How to Make & Carry Tailwind Concentrate

Key Takeaways

1. Concentrates save space and weight, perfect for long runs, rides, or races.
   
   

2. Mix a stronger solution in a small bottle to sip from or refill flasks.
   
   

3. Dilute at aid stations or with water from your pack to stay fueled and hydrated.
   
   

4. Practice in training before race day to fine-tune what works best for you.
   
   

Why Make a Tailwind Concentrate?

When you’re out for hours on the trail, bike, or road, carrying enough fuel and hydration can feel like a challenge. A Tailwind concentrate is a higher-strength mix that lets you bring all the calories and electrolytes you need in a smaller, lighter bottle. You can then sip it slowly or use it to refill flasks along the way.

This approach works especially well for ultras, marathons, triathlons, or endurance cycling, where space and efficiency matter.

How to Mix a Concentrate

1. Choose a small bottle (like a soft flask or bike bottle).
   
   

2. Add multiple scoops of Tailwind Endurance Fuel or High Carb Fuel. For example:
   
   

• Endurance Fuel:
  Digestibility rate 60 carbs per hour:
  4 scoops in a 20-ounce bottle = 400 calories/ 100 carbs
  6 scoops in a 24-ounce bottle = 600 calories/150 carbs (use this over 2.5 hours)
  
  High Carb Fuel:
  Digestibility rate 90 carbs per hour:
   1 Pouch HCF 360 calories / 90 carbs in a 20 oz bottle
   2 Pouches HCF 720 calories / 180 carbs in a 20 oz bottle (use this over 2 hours)

3. Top with water and shake until fully dissolved.
   
   

4. Label your bottle with the calorie amount so you know your intake.
   
   

Pro tip: If you prefer caffeinated or non-caffeinated options, you can mix them together. Remember to use no more than 90 carbs per hour with HCF, or 60 carbs per hour with EF.

How to Use a Concentrate on the Go

• Sip straight from the concentrate bottle during your workout.
  
  

• Dilute with water from aid stations or your hydration pack. For example, squeeze 2–3 ounces of concentrate into a 16-ounce flask of water for a quick 200-calorie refill.
  
  

• Track your intake to stay on top of calories, carbs, and electrolytes per hour.
  
  

Training Before Race Day

Every athlete’s stomach is different. Use long training days to test your concentrate strategy so your body is comfortable with the intake before race day. Work up to the right number of grams of carbs per hour (for most, 60–90g is the sweet spot).

Final Tips

• Keep it simple only fuel, hydration, and electrolytes in one bottle.
  
  

• Avoid carrying multiple products that complicate your nutrition plan.
  
  

• Stick with what works race with the same mix you trained with.
  
  

With a little planning, Tailwind concentrate makes it easier to stay fueled, hydrated, and focused on your effort, not your logistics.