Six years ago, I started to travel more frequently, and this can be tricky due to the logistics that being a runner involves. During the first year, I struggled a bit, but I was able to manage it pretty well, and the last three years have been my best ones and when I’ve been the most consistent in my training.
To maintain this consistency, first, you need to really want it. Otherwise, it doesn’t matter how much gear you take with you, because, in the end, you’ll not use it at all. But the opposite can happen too, because if you really want to train but you didn’t bring your running shoes with you, I’ll be quite tricky to go for a run.
That’s why I force myself to make a list of things to always take with me when I travel. Of course, everyone is different, and you may need things I don’t and vice versa. But I will share mine to help anyone who doesn’t know what to take with them when travelling, and then you can make your own list based on my choices if you think it’ll be helpful:
Running watch
As a runner who loves to analyze my training data, a watch is a really important tool for me. Even when I try to unplug during a run and just enjoy nature, I still take my watch because all I need to do is press start and stop, and I don’t even need to look at it during the run. Of course, you can still run without a watch, but, for me, it’s something that can’t be missing from my packing list.
SportsNexum suggestion: Garmin Forerunner 165 (Also available in UK | ES)
Running shoes
(one or two pairs) This will depend on how many times per week you run and the surface you run on. For example, I always take two pairs with me, one for trail running and one for road running, because, even if I mostly run on trails, when you don’t know the area, sometimes it’s just safer and easier to run on the road. If you run less than three times per week and mostly on the same surface, one pair of shoes could be enough.
SportsNexum suggestion for men: HOKA Clifton 10 (Also available in UK | ES)
SportsNexum suggestion for women: HOKA Clifton 10 (Also available in UK | ES)
Running vest/backpack
I don’t use one every time I run, but I always take it with me while traveling because it’s important to carry everything I need when I go for longer runs.
SportsNexum suggestion: Salomon Active Skin 8 (Also available in UK | ES)
Shorts, short-sleeve shirts, socks, and underwear
(two or three of each) Again, this will depend on how many times you train per week, but I like to always take two or three different run outfits so I can rotate them and have time to wash and dry them in between runs.
SportsNexum suggestion: a lot of options on Amazon (and Amazon UK | Amazon ES)
Windbreaker and waterproof jackets
I always take them with me, but they come in the handiest if you plan to run in the mountains or in bad weather conditions. They can be essential for your health in extreme conditions.
SportsNexum suggestion: BALEAF Rain Jacket Waterproof (Also available in UK | ES)
Long sleeve shirts
(one to three) These depend on the temperatures you think you’ll have in your destination. For example, when I went to Brazil, I just took one which I didn’t use, but when I went to Denmark, I took three. So, it will depend a lot on your destination, but when in doubt, it’s better to bring it and then not need it, rather than need it and then not have it with you!
SportsNexum suggestion: Under Armour HeatGear Long-Sleeve T-Shirt (Also available in UK | ES)
Running belt
When I don’t wear my vest, I like to take at least my running belt to put my phone, keys, ID, and any other things I need for that specific run.
SportsNexum suggestion: COMPRESSPORT Free Belt Pro (Also available in UK | ES)
Survival blanket
This one is a must for every trail runner. It’s important to always have one with you just in case. They barely take up any space and can save your life.
SportsNexum suggestion: Survival Sleeping Bag (Also available in UK | ES)
Heart Rate Band
Like I said before, I love to analyze my running data after every training session, so I try to use my heart rate band during all my sessions. But, of course, it‘s not the most important thing if you don’t analyze your heart rate during your runs much.
SportsNexum suggestion: Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor (Also available in UK | ES)
There are other things that I just pack if I’m travelling to a cold country, or if I’m in doubt whether it’ll be cold or not:
Gloves
At least during the first minutes of my run, I feel that gloves are really important to keep my body warm on a cold day.
SportsNexum suggestion: Unigear Lightweight Running Gloves (Also available in UK | ES)
Neck gaiter
When it’s cold and windy, a neck gaiter is really good to keep you warm. You can even cover your mouth, nose, and ears with it!
SportsNexum suggestion: Nike Dri-Fit Running Wrap (Also available in UK | ES)
Leggings or running pants
I’ve never liked running in any bottoms other than shorts. However, I learned this one the hard way when I was in Aalborg, Denmark, and had to stop running after one kilometer because my knees got so cold that I couldn’t feel them anymore. So now, when I travel to a cold country during wintertime or somewhere with mountains, I always take something that at least covers my knees.
SportsNexum suggestion: Under Armour ColdGear Compression Leggings (Also available in UK | ES)
And this is my list of gear that I always think of when I pack!
However, don’t forget that it’s important to study your destination’s weather and general conditions in order to adapt your gear accordingly. And, if you’re doubting about taking something that could help with your safety or the place’s weather conditions, always take it, and then you see if you end up needing it.
🎁 Bonus Tip
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