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Our gear editor swears by the cucumber/mint-flavored Nuun U Natural Hydration Tablets. “I’m not a fan of sweet drinks,” she says. “But I loved the mellow, refreshing flavor of this one, which successfully masked the taste of both manky creek water and the chemicals used to clean it.” Like a light version of the original Nuun, U delivers a modest dose of electrolytes and vitamins (and no carbs). It’s not jet fuel, just darn yummy. $8; nuun.com
See all “essential” reviews from the 2011 Gear
Guide