The Best Travel Gear for Fitness-Focused Trips

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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If you plan your trips around the best hikes, ski slopes, walking routes, or other fitness-focused activities, then you know that packing the right gear can make all the difference in your comfort and happiness levels. Here are eight essential items you should bring on every active adventure.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Gregory Packs Arrio 22

Having a comfortable backpack is critical, as it will let you carry your essential supplies without feeling overloaded. Our favorite daypack is Gregory’s Arrio 22, due to features like a ventilated backpack (that prevents sweat and keeps you cool), an ergonomic and breathable shoulder harness, built-in hydration routing, and comfortable suspension technology to help your pack feel lighter. The backpack includes crucial safety features as well, like an integrated whistle and reflective details. A number of well-designed pockets means this backpack can serve you equally well as a carry-on.

Movéo Premium Fabric Resistance Bands

Get a workout in anywhere with Movéo’s resistance bands. Made from a premium, heavyweight fabric, these are more durable and easier to grip than elastic bands. Plus, they come in a variety of fun prints that will make you excited to sweat.

Reprise Activewear Aspen Leggings

Wear Reprise Activewear’s Aspen Leggings on the plane, while wandering around town, or for a workout—they’re that comfortable and versatile. Made from an incredibly soft, plant-based fabric, the Aspen leggings feature just the right amount of stretch. The clean style has no visible seams or pockets, so you can dress them up or down.

Dudley Stephens Whistle Pullover in Vello Fleece

Made from an innovative recycled Vello Fleece fabric, Dudley Stephens’ Whistle Pullover is the perfect winter workout layer. Wear it as a top or mid-layer on cold weather hikes or pull it on after a grueling indoor sweat session. The quarter-zip design with a stand-up collar makes this piece stylish enough to wear to a casual dinner (and a life-saver on cold flights). Roomy side pockets hold everything you need without making the pullover look bulky.

LifePro Dynamini Massage Gun

Don’t let sore muscles hold you back from your adventurous itinerary. Pack LifePro’s Dynamini Massage Gun and recover faster from cramped coach seats, hard hotel beds, and tough workouts. This travel-sized tool offers the muscle-healing benefits of a professional massage (without the expensive price tag or long time commitments). This small and quiet percussion lets travelers unwind knots and relax muscles, even in hard-to-reach spots like your own back.

ProBar Meal Bars

Six flavors of ProBar Meal Bar (left) and a close up of a person holding an unwrapped ProBar Meal Bar (right) — Amazon

Fuel your body on-the-go with a ProBar Meal Bar, a gluten- and soy-free snack with 8 grams of vegetable-based protein. With options like oatmeal chocolate chip, strawberry and blueberry, and superfruit slam, there’s a flavor that can satisfy any craving.

Hoka Solimar Running Shoes

Want to pack a pair of athletic shoes, but don’t want to weigh down your suitcase space to yet another pair of shoes? These Hoka Solimar running shoes are the solution. Thanks to a flexible textile and synthetic upper, these sneakers are incredibly lightweight, yet still offer plenty of cushioning and support to handle whatever activity you have planned on your trip.

Contigo Autoseal Chill

Stay hydrated without worrying about spills, with Contigo’s Autoseal Chill. This portable water bottle can be filled up and tossed in your backpack or carry-on without a care, thanks to the auto-locking, leak-proof top. Bring your empty Contigo through airport security and then fill it up at a water fountain, and you’ll have a perfectly chilled drink for up to 28 hours.

Glerups The Boot

On an active trip, the right recovery shoe can be just as important as the hiking/ski boot. Packing something cozy and comfortable (but still supportive) like Glerups’ The Boot might not be something you think to do, but as soon as you slip into it back at your hotel (or the second you step off the trail), you’ll understand.

Glerups’ boots are made from 100 percent pure natural wool, making them warm and moisture-absorbing. The flexible rubber sole and insole conforms to your foot, providing a perfect fit that won’t slip off. Although Glerups are designed to be worn indoors, they have a sturdy rubber sole that works for short jaunts outdoors (like around camp or to après-ski).

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