I Never Leave for a Long Weekend Without These 10 Essentials. They Make Travel Less Stressful.
The grooming, sleep, and exercise gear MH’s executive editor packs to ensure he’s fresh-faced, rested, and ready for any activity.
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WHETHER I’M GOING on a trip for a World Cup game or a long weekend getaway, I always pack my exercise gear. Running is a great way to see different neighborhoods, glean a sense of the vibe of a place, and also slay jet-lag or car-ride induced stiffness. On a recent trip to Seattle, a misty early morning run through downtown past Seattle Stadium (aka Lumen Field), where the World Cup games are being played, and over to Olympic Sculpture Park offered views of Elliot Bay where seals surfaced nearby and orcas frolicked in the distance. Tons of other runners and cyclists were out too. I also ran on the Burke Gilman Trail near Lake Union and checked out rowers, paddle boarders, and sailors criss-crossing on the water—getting their workout fix before they watch team USA and other nations play their games. These are the essentials I always pack for an active trips.
As the name indicates, this is a running shoe with serious pedigree and debuted in the 90s and is now in its twenty-third iteration. This new version has a plush but responsive mid-sole, and crushes both long and short tuns. Brooks added two millimeters more of cushioning to the forefoot, reducing the drop to 8 millimeters to help ensure smooth heel to toe transitions every stride. It also has a breathable mesh upper, so your dogs won’t overheat on hot summer days.
Read More: Best Men’s Running Shoes
Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+
Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+
Sunscreen is always essential. I prefer waterproof/sweatproof stuff that can handle powerful rays whether I’m running or sitting in a stadium. While some sunscreens feel heavy and leave a ghostly residue, this one is oil-free and doesn't feel greasy.
Read More: Best Sunscreens for Men
A face mist is easy way to stay cool and hydrate your skin whenever you feel you need a pick-me-up. Spray this on when you’re at a sporting event or on the plane if that dry air irritates your face.
When I fly more than three hours, I always bring this Vitamin C serum that also acts as extra-power moisturizer. It can help your look bright and rested even if you feel tired!
Nothing is more annoying than run shorts with no proper pocket for your phone. These shorts have a rectangular center-back zippered pocket that locks your phone in so it doesn’t move around causing distrractions. Two external mesh pockets make it easy to carry and access snacks or other cargo. They’re made of 4-way stretch material enabling a wide-range of motion, but won’t slip thanks to the draw-cord. Plus, they have a built-in liner so you don’t have to pack extra sports underwear.
Read More: Best Running Shorts
With a minimalist design, this backpack is basic in the best ways. It has extra padding on the shoulders, folds down flat to make easier to organize, and has a stealth slot for your laptop next to your back, which means less hassle unpacking at airport security checks. Made in America of sturdy Cordura and featuring YKK zippers, it’s extra durable and is guaranteed for life. Order the external mesh water bottle pocket too, which can be attached via a military-style strap system.
Brooks Canopy Packable Jacket
Brooks Canopy Packable Jacket
An ultra-light jacket gives you layering options in case of rain or wind—and can be worn for running or paired with jeans or shorts for a sporty-casual outing. This one weighs just 4.83 ounces and folds into a tiny size that’s easy to stash. It’s wind and water resistant and, unlike many rain jackets, it’s made without PFAs, chemicals linked to adverse health issues.
Weighing less than 1.5 pounds, this thing is light but powerful. It has plenty of percussive oomph for nearly all situations and the tip warms up to speed recovery. We like it for loosening our IT bands, calves, quads, and shoulders.
Read More: Best Massage Guns
Jay Z rocking GTS 10s wasn’t on my style bingo card, but the iconic rapper recently stepped out in a white/coconut milk/smoke colorway pair in New York City with a black blazer. No doubt, he appreciated the retro-looking shoe’s solid support, springy midsole, and luxurious comfort, which makes them ideal for days when you’re Big Pimpin’ or just walking long distances.
If that seat upgrade doesn’t come through for you, or even if does, this hybrid neck-support eye-shade can increase your chances of falling asleep on any flight. It looks like a costume prop from Dune, but it’s actually very practical: You wrap the base around your neck and it provides support for your head and chin, the hood has pillow-y padding to cradle your dome, and the built-in eye shades block annoying light helping you catch valuable zzzs.
Ben Court is the Executive Editor of Men's Health. He has a decade of experience writing and editing stories about peak performance, as it relates to health, nutrition, fitness, weight loss, and sex and relationships. He enjoys yoga, cycling, running, swimming, lifting, grilling, and napping.
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