There are lots of drink mixes that come in powdered form: protein powders, meal replacement shake mixes, etc.
Usually these come in a big container of powder with a little scoop, and you scoop out the right amount and mix it with water.
How can I carry some single serving sizes of powder with me to mix with water while I'm on the go? I thought about using ziploc bags but it's hard to pour from the bag into the water cup without spilling powder everywhere.
This is exactly what a baby formula dispenser is for. They normally have three separated compartments with a top that you can rotate to easily empty the contents of a single compartment.
If it's big enough for your servings, use Kinder Surprise eggs.
These are things you usually throw away but can use for storing various things.
Further, I think click-clack mint boxes could work as well.
Basically any small container you already have laying around, which is more or less air tight, could work. I have no experience with powders but if you have some free time, just try out all the things laying next to you!
Indian takeaway restaurants provide chutneys in small sealable plastic containers, about 3cm in diameter. I collect these after a curry and they make perfect containers for individual doses of soluble drinks.
If you don't mind not re-using the ziploc bag, and have something to cut with, then cut off one of the bottom two corners (just like how you'd turn a ziploc into a pastry bag). Now it's a funnel for easy pouring.
Another option: if you fold back the top of the ziploc bag (so the top inch or so is inside out, the zip seal part facing out) it'll pour better. Also reusable this way.
Other than that, there are small, plastic airtight containers intended for stuff like this.
Put each portion of powder into a separate piece of paper and the fold it up. IE: Goodies or BC headache powder. You could put multiple portions in the same ziploc.
Snack size ziplock bags, and a small box. Measure a single serving into each ziplock bag. Place several bags in larger container such as ring box, eyeglass case, altoids tin, or whatever. The bag is air and water tight. The box protects the bag from rips, tears, punctures and whatnot.
Jars -- I use a small 16 oz peanut glass butter jar, but any will do -- if you aren't handling as much powder a 4 oz jam jar should do perfectly for a single serving of around 30g of powder.
When I did long cycling rides, I'd use the inexpensive, lightweight plastic bags. When I needed a "serving", I'd bite off the corner and empty the contents into my water bottle. The drink mix I was using had sugar and being able to empty the mix into the bottle without getting any on my hands or clothes was very convenient. Nothing eco-friendly about the solution, but it met the needs I had for multi-day, long-distance rides.
Reuse the tube that hydration tablets come in. E.g., Nuun or Hydralyte
This thread got me thinking... Finally.
I need a single teaspoon dose for my drink. It occurred to me to try a drinking straw, paper or plastic. Fold an end over, heat seal or staple. Fill and seal.
I'm gonna try it.
Good suggestions all. As a backpacker, I carry Gatorade mix for use with water that I filter. I also make up individual packets of instant coffee and sugar for the mornings.
Because of weight, what I do is take a plastic sandwich bag (the cheaper, the better), and place a single serving of whatever into the corner. I heat up the blade of a very sharp knife and cut the edges of the plastic bag to size, then pinch the edges together creating a seal. This creates a seal from the melted plastic. Be sure leave extra space in the bag so you can cut it without burning yourself and the package isn’t under much pressure.
You can also “double-seal” it using a lighter or a blow dryer/heat gun along the sealed edge. Heat slightly (until melty), then pinch together. Don’t burn yourself. Be sure to “test” the new seal to May sure it doesn’t leak.
Because the new “bag” is so small, it’s easy to tear a small side open and pour into a water bottle or cup. Very easy to do. The individual servings hold up well when I store them all together in a good quality Ziplock bag. Works well. If you have a vacuum food sealer that works great but the bags are a bit heavy and expensive. I use mine for dehydrated vegan meals I make for the trail.
Here’s a pack with Gatorade to take with me when I’m out. Because weight isn’t an issue unless I’m backpacking, I leave the ziplock part of the bag for slightly better storage. This is about a quarter of a “snack-size” bag. (2 Euro coin for scale)
Plastic test tubes , or "doob tubes" that are normally used for joints. Im currently looking for the same thing, and thats as good of an idea as i can think of.
