All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
If one of your 2023 goals is to stay consistent with your workouts, it's time to invest in some lightweight, packable equipment to help you stay on track when travel plans inevitably interrupt your fitness routine. Whether you're training for a marathon or have gotten into a ClassPass groove at home, there's plenty of effective and easy-to-use travel workout equipment that'll allow you to keep up that active streak wherever you go, without needing to visit a gym. Gym Dumbbell Set
Below, we've gathered the best workout equipment for travelers, from versatile resistance bands to portable yoga mats to post-exercise recovery tools. We're also recommending some accessories that are ideal for active travelers, like belt bags designed for runners and wrist weights to level up a hike. Whether you're going off the grid in a private Airbnb, planning an island vacation, or headed on a weekend getaway, we have the packable workout gear for you, no matter your current fitness level.
I must admit, I'm a bit obsessed with these Bala Bangles. I wear them constantly on my wrists or ankles for long walks, yoga exercises, and at-home workouts—but they can also be worn during aerobics, boxing, Pilates, core training, or rehabilitation sessions. Made of soft silicone, I usually forget I'm even wearing them. They elevate an otherwise easy walk around the neighborhood into a slightly more challenging workout. Each Bala Bangle is a one pound weight, adding a comfortable resistance to any movement you're doing. They won't add too much weight to your tote bag or duffel bag and they come in a sleek travel case.
If you want to exercise from anywhere, you'll need a lightweight mat that can turn any surface into your gym floor. Made of a cushioned rubber backing, the Alo Yoga Air mat is no-slip, dry-wicking, and anti-odor. This travel-friendly mat rolls up thinly and only weighs 3.5 pounds, making it lighter than exercise mats tend to be. Roll this out for yoga, stretching, or any floor exercises.
One of the smallest, lightest, and most versatile pieces of workout gear you can pack are simple resistance bands, like this budget-friendly set available on Amazon. This set of five bands each have a difference resistant level—ranging from extra light to extra heavy—making them ideal for both beginners and the pros. Roll them right back up into their compact carry bag to take them with you anywhere.
Sliders, sometimes called gliders, will make even the simplest workout more challenging—no heavy equipment or exercise machine required. These flat, round discs allow your hands and feet to slide across any floor while increasing your balance and strengthening your core. They're ideal for floor workouts that you can do anywhere—like push ups, lunges, mountain climbers, or planks. Whether you're working from your living room floor or your Airbnb in Joshua Tree, your core will be engaged the whole time with these. Plus, they're easy to pack in just about any bag and are so versatile.
If your favorite way to exercise is by hitting an early morning yoga class, you may want to add this yoga block from Alo to your packing list. The Uplifting yoga block fits into most any tote bag—pull it out when you're ready to practice and maintain stability during poses. It's lightweight and features curved edges for an even better grip.
If you're used to using the TRX suspension training equipment at the gym, this travel-ready set from Amazon will come in handy wherever you go. This lightweight set includes a suspension training strap, indoor/outdoor anchors, and a mesh travel bag. It's fairly easy to set up on the go and weighs about 1.5 pounds.
I've been using the Sweat Sweet waist trimmer for years and I continue to be impressed every time I use it. Made of extra-thick neoprene, this waist band causes you to sweat even harder without doing any extra work. Simply adjust it around your waist using the Velcro strap before doing any cardio and when your workout is complete, you'll be dripping with sweat. It's affordable and can be folded down to take up very little packing space. Even a simple walk with this on around my waist leaves me sweating as if I just went on a long run.
If you're someone who prefers attending in-person workout classes to stay on track or are a beginner who needs some guidance on what to do, an Alo Moves membership is a great option. Work out from anywhere with thousands of classes you can access on your phone, all led by skilled instructors. There are plenty of classes to choose from—Vinyasa, barre, HIIT, core, yoga, mindfulness, and more. Plus, Alo offers a seven-day free trial you can test out before committing to a membership.
On any trip you'll want a versatile sling bag that will keep you hands-free on the go. Whether you're going on an adventurous hike or walking around all day exploring a new city, the Béis Sport Sling will fit all the must-haves you need. There's a spot for your credit cards, a microfiber-lined protective pocket for your phone or sunglasses, and a compartment to store items like AirPods or sunscreen. The best part: There's a hidden water bottle pocket so you can stay hydrated all day long.
The ultimate fitness gadget to keep you on track: the Fitbit Versa 4. This sleek watch tracks your daily activity, heart rate, and sleep cycle all in one. Fitbit allows you to access apps, receive notifications, and send messages without pulling out your phone, another plus for travel days. There are over 15 exercises modes to record your workout; even better, it's water-resistant, so you don't have to worry about taking it off before jumping in the pool or taking a dip in the ocean.
One of our favorite (and smallest) fanny packs, the Lululemon Fast and Free mini belt bag is made for runners on the go. It fits the essentials you need while running—your phone, cards, and keys—without slowing you down. Bonus: The touchscreen-friendly mesh on the front of the bag allows you to quickly tap your phone to silence a call or change the song without stopping to open the bag.
A sports cap is always welcome on sunny days outdoors. This classic and chic Nike hat is available in a handful of colors to match any workout set you have. I always keep a neutral-colored hat in my suitcase for active days (or those inevitable bad hair days).
Running and hiking enthusiasts, listen up. This water-resistant armband holds your phone, a key, and your headphone cord (if you still have 'em)—no bag or legging pocket necessary. It's adjustable to fit your arm comfortably and doesn't get in the way of unlocking your phone with Face ID when it's in the case. Plus, it's under $15 on Amazon—a price you can't beat.
If you're visiting a windy city like Chicago, be sure to pack an ear warmer headband for outdoor runs or walks. This fleece headband keeps your ears protected and warm even on the coldest days. Choose from black, charcoal, navy, or white.
Read more: The Winter Running Gear Getting Us Out on the Coldest Days
This collapsible foam roller is perfect for travelers—it's portable, easy to fold, and weighs less than two pounds. It can be used to warm up with or for recovery to target tightened muscles. It's folds down nicely to fit right in your carry-on and comes in a small mesh travel bag.
At only 1.5 pounds, the Hypervolt Go 2 is so lightweight and portable. It's a percussion massager that targets stress, muscle tension, and fatigue. Use it to warm up, loosen tight muscles, or help relax after a workout. It's an ideal recovery tool for active travelers always on the move.
The Theragun Mini is worth the hype: It's the smallest and lightest option among Theraguns with three speeds and three attachments. It'll decrease muscle soreness and release tension and knots you might experience after exercising. It helps speed up the recovery process, improves sleep and mobility, and relieves stress—benefits any traveler will appreciate.
Condé Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published by Condé Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
More from Condé Nast Traveler
7kg Dumbbells © 2023 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Condé Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Ad Choices