Brand: Open Fuel
Category: Running Energy Nutrition
Recommended by Cody McKesson, Trail / Ultra Runner — Sedona, Arizona
Highlights: long distance
The Gel Mix Bulk Bag from Open Fuel offers a convenient and eco-friendly solution for athletes seeking customizable energy on the go. With a neutral flavor and essential nutrients, this gel mix empowers you to fuel your adventures without the waste of single-use packets. 1. Each serving contains 30g of carbohydrates and 200mg of sodium, providing optimal energy and hydration support. 2. The gel mix is designed for easy preparation, allowing you to control your fuel intake based on your activity needs. 3. Priced at just $1.70 per gel, this bulk option is an economical choice for regular athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. 4. Compatible with the Open Fuel branded 180ml reusable flask, which holds three servings for convenient transport. 5. The neutral flavor profile ensures versatility, making it suitable for various tastes and preferences. 6. Environmentally friendly design eliminates waste from traditional gel packets, promoting sustainable practices. 7. Ideal for endurance sports, including running, cycling, and hiking, ensuring you stay energized during long sessions. The Gel Mix Bulk Bag is perfect for athletes engaged in endurance activities who require a reliable source of energy. It performs best in outdoor environments, such as trails and races, where quick access to fuel is essential. Targeted towards both novice and experienced users, this product excels in scenarios like long-distance training, competitive events, or weekend adventures. Its eco-friendly design makes it a responsible choice for those looking to minimize their environmental impact while maximizing performance.
Price: $26 - $40
- Who it's for
- Trail and ultra runners who want to reduce single-use gel wrapper waste and prefer to control carb density and consistency in a single flask. Also suits runners sensitive to GI issues or sweetness who benefit from a neutral, low-preservative formula.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise the neutral flavor, zero-waste flask system, and ability to customize consistency and carb load (commonly 90g carbs per flask). The one recurring caveat is that mixing requires a small amount of prep — easiest when done the night before.
- Worth noting
- Pairs with Open Fuel drink mix for added flavor to combat palate fatigue on long efforts. Multiple hosts report no GI issues, including during 100K races.
Cody McKesson's review
I often find myself picking up gel wrappers on the trail. Even I have noticed my gel wrappers fell out my vest when running, and I feel so bad when it happens… That’s why I was super excited to try this reusable gel mix. With 30g of carbs it pairs perfectly with the hydration mix for 90+ carbs an hour for easy high carb fueling!
Recommended by Cody McKesson, Trail / Ultra Runner
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Gel Mix Bulk Bag for?
Trail and ultra runners who want to reduce single-use gel wrapper waste and prefer to control carb density and consistency in a single flask. Also suits runners sensitive to GI issues or sweetness who benefit from a neutral, low-preservative formula.
What do experts say about the Gel Mix Bulk Bag?
Hosts consistently praise the neutral flavor, zero-waste flask system, and ability to customize consistency and carb load (commonly 90g carbs per flask). The one recurring caveat is that mixing requires a small amount of prep — easiest when done the night before.
What should you know before buying the Gel Mix Bulk Bag?
Pairs with Open Fuel drink mix for added flavor to combat palate fatigue on long efforts. Multiple hosts report no GI issues, including during 100K races.
What does Cody McKesson say about the Gel Mix Bulk Bag?
I often find myself picking up gel wrappers on the trail. Even I have noticed my gel wrappers fell out my vest when running, and I feel so bad when it happens… That’s why I was super excited to try this reusable gel mix. With 30g of carbs it pairs perfectly with the hydration mix for 90+ carbs an hour for easy high carb fueling!
Why does Cody McKesson recommend Open Fuel?
Cody McKesson recommends the Open Fuel Gel Mix Bulk Bag for running energy nutrition. I often find myself picking up gel wrappers on the trail. Even I have noticed my gel wrappers fell out my vest when running, and I feel so bad when it happens… That’s why I was super excited to try this reusable gel mix. With 30g of carbs it pairs perfectly with the hydration mix for 90+ carbs an hour for easy high carb fueling!
Is the Gel Mix Bulk Bag a good running energy nutrition?
Yes — Cody McKesson recommends the Gel Mix Bulk Bag by Open Fuel as their running energy nutrition pick. I often find myself picking up gel wrappers on the trail. Even I have noticed my gel wrappers fell out my vest when running, and I feel so bad when it happens… That’s why I was super excited to try this reusable gel mix. With 30g of carbs it pairs perfectly with the hydration mix for 90+ carbs an hour for easy high carb fueling!
Is the Gel Mix Bulk Bag good for long distance?
Cody McKesson recommends it for long efforts: I often find myself picking up gel wrappers on the trail. Even I have noticed my gel wrappers fell out my vest when running, and I feel so bad when it happens… That’s why I was super excited to try this reusable gel mix. With 30g of carbs it pairs perfectly with the hydration mix for 90+ carbs an hour for easy high carb fueling!
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What other hosts are saying
15 experts recommend the Open Fuel Gel Mix Bulk Bag.
Super useful tool to have in your kit. Small volume for big carbs. Strike mission necessity.
Recommended in Go-light mountain day
Cody Poskin, Professional Ultrarunner and Hopeless Romantic
Okay so stay with me on this one. At first I thought I would hate mixing my own gel. Sure it’s more inconvenient than just grabbing one, but it also comes with a ton of benefits. I can control the consistency and carbohydrate density. I can put the mixed gel in a 180mL flask or I can load it up in a 600mL flask for longer sections. With less preservatives than regular gel and a neutral flavor, this gel is so easy on the stomach. Don’t knock it until you try it.
Recommended in Kodiak 100
Will Murray, Professional Trail Runner
Make your own gel in a reusable flask! Reduce single-use packaging, keep fueling simple and fun. I usually make about 3 servings (90g carbs) in a 250mL flask or Open Fuel's 180mL flask. Sometimes I add a scoop of Ultra Fuel drink mix for flavor. Mix with warm water to desired consistency and then refrigerate for a little while. I often fuel with only liquid calories, but I'm finding that in a hot weather ultra I have portions of the day where I crave more plain water and prefer to get my calories from the gel mix.
Recommended in Western States
Seth LaReau, Trail runner. Writer. Founder and author of Trail Waves.
No more single-use gel packages! The Open Fuel Gel Mix allows you to mix your own fuel and carry multiple servings in a single flask, while still ensuring you get the carbs and sodium you need. The naked flavor is easy on the palette as well. Love this stuff!
Recommended in Trail Favorites
Abby Storer, Mountain Running & Storytelling
My FAVORITE gel mix. I only discovered open fuel this summer, but made the quick switch after trying a sample at TrailCon. This will be my nutrition plan for all my future races <3 I love that all of my carbs and electrolytes can be customized into one bottle- it's really quick to get down and easy to track your nutrition.
Recommended in Nutrition Essentials
Makena Morley, Professional Runner (Roads, Trails...)
Love this custom mix gel mix! It is nice to find a consistency you like and continue to make that for each of your runs! You can add in a tiny bit of the carb mix too to give it a little extra flavor!
Recommended in Broken Arrow Race List
say goodbye to single use gel packs with this mix and go formula! good for your body and the planet!
Recommended in Fuel 🧃
Caleb Bowen, Marshall University Head Cross Country/Assistant Track Coach
No more gel wrappers. I love being able to just use my gel flask and have all the fuel I need for each run.
Recommended in Gear and Nutrition
Homemade gels that taste great. Awesome carb to sodium ratio and can add whatever flavor you like to prevent palate fatigue.
Recommended in Trail running necessities
DIY drink mix, but not complicated or clumpy! Being able to customize my amount of carbs and consistency is amazing for someone who is more sensitive about these things during hard runs. I love the neutral flavor as well
Recommended in Fuel
The gel mix is a recent addition to the Open Fuel lineup, and it's quickly become a part of my main fueling plan. I only recently started using it, but I'm already hooked. I really appreciate the approach to reducing waste by eliminating individual gel wrappers. It's simple to carry a flask and fill it with exactly as much fuel as you need for your run. The taste is great, it’s not overly sweet and is enjoyable even late into long efforts. You can even mix in a little drink mix if you want to dial in a specific flavor. It's been fueling my long runs as I build toward my next race - Waldo 100K.
Recommended in Running Essentials
No waste, carry less, three gels in one flask!
Recommended in Running Gear
Jamie Hunyor, Ultrarunner & field botanist
The gel mix is rad! So cool to carry one flask with three gels & not have to jam sticky spent plastic wrappers back into my belt once I’ve taken a gel. The neutral flavor is great. And it’s super easy to mix especially when I remember to do it the night before.
Recommended in Gear for training and racing
Rachel Bambrick, Ultrarunning coach & community leader
Oh my goodness this has been one of my new all time favorites! Gel mix that you can use to make your own gels! Cost saving! Less waste! Great taste! I used this during Siskiyou 100k recently and had 0 GI issues. I will keep coming back to this product!
Recommended in IMTUF 100
