TrailGenic Science
Fat-First Summit Fueling: Preserving Glycogen on the Climb
The body stores tens of thousands of calories in fat, even in lean athletes — but only a fraction of that in glycogen. For long ascents, glycogen is a precious, limited fuel. TrailGenic™ prioritizes fat-based fueling (like coconut butter) during the hike to spare glycogen for when you need it most — like on steep switchbacks near the summit or technical descents.
Coconut butter is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are absorbed quickly and transported directly to the liver for rapid energy conversion. Unlike long-chain fats, MCTs bypass most digestive steps, making them an efficient, stomach-friendly trail fuel.
By avoiding carbohydrate intake during the hike, insulin levels stay low, fat oxidation remains high, and glycogen is preserved — echoing what we explored in Fasted Hiking & Autophagy. This strategic fat-first approach supports metabolic flexibility, and pairs well with Glycogen Refill Timing for optimal recovery post-summit.
Review of the coconut butter we use.