Blog / Hydration & Nutrition
Best Supplements for Runners & Cyclists 2026
Supplements tested against evidence for endurance athletes. Ergogenic aids + recovery + health picks that actually have research support.
Best Supplements & Electrolyte Mixes for 2026
Electrolyte capsules and endurance mixes ranked on sodium, dosing, and value — available at Backcountry.
Nuun Sport Hydration Powder - 10-Pack
Nuun Sport Hydration Electrolyte Powder Drink Mix is a perfect addition to your water bottle. This refreshing hydration drink mix hydrates better than water alone and can be used before, during, and after movem…
- ✓ Best for: Budget pick
- ✓ Nuun
- ✓ In stock at Backcountry
SaltStick FastChews with Caffeine - 60 Count Bottle Tropical Twist
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: "I keep a bottle of FastChews in my gear bin and refill smaller packets before big rides or runs.
- ✓ Best for: Everyday use
- ✓ SaltStick
- ✓ In stock at Backcountry
GU Hydration Drink Tabs - 8 Tube Pack Lemon-Lime
The GU Hydration Drink Tabs 8 Tube Pack is an ideal solution for athletes on-the-go, increasing hydration before, during, and after workouts.
- ✓ Best for: Hot-weather
- ✓ GU
- ✓ In stock at Backcountry
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuun Sport Hydration Powder - 10-Pack | Budget pick | $18 | Backcountry → |
| SaltStick FastChews with Caffeine - 60 Count Bottle Tropical Twist | Everyday use | $20 | Backcountry → |
| GU Hydration Drink Tabs - 8 Tube Pack Lemon-Lime | Hot-weather | $64 | Backcountry → |
Frequently Asked Questions
What supplements are actually worth taking?
Evidence is strong for: creatine, caffeine, beta-alanine, vitamin D (if deficient), iron (if deficient). Evidence is mixed for: L-carnitine, HMB, beta-hydroxy-butyrate. Evidence is weak/absent for: most pre-workouts, tribulus, BCAAs (for people eating enough protein).
Do endurance athletes need creatine?
Yes — research shows endurance benefits (increased VO2 max ceiling, improved anaerobic capacity, better recovery). Old belief that creatine only helps strength athletes is outdated. 5g daily for most athletes. Note: causes 2-4lb water weight gain initially.
Is NSF Certified for Sport actually important?
Yes for drug-tested athletes. NSF tests for banned substances + label accuracy. Non-certified supplements can contain contamination that triggers positive drug tests. If you're not drug-tested, third-party testing (Informed Sport) is acceptable.
Can I overdose on supplements?
Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) can build up. Vitamin D: don't exceed 4000 IU/day without blood testing. Iron: only supplement if blood work confirms low ferritin. Creatine, beta-alanine, caffeine have wide safety margins at recommended doses.
Related Nutrition Guides
- Best Electrolytes 2026 — Race-day hydration
- Best Protein Powder — Recovery
- Best Carbs for Endurance — Race-day fueling
- Best Energy Gels 2026 — In-race carbs
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Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3
Track your rides with Wahoo's compact GPS — the bike computer we use daily.