Ultimate Recovery Fuel
[MF-URF60]

Abstract: Good tucker. Simple to prepare, tasty, nutritionally well-balanced, easily available, reasonably priced approx. £1.60-£2.50 per packet, well packaged, handy, lightweight, and give reliable, filling sustenance. Can be used as a full menu or as a kind of luxury ‘iron-ration.’ Contains minerals, proteins, vitamins, electrolytes and various other natural ingredients. Energy Fuel drink would work well in a Camelbak. Mountain Fuel can easily be carried in your belt kit, Daysac or as a part of your survival kit in your Bergen.

If you ever need a meal or a drink to get you on your feet and moving while out working or playing hard - these are for you. I was skeptical but open-minded about these products. You can’t mess about with nutrition, especially when your well-being is vital to the success of your task and your survival. It is no joke and not a subject to take too lightly.

I gratefully received a whole load of Mountain Fuel sachets from RVOps and it is a range of supplements based on a formula of traceable, highest-grade raw materials that contain the required carbohydrates, nutrients and vitamins for people in the most extreme conditions. They are basically stripped down packets of nutrition, designed to be used alone or in conjunction with each other, which will nourish you when in situations where carrying bulky food and drink could be problematic. They are close to being like ‘iron rations’ really (if very luxurious, quality ones) and can be used as such. The proteins and things like electrolytes and other technical jargon basically mean your body absorbs the good stuff efficiently and gives you back the best return possible.

I have been testing the various products which Mountain Fuel produce, it has taken a while to do this review as I needed the right conditions to test them, and I can say with confidence that they all fulfill their promises. I have also heard from other ‘hard-core’ outdoor folk who also have confidence in the range too. So let me describe the range I tested :

The names of the different products in the range are :
Xtreme Energy Fuel – Tropical and Blackcurrant flavour
Morning Fuel Breakfast Meal -
Night Fuel – Chocolate flavour
Ultimate Recovery Fuel – Chocolate flavour

The range in more detail:

Xtreme Energy Fuel – Tropical and Blackcurrant flavour

I say: Whack this in a water bottle with 1 liter of water, shake about a bit, leave for a bit then neck in one go or as you go along. Its more than just sugar and water and has instantly got me back on full form, engine running, brain working well after exhausting activity. One morning this stuff pretty much got me out of exhausted, crumpled heap and got me back 100%. It amazed me. The speed it works is impressive. Pretty handy for a Camelbak system. (Although the sugars may effect the tube in the heat so keep it clean!) Not to be confused with ‘screetch’ as this stuff can do you a lot of good.

They say : “Contains all the essential Electrolytes for Optimum Bio-Functions (e.g. Muscle Cramps, Fluid Balance, Brain Function (alertness) etc.) Maltodextrin & fructose. It rapidly replaces fluids for sustained Endurance & Stamina. Xtreme Energy Fuel rapidly replenishes Glycogen and supports increased Oxygen levels in the blood.”

Which basically means it’s pretty good.

(Note : I would have thought this drink will work well as a hangover cure also!)

Morning Fuel Breakfast Meal

I say : This is a breakfast (or anytime) meal made up of various good things including cooked powdered oats. It is basically a very smooth porridge but with added nutrition. I thought it was very tasty myself, bit like cake dough in taste and sort of looks like it when made up. (But its obviously better for you than dough.) You can prepare and eat this in literally seconds! Good start to the day. I could feel the benefit of this meal eaten when really hungry and ‘empty’. Although a relatively small amount, it actually gave me a whole day’s nutrition and kept me alert until an evening meal on a very busy day.
It contains 'pre and pro biotics' which basically aid efficient digestion and help you get the most nutritional effect out of what you are eating. Handy when you might not be at your best.
They say : “Contains protein isolate, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and peptide bonded amino acids, prebiotics and probiotics and dietary fibre to aid digestion.”

So…it’s got powdered oats and magic stuff in it and it tastes good. Good start to the day, keep you going for a long time.

Night Fuel – Chocolate flavour

I say: Bloody tasty, nice rich flavour, easy to make, aided good contented sleep.
They say : “Contains high quality time released Proteins and Vitamins, Minerals and naturally occurring Branched Chain Amino Acids.”

Mmmm…chocolate! Zzzzzzzz. Good end to a busy day.

Ultimate Recovery Fuel – Chocolate flavour

I say : Simple to prepare, although a smooth drink type meal it was satisfying and filling. Used one of these for lunch when exhausted and gave me strength until very late that day.
They say : “Contains new Whey Isolate Protein Matrix (mixture).”

Gets you back on your feet when you most need it, with minimal fuss. As with all of them – I’d say this would be handy to keep on a belt-kit perhaps?

Conclusion : Good tucker. I have tried to use them in situations in which they will get a good test, so have taken a bit of time over the review. Several times now when using these I have been going nearly 20 hours a day and working very hard mentally and physically. I’ve often pulled these out when I feel like I have ‘hit the wall’ and need a serious pick-me-up but cannot cook up a decent meal. The Xtreme Energy Fuel has really picked me up on several occasions now. At first I was quite surprised how effective it is. Also have used them as a full course : ie taking the breakfast, drinks, recovery and evening drinks in a full day, as prescribed. I was fit and healthy and easily able to cope with tough tasks. Not even thinking about food until much, much later. I think about food a lot so that says something! Every time I have sincerely and honestly needed a boost of energy or to re-fuel my body and mind these Mountain Fuel sachets have done the business! Better than a simpler alternative I think. I have been pleasantly surprised by them. Very pleased indeed and having properly tested them I can make the recommendation with confidence. You can’t go wrong. Chuck some in your kit!

Many thanks to Mountain Fuel and to RVOps for the chance to test the range.

Post script:

I have read that Mountain Fuel will be or already have launched a ‘bar’ as well which might well be worth giving a whirl.

Just some advice to users: the products are thoughtfully and excellently packaged in easy-open, clearly-marked, light but strong, water-resistant, plastic 'foil' type bags a bit like ration pack bags. I would advise that you put the packs inside an extra bag or similar, just to avoid them opening by mistake, if you will rely on these.

Date Added: 09/02/2011 by Arrse Reviews