How the count works
You enter the distance, the climb, the forecast high and the high point. We turn that into a number of sticks, put them in the order you take them, and print it on the sleeve.
- 1
Trail miles. Distance plus 2.5 mi for every 1,000 ft of climbing.
- 2
Base sticks. One stick per 6 trail miles, rounded, never fewer than one.
- 3
Heat and altitude. Over 75 F, over 85 F, or a high point over 9,000 ft: one more stick each.
Example route
The count, in plain numbers
A 12.4 mi loop with 3,200 ft of gain and a forecast high of 78 F. Climbing is slow, so it counts as distance.
- Distance12.4 mi
- Climb3,200 ft × 2.5 mi per 1,000 ft = 8.0 mi
- Trail miles12.4 + 8.0 = 20.4
- Base sticks20.4 ÷ 6 = 3.4, rounded to 3
- Heat78 F is over 75 F: +1 Ridge Salt
- The pack3 + 1 = 4 sticks
Example route
One stick per stage
The sticks are spread across the day, not taken at the car. Each one has a stage and a reason.
Tap a stage to see its stick and why.
Stage 1, mi 1.2, For the first climb
Switchback Citrus Lemon and orange
The first long climb is where the sweat starts. Switchback Citrus carries 300 mg sodium with B6 and B12, taken as the grade begins.
- Sodium
- 300 mg
- Potassium
- 200 mg
- Vitamin B6
- 1.7 mg
Stage 2, mi 4.6, A middle stage
Ridge Salt Salted grapefruit
Mid-route, with the most sweat behind you so far. Ridge Salt carries 500 mg sodium, the most of the four.
- Sodium
- 500 mg
- Potassium
- 200 mg
- Magnesium
- 50 mg
Stage 3, mi 7.9, Added: forecast over 75 F
Ridge Salt Salted grapefruit
Added because the forecast high is 78 F, over 75 F. One more Ridge Salt, 500 mg sodium, taken before the finish. Over 85 F the pack would add a second.
- Sodium
- 500 mg
- Potassium
- 200 mg
- Magnesium
- 50 mg
Stage 4, mi 11.2, For the finish
Summit Recovery Tart cherry
The last stretch, or at the car. Summit Recovery carries 150 mg magnesium, 300 mg potassium and the B complex.
- Magnesium
- 150 mg
- Potassium
- 300 mg
- Sodium
- 250 mg
The order
Four flavors, each with one place in the day. The builder sets the order; you can change the mix before you check out.
First
Switchback Citrus
Taken as the first long climb starts. 300 mg sodium with B6 and B12.
Middle, and every heat stick
Ridge Salt
The middle stages alternate it with Switchback Citrus. Heat and altitude sticks are always Ridge Salt: 500 mg sodium.
Last
Summit Recovery
The last stage, or at the car. 150 mg magnesium and the B complex.
Any stage, in a bladder
Base Camp
Unflavored, 0 g sugar. Swap it in for any stick if you drink from a hydration bladder.
The heat and altitude rule
Heat and thin air both mean more sweat for the same miles. A stick is added only when a number crosses a line, and every added stick says why on the sleeve and the order summary.
Over 75 F add one Ridge Salt
Over 85 F add a second
High point over 9,000 ft add one more
The printed trail sleeve
Every route pack ships in a sleeve printed for that route. It lists the route, the mileage and the order. Each stick's number matches its stage, so at mile 7.9 you reach for 3.
Example 12.4 mi loop, 3,200 ft, 78 F
- 1Switchback Citrusmi 1.2
- 2Ridge Saltmi 4.6
- 3Ridge Saltmi 7.9Added: forecast over 75 F
- 4Summit Recoverymi 11.2
What the count does not do
Water does most of the work. A stick puts back salt you sweat out. Drink to thirst; the stick goes in the water, it does not replace it.
Short, cool walks may need none. Under 3 trail miles with a high of 75 F or less, the rule still rounds to one stick, and the count says water is probably enough.
It is a starting point. Sweat rates differ. If you finish with sticks left, carry fewer next time.
Hydration guidance here is general information, not medical advice. If a doctor has you watching sodium, ask them before you use electrolytes.
Count your next hike
The builder is free. Enter the route and see the count and the cost before you buy anything.