The Six-Piece Travel Training Kit
From stink-proof bags to double-duty sneaks, essential gear for working out on the road
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Normally, a vacation is a great excuse to leave your running shoes behind and kick your feet up for a few days. But this year, my vacation happened to come just before a triathlon I (foolishly) signed up for. So learning how to train on the road became a necessity. Here’s a list of the essentials I managed to squish into my already-overstuffed carry-on. They made working out while traveling more enjoyable, less stinky, and extra comfortable.
Aloha Collection Max Monstera bag ($42)
Aloha’s splash–proof bags keep wet or sweaty workout clothes from contaminating the rest of your stuff. It comes in a range of prints and sizes perfect for keeping everything from sweat-soaked base layers to dirt-caked trail-running shoes safely stowed in your luggage.
Travelon Laundry Soap Sheets ($5)
Squeeze extra mileage from a single workout getup with these light, packable laundry sheets. Just throw a few in the sink with whatever needs washing, then lather, rinse, and air-dry. Each pack comes with 50 biodegradable sheets.
Smartwool Women’s PhD Run Ultra Light Micro socks ($16)
Once you run in a great pair of wool athletic socks, it’s hard to go back. These ones are seamless and supportive, for blister-free comfort and breathability in all temperatures. What makes them ideal for travel training is their natural odor resistance. You can get multiple wears out of them without stinking up your bag.
Lululemon Wave Wanderer One Piece swimsuit ($118)
One suit that does it all. If your plans entail laps at the hotel pool and sunning beside it, this suit pulls double-duty. With a crisscross back that ensures the straps stay put, it’s as functional as your Speedo, while mesh detail and a flattering high cut make it stylish enough for poolside lounging. Bonus: the four-way stretch fabric has UV protection and is salt- and chlorine-resistant.
Idson Muscle Roller Stick ($13)
Soothe sore muscles with this portable massage roller. At just 1.5 inches wide and 17.5 inches long, it easily fits into a carry-on, and with nine independent rollers and ergonomic rubber and polypropylene handles, it’s as functional as your foam roller at home.
Nike Epic React Flyknit running shoes ($150)
Finding comfy, high-performing trainers is a feat in itself. But finding a pair that are stylish enough to be worn while sightseeing? With cushioned footbeds, a soft knit upper, and chic light-cream styling, these fit the bill.