Nice photo. That is one of the joys of being out there, relaxing and soaking up the scenery.

I think the crash effect tends to be most true with things containing sugar, followed by caffeine. What I've found through many long nights in datacenters and on the highway is that Five Hour Energy doesn't have me crashing (in any sense). No affiliation, YMMV.

A beautiful and memorable photo.

The local Ralph's had Starbucks VIA® so I picked up a package (8 packets per) of their Colombian brew. I tried one this morning and it's not bad, probably the best instant coffee I've tried, better than some name-brand coffee that needs to be brewed. The 7 remaining packets will be added to my truck kit.

Things like 5 Hour Energy usually contain artificial sweeteners. These do not sit well with me.Artificial sweeteners give me headaches, upset stomach and other complications "down the road". Energy drinks and caffine can be a diuretic and could promote dehydration. Then again if you are a habitual caffine user not having it can lead to further stress.It comes down to personal choice....

BOATMAN
John

If you need energy, eat good food. If you need caffeine, there are many ways of getting that. But to me the hot cup of coffee provides psychological comfort as much as it provides physical energy. Caffeine does not provide actual energy, like calories, and may degrade mental performance in the long run if you do not get calories and water.

I have never been a fan of energy drinks any way, so I admit my prejudice against them. You just can't beat a hot cup of coffee (or tea or hot chocolate) on a cold morning to get your day started. I use the hot chocolate on my scouts as they roll out of their sleeping bags on a cold winter morning. When it is cold, you can't get them to move. After the hot chocolate, you can't get them to stop!

That's why I chase a pot of coffee with a can of Mountain Dew, and finish the watch with water, each watch. Then I try to sleep....

I never thought about using 5-hour energy drink for the BOB. I do use it though. Mostly for when I am driving long distances/periods; there is only so much music, gas stops, snack food one can use to keep one awake and alert. The 5-hour stuff doesn't crash me like straight caffeine does and is more subtle.

I supposed the inclusion would be based on what are your goals that you have in mind for your BOB. For example one of mine would be to bug out in case of a train derailment nearby. What do I need to carry so that I can get to a safe location until the clean-up or the OK signal from the authorities? I can't think of a reason that I would need 5-hour energy drinks in that scenario.

A square of dark chocolate works and is storable. Red apples also will help you stay awake, but thy are perishable. On long trips, I usually wash both down with a hot cup of coffee.

I'm a little worried about the long term effects of chemical energy drinks on the Gen X and Millennials of which my kids are members. May be the transfats of their generation.

Zip Fizz, instant coffee (organo gold in this case) and instant tea(lipton with lemon).

The organo gold has some herbal additives I find, um, enhance the effects of caffiene over time.