I refuse to let a long flight or a remote village be the reason I fall out of shape. When I’m living in places like Florianópolis, Bali, or Siargao, fitness comes naturally…surf sessions, jungle hikes, and beach gyms at every corner. But drop me in a tiny mountain town in Europe or a busy city without a single decent gym, and it’s a whole different story. That’s why I never travel without a small arsenal of workout gear that fits in my carry-on.
After years of testing, ditching, and upgrading, I’ve found 13 pieces of equipment that actually keep me strong on the road. They’ve been with me through sunrise workouts on rooftops, hotel room circuits, and even airports during long layovers…and I’d pack them again tomorrow.
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The best exercise equipment for travel
Even the most experienced travelers can have difficulty deciding what to pack. If you’re trying to balance your busy life and workout routine, check out this roundup of travel fitness equipment to keep on your radar for 2025. You can use these items at home, on the road, and everywhere in between.
1. Travel Workout Mat
Whether you want to squeeze in a yoga flow or work in some ab exercises, a quality travel mat is honestly a game-changer. The Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Mat runs about $52 and it’s way better than lugging around a regular thick mat.
At just 1.5mm thick and weighing only 2 pounds, this thing folds up like a laptop instead of rolling into a massive tube. I can actually fit it in my backpack without feeling like I’m carrying a sleeping bag around. The natural rubber surface grips really well – even when you’re sweating through sun salutations in Florida heat.
What I love most is that it’s made from sustainably harvested tree rubber, so you’re not dealing with toxic PVC nonsense. The grip is semi-sticky, which means you won’t slide around during warrior poses, but you might want to pair it with a small towel if you’re doing hot yoga. It’s thin, sure, but that’s the whole point – you get portability without sacrificing stability. Plus, Manduka backs it with solid quality, so this isn’t some flimsy travel mat that’ll tear after a few uses.
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2. Collapsible Water Bottle
Staying hydrated while working out and traveling is crucial, so you need a bottle that actually works everywhere. The LifeStraw Peak Series Collapsible Squeeze Bottle (1L for $43.95) is pretty much perfect for this.
This isn’t just another collapsible bottle – it’s got a legit filter that removes 99% of bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. I’ve used it in Mexico, Thailand, and even sketchy tap water situations, and it’s never let me down. The 1L version weighs just 3.6 ounces when empty and collapses down to almost nothing.
The filter lasts for 500 gallons, which is way more than you’ll use on most trips. What’s really cool is the versatility – you can drink directly from it like a straw, squeeze water into other containers, or even connect it to their gravity systems if you’re doing serious camping. The materials are 2x thicker than most collapsible bottles, so you don’t have to baby it. I’ve dropped mine plenty of times and it’s still going strong. For travel workouts, this beats carrying multiple plastic bottles or worrying about finding clean water.
3. Sandbag Kettlebell
Traditional kettlebells are obviously not happening in your luggage, but the Exerbell solves that problem pretty cleverly. At around $60, this foldable kettlebell can be filled with water (up to 22 lbs) or sand (up to 30 lbs).
When it’s empty, the thing weighs just 1 pound and folds completely flat. I’ve taken it to Costa Rica and Portugal, filling it with beach sand for workouts and then emptying it before flying home. The cotton canvas handle feels solid, and the fabric construction means you won’t bang up your wrists like with iron kettlebells.
The weight markings inside help you get consistent fills, and the leak protection actually works – I’ve never had water escape during workouts. It’s not quite the same as a real kettlebell since the weight shifts around, but that actually makes your core work harder for stability. Some people complain it gets tall when fully filled, but honestly, that just means you’re getting a different movement pattern. For hotel room or beach workouts, this beats the hell out of trying to find a gym with decent weights.
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4. TRX Suspension Trainer
The TRX GO is basically a portable gym that weighs just 1 pound and costs about $129 (often cheaper on Amazon). I was skeptical until I actually tried it on a business trip to Chicago.
This thing anchors to any door, tree, or sturdy point and lets you do hundreds of exercises using just your body weight. The setup takes literally 30 seconds, and the door anchor works in any hotel room. What surprised me is how much harder suspension training is than regular bodyweight exercises – the instability forces your core to work constantly.
The TRX app is actually useful too, with timed workouts and proper form videos. I found myself using it for both warm-ups and full workouts. The mesh straps are thinner than the gym versions but still feel bomber, and the handles are comfortable even during longer sessions. The only downside is that some exercises are limited when you’re anchored to a door, but there’s still way more variety than any other single piece of travel equipment. For $129, you get access to strength, cardio, and flexibility training anywhere.
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5. Jump Rope
Jump ropes are probably the most underrated piece of travel workout equipment. For around $20-30, you get cardio that’s actually more efficient than jogging – 10 minutes of jumping equals about 30 minutes of running.
I always travel with a basic speed rope because it takes up zero space and works anywhere you’ve got 8 feet of clearance. Hotel rooms, beaches, parking lots – doesn’t matter. The workout is intense enough that you can get your heart rate up fast, which is perfect when you’re short on time between exploring Rome and eating gelato.
The key is getting a lightweight rope with comfortable handles and adjustable length. I’ve burned through cheap ones, so it’s worth spending a little more for ball bearings and quality cables. What I love is that there’s no learning curve – everyone knows how to jump rope, and you can easily adjust intensity by changing speed or trying different techniques. Plus, unlike running, you’re not dependent on weather or finding safe routes in unfamiliar cities. It’s simple, effective, and foolproof.
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6. Lightweight Sneakers
A good pair of travel shoes that can handle both workouts and walking around cities is essential. The XERO HFS lightweight road running shoes (around $130) are my go-to for this.
These minimalist shoes weigh just 7.9 ounces for a men’s size 9, so they barely register in your luggage. The wide toe box actually lets your toes spread naturally, which feels weird at first but becomes addictive. I’ve worn them for everything from morning runs in Barcelona to hiking trails in Costa Rica.
The 5mm sole gives you enough protection while still letting you feel the ground, which improves balance and reduces injury risk. Plus, they come with a 5,000-mile warranty, which is insane compared to regular running shoes that die after 300-500 miles. The vegan-friendly materials and zero-drop design took some getting used to, but now regular shoes feel like wearing bricks. They’re not for everyone – if you’re used to heavily cushioned shoes, these might feel too minimal initially. But for travel, they’re perfect because one pair handles running, gym work, casual walking, and even some light hiking.
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7. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are the perfect backup for when you can’t get to a gym. A set of fabric bands costs around $25-40 and weighs almost nothing but can seriously upgrade your hotel room workouts.
I prefer fabric bands over latex because they hold up better in hot climates – I’ve had latex bands snap on me in Thailand when I left them in direct sun. Fabric bands give you variable resistance for squats, deadlifts, rows, and pretty much any movement you can think of.
The key is getting bands with different resistance levels and comfortable handles. Some come with door anchors, which expands your exercise options massively. I use them for warming up before runs, adding resistance to bodyweight exercises, and even rehab work when my back gets tight from long flights. They’re also perfect for low-impact training when you’re dealing with jet lag or recovery days. The best part is they pack into a tiny pouch, so there’s really no excuse not to bring them. You won’t build massive strength, but they’re perfect for maintaining fitness and adding variety to basic workouts.
8. Collapsible Foam Roller
The Brazyn Morph Foam Roller is honestly brilliant – it collapses completely flat but expands to full size when you need it. At around $60 and 1.6 pounds, it’s the only foam roller that makes sense for travel.
Recovery is just as important as the workouts themselves, especially when you’re walking 15 miles a day exploring Paris or hiking mountains in Switzerland. This roller supports up to 350 pounds and feels just like a regular gym roller when expanded.
I’ve used it in tiny hotel rooms, on beaches, and even in airplane seats (don’t judge). The collapsible design means it fits in any suitcase without taking up cylinder space like regular rollers. It sets up in seconds and packs away just as fast. While it’s not quite as firm as a solid roller, it’s damn close and way better than not having one at all. My legs definitely feel better after long travel days when I take 10 minutes to roll out tight spots. For frequent travelers or anyone with limited storage space, this thing is a no-brainer.
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9. Garmin Instinct Solar Watch
The Garmin Instinct Solar is hands-down one of my favorite travel watches. What makes it stand out is its solar charging, which extends battery life to weeks instead of days. When you’re bouncing between time zones or out on long hikes, not worrying about charging every night is a game changer.
It’s built tough, meeting U.S. military standards for shock, thermal, and water resistance (up to 100m). I’ve worn it through everything from rain-soaked hikes to pool swims, and it’s rock solid. For navigation, it taps into GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, so it works even in remote areas where a phone might fail.
I love how it tracks heart rate, stress, sleep, and even blood oxygen…helpful for adjusting to new altitudes or catching when my body needs rest. The “Body Battery” feature is underrated too; it shows when I have energy to push through another adventure or when it’s time to recharge. With built-in sports apps and smart notifications, it’s the perfect balance of ruggedness and connectivity. For travelers like me, it’s a reliable travel companion!
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10. Theragun Mini 2.0
Massage guns used to be huge and impractical, but the Theragun Mini 2.0 (around $200) actually makes sense for travel. At just 1 pound, it fits in any bag and provides legitimate muscle relief.
I was skeptical until I used it after a brutal hiking day in Torres del Paine. The 12mm amplitude (deeper than most mini guns) actually penetrates muscle tissue effectively. The three speed settings and three attachments handle everything from sensitive areas to deep knots in your back.
The Bluetooth app integration is surprisingly useful – it guides you through proper techniques and timing. Battery lasts about 2 hours, which is plenty for weeks of use. It’s definitely pricier than knockoffs, but the build quality and performance justify it. Plus, Therabody actually stands behind their products with real customer service. I use it pre-workout for muscle activation and post-adventure for recovery. The triangular design fits perfectly in your palm, and it’s quiet enough to use in hotels without annoying neighbors. For anyone dealing with travel-related muscle tension or wanting faster recovery, this thing pays for itself quickly.
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11. Running Belt
If you’re running in unfamiliar places, you need to carry more stuff than usual – phone, cash, ID, maybe even a small water bottle. A good running belt (around $25-40) makes this way more comfortable than arm bands or pockets.
The key is finding one that doesn’t bounce. I’ve tried cheap ones that felt like wearing a jump rope around my waist. A quality belt sits tight against your body and moves with you, not against you. Look for ones with multiple pockets and water bottle holders if you’re doing longer runs.
I use mine constantly when exploring cities on foot – it’s perfect for carrying essentials while keeping your hands free for photos or maps. The security aspect is huge too – you can’t drop your phone or have it stolen as easily compared to carrying everything loose. Running in Bangkok, Istanbul, or any major city feels way more secure when your valuables are strapped to your body. It also works great for hiking when you want quick access to snacks or your phone without stopping to dig through a backpack.
12. Sandbags
For serious functional fitness while traveling, sandbags are incredibly versatile. A quality fitness sandbag (around $60-100) gives you everything from light resistance to heavy lifting.
What’s brilliant about sandbags is the adjustable weight – you control intensity by adding or removing sand. I’ve used beach sand in Mexico, playground sand in Germany, and even rice when sand wasn’t available. The shifting weight makes everything harder, forcing your stabilizer muscles to work overtime.
You can do deadlifts, squats, carries, throws, and basically any movement pattern. Unlike dumbbells or barbells, the awkward shape mimics real-world lifting situations. The empty bag weighs almost nothing and packs flat, but you can load it up to 50+ pounds depending on the size.
I particularly love sandbag training for travel because it’s so functional – you’re building strength that actually transfers to daily activities like lifting luggage or hiking with a heavy pack. The workouts are also time-efficient since compound movements work multiple muscle groups at once. Just make sure to get one with quality construction and multiple handles for exercise variety.
13. Core Sliders
Core sliders are tiny but absolutely brutal for your abs. For around $15-25, these lightweight plastic discs transform basic exercises into serious core challenges.
I initially thought they were gimmicky until I tried mountain climbers or plank variations with sliders. They force you to control movement in ways that regular exercises don’t, engaging deep stabilizer muscles you didn’t know existed. The instability makes everything harder without adding weight.
They work on any smooth surface – hotel room floors, gym floors, even some outdoor areas. I use them for warm-ups, core-focused sessions, or adding difficulty to regular bodyweight routines. Pike-ups, lateral lunges, and reverse lunges all become completely different exercises with sliders.
The best part is they’re so small you’ll forget they’re in your luggage until you need them. I’ve gotten amazing workouts using nothing but sliders and bodyweight exercises in tiny hotel rooms. They’re also perfect for beginners since you can control the difficulty by how far you slide. For the space and weight they take up, sliders deliver incredible bang for your buck in terms of workout intensity.
The best travel workout equipment for adventurers
I hope you found this list of the best travel workout equipment useful! I used to run track & field in college, and while I don’t run as frequently anymore, I know how important it is to maintain an active lifestyle, especially when traveling. That’s why in addition to my travel tips, I also share articles on discovery and personal growth, such as the benefits of ice baths and why you should go on a wellness retreat for your next vacation.
