All About RecPak: The Adventure Food Built for Big Days Outside
RecPak makes adventure food simple: 700 calories, balanced nutrition, and a pouch you can drink from on the go. Built for long days and big miles.
When you’re deep in the backcountry, every ounce in your pack and every calorie in your system counts. That’s exactly why RecPak was created—real fuel for real adventures. Whether you’re backpacking in the Rockies, pedaling up a remote gravel route, or pushing to the summit before dark, RecPak is designed to go the distance with you.
This isn’t your average protein shake. It’s compact, calorie-dense, nutritionally complete, and shelf-stable—everything you want when your body is working hard and there’s no resupply in sight. Let's dive into what makes RecPak such a standout in the world of backcountry nutrition.
See our review of RecPak here!
What Is RecPak?
RecPak is a complete meal replacement shake made for outdoor adventures, with a whopping 700 calories per pouch. It’s designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to prepare—just add water right into the pouch, shake, and drink. No stove, no mess, no cleanup.
Developed by veterans and tested in some of the world’s toughest conditions, RecPak aims to solve a simple but persistent problem: how to carry enough fuel without packing bulky, low-calorie junk food.
Key Features
High Calorie, Compact Size
Each RecPak pouch packs 700 calories into a sleek, squishable form factor that’s easy to toss into your hip belt or external pocket. For comparison, that’s nearly three energy bars worth of calories in one shake.
Balanced Macronutrients
RecPak provides a solid mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, plus electrolytes and vitamins. That means better recovery, more sustained energy, and less chance of bonking when the going gets tough.
Built-in Mixing Pouch
No bottle or cup needed—you just add water directly to the pouch, shake it up, and sip. The design includes a wide spout for easy drinking and quick hydration on the go.
Shelf-Stable & Weather-Resistant
No refrigeration needed, and the packaging holds up to the elements. Toss it in your bear bag or saddlebag without worry—it’s built for the backcountry.
Who RecPak Is Perfect For
- Backpackers who want to carry fewer bulky meals
- Thru-hikers tackling long, high-output days
- Mountain bikers riding far from town
- Ski tourers & splitboarders needing calories in freezing temps
- Trail workers, SAR teams, and wildland firefighters
- Military & tactical teams in remote deployment
If you're someone who tends to skip meals in the backcountry or bonk from low fuel, RecPak can be a game-changer.
Q&A With RecPak's Founder
What gave you the idea to start RecPak? Was there a specific adventure or moment when you thought, "Okay, we need something better than what's out there"?
The idea crystallized during my time in the military while in Afghanistan. We'd spend days carrying everything we needed across unforgiving terrain where every ounce mattered. The nutrition options were brutal; MREs that required stopping to heat and eat, or energy bars that were basically just sugar bombs. Neither worked when you're moving fast and light through unforgiving territory.
I remember being on a multi-day operation, exhausted and hungry, looking at my pack and thinking there had to be a better way. Something that delivered real nutrition without the weight penalty or prep time. When I got back stateside and started hitting the mountains again, I realized this wasn't just a military problem—every serious backcountry user faces the same challenge. That's when I knew we had to build something better. Obviously you can see how this directly translates to our pursuits of adventures in the backcountry as an outdoor enthusiast too.
There are a ton of backpacking food options—what makes RecPak different, especially for folks who go big in the backcountry?
Most backcountry food falls into two categories: meals that require setup, fuel, and time, or snacks that are convenient but nutritionally hollow. RecPak bridges that gap by combining complete meal nutrition with snack-level convenience.
We're talking 700 calories of balanced macros—43g protein, complex carbs, healthy fats—all designed by top endurance sports nutritionists specifically for sustained activity. The liquid format means faster absorption and better digestibility when you're pushing hard. Plus, it's one of the few outdoor foods that actually hydrates you while fueling you.
The real differentiator is the form factor. Our custom pouch weighs 6.6oz and fits in your pocket. No stove, no cleanup, no stopping your rhythm. Just add water, shake, and keep moving. For alpinists on multi-day routes or ultrarunners grinding through hundred-milers, that efficiency is everything.
You've done some pretty epic stuff out in the wild. Got a favorite story from an adventure where RecPak came in clutch?
One that stands out happened during a solo winter traverse in the Eastern Sierras. I was pushing through a weather window, moving fast across exposed terrain when conditions started deteriorating. Stopping to cook would've meant losing precious time and exposing myself to the elements.
I knocked back a RecPak on the move, staying warm and keeping my energy levels steady without breaking stride. That sustained nutrition carried me through the technical sections and got me to safer ground before the storm hit. It's exactly the scenario we designed RecPak for, when stopping isn't an option, but your body still needs fuel.
We've had customers take RecPak to Everest base camp, the South Pole, and everywhere in between. But honestly, some of the best feedback comes from search and rescue teams and wildland firefighters who rely on it during critical operations. When lives are on the line, gear has to perform flawlessly.
The nutrition in RecPak is dialed in—how did you land on the right mix of calories, macros, and ingredients to fuel serious activity?
We worked with elite sports nutritionists who've fueled everyone from Olympic athletes to special operations forces. The formulation started with the Special Operations Forces Nutrition Guide and research on what elite mountaineers actually need during sustained efforts.
The 700-calorie count hits the sweet spot—substantial enough to replace a full meal without being too heavy to process during activity. The macro ratio is optimized for endurance: complex carbs for immediate and sustained energy, three different protein sources (whey, casein, collagen) to minimize muscle breakdown, and healthy fats for long-term fuel.
We also loaded it with essential vitamins and minerals that get depleted during intense activity. The liquid format was crucial—it's easier on the digestive system when blood flow is redirected to working muscles, and the hydration component is often overlooked in outdoor nutrition.
What's coming up for RecPak? Any new flavors or projects you're excited about?
Nothing immediately. We want to expand the lineup with a plant-based version that maintains the same nutritional profile—huge demand from the vegan athlete community.
We're also deepening our mission work. As a member of 1% For The Planet, we're increasing our conservation contributions by partnering with organizations such as the AMGA, The Conservation Alliance, The American Alpine Club, and The Access Fund. Building gear that performs is just the start, we want to support the community and environments that make these adventures possible.
Flavor Options
RecPak currently comes in several flavors, including:
- Vanilla Chai – Smooth and slightly spicy with a comforting taste
- Chocolate – Rich, classic, and easy to down even when you're exhausted
- Coffee – With real caffeine for that extra kick on early starts or long climbs
All flavors are made with real ingredients and are free from artificial sweeteners or fillers.
Sustainability & Packaging
RecPak’s packaging is minimal waste and designed to be packable and durable. While not yet compostable, the brand is actively exploring sustainable options and emphasizes long shelf life to reduce food waste in the supply chain.
Packing It Out
RecPak is one of the smartest nutrition systems we’ve seen for serious outdoor missions. It’s not for casual snacking or sipping at camp—it’s for those hard-effort days when you need to keep going. If you’ve ever struggled to find room in your pack for enough food, or you just want to simplify your trail nutrition without sacrificing quality, RecPak is worth checking out.
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