I've used these for almost four years now during Olympic, 70.3 and 140.6 triathlons, 30-50 mile trail runs, ultra snowshoe races, half and full marathons.I started using them because I was cramping very early in races, especially in the heat.I wanted something that was easily absorbed, flavorless, and no added nonsense.Enter SaltStick.Cramping went away, performance went up and super easy on the gut.On longer events, I start with two with breakfast and then I pop two per hour starting on the third hour of the race.I carry mine in a mini sandwich bag and unfold bag to access capsules.I realize they have an official dispenser but, for the ultra trail running especially, I figured the bag would be lighter and easier to carry in a pocket.Once, during a super hot 12 mile, very technical trail race, I came across a fellow athlete going into significant cramping and at a painful standstill trail side.I offered him two Saltsticks and a swig of liquid.He found me after the race, gave me a huge hug and, shocked at how fast he recovered, demanded to know what I gave him so that he could go buy some for himself.