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MOST PEOPLE ABANDON fitness resolutions halfway into January. But us Live a Little guys aren’t most people. We're building minds and bodies that can handle whatever adventures come our way—like wake surfing without pulling a muscle getting up on the board, or walking 20 miles in a single day exploring New York City.
One of the biggest truths I’ve learned about fitness is it’s more about the systems I put in place than the desire to feel motivated. For example, it’s better to establish an ironclad routine of lifting at 7:30 in the morning than to try and will myself out of bed and into the gym.
Read more: How to Own the Week (Before It Owns You)
To get a dialed routine, you need three things: the right mindset, the right systems—like charging the phone outside your bedroom and setting your outfit out the night before—and the right workout gear. The latter is where this guide comes in.
The Best Fitness Gear for Men
Fitness gear should be functional first. Once you find a brand that makes a moisture-wicking workout shirt that doesn’t warp, or a pair of trail running shoes with the right width, then you can focus on style.
Style goes a long way in a workout kit. That’s because there’s a level of truth to the “look good, feel good, perform good” mantra. Does that mean you need to get fitted up every time you go for a run or hit the gym? No. (In fact, don’t be the guy that goes full cosplay wearing a Satisfy Running outfit head-to-toe.) What it does mean is you should build a workout kit that has you feeling confident and performing at your highest level.
Read More: 101 Cool Style & Gear Releases You Might’ve Missed
I’ve put together the guide below to spotlight fitness gear that hits on both function and style. There’s a product recommendation for each brand, but I’ll note many of them make solid products outside of their single recommendations. I’ve also added a few odds and ends essentials I’ve used for years—like my favorite energy snack, electrolyte packets, and recovery gadget.
By the end of it, I hope I give you new info on brands you haven’t heard about and highlighted longtime brands you can trust. Now, let’s get to to the list.
Best New Shaker Bottle: YETI Yonder Shaker Bottle
It pays to have a good shaker bottle. YETI’s new Yonder Shakers are the result of their recent purchase of Helimix. They come in the same vortex design and are available in a 20oz and 27oz size. Priced at $22 and $25.
Best Cold-Weather Recovery Shoes: Kane Revive AC
Kane has the best EVA recovery shoes in the game. They also happen to be my first brand campaign of 2026 at Huckberry, so I’m especially proud to talk about them here. The Revive AC is a winterized version of their bestselling original, upgraded with a rugged outsole, weatherproof upper, and thermal cuffs. If you buy the Revive AC in the Huckberry x Kane collab model, you can get it in a limited edition Deep Ocean and Cedar color. $125.
Most Versatile Workout Pant: Ten Thousand Session Pant
I’ve kinda always despised workout pants. But Ten Thousand’s Session Pant has bucked that belief for me and become a solid go-to for running and light lifting on the days I don’t want to fight the cold in shorts. $128.
Vetted by Ultrarunners: Mount to Coast H1
Mount to Coast just continues to prove they’re a serious player in the long-distance running space. The new H1 has boosted cushioning and is made for road running and gravel. The Joshua Tree color is wicked cool. $160.
The Daily Essential: Trigger Point Grid Foam Roller
This is a fitness essential I first talked about last summer. I foam roll everyday to get my legs warmed up and loose. $40.
The Cool Australian Cycling Brand: MAAP Alt_Road™ Mesh LS Tee
Based in Melbourne, Australia, MAAP (Merging Aesthetics And Performance) is a performance cycling brand with a focus on durable, sustainable apparel. This long sleeve mesh tee is made for casual riding, but it’s still cut with a breathable, flowing design so you stay cool on the seat. This can obviously be worn as a regular tee, which illustrates MAAP’s naming of them looking to merge aesthetic (daily style) with performance. $115.
Best Walking Upgrade: GORUCK Curved Rucking Plates & Adventure Vest
I bought my first GORUCK set in the fall and it’s already paying off in my weekly cardio routine. This intro set here includes the Adventure Vest with the new Curved Plates. They’re easy to purchase at Huckberry right now. You can get the vest in a handful of colors and pair them with the plates in your same order. $230 all-together.
Best Half Tights: Path Projects Sentinal Half Tight
Path Projects makes a ton of awesome running gear with subtle branding. Their Half Tight is a top-seller, and while I’m not the biggest fan of running tights, many friends of mine say these are a solid pick for guys based on comfort, storage, and inseam cut. Not too short or too tight. Just right. $98.
The Smartwatch Favorite: Garmin Forerunner 265
My smartwatch of choice. The Forerunner 265 has a big screen that’s easy to navigate, simple buttons and activity tracking, and long battery life. Hasn’t failed me yet. $450.
Most Versatile Active Short: Vuori Kore Short
Is there a lined short more comfortable, durable, and versatile than the Kore Short? I have trouble saying yes. I’ve owned a couple pairs of these for years now. They’re so damn reliable, and not insanely expensive either. $68.
Shades From the Future: District Vision Junya Racer Shades
Designed in California and made in Japan, District Vision makes some of the best premium running shades money can buy. They’re expensive—anywhere between $250-$600—but the materials used in the frames and lenses is just as lightweight and UVA-protecting as your best pair of Oakleys. DV also has some pretty sweet silhouettes to choose from, like the Junya Racer here. $370.
Best Gym Duffel: KNKG Core Duffel Medium
I’ve talked about KNKG here a few times. Their rugged gym duffels are made with clever design. The duffel bags can be configured internally to hold supplements, shaker bottles, weight-lifting straps, and more. $170.
Best Zero-Drop Trainers: Altra Solstice XT-3
Zero-drop shoes are great for lifting, especially when it comes to squats, kettlebell swings, and sled work. The Altra Solstice is a solid choice I’ve worn for a few years now. $140.
The Home Gym Upgrade: Titan Fitness Iron Warrior 50lb Kettlebell
It’s a shame Onnit discontinued their primal kettlebells. But this Iron Warrior Kettlebell from Titan Fitness is just as badass. It’ll be a home gym flex you can show your buddies every time they join you for a workout. $155.
Most Unique Fleece: Proof ShadowFleece
When it comes to Proof, I’ll workout in the Sevens Short, Sol Tee, and even the 72-Hour Merino Tee. Yet the coolest release from Proof that the fitness space hasn’t seen much of is the ShadowFleece. It’s a thin layer made from Polartec’s Alpha Direct fabric, a special active insulator first made for the Special Forces that allows air to pass through when moving, and fleece to insulate when sitting still. The ShadowFleece is currently sold out, but there’s a restock on the way. I promise the wait will be worth it. $148.
Best Running Belt: Raide Research UL1 Belt
It feels like 2026 could be a breakout year for Raide Research. Their technical gear has earned big respect in the snow sports and trail running spaces. If you’re going to start with one item from them, it’s their Research Belt. A lot of my running friends swear by it. $119.
Best Mockneck: Bandit AuraGrid Mockneck Long Sleeve
Few running brands are as hot as Bandit Running right now. I love their mix of colors and patterns in their gear. A prime example being AuraGrid Mockneck here. It’s moisture wicking and has hidden phone and handwarmer pockets. $108.
Best Tights: Janji All-Season Tights
For serious running in the cold, check out Janji. They aren’t the most hyped running brand, but those who are familiar with them know how well their apparel fits and holds up. These tights will give just enough compression and warmth without squeezing the heck out of your legs. $108.
The Rising Training Shoe: R.A.D ONE V2 Trainer
Founded by a former CrossFit athlete, R.A.D makes performance footwear with cool futuristic designs and thoughtful detailing that caters to multiple types of training. The brand was recently onboarded to Huckberry, but there are honestly a ton of cool and exciting colors on R.A.D’s site that I recommend checking out. $150.
Psychedelic Beanies: Minted New York Mach Toque Beanie
The NYC-based half performance and half menswear brand has been putting out some cool prints and technical apparel this winter season. If you find yourself in-between a collection release, hang tight, because Minted usually reopens their site pretty quick. Then go for the Mach Toque performance beanies that have been selling out. Pricing varies.
Protect Your Phone: Urban Armor Gear Pathfinder Case
I wish I was one of those people that could handle using their phone without a case. But I’m too clumsy, and I’d rather have the peace of mind knowing my phone isn’t shattered if it takes a three-foot fall. I trust Urban Armor Gear cases these days. I love this style of the Pathfinder Case with the titanium finish. $80.
An Underrated Activewear Line: Florence Marine AirTex
Founded by John John, Ivan, and Nathan Florence, the Oahu-based performance wear brand makes some super underrated workout gear in their AirTex line. Pictured above is the hooded shirt, but if you want to change things up in your workout kit then I recommend a full hoodie, shirt, and shorts set. The apparel is super breathable, sturdy, and light. Pricing varies.
Best Workout Tanks: TENŌRE Graphene Tanks
Tenore is a West Coast-inspired workout and lifestyle brand founded by the guy who started RVCA. I’ve really enjoyed wearing Tenore’s workout gear over the past year, especially their Graphene Tanks. They’re lightweight and durable, and hold up through running and weightlifting. I’ll even wear my olive tank to the pool or on the boat. $58.
The Best Energy Snack: Power Up High Energy Trail Mix
Simple but essential to my daily snacking are these trail mix packs from Power Up. You can get them at most grocery stores. I like the High Energy pack, mostly because it has cashews, walnuts, dried banana, and coconut. (I don’t care for the cranberries that much.) It’s a 200 calorie kick of natural sugar. $40 for four packs.
