About this Guide
- This is a living guide and is added to and updated frequently
- We are open to feedback; if you have a suggestion or something you would like us to add please email us at info@destinationhikers.com
- This guide is based on experience–if we recommend a product it is because we use it ourselves
Pain, Soreness, and Inflammation Prevention and Recovery
There is always some pain to be had on the trail. Pain, soreness, and inflammation on the trail are caused by numerous reasons: heavy packs, longer mileage days, prior injury, age, etc. Between us, we have both torn our ACLs (sports injuries) and have sore neck and back issues. While solutions like Advil and Aleve work, we like to limit these and utilize natural alternatives. Some of our favorite and most effective supplements to prevent and reduce post-exercise soreness are:
Preventative and Recovery Produced by red marine algae, astaxanthan is a potent beta-carotenoid that is responsible for salmon’s reddish hue. BioAstin is a Hawaiian grown supplemental form of this potent antioxidant and can be found in virtually any natural foods store. Astaxanthan is a powerhouse supplement that is known to decrease exercise-induced inflammation, promote eye health, boost the immune system, and naturally prevent sunburn.
Preventative and Recovery This product uses a patented non-hemp derived form of CBD and pairs it with potent anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric and boswelia. This supplement can be taken before, during, or after exercise to reduce pain and swelling and is best used on a daily basis.
Arnica is one of the most well-known homeopathic remedies for bruising, swelling, soreness, and inflammation. It is extremely effective and is always in our family’s first aid kit. It comes in many forms and can be taken internally or applied topically. We carry packets of the ArniSport product because it specifically targets muscle pain, soreness, and fatigue due to overexertion. We use the gel formula to massage into sore muscles and knees at the end of the day.
This popular supplement is tasteless and odorless and can be mixed with any type of liquid, hot or cold. Bovine-sourced collagen peptides aid in joint mobility.
CBD
We also have found CBD to be very effective, though it is probably best taken later in the day as it can make many people feel relaxed and tired.
These tasty CBD mints are completely THC-free and can be purchased online or in many natural food stores. Each mint contains 5mg of broad spectrum CBD, so you can tailor your dose based on your individual needs. There are 3 versions of these mints and they are all effective, depending on your needs. Relief contains ginger, holy basil, lemongrass, and chamomile, Calm contains ashwagandha, hawthorn, and lemon verbena, and Sleep contains passionflower, valerian, and lavender.
Certified Organic Full Spectrum CBD from Hemp can help promote relaxation, calm inflammation, and aid in falling asleep. Available in capsules and oil-based tinctures, and roll-ons for topical use. CBD amounts vary by product.
Broad Spectrum CBD gummies from Hemp can help promote relaxation, calm inflammation, and aid in falling asleep. Available in Blackberry, Huckleberry, Lemon, and Raspberry flavors. 25mg CBD per gummy – tastes like candy!
Energy and Hydration Mixes
Like most hikers and backpackers we both enjoy energy boosts to make it to the top of a tough climb. We also like to add electrolyte mixes to our water to ensure our bodies stay hydrated. To accomplish this, we both keep a small reusable water bottle separate from our hydration packs for adding powdered energy supplements. Here are our favorites from on trail:
Each packet of this delicious mix contains 100mg of caffeine from coffee berry and green tea extract. The powder also contains eleuthero and rhodiola, as well as electrolytes and is sweetened with stevia. Available in acai berry and strawberry lemonade flavors.
Each packet contains an electrolyte mix of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and vitamin C. Sweetened with stevia, it is available in berry and lemon-lime flavors.
Packed with nutrients to support overall health, this amazing energy supplement will give a huge boost to your day. We use this instead of coffee in the mornings. Each packet contains 120mg of caffeine from guarana and yerba mate, as well as turmeric, four B vitamins, vitamin C, and an organic mushroom blend to support energy levels, immune system health, and improve focus. Available in citrus orange or lemon lime flavors.
Energy Chews and Chocolate
We forgo coffee and instead augment early mornings and tough uphill climbs with caffeine energy chews and chocolates. Here are our favorites:
These chews are easy to store in your hip belt pockets, won’t melt, and are a great source of sustained energy. They contain electrolytes, B vitamins, and complex carbs. The caffeinated variety come in Berry Blast and Raspberry, while the non-caffeinated versions come in Orange, Pink Lemonade, and Strawberry.
These little dark chocolate candies are a sweet indulgence and perfect for on-the-go satisfaction. Each piece contains 20mg of caffeine from green tea extract, as well as B vitamins and taurine (8 pieces per box). Also available in non-caffeinated varieties like Turmeric, Probiotic, Calm, and Sleep.
The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician.
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» Guides, Ultimate Couples Hiking Guide » Backpacker and Hikers Guide to Supplements About the Author: Katy
Katy loves trails, cookies, wildflowers, healthy living, her children, and most everything outdoors.
