Wilderness Athlete Comprehsive Supplement Product Review

WILDERNESS ATHLETE COMPREHENSIVE SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCTS REVIEW

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By Randy Johnson
iReview Gear Lead Field Editor

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HIGH DESERT WILD SHEEP GUIDES
www.highdesertwildsheepguides.com
Worldwide Trophy Adventures Consultant

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Basic Description:
Wilderness Athlete’s MISSION with the supplemental health products they manufacture is simple: “They are committed to improving the health & quality of life for the outdoor athlete by providing field tested, scientifically validated nutrition and sports performance product formulations.”

After testing WA’s products I would encourage all hunters, athletes and the general public to take a very close look at Wilderness Athlete’s Supplemental Products if you are sincerely interested at not only performing more efficiently out on the mountain but in life!

BASIC FACTS

Wilderness Athlete is the Ultimate Authority on Outdoor Performance Nutrition® for individuals like you and I. Importantly, they recognize that hunters, hikers, backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts are also hardworking, dedicated athletes. This company specializes in unique, scientifically validated product formulas to address our requirements for quality health. They believe that physical conditioning for the outdoor athlete before, during and after the outdoor activity we are involved in is extremely important. Wilderness Athlete is dedicated to ensuring that every minute we spend in those specific outdoor activities we love is experienced at the highest performance level, just like an Olympic athlete or teams competing for a championship trophy.

Wilderness Athlete believes that “the power behind their drink products is in their “EXCLUSIVE POWDER.” Why? Because anytime a nutrient (herb, mineral, vitamin, or amino acid) is placed in solution (liquid), it immediately begins to degrade and lose its potency. From the day that any raw material is manufactured it begins to breakdown as the process of oxidation begins.

Vitamin C, for instance, is a powerful anti-oxidant and at Wilderness Athlete they put 1000 mg. of Vitamin C in every serving of their Hydrate and Recovery product. That same Vitamin C placed in a liquid and put on a shelf or warehouse will deteriorate very quickly as its nutritional value would be greatly compromised.

Additionally, Wilderness Athlete uses multiple complex compounds in their formulations, which are even more susceptible to breakdown once added to a liquid. It is these compounds that give their powdered products such a pronounced effect. WA would be decreasing the effectiveness of the product by selling it in a pre-mixed liquid form as what you see in many other types of liquid drinks sold on the market.

At Wilderness Athlete, they utilize many natural flavors to produce products that are manufactured healthy and that great taste. Once again, it should be noted that these natural flavors would lose their potency and lose their outstanding flavor if they were premixed and sold in a liquid.

It doesn’t matter whether you are mixing a Wilderness Athlete product on your kitchen counter or out on the mountain somewhere, all you have to do is simply add your own water and enjoy the “healthy benefits” these products bring to the table for your health and performance.

To give the readers of my personal review a better understanding of Wilderness Athlete Products it is very important that you are also given a background on the individuals behind WA.

Wilderness Athlete’s Science, Research and Formulation “Dream Team”

Mark Paulsen is the founder of Wilderness Athlete and started the company based on one simple question he ask himself: “Why hasn’t the science of mainstream sports nutrition been applied to the specific needs of the outdoor athlete?  After all, there are no locker rooms or timeouts in the backcountry.”  Because of Mark’s unique relationships with expert nutritionists and top collegiate and professional athletes, he was able to address his own question by launching Wilderness Athlete as he believed in enhancing the outdoor experience for the 75% of the population that participates in outdoor activities annually! Here is a quick bio on Coach Paulsen:

“Coach P”, as Mark is often referred to in the sports world, began his athletic career at the University of Kansas as a discus thrower and captain of the Jayhawk’s Big Eight Championship track team.  In his senior year, Mark decided to walk on to the Jayhawk football team and earned a scholarship. After completing his college career, Mark signed with the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League.

He began his career of developing top level athletes under well respected strength and conditioning coach, Mike Clark, at the University of Kansas.  Mark then joined the University of South Carolina, where he furthered his career under another well-known name in strength and conditioning, Keith Kephart. In 1985, Mark began his head coaching career at Long Beach State University where he served for two years before becoming the Strength and Conditioning Coach at the University of New Mexico. Mark finished his career with the Lobo’s as the University Director of Athletic Performance from 1987 to 2012.

Coach Paulsen holds a Bachelors degree in Exercise Science from the University of Kansas and pursued his Masters degree in Nutrition from the University of South Carolina.  

It should be noted that Mark is an avid hunter, outdoorsman and can often be children.  Mark and his wife also started the collegiate chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the University of New Mexico in 1987.

*PLEASE NOTE THAT EACH ONE OF THESE SCIENTISTS ON THE WILDERNESS ATHLETE FORULATION BOARD ARE BIOCHEMISTS! YOU CAN RESEARCH THEIR PERSONAL BIOS IN GREATER DETAIL ON THE WA WEBSITE.

Harry G. Preuss, M.D. Professor of Biochemistry, Medicine and Pathology at the Georgetown University Medical Center. He is Chairman of the Wilderness Athlete, Science, Research and Formulation Board. Dr. Preuss’ prestigious accomplishments and biography is extensive.

Dr. Richard P. Scheckenbach is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with Bacteriology as his major. He pursued his PH.D. at Oregon State University with emphasis in Microbiology/Biochemistry. Dr. Scheckenbach has worked in the nutritional field since 1978 and has helped in formulating products for more than one hundred companies worldwide.

Dr. Vladimir Oleynikov, Ph.D. is a renown Russian Biochemist and Research Scientist has served as a research scientist for the former USSR’s national sports teams and Olympic Committee from 1992 to the present. In this capacity, Oleynikov formulates nutritional products, provides nutritional advice to the Committee and to individual athletes, and presents programs on improving physical performance in all athletic activities.

The Wilderness Athlete Team with over 100 years of clinical work at prestigious universities and human performance labs around the world is the perfect combination to ensure that the products they manufacture are based on an “unbreakable” scientific platform!

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR WILDERNESS ATHLETE PRODUCTS:

As is common with all supplemental health products please note that “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and that they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”

HYDRATE & RECOVER

Precisely balanced electrolyte and mineral composition to support proper hydration, energy metabolism, and physical endurance*
Isotonic formulation ensures fast gastric emptying, rushing fluids to muscles and organs where they’re needed most*
Contains no artificial colors, flavors, stabilizers, or preservatives*
Low Glycemic Index (GI) sugars combined with complex carbohydrates and L-Glutamine help support increased endurance and prevent fatigue*
Includes Glucosamine to maintain and nourish joints and retain their proper fluid levels*
Provides energy cycle cofactors and standardized botanical extracts for sustained ATP (energy) production throughout the body*

ENERGY AND FOCUS

Contains no simple sugars to interfere with normal blood sugar metabolism and regulation – a true “no crash” formula*
A comprehensive profile of neuroactive nutrients to support optimum brain and nervous system energy and physiology*
Potent antioxidant profile of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Mixed Carotenes protects tissues from free-radical damage*
Fast acting, steady energy boost – Feel it in minutes, enjoy for it hours*
Includes adaptogenic botanical extracts to support physical stamina*
Naturally flavored and colored, contains no artificial ingredients*
 

ALTITUDE ADVANTAGE

Supports the body’s extraordinary physiological demands of performing at high
elevation*
Helps reduce fatigue, inflammation, and lactic acid build-up*
Improves circulation throughout the body, including brain and lungs which are
particularly sensitive to low oxygen conditions*
Contains potent, natural antioxidants to quell free-radicals produced under
physically-demanding environmental conditions*
Increases enjoyment of high-elevation sports and activities by reducing the
unpleasant, undesirable side effects of diminished oxygen and barometric
pressure*

MEAL REPLACEMENT/ RECOVERY SHAKE

Provides the ideal balance of macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrate) to
fuel the body and appease hunger for an extended length of time*
Contains WA Protein Blend, a high-quality, readily digested combination of
dietary proteins for superior muscle physiology and energetics*
Includes glucosamine to feed and lubricate the joints along with
standardized Rhodiola rosea extract for improved immunity and

Delivers one-third of the daily recommendation for fiber, supporting better
digestive and cardiovascular health*
Serves as an ideal post-exercise recovery formula to replenish energy reserves
while also supplying the specific building materials needed for muscle repair and growth* Available in natural Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla flavors to best suit your taste*

NIGHTTIME OPTIMIZER

Naturally supports the anabolic, (muscle-building), processes of the body
to increase muscle mass and improve overall body composition*
Enhances endurance and lessens fatigue for superior physical performance*
Normalizes the release of HGH (human growth hormone) for stronger muscles
Provides key nutrients for efficient muscle recovery after exercise or other high
intensity activity*
Helps avoid premature aging of cells throughout the body*
Improves buffering capacity of muscles to counter lactic acid build-up 
during
exercise
Supports peak sexual and reproductive function*

JOINT ADVANTAGE

Powerful nutritional support for joint function and integrity*
Contains concentrated botanical extracts with proven anti-inflammatory
activity*
Promotes healthy joint cartilage*
Supports good flexibility and range of motion*
Maintains good blood flow to the joints*

GREEN INFUSION

• Provides a very broad array of antioxidant and protective phytonutrients, many of which are missed even with well-planned diets*
• WA Herbal Power Blend contains potent adaptogenic herbs and other standardized botanical extracts to counter stresses on the body*
• Premium source of natural Vitamin E and natural phyto-antioxidants to support immune function and cardiovascular health*
• Includes WA Probiotic Complex to restore friendly microflora in the digestive tract for improved food digestion and nutrient absorption, proper waste elimination, clearer skin tone, and improved energy*
Note:  Most probiotics need refrigeration to maintain viability but this is not the case with those formulated into Green Infusion.  Through a proprietary process, the probiotic micro-organisms used in Green Infusion are freeze-dried and micro-encapsulated to protect their viability, providing a stable shelf life of two years from date of production. This guarantees maintenance of 100% live/viable cultures at the labeled potency.   Storage temperatures and relative humidity can affect probiotic viability so Green Infusion should not be continually exposed to temperatures exceeding 80 degrees F.  High humidity should not be a problem if the canister is kept tightly closed.

HIGH PERFORMANCE MULTI-VITAMIN

Delivers a complete profile of essential vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and
nutrient cofactors to support energy production, immune function, and overall
cellular health*
Contains chelated minerals for enhanced absorption*
Includes Chromium and Vanadium to support healthy blood sugar levels*
BioArmorTM provides botanical antioxidants and supports immune system
activity*

Excellent source of Vitamin C, natural Vitamin E, and Selenium for cardiovascular benefit*

OMEGA-3 FISH OIL  

Reduces damaging inflammation throughout the body*
Provides vital and essential nutrients for brain function and memory*
Supports healthy energy and endurance*
Delivers essential fatty acids for a healthy cardiovascular system and proper
blood lipid levels (cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins)*
A potent source of nutrients for health of bones, joints, eyes, and skin*

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MY STORY:

I’m a Mountain Athlete and have been all my life. For the past 25 years I’ve guided wild sheep hunters in some of the most inhospitable terrain in North America. Just like many of you I’m a lifelong “wilderness explorer,” enthralled with the thrill of conquering towering snow capped peaks or crossing raging torrents. As a hard core
Mountain Athlete I have confronted uncompromising physical and mental challenges on many different occasions. I live on the “caffeine highs” that are gleaned from nature while tracking a trophy animal, crossing a volcanic desert mountain range in 100 degree temperatures or confronting Mother Nature’s wrath in a blinding blizzard.

To be successful on my adventures it’s mandatory that I keep my body in top “sheep shape” year round. I’m always researching and looking for supplemental, scientifically researched, proven health products that will give me the edge I need and keep me going strong on my “wilderness adventures”!

This is where Wilderness Athlete’s products come in. When Mark Paulsen and WA first stepped into this “arena” a number of years ago I knew immediately that I may have found what I was looking for. It wasn’t that I hadn’t used various electrolyte and other health supplements from other companies. I had. However, Wilderness Athlete was different. They were committed outdoorsman dedicated to seeing that the highest, most effective products are delivered to you and I, their customers. As I’ve conducted my research on WA and tested their products out in the field I’ve not only been extremely impressed with the results but the extensive scientific research they do on their products is uncompromised. As a hunter, guide and Wilderness Athlete I refuse to use inferior gear or health supplements that have not been vetted for their effectiveness. WA not only demands “excellence” in the products they produce but those same products are scientifically validated utilizing the expertise of Wilderness Athletes Formulation Board that represents over 100 years of combined nutritional experience in the manufacturing of proven product formulas. I appreciate so much the establishment of their precise standards and state-of-the art manufacturing. I don’t have to worry about “tainted” or ineffective products. I’m also very pleased that WA’s products are manufactured here in the United States, that they are safe and comply with the highest standards.

MY PERSONAL ARSENAL OF WILDERNESS ATHLETE PRODUCTS

As Mountain Athletes we must utilize health supplements that will not only maximize our physical output but help us heal and regenerate damaged muscle tissues, etc, after the pounding we put our bodies through. Believe me, my body deserves the best nutrients and electrolyte replacements when I’m out on the mountain for multiple days at a time expending enormous amounts of energy, burning calories, etc. After spending a week climbing mountains and chasing big desert rams with a 70 lb pack on my back my body needs all the extra help it can get for optimum performance and if I am to fully recover.

I’ve been extremely pleased with Wilderness Athlete’s Hydrate & Recover and Energy and Focus powders. I not only use them every day while I’m training at home but they have become a HIGH PRIORITY ITEM on my backpack list. It’s a well-researched fact that we need to keep our bodies properly hydrated and muscles “refueled” during the peak performance of physical exertion. When I’m using WA’s Hydrate & Recovery and Energy & Focus powders I not only feel better but know that the “refueling” process for my body is taking place. I have greater energy and understand that I’m replacing the loss of critical fluids as well as a very broad spectrum of nutrients that my body has expended.

Although many people use these two products separately I’ve found that I prefer to combine them together in what I refer to as my “High Desert Turbo Charged Elixer!” Wilderness Athlete calls the combination of these two products together a “Superman.” I don’t care what you call it. I honestly can tell you that this combination creates a great tasting drink and energizes and rejuvenates my body.

When I’m out on the desert I often have to locate what I would call “undesirable water sources” that I either treat with chemicals to kill harmful bacteria/virus organisms or I filter it. Either way, the water never tastes very good! My body begins craving liquid that has some flavor to it and WA’s Hydrate & Recover and Energy and Focus provides exactly that. The Energy and Focus powder comes in Mango and WA’s new Cherry Lime flavors. The Hydrate and Recover is called Berry Blast. I like all the flavors and mixing them together seems to capture the crisp taste. I enjoy it!

FUELING UP WITH MY “HIGH DESERT TUBO CHARGED ELIXER” BY COMBINING ENERGY & FOCUS AND HYDRATE & RECOVER TOGETHER. WORKS GREAT!

When I’m out on the mountain I will chug a quart of this mixture first thing in the morning the minute I roll out of my sleeping bag before breakfast. I then will consume several more quarts during the day and one at night before I crawl back into my tent. My body and sore muscles feel so much better and I’m able to perform at a higher level physically and mentally. Here are some of the benefits that you get from these physical supplements and it’s scientifically proven.

Replacement of critical A, C, E, B and C vitamins needed for body functions and minerals for health. The amino acids help your muscles function under stress and recover more quickly.
There is also some caffeine in these powders to help with energy as well as research proven herbs, adaptogens and notropics that support you in keeping your mind sharp and clear as well as to function under stress.
Of course you also receive a healthy dose of sodium, potassium and magnesium for hydration and electrolyte replacement but other generous additives such as the antioxidant Co-enzyme Q-10 as well as Glucosamine for joint function, Glutamine and Glutathione. The Schizandra Extract that is added has also been linked to helping improve your endurance, coordination and concentration.
There are also other extracts/additives such as Golden Root. Choline, etc, also that have been scientifically proven to improve various body/brain functions.

If you will diligently do your research on Wilderness Athlete’s Focus & Energy and Hydrate & Recover I know that you will be as convinced and satisfied as I am in regards to their effectiveness when it comes to performance and recovery. I don’t go anywhere without these two supplements and they do work! You can purchase either product in tubs priced at $29.95 each or in the boxes containing individualized packets for the same price. I use the packets when backpacking and tubs while training at home. You can also save $10 by purchasing combo tubs at Wilderness Athlete for $49. That is a nice savings.

To continue my story and since I have been so pleased with Wilderness Athlete’s Focus & Energy and Hydrate & Recover I decided to try WA’s other products. Since I’m out on the mountain year round either guiding sheep hunters, hunting myself, looking for shed-antlers or just backpacking I stay in great shape and don’t have to worry about losing much weight. In fact, people can’t believe that I’m 63 years old and can still go like I do. Well, it’s simple! I take care of my body. Please note that I’ve personally found the additional supplemental products from Wilderness Athlete to be extremely helpful in this process and I plan to continue to use them.

I’m a big fan of WA’s Nighttime Optimizer. These pills help my muscles recover while I sleep. They provide my body with a boost by infusing an incredible combination of supportive nutrients and adaptogens into the muscle making and physical recovery process. My muscles flat out feel less soreness than they used to in the morning after I use Nighttime Optimizer. A bottle of 90 tablets is priced at $32.95.

I’ve always felt it was important to use a multi-vitamin as I know that I fail to eat as well as I should. I chose to utilize Wilderness Athlete’s Multi-Vitamin since I have great faith in their research team. This has proven to be a smart choice for me as WA’s multi-vitamin contains a broad spectrum of clean vitamins, chelated minerals, nutrient cofactors, and BioArmorTM botanical extracts that I wasn’t getting from other multi-vitamins that I was purchasing at the store. 30 Tablets per bottle are priced @ $14.95.

Glucosomine has been an important component of my personal regimen to keep my joins feeling better. Wilderness Athlete’s Joint Advantage has taken their product to another level with a cutting edge science formulation designed to help protect and preserve the healthy mobility of all your joints. This is not just inclusive to your knees, hips, shoulders and wrists. WA uses critical nutrients and specialized botanical compounds to lubricate and soothe. Gluten Free , 60 capsules per bottle are priced @ $21.95.

Meal Replacement shakes and Green Infusion powders can be found in any supermarket. I’m sure a few of them are good products. However, after conducting my own research I found that not all of them are all that good.

To prepare for many of your hunts it is so important that you don’t go into battle overweight. In helping Wilderness Athletes address this issue WA has also incorporated into its product line a very nutritional Meal Replacement & Recovery Shake and Green Infusion Powder that if used on a regular basis will provide you with quality nutrition when you don’t have the time to cook or purchase healthy foods as well as eat fruits and vegetables. Although I don’t have to use these products to lose weight I do utilize them to eat smarter. Mixed properly the Meal Replacement powders taste great.

In regards to the Green Infusion powder, it is a very strong supplement that doesn’t appeal to my personal taste buds. I found that by mixing the Green Infusion Powder with my Meal Replacement shakes that it is much more palatable. In fact, I like to create a “Super Smoothie” for myself by adding a banana, spinach, a small spoonful of peanut butter, some almonds and ice with the right amount of water with these powders in my blender. Great combination. WA’s Meal Replacement Tubs are priced at $39.95 and the Green Infusion tub at $49.95.

For many hunters and backpackers who spend a lot of time at high altitudes Wilderness Athlete also manufactures a kit that they call their, Hy-Altitude Advantage Kit.

It’s a proven fact that many hunters who come from sea level to hunt at higher elevations struggle and can suffer from altitude sickness. Headaches, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, sleep disturbances, rapid heartbeat, loss of consciousness, and even death can occur in some individuals.  I live at an elevation of 6000 feet but when I hike in the mountains above my home that tower over 12,000 feet I notice a big difference. In fact, at elevations of 8,000 feet and above, where lower barometric pressures and lower oxygen concentrations are encountered, any one or all of these symptoms of altitude sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can occur.  Wilderness Athlete addressed this with their Hy-Altitude Advantage formula, addressed specifically for the body’s extreme physiological demands of ascending to and remaining at high altitude environments. In this formula WA combined all the support of Altitude Advantage, with the additional benefits of Wilderness Athlete’s Hydrate and Recovery powders. Staying well-hydrated is one of the keys factors in avoiding the symptoms of AMS. Utilizing cutting edge science and ancient herbal remedies, Altitude Advantage is a definite performance enhancer and game changer for those of you who are going to be hunting at higher altitudes. I’ve used it and Altitude Advantage does make a difference. *  Gluten Free, WA’s Hy-Altitude Kit sells for $49.95. The kit consists of
50 capsules of the Altitude Advantage formula in one bottle and 20 packets of Hydrate and Recover.

I realize there has been a lot of very detailed information in my comprehensive review of the Wilderness Athlete Products that I have tried. I highly recommend this company and hope that you find the details in this review helpful.

Please note that Wilderness Athlete also sells a 28 Day Challenge Package for $199 that consists of the following:

2 Tubs of Meal Replacement & Recovery Shake Mix
1 Tub of the Hydrate & Recover Mix
1 Tub of the Energy & Focus Mix
1 Container of Green Infusion
1 30 day supply of the Wilderness Athlete Multi-Vitamin
1 30 day supply of Lean Life Weight Loss Formula

I have had several hunting friends who have personally used the 28 Day Challenge and swear by it. I noticed that recently WA also came out with a 10 Day Challenge Package that sells for $44.95.

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What They Could Do Better

Wilderness Athlete is a great company that has importantly recognized the needs of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. It’s my sincere opinion that they have done an incredible job and offer many outstanding products.

I wish you the very best as you prepare yourself for the physical and mental challenges that await you “out on the mountain.” As always, “keep your boots warm” and stay safe.

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