Energy gel comparison for trail running
Pick up to 5 gels and compare them in a table with the best of each row highlighted: carbs per gel, grams per pack, caffeine, carb source and how many gels per hour you need to reach 60 g/h. With 2 or 3 models you also get the radar. We only compare what each brand declares.
Compare up to 5 at once
Type a model, pick it from the list and see them all in columns. The best in each row is highlighted in green.
Radar of the selection
The selection lives in the URL: copy it to share.
Energy gel FAQ
How many grams of carbs does each gel have?
Between 22 and 45 g depending on the model. Gels of 40 g or more cut the number of packs per hour but need a trained gut.
What is a dual-source gel?
It mixes glucose or maltodextrin with fructose to use two intestinal absorption routes. It is the norm above 60 g of carbs per hour.
Do I need caffeine?
Not necessarily. Many runners save it for the final stretch or the night. If you do not tolerate it, pick caffeine-free gels.
What is carb density?
Grams of carbohydrate per 100 g or ml of gel. Higher density means less weight in your vest for the same energy.
How many gels do I need per hour?
Divide your hourly carb target by the grams in each gel. At 60 g/h that is 2 gels of 30 g or 1.5 of 40 g. Use the nutrition calculator to work it out for your race.
Should I drink water with a gel?
Very concentrated gels sit better with water. Isotonic and hydrogel gels need less.
Why are not all gels listed?
We only include catalogue gels whose main figures the brand declares. If one is missing, we cannot classify it rigorously.
Can I test them before race day?
Yes, and you should. Try each gel on your long runs and never debut anything on race day.