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Three trail runners jogging on a mountain trail
Andre | Adobe Stock

The Best Travel Gear for Fitness-Focused Trips

SmarterTravel

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

Gregory Packs Arrio 22 in red
Gregory

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.

Reprise Activewear Aspen Leggings

Woman wearing the Reprise Activewear Aspen Leggings
Reprise

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 Heron Lane Pullover in Vello Fleece

Dudley Stephens Heron Lane Pullover in Vello Fleece
Dudley Stephens

Made from an innovative recycled Vello Fleece fabric, Dudley Stephens’ Heron Lane 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 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

LifePro Dynamini Massage Gun
Amazon

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.

LivBar

Six flavors of LivBar
Amazon

Having the right fuel is so important for strenuous activities, but it can be hard to eat healthily while traveling. Pack a few LivBars, and you’ll have a portable energy source you can eat anywhere. Created by a nutritionist, these bars are free from gluten, soy, dairy, corn, and peanuts so anyone can enjoy them. Made from a balanced blend of protein and complex carbs, these bars won’t melt or freeze. 

Hoka One One Hupana Flow

Hoka One One Hupana Flow
Zappos

Want to pack a pair of athletic shoes, but don’t want to sacrifice the suitcase space to yet another pair of shoes? The Hoka One One Hupana Flow are the solution. Thanks to a flexible knit upper, these sneakers pack down nearly flat, yet still offer plenty of cushioning and support to handle whatever activity you have planned on your trip. 

Contigo Autoseal Chill

Contigo Autoseal Chill
Amazon

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

Close up of Glerups' The Boot next to lifestyle image of man wearing The Boot while gathering wood
Glerups

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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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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