ATH Lytes vs LMNT (Summit vs Conditioning Fuel)

We started this review because multiple IG ads pitched ATH vs LMNT head-to-head, claiming ATH was the better choice. The goal: cut through the noise and root out the truth signal.

Yesterday’s attempt was aborted early-trail due to lightning (see Ella’s article on the storm). Today, we went back for a clean, controlled test on Mt. Baldy via Register Ridge — a steep, unforgiving climb perfect for stress-testing electrolytes.

Controlled setup:

• 1 pack mixed in coffee pre-hike
• 1 pack mixed in water for trail sipping
• 2 liters of water total (same as LMNT week)

Results:

• Ascent: By 0.75 mi from the Backbone junction, focus and drive dipped earlier than with LMNT.
• Summit: Energy noticeably lower; had to drink the entire ATH mix just to fuel descent. (With LMNT, still had half left to sip.)
• Devil’s Backbone: Body dug into reserves, red-zone earlier than usual.
• Rebound: ~1 hr after finishing full mix, energy returned.
• Finish: From Lodge to trailhead, felt fine — but total time was 15 min slower than LMNT week.

Verdict:
ATH Lytes is good for short conditioning hikes (Wisdom Tree, Baldwin Hills) where light hydration and minerals are enough. But for TrailGenic summit pushes (Baldy, Gorgonio, Whitney), LMNT clearly provides steadier energy, focus, and reserves.

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