While much of the country soldiers through a heat wave this week, it’s never been more important to prioritize cooling and hydration. That’s where electrolytes — substances your body needs to function, such as potassium, magnesium and sodium — come in. As Dr. Jeffrey Bytomski, a sports medicine specialist at North Carolina’s Duke Health, previously told HuffPost, if you’re performing intense exercise, prone to cramping while working out or generally sweat a lot, electrolyte packets may be of benefit. This is especially so during sweltering weather, as electrolytes can help prevent heat exhaustion. Lucky for you (and us!), we found electrolyte packets so effective that reviewers say they have “kept me hydrated and out of the emergency room” on hot days and long hikes. What’s better? They’re 21% off today!
The electrolytes are made with no artificial dyes, are frequently stashed by users in emergency, backpacker and first-aid kits, and, unlike most powders on the market, these aren’t loaded with a ton of sugar! This might save you from a woozy, hot day of overheating.
Rip open a packet and dump it into 8 ounces of water, and you’ve got yourself a hydration boost on hot or demanding days.
Whether you’re into CrossFit and need an extra boost or you’re planning a spring hike on a hot day, these packets can deliver some needed on-the-go hydration. Each powder stick is individually wrapped and only requires dumping into an 8-ounce glass of water and mixing it in. This particular on-sale pack includes a variety of flavors, including watermelon, berry, lemon and orange. There are eight packs of each.
“The electrolyte formula is incredibly effective. I’ve used these packets during intense workouts, after being sick with the flu, during hot summer days, and even when I’m feeling dehydrated from air travel,” says one reviewer. ’The difference in how I feel after drinking DripDrop compared to regular water or other hydration drinks is remarkable. I feel energized, refreshed, and fully rehydrated within 30-45 minutes.”
“As someone who enjoys hiking and works outdoors, these hydration packets are a game-changer,” says another user. ’[…] It effectively brings my energy levels back up and, most importantly, ensures I stay adequately hydrated. This is crucial for maintaining performance and avoiding the sluggishness that comes with dehydration.”
Many say they stash packets practically everywhere to ensure they always have a just-in-case way to hydrate.
According to reviewers, these packets can help replenish energy and keep you hydrated, and that’s exactly why so many shoppers keep them nearby. Each stick is so small, you can easily stick them into your pocket on hikes, a pack while biking or walking outside or a backpack in case your commute gets too sweaty.
“They are great to stick in your bag, they even fit in a large wallet,” explains one review. “I keep some in the diaper bag, and some in the glove compartment in the cars and some in our emergency kits. They are a bit pricier than I prefer but it is cheaper (and more convenient) than buying a bottle of Gatorade or Pedialyte and I think just as effective without as much sugar.”
“I have stashes of these Drip Drop rehydration packets in useful spots in the house and vehicles,” says another. “Keep them for regular use after yard work, sports, hiking, or car/buyout bag in case of an emergency.”
Nab a variety pack of these electrolytes to replenish your hydration whenever you need it, and take a look below to see how it’s helped out other shoppers.
“DripDrop Hydration Packets have become an essential part of my daily wellness routine! I’m absolutely obsessed with this product, and I can’t imagine my life without it. […]
The electrolyte formula is incredibly effective. I’ve used these packets during intense workouts, after being sick with the flu, during hot summer days, and even when I’m feeling dehydrated from air travel. The difference in how I feel after drinking DripDrop compared to regular water or other hydration drinks is remarkable. I feel energized, refreshed, and fully rehydrated within 30-45 minutes. The science-backed formula with the optimal balance of sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes really works!
[…] The convenience of the single-serve packets is unbeatable. They’re lightweight, portable, and so easy to use. I keep them in my gym bag, purse, car, and travel luggage. All I need is a bottle of water, and I can have perfect hydration anywhere, anytime. The packets mix instantly and completely - no clumps or residue at the bottom of the bottle. Just tear, pour, shake, and drink!
[…] I’ve noticed significant improvements in my overall hydration and energy levels since incorporating DripDrop into my routine. I used to struggle with afternoon fatigue and frequent headaches, which I now realize were likely due to chronic mild dehydration. Since using DripDrop regularly, especially after workouts and on hot days, my energy levels are more consistent, I have fewer headaches, and I just feel better overall.
The value is excellent for the quality you’re getting. These packets are medically formulated and proven to work better than standard sports drinks for hydration. I’ve recommended DripDrop to my friends, family, and gym buddies, and everyone who’s tried it has become a convert. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, a parent, or anyone who wants to optimize their hydration, DripDrop is absolutely worth it. This is hands-down the best hydration product on the market!” — S (This review has been edited for length. Read the full review.)
“I have stashes of these Drip Drop rehydration packets in useful spots in the house and vehicles. Keep them for regular use after yard work, sports, hiking, or car/buyout bag in case of an emergency.
Super easy to use and great taste. I tend to put half into a 24 ounce bottle of water and have used it full strength. It tastes great either way. I feel better and more energized due to rehydration once I finish that bottle after hard work. I highly recommend it!” — Amazon Customer
“This electrolyte drink is incredible. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, fighting the flu, or need to rehydrate after a long day of physical labor, using a preferred 32oz water bottle (or in most cases, 12oz) gets the job done. Just make sure you drink more water if you decide to drink it out of a 12 Oz bottle to enjoy its full effect.
Both young and old love it, and so far, there hasn’t been a flavor that anyone dislikes. Even though I personally dislike watermelon, I have to admit the flavor is spot-on refreshing — and that’s something I don’t often praise.
Mixes well with no clumps instantly, the waft of the smell has that crisp fruit-like essence, and most importantly surprisingly the effectiveness is instant no less than a minute.
I also appreciate that the drink doesn’t use harmful sugar substitutes like aspartame. Instead, it contains basic sucrose and avoids any artificial food coloring, using beta carotene for natural coloring.
That said, while I highly recommend this product, I’ve recently received a few packets that seemed potentially punctured. It’s important to check that each powder packet is completely airtight — not just the zip-lock part, but the actual packet itself. This ensures the product hasn’t been exposed to air and compromised. The issue appears to be with the warehouse packaging, rather than the delivery process.” — Icey
“I use these all the time and keep buying more. They are great for a number of situations, but here is how I use them:
- beat the summer heat
- recover from heat-related fatigue or ailment
- road trips/flying (or whenever you need to stay hydrated but can’t be peeing every hour)
- Jet lag recovery
- post-workout
- pregnancy and nursing (total lifesaver since you get so dehydrated so fast!!)
Right after the baby was born and I had to be up every few hours to nurse I had to have a bottle with one of these packets on my nightstand every night for probably the first three to four weeks because I was so fatigued and dehydrated I seriously thought I’d pass out without it. […]
They are great to stick in your bag, they even fit in a large wallet. I keep some in the diaper bag, and some in the glove compartment in the cars and some in our emergency kits. They are a bit pricier than I prefer but it is cheaper (and more convenient) than buying a bottle of Gatorade or Pedialyte and I think just as effective without as much sugar. […]” — juliamora (This review has been edited for length. Read the full review.)
It’s HOT out there this week and electrolytes aren’t your only line of defense. Check out other products to help you prevent heat exhaustion from previous HuffPost Shopping coverage.
A water bottle, so you always have hydration on hand
This first step is probably pretty obvious, but you need to drink water. "Stay well-hydrated to allow your body to utilize sweating as one method of cooling," Bachmann advised.
Timing is everything, according to Gallucci. "Don’t wait until you’re feeling thirsty to begin hydrating," he said. "The more active you are, the more hydration you need." According to Nelson, you should also skip out on drinking alcohol when heat illness is a concern, since it can dehydrate you further.
Our pick for a water bottle is the Owala FreeSip, also recommended by former HuffPost shopping writer Haley Zovickian. The double-wall insulation can keep your water cold for up to 24 hours, and the wide opening makes it easy to clean the bottle as well as add ice. The lid is also leakproof with a carry loop that doubles as a lock. The FreeSip comes in tons of colors, including the blue shown here, and three sizes; you can check Owala's Amazon storefront to see them all.
Or these similarly hydrating electrolyte tablets
Nelson also named Nuun tablets as a good source of electrolytes, with Nelson saying they "provide sodium and potassium to help retain fluids in the heat."
A cooling towel to help lower your body temperature
In a previous HuffPost story about preventing heat exhaustion, multiple experts recommended Frogg Toggs cooling towels, which activate when wet with water and can cool you up to 30 degrees.
The towel can absorb up to eight times its weight in water, and you can wear it around your neck to cover it from the sun, too. The towel comes in 10 colors.
Promising review: "If you are a "Sweater" then you have to have 1 of these. Because it holds that extra water it keeps your neck cool & you can truly wipe the sweat out of your eyes. When it gets gross wring it out, rinse it & it's ready to go again. It is long enough so it stays around your neck. A + when your bending down alot. I recommend hanging it on your shower bar with a plastic pant hanger over night. After a few days it's definitely ready for the wash! This towel is a must have in the summer!" — Rashockley
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