I lead a pretty healthy lifestyle as I know that I feel better for putting in the effort. I find though, that this means that I need to think about my purchases for gadgets, wearables, and my clothing. Over the years, I’ve tried loads of products and have settled on a list that essentially are the items that give me the best value for money in terms of how much I’ve actually used them. I know that browsing the endless pages of Amazon.com can be tiresome as there are just so many products that look great but you can never really tell if they are worth the cash. Think of me like your personal filter that can sort through the range of products and just get to the good stuff. I’ve got you covered.
Also, as we’ve written about hundred (and hundreds…) of products over the years, it is fair to say we know what is the best of the best. This list contains the 37 of the products I most enjoy and you will just have to believe me when I say, they do not disappoint. Everything from nifty gadgets to cult items which have 10,000 positive reviews. Quite simply I have curated a list of the holy grail products that you need to know about if you lead an active lifestyle. No need to thank me. Just cart away!
Get More Out of Your Squats and Lunges with this Booty Band
Made from fabric with non-slip elastic grips on the inside, the Booty Band is a more comfortable alternative to rubbery exercise bands that dig in and chafe the skin. The set of four bands has gradual resistance levels, so you can work your way up to the most challenging level. Here’s one 5-star review: “These bands are absolutely amazing! As everyone has said, they are well made, they don’t roll up, have perfect resistance options, and the carry case makes storing them super easy!”
This Punching Bag is Guaranteed to Get You Working Up a Sweat
I’m such a big advocate for workouts that also help you release tension or frustration. Spin class is like therapy for me. I’d imagine boxing is the same for others. Pick up boxing at home with this punching bag. Therapy and a workout? It doesn’t get much better than that! Plus it takes up almost no space, so it’s the perfect gadget for someone in a small apartment.
Stay Hands-Free During Your Runs with this Runners Belt
If there’s one thing that makes or breaks a run, it’s a good playlist. Unfortunately, this means lugging around my phone. This fanny pack helps hold your phone, keys, and more while you exercise so you can keep your hands free. It’s also a great addition to hiking and camping plans: you can keep all your most important items right with you while you’re exploring nature.
These Interlocking Exercise Foam Mats Turn Your Surfaces Into a Gym
One of the hardest parts of working out outdoors is finding a stable surface to exercise on. Concrete can be very rough on the body and grass can be very uneven. These interlocking foam mats gives you a stable, comfortable surface to workout on, so you can focus on your squats, push-ups, and planks without worrying about what surface you’re on.
Track Your Outdoor Workouts, Sleep and Activity with this Smartwatch
This smartwatch, in particular, looks exactly like the more expensive brands however it is a quarter of the price. It still has all the same functions; receiving texts, calls, emails and allowing you to track your sleep and breathing. I love being able to track my movements, my calories burned, etc. However, I’m a firm believer that you don’t have to spend hundreds to enjoy a fitness tracker.
Stretch, Balance and Tone with this Yoga Ball and Resistance Bands Set
I swear by my yoga ball. It does my back wonders to roll forward and backward on it every day, stretching my vertebra. It also makes a great desk chair that keeps my core engaged, which takes the strain off my neck and back. Choose from several different colors, plus some add-on equipment if you want to step up your workout.
This Hiking Backpack Has Over 15,000 Positive Reviews
Ideal for day trips or an extra bag on vacations, this Hiking Backpack has over 15,000 ratings on Amazon. It’s lightweight (less than one pound!), packable, and comes in a bunch of colors and patterns. One customer bought it for a Disney vacation and reports, “A great pack that will become a standard day pack going forward. Absolutely love it.”
These Trekking Poles Keep You Steady on Rough Terrain
Enhance your hikes and stay safe with a pair of these Trekking Poles. They’re very reasonably priced, and each pair is fully adjustable from 24.5 to 54 inches long. They’ve earned over 30,000 ratings on Amazon with an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star average.
Transform Your Body Shape with a Consistent Pilates Workout
I cannot gush enough about the incredible results you can gain from a regular pilates routine. If you don’t feel like heading to a studio but still want to try it out, you’re in luck. This pilates set comes with all of the essentials you need–from the pilates ring to the pilates ball to the resistance loop band. And the best part? These exercises can be done literally anywhere.
The Perfect Pushup Engages More Tiny Muscles Each Set, Maximum Gains
Push-ups are the bane of my existence. As someone with little to no upper body strength, I tend to avoid them as much as possible. However, the only way to get better is to keep trying. That’s why I use the Perfect Pushup to engage more muscles in my arm so that I can become a pro in a shorter amount of time. But if you see me using it on my knees, keep that to yourself… Oh, and using them means you won’t have dirty or sore hands from the dirt or concrete from outside!
This Water Bottle Will Keep You on Your Track to Stay Hydrated
I’d like to think that I drink a decent amount of water, but I know that I could definitely drink more. There is no such thing, after all. This water bottle with time markers is super useful in tracking my intake and seeing if I’m falling behind for the day. I also love the fact that it has a straw because that alone typically makes me drink more! It’s also great to clip onto a backpack or belt, and has a sealed lid so that it won’t spill while you’re hiking through the woods.
This Dry Bag Will Keep All Your Survival Gear Dry
​I actually just recently purchased this dry bag for a trip to Zion National Park, and I absolutely loved it. We hiked through The Narrows, a hike that involves trekking through a river that can get up to waist deep, and it kept all of our items safe and dry. I confidently stored my phone, food, and clothing, all of which never got a single drop of water on them, thanks to this bag.
Amp Up Your Workout Intensity with this Weighted Vest
What better way to burn a few more calories than to wear a weighted vest? Sound tough? Yeah, it’s no joke. For those who are serious about their fitness journey, it’s such an easy way to work a little harder and see results a little quicker. Wear it on your runs or walks or during your outdoor weight lifting session to up the calorie burn.
Feel the Burn with this Water Weight Bag with Adjustable Weight Feature
If you want to get into weight training but want to alter the weight easily, this water weight bag is for you. The water combined with the air inside makes the aqua bag harder to control, which means you get a tougher workout. The weight is easily adjusted by adding or removing water. Now get on to those lunges.
This Yoga 7-Piece Set is Amazing Value for Money
I love doing yoga at home. My must-have item is this 7-piece yoga set because it comes with everything from a yoga mat, strap, two blocks, yoga mat towel, yoga hand towel, and knee pad – so you’re all set to go, and the price is super affordable.
This Versatile Exercise Step Works for Upping Your Cardio Game
Exercise steps can be used for a wide variety of things. From improving cardiovascular health to increasing your endurance to toning muscles, this step does it all. Use it for planks, step-ups, calf stretches, and more, and watch how it completely transforms your outdoor workouts.
This Trauma Pak is a Must-Have Item for Outdoor Activities
If you want to be prepared for serious accidents, this Trauma Pak is a good idea. The pack includes bandages, gauze, and an anti-clotting agent that stops bleeding fast. A must have for those who love day trips hiking or skiing and may be going over some rocky or dangerous terrain. It is literally a lifesaver in a bag.
This Cornhole Gameset is a Fun and Active Game for All the Family
Where I’m from, we call this cornhole. I don’t know what it is where you live, but since I’m writing this … cornhole it is. This portable cornhole set with two boards and six bags is great for all ages since it requires very little prowess — no matter what professional cornholers might tell you. It’s easily portable, too, so you can take it to the beach, the park, or grandma’s house with ease.
These Silicone No Tie Shoelaces Cut the Fuss and Come in a Variety of Colors
Looking for a timesaver in more ways than one? Grab these no-tie shoelaces, which are good for both adults and — wait for it — kids. No more fighting over shoe-tying or have to scream, “Get your shoes on!” a hundred times before you’ve even had your coffee. These laces are available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Personally, I like the kids’ sized mixed colors, which adds a rainbow of fun to otherwise boring shoes.
This Balance Pad will Improve Strength, Balance and Mobility
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or you just want to improve your strength, this balance pad is a lifesaver. It helps with coordination, overall balance, and core strength. Not to mention it’ll give you extra cushioning when you’re on concrete, dirt, or grass and can also be used as a posture-correcting seat cushion or foot elevator.
Having This High-Quality Yoga Mat is the Key to a Great Routine
Having a good yoga mat can make or break a yoga sesh. If you’re on a slippery surface or the grass, it’s easy for a mat to move around, which makes focusing pretty difficult. This yoga mat is not only affordable, but it also has double-sided non-slip surfaces and is anti-tear, and it absorbs moisture, so you don’t have to worry about slipping on your sweat. If you’ve ever done yoga, you know how big of a deal this is.
These Yoga Blocks are the OG
These yoga blocks help provide stability and balance needed for deeper poses and increased strength. This way, you can work your way up to being a yoga pro without risking injury. If you want a set of blocks that will last you a lifetime. This is your set.
This Durable Waist Bag has Space for Two Water Bottles and Your Valuables
Perfect for hikes, day trips, and theme parks, this Fanny Pack gives you plenty of space for snacks and necessities. My favorite feature is the dual exterior cup holders. In addition to strapping around the waist, it also includes a shoulder strap.
This Backpack is Essential for Your Next Adventure
There’s nothing I love more than hiking, camping, kayaking, etc. If you spend a lot of time outside, you know it’s important to have a good backpack like this one. Use it to carry snacks, sunscreen, water, first-aid kits, glasses, etc. It may look small, but it’s oh-so-mighty.
Get Your Grip with these Barre and Pilates Socks
Another way to prevent yourself from slipping and sliding all over a yoga mat is to use yoga socks like these. The open-toe design allows for a better tactile feel, while the silicone grips provide a non-slip grip on any surface. This makes them ideal for yoga, pilates, barre, ballet, and more. Once you get these, your yoga gear will officially be complete!
This Hydration Pack Holds 2 Liters of Water
When a water bottle doesn’t hack it, this Hydration Pack is the solution! Designed with comfort in mind, this adjustable pack includes a 2-liter bladder and sipping tube with a bite valve. It’s earning top reviews from customers, who appreciate that it’s lightweight and not bulky.
These Gallon Water Bottles Are So Motivating
If you need the motivation to drink water, try these gallon-sized water bottles that have a built-in cheerleader to keep you going all day long. You won’t have to refill your bottle multiple times throughout the day since it’s an actual gallon you’ll be drinking. And it comes in a bunch of pretty colors, so you’ll love seeing it on your desk or counter to keep you company throughout the day and evening.
This Compression Sleeve Will Support Your Knees
If you’ve ever had a knee injury, whether it’s from too much high-impact cardio or a general strain, this compression sleeve will work wonders. Not only does it relieve pain, but the brace also offers support as a preventative measure when you’re doing weightlifting, gym workouts, or running, so you’re protected from potential injuries.
Stabilize Your Wrists and Reduce Callouses with These Weightlifting Gloves
If you’ve ever lifted weights, then you probably know the feeling of weak wrists and callouses on your palms. These weightlifting gloves remove these problems and make lifting weights a whole lot easier. The leather palm is also cushioned with open-cell foam that maintains its structure yet remains pliable.
This Collapsible Water Bottle Rolls Up for Compact Travel
I’ve purchased tons of water bottles over the years, but this Collapsible Water Bottle is truly one of my favorites! It’s made of flexible silicone that’s freezer and dishwasher-safe and features a leak-proof cap. I also appreciate the included wrist strap.
This Yoga Strap and Block Set with eBook is Great for Starters
If you are just starting out with yoga but you don’t want to spend a fortune. This is a great kit. I purchased it as a spare to keep at the office for when I take some time out during my lunch break. This set of yoga blocks, straps, and eBooks will help you have an amazing start. Yoga at home not only makes me sleep better but improves my posture and mental attitude. Overall, this will transform you into your best version of yourself.
These Compression Sleeves Reduce Foot and Ankle Pain
Make your walks, runs, and other exercises more comfortable with these Compression Sleeves for your feet. They hug your feet to provide instant support and prevent injury. They earn high ratings on Amazon, and customers report that they’re also helpful for anyone who has to work on their feet all day long.
These Odor-Absorbing Sneaker Balls for After Your Workout
Pop these sneaker balls into any pair of shoes to absorb odors and moisture, and leave behind a fresh, clean scent. (One reviewer compared the scent to dryer sheets.) They come in a bunch of fun designs, including soccer balls, basketballs, and footballs.
Sore Muscles? You Should Also Have a High-Density Round Foam Roller
Nothing attacks sore muscles as thoroughly, and sometimes painfully, as a good foam roller. But even if you’re not into that hurts-so-good type of self torture, rolling out your back is the best feeling in the world.
These Cooling Towels Keep You Chilled for Up to Three Hours
Three hours may not seem like a long time, but all you have to do is get these cooling towels wet to re-activate them. Each order comes with four so that there’s enough for the whole household, plus it also works great as a regular towel for the gym, swimming, or even sports. Speaking as someone who likes to hike in the summertime, these are a must-have.
Track Your Weight and Measure Your BMI with this App-Enhanced Scale
Monitor your fitness progress with this RENPHO scale. With 13 essential body measurements like weight, BMI, and body fat percentage, all backed by a dedicated app and syncing with health tools like Samsung Health, Fitbit App, Google Fit or Apple Health. This scale is sleek and features four sensitive electrodes to help you get the best readings.
And Now For Something Completely Different… A Two-Person Inflatable Kayak
My husband and I have wanted kayaks for years but they are big and expensive, and we’d have to invest in a car rack, and a garage rack. The whole thing seemed like too much of an investment. That was until we found this AWESOME inflatable kayak. They inflate easily, can fit two adults, but can also easily be used as single kayaks. And the best part is that when we’re done, it takes about 5-10 minutes to deflate them and fold them away into their carrying bags to easily fit into our car.