I do some work with a brand called Cwench, owned by the original founder of Biosteel (before it was sold and then went bankrupt).  Canadian owned, and made here in Ontario.  

PaPaddler wrote:

Not to hijack the thread, but what is the need for additional electrolytes while tripping?  Is it a gung-ho tripping style like a marathon/race where you don't have time to stop and eat a meal or drink water?

I understand what electrolytes are, the question isn't 'why electrolytes', but what is their purpose as a supplement beyond your normal diet?

And apologies in advance for our government.

PaPaddler - Depending on the person, it can be difficult to retain hyrdration levels during high energy exertion (usually when sweating a lot).  If our system is lacking of salt, sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium etc., it's extremely hard to re-hydrate by just consuming regular old water.  I find hydration tabs useful, especially if I'm out with the family working double time on the portages/at camp, or spending 12 hours on the river checking every fish hole and forgetting to drink water/eat lunch haha. 

Solos, I get tingling in my hands (not just tingling, but some minor pain and a feeling of my hands not having adequate blood supply) and believe it is related to 'tennis elbow' or tendonitis in my forearm and elbow.  That condition is exasperated by repetitive gripping activities like splitting wood and paddling.  I don't know if the swelling is related, but it's possible you have a similar physical reaction.  The swelling is a bit unusual though and doesn't align with forearm/elbow tendon swelling.

Thanks Pa and Swede. It mostly only happens on canoe trips but I'll see if some of your advise helps.

Sorry if I am going off on a tangent here, but I also suffer from intermittent bouts of tennis elbow. I find that the 'BandIT' brand elbow brace works miracles (at least for me...) and bring it along on every canoe trip, just in case.

Last edited by hiker72 (3/20/2025 7:17 pm)

paddlindad wrote:

Sweating depletes electrolytes, and drinking large amounts of water without replenishing them can further dilute electrolyte levels and increase urination, leading to even greater losses.

Here’s my DIY electrolyte recipe (tastes like salt...), which I’ve used for a couple years now based on the LMNT formula that they display on their packaging. You’ll need a "microscale" or a scale that measures to 0.01g (about $20 on Amazon).

One serving:

• Sea salt: 1000 mg
• Potassium chloride: 200 mg
• Magnesium: 60 mg (magnesium malate, oxalate, citrate, or glycinate all work)

I get sea salt from the grocery store and the other salts from my local health food store, though they’re easy to find online as well. 

At home, I put each serving in one of those multi-day pill boxes.  When I'm camping, I just make a large batch with all the ingredients mixed together in a ziploc and use about a 1/4 teaspoon with 500 mL of water as needed.  
 

 
I like the idea of DIYing it. You may want to consider Baja Gold or Celtic sea salt instead of regular sea salt.  These salts are minimally processed, have higher mineral content and lower sodium levels. They contain a broad spectrum of trace minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which help provide better  electrolyte support. IMO they taste better too…And yes they do cost more.