Travel Workout Apparel + Accessories.
Image via Lululemon featuring their 25” Align™ High-Rise Pant.
Love to keep up your exercise routine on vacay? Me, too. Most of the time, at least.
At home, I typically run a few times a week with some cross training mixed in. I try to maintain my fitness while I’m traveling if for no other reason than to make room for as much as eating as possible (and so that my running coach doesn’t scold me!). Getting moving outside is also one of the best ways to stave off jet lag when you’ve landed in a new time zone.
I’ve thought long and hard about which exercise attire and accessories will maximize my fitness options while minimizing the amount of space they occupy in my suitcase. I prioritize clothing that adapts to whether I’m hiking in the woods, practicing downward dog in my hotel room, jumping into a spin class, pounding outdoor pavement or lifting weights in a hotel gym.
Here’s a roundup of some products I love that are lightweight, comfortable, and versatile.
My Packing List.
LULULEMON ALIGN™ HIGH-RISE PANT. You’re probably sick of hearing the internet rave about these pants, but I swear by them. They’re made of a soft, buttery material that feels like a second skin. They come in a variety of colors and lengths. (For reference, I am 5’ 2” and adore the 25”.) They have a high waist, stretch well and don’t restrict movement. Technically made for yoga, these are an all-purpose exercise pant for me. I also love that my black ones perform double duty—add a cozy sweater and some white sneakers in the fall or boots in the winter, and I’m ready for a long-haul flight or city strolling.
LULULEMON ALIGN™ HIGH-RISE SHORT WITH POCKET 6”. All the benefits of the pants, but in a shorts version with exterior pockets. Again, designed for low-impact exercise, but I love to run in mine (and have raced half marathons in these). The back pocket comes in handy while traveling to hold a hotel key or a gel, and I use the side pockets to carry a small water flask on long runs.
VUORI ENERGY TOP. My love of soft, buttery material continues with this high-neck tank by one of my favorite active attire brands. The slight crop makes it the ideal length to pair with high-waisted leggings or shorts. Plus it’s moisture wicking and UPF 30+ to boot.
VUORI LONG-SLEEVE HALO CREW-NECK PULLOVER. Designed for softness with Vuori’s signature DreamKnit™ fabric, this lightweight crewneck is one of the most versatile activewear pieces I’ve come across. I can throw it over my sports bra or a tank for working out in cooler weather, or pair it with leggings and sneakers for travel day.
TRACKSMITH ALLSTON BRA. Ever since I discovered Tracksmith during a visit to their retail shop on Newbury Street this past summer, I’ve been a convert. Their racerback Allston bra is super soft and featherlight, offers the right amount of support for every workout on my list and has a handy pocket for stashing gels or a hotel card key. I also love that it retains its shape after washing.
BALEGA HIDDEN COMFORT NO SHOW SOCKS. Once you go Balega, you may never go back. Their socks are meticulously well made in a fabric that offers comfort for runs and strength training alike. They come in a variety of lengths, but I’m partial to the no show length in white—they’re high enough to protect the back of my ankle yet low enough to be worn with casual white sneakers when I’m not working out.
FRESH LEGS COMPRESSION SOCKS. Compression socks aren’t for everyone, but I rely on mine for long runs especially after a transatlantic flight. They help increase circulation and limit swelling, and the anti-odor component makes these ones particularly travel worthy.
LULULEMON FAST AND FREE RUNNING HAT. While I love wearing running sunglasses at home, a good hat in a neutral color gives me more versatility when I’m traveling. This one is lightweight and sweat-wicking not to mention it dries quickly.
BROOKS ADRENALINE GTS 22 SNEAKERS. At home, I’ve got kicks for speedwork, long runs, and strength training. But the sneakers I bring with me for traveling need to do it all. Different strokes for different feet, but I’m on my third pair of the Brooks Adrenaline for women, which offer medium stability and energizing cushioning. I adore the fun colors, but I’d stick with a solid black or white (if you’re brave) for travel purposes.
LULULEMON FAST AND FREE RUNNING BELT. If you want to bring your cell phone on long runs, power walks, or short hikes, this belt is for you. It’s lightweight with an adjustable buckle, and can house both your phone and essential cards.
APPLE AIRPODS PRO. More power to those who can exercise without music, but that’s just not me. I never travel without my Apple Airpods.
APPLE WATCH. The same goes for my Apple Watch. I love to run without my phone and track my stats (and keep up some healthy competition with my husband and stepdaughter).
ENERGY FLASKS. I typically wear a hydration pack when I’m doing long runs on our trail at home. But on vacation, these lightweight flasks do the trick. I fill them with water and slide them right into the pockets of my Align™ shorts to stay hydrated.
MAURTEN GELS. Speaking of hydration, I’ll always bring a few of my favorite gels if I’m planning long runs and/or hikes… which, of course, I’ll stash away in the pockets of my Tracksmith sports bra or Aligns™.
