The Best Portable Workout Equipment for Staying Fit while Traveling

DO YOU STRUGGLE TO STAY ACTIVE WHEN YOU TRAVEL?

Traveling is an incredible opportunity to break out of your daily routine—but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your fitness. In fact, with the right gear, staying active on the go is easier than you might think.

As a certified group fitness instructor since 2016, I’ve worked with everything from barbells and dumbbells to resistance bands and suspension trainers. But as an avid traveler, I’ve learned firsthand which pieces of workout equipment are actually worth packing.

Whether you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia, road-tripping across Europe, or simply exploring a new city, these travel-friendly fitness essentials will help you stay strong, motivated, and consistent — no gym required.

Packing Travel Fitness Equipment

First off, developing and maintaining an exercise routine in general can be tough! We all have our fitness preferences when we’re at home doing our workouts, so, how does that translate into how we pack for our trip? 

Fitness equipment can be bulky and heavy!!  Focus on gear that is lightweight, compact, and versatile so you’re not taking up valuable space in your backpack.

Find ways to stay fit during your trip FUN and a part of the travel experience. Beautiful view? It makes a perfect backdrop for a scenic bodyweight workout or yoga session. Just don’t make “I don’t have any equipment” an excuse.

Here are my TOP 10 FAVORITE portable fitness-related gear and accessories to pack in my luggage when traveling. 

1. Travel yoga mat

This piece of fitness equipment I listed at the top of the list since it’s so versatile!  I use it for yoga, bodyweight workouts, outdoor workouts, etc. 

THRIFTY TRAVEL HACK: Your yoga mat isn’t just for workouts! I’ve used mine as a dry seat for sunrise in Banff and even as a makeshift bed on an airport floor.

I have a specific indoor yoga mat for home that has amazing grip and a good cushion.

However, for a TRAVEL yoga mat, you will want to focus on the mat being thin and lightweight. This does sacrifice some cushion and comfort, though.

(Pro tip: For certain yoga poses, just roll your mat for extra support).

This is my personal travel yoga mat and I love how it’s thin and foldable!

Do you love yoga or want a unique yoga experience?
Check out my guide for yoga retreats and the aligned packing list!

2. Resistance band

Besides my travel yoga mat, I always travel with my resistance band for easy strength training.

Building muscle is known for requiring heavy equipment like dumbbells, plates, bars, and machines.  Resistance bands are a great way to build strength that’s a level above just using body weight. 

Though resistance bands are lightweight, small, and insanely portable doesn’t mean using them means having an easy workout. Bands are very effective!

There are many different types of resistance bands (shapes, resistance difficulty levels, etc.). Did you know you can take a band with handles and create a loop shape to wrap around your legs? Resistance bands are crazy versatile!

Thrifty Travel Hack: You can also use a resistance band like a yoga strap to get deeper into some stretches!

3. TRX Straps

What does TRX even mean??  TRX =Total Resistance Exercises

A.K.A. a form of strength training! 

The TRX program uses adjustable straps with handles and is focused on suspension training with just your bodyweight!  Just anchor to a doorframe, a tree, monkey bars on the playground, etc.

The “suspension” part is how you have your hands or feet in the handles and you can adjust the position of your body to increase or decrease the resistance of the movement (making it easier or harder). 

Suspension training is incredible for building strength and muscle recruitment!  You’ll work your upper body, lower body, core, and balance!

4. Jump rope

Simple, old-school cardio = the jump rope!  It’s clearly lightweight and small so it’s super easy to pack!

Using a jump rope is great for cardiovascular conditioning and you don’t need a lot of floor space (just a tall ceiling or lack thereof)! 

Moreover…it’s cheap!  It’s probably one of the cheapest pieces of equipment you can find. 

Double check the length of your rope based on how tall you are or, if you prefer, you can buy a jump rope that you can adjust to your height (or even a weighted jump rope for more intensity).

My favorite part of jumping rope is how quick and effective it is for cardio.  When was the last time you tried jumping rope?  It’s exhausting!

5. Running belt

If you’re a distance runner, you might want to pack a running belt for your travels. They’re great for holding your keys, energy supplements, phone, ID card and….water!

For compatibility, the sturdy bottles attached (like mine below) can take up space. Look for a slim belt with collapsible water bottles or an open sleeve/pocket for a regular bottle of water you can buy at a convenience store.

I usually do not pack my running belt, but when heading to Scandinavia for my marathon trip, I packed it along. For any longer road race, it’s crucial to not deviate from your normal tried-and-true gear.  I had already been practicing with certain supplements, sports drinks, and water for my longer runs so it was worth the extra bulk for the one special day. 

For most trips, I don’t pack my belt and just opt to tie my keys into my shoelaces, store my phone in the pockets of my leggings (super clutch), and try and find water fountains on my running route.

If you pack it along for your travels, you might as well find other uses for it too like taking it on a hike or long walk.

6. Digital fitness streaming service

While not traditional equipment, a streaming service is a powerful tool to keep you on track with your fitness routine while traveling.

Especially if these are the workouts you do at home, having the familiarity will keep you motivated to stay consistent. Once you hit play, you’ll know what to expect!

Apps like Peloton, Les Mills On Demand, Nike, or YouTube offer a wide variety of workouts that require little to no equipment—just your phone, tablet, or laptop.

These services allow you to stream everything from yoga and HIIT to strength training, making it easy to stay active no matter where you are. Whether you’re in a hotel room or a stunning outdoor location, you can easily access short, efficient workouts to fit your schedule.

7. Dumbbells for road trips

Planning a road trip and have extra space in the car or your van?

Space and weight are the biggest barriers in bringing fitness equipment with you in a suitcase. 

So, with that not being an issue (or less of an issue) with a road trip, consider what favorite, portable equipment you might want to bring on the road (Pilates ring, some dummbells or kettlebells, etc.)

Fitness is hard in general, so see this is an exciting benefit of your mode of transportation.  Stick with what you know and what already works for you!

THRIFTY TRAVEL HACK: Taking a flight? Use water bottles as weights, lift your carry-on bag, a towel for sliders, or if you have luggage with wheels – it might make for a unique core workout!

8. Reuseable water bottle

I think I feel somewhat naked without my reuseable water bottle (even when I’m at home).  I always have it with me!

If you have long travel days exploring the city, it can be easy to neglect your hydration levels.  I often find that if I drink more water (and feel a little more full) that I’m less likely to binge eat a lot of food later on. 

Especially if you’re out in the sun hiking all day or if you’re swimming in a pool, you may not realize how much water you’re losing.  Don’t just dictate how hydrated you think you are based on how much you’re sweating (it’s not an accurate way to measure). 

If your destination is a location where it’s not safe to drink the water, you may want to leave your reuseable water bottle behind (sorry, Mother Earth) and stick to bottled water. 

THRIFTY TRAVEL HACK: I always make sure I fill it up at the airport to stay hydrated on my flight. Using the bathroom is a good excuse to stretch or move around mid-flight.

9. Fitness watch

Okay, so this type of fitness gear can vary from $$ – $$$$

Wearing a watch may not be for everyone and each individual might like different types of fitness watch features.  There’s plenty of options from which to pick!

If your movement goals feature lots of walking, having a watch can be a great way to track your steps (though smartphones have apps that do a decent job too).

Some common fitness watch features include:
—Heart rate monitor
—GPS tracking
—Water-resistance
—Compatibility synching with your phone
—Tracking different exercise modes
—Calculating number of steps
—Durability
—Battery life

And more! Let alone how it fits, feels, and looks…

Having a fitness watch can be great for measuring your progress towards achieving certain goals.  Maybe you’ll feel most motivated by simply aiming for and achieving a daily step goal while on your trip.  (Just don’t forget to pack your charger in your bag).

I personally like my FitBit because it’s simple, easy to track steps and workouts, and it has a “smart wake” feature that I love.

10. Weather-ready workout gear

No matter where you’re headed, packing for the weather is key. Will it be raining, snowing, or windy? Will you be outside for a quick jog or a multi-day trek?

If you’re staying active outdoors, weather-appropriate gear isn’t just about comfort—it can impact your safety.

When it’s cold, I bring my ear warmer headband for outdoor runs and sometimes running gloves—I don’t want “it’s a little too cold” to be my excuse. Depending on your destination and activities, you might need a winter hat, a wind- and water-resistant jacket, a poncho, or a brimmed hat for sun protection.

And if you’re heading on a multi-day hike, don’t assume your regular gym wear will cut it. Hiking gear is its own category for a reason—staying warm and dry can make or break your experience.

SAFETY TIP: Did you know that for every 1,000 feet (305 meters) in elevation gain, the temperature drops by approximately 3.5–5°F (2–3°C)?

FAQ’s

Still wondering what might be the best fitness equipment for you to have handy to pack in your luggage?

What lightweight fitness equipment is best for travel?

Resistance bands, a TRX system, and compact yoga mats are ideal. They’re easy to pack and versatile for various exercises.

What’s better for building muscle: weights or resistance bands?

Both are effective! Resistance bands are more portable and safer for travel, while weights are great for building strength if accessible.

What’s a cost-effective way to get travel-friendly gear?

Check for bundles of resistance bands online or look for compact gear like foldable yoga mats. Choose items that can serve multiple purposes.

Can I use everyday items instead of fitness gear?

Yes! Use water bottles or backpacks as weights, chairs for dips, and towels for stretching or yoga.

How do I carry workout gear without adding bulk?

Choose multi-functional items like a TRX, which can replace weights and bands. Opt for compact, foldable designs for mats or equipment.

Are there any apps or guides for equipment-based workouts?

Yes, apps like Nike Training Club and YouTube channels offer equipment-specific workouts tailored for travelers.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the Rundown: Packing the right fitness gear makes wellness a priority while traveling, helping you stay on track no matter where you are in the world.

Choose versatile equipment, like resistance bands and a travel yoga mat, that’s easy to carry and perfect for maintaining strength and flexibility on the go.

Make physical activity can be part of the travel experience —whether it’s a beach workout or yoga on a hostel balcony, it adds to the adventure.

With the right gear and purposeful planning, YOU can be someone you admire for staying consistent and making fitness a core value while traveling.

Ready to explore more ways to stay fit and healthy on your travels or plan epic adventures across the globe? Here are some ideas…

✴️Best Yoga Mats for Travel: Foldable, Compact & Easy to Pack
✴️Travel Fitness: 11 Best Ways to Stay in Shape on Vacation
✴️Best Healthy Snacks For Airports And Plane Trips (DIY + Packaged!)

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