test gels on long runs before race day.
Yes, energy gels are great for trail running, especially during long runs, mountain runs and ultra runs. They are easy to carry and can be combined with sports drinks, bars and other energy.
It's individual. Many with sensitive stomachs prefer a milder taste, thinner consistency, lower sweetness, or simpler ingredients. Try different options in training before competition.
