9 lightweight and easily packable pieces of workout gear I'm using at home now that I can travel with later

The lightweight JadeYoga's Voyager Mat may be thin, but it still provides a good amount of cushion and has a great grip.

JadeYoga's Voyager Mat proves that lightweight doesn't have to mean low quality. JadeYoga is a brand loved by yogis for its superior texture and grip and their lightweight mat does not forget about that. The mat's grippy texture provides good traction, so you don't have to worry about slipping and sliding even when you work up a sweat.

It's also surprisingly cushy and comfortable to lay on, despite being only 1/16'' thick. Weighing just 1.5 pounds, the mat folds up to about the size of a yoga block, which is just small enough to fit inside a backpack. You might be able to find an even lighter and thinner yoga mat, but it would be difficult to match the comfort and effectiveness of the Jade mat.

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A mini band set like OMERIL's loop bands can help you add resistance to exercises that target specific muscle groups like squats and lunges.

Altogether, a set of five resistance bands weighs less than five ounces, so you'll barely notice them in your suitcase and they can make a big difference in your workout. They're perfect for amping the difficulty level on exercises like squats and lunges, or for mindlessly doing leg lifts while you watch TV. You can also tailor your workout to resistance band-specific exercises or just use them to help you stretch and increase your flexibility.

Most sets come at different resistance levels between four and 30 pounds, so you can work your way up to higher levels. There are hundreds of different brands selling mini-bands, but OMERIL's loop bands are highly-rated on Amazon and have the eco-friendly bonus of being made out of natural latex.

See more of the best resistance bands here

With longer LEAKEY resistance bands, you can make full-body workouts more challenging or use them to assist your pull-ups and build upper-body strength.

If you want to get more range of motion from your resistance bands, go for the longer super bands like these LEAKEY bands, which can also provide a level of resistance that ranges from 15 to 125 pounds. There are many ways to use them like adding full-body resistance to your squats and push-ups or making other moves easier. For example, if you can't do a pull-up, you can start with a high-resistance band to support your body weight while you train.

These bands are thin and roll up easily, so you'll have no problem finding space in your bag for these. LEAKEY bands are made of natural latex and are highly-rated for their durability — no need to worry about snapping.

See great at-home resistance band workouts here

You can connect the Crossrope jump rope to your phone to track your progress and follow along with in-app workouts.

Jump ropes are already pretty light, so why buy a weighted jump rope for travel? Not your average jump rope, the Crossrope connects to an app on your phone that can help you track your activity and also provides tutorials and workouts.

If cardio is important to your routine, you might not always have the best conditions for a run. It could be too hot or cold outside, or maybe you just don't have the time. Jumping rope is an easy and efficient way to get your heart rate up without going anywhere and the Crossrope's weighted ropes, which come in a quarter-pound and a half-pound, are interchangeable, so you can bring the lighter one if you need to shave some ounces off your luggage weight.

See more of the best jump ropes here

The Ludus Imperius Kettlebell Sandbag can hold up to 45 pounds of sand, so you can partake in a kettlebell workout wherever you can find a beach.

Probably the last thing you think of when you hear the word lightweight, kettlebell swings are effective for working out your body from your shoulders to your hamstrings, but they're awkwardly shaped and heavy. However, the Ludus Imperius Kettlebell Sandbag lets you get a kettlebell workout in wherever you can find a beach.

The empty bag itself weighs less than two pounds, but it can hold up to 45 pounds of sand. Inside there's a double-zipper and velcro system, so you don't have to worry about getting sand in your eyes mid-swing. The best part is that because you're the one filling the bag up, you can make it as heavy or as light as you like.

Plus, it gives you a good excuse to workout on the beach. If you won't be near a beach, you could also try one of the kettlebells you fill with water, but these don't pack as flat as the sandbags.

See more of the best kettlebells here

TriggerPoint massage balls not only help ease muscle aches from tough workouts, but are small enough you can fit them in a carry-on to use in-flight too.

Even if you know you won't have any time to fit in a workout, you should still keep a massage ball handy in your personal item. On a long-haul flight, a massage ball is just the thing to help you fight the muscle stiffness you get from sitting upright in your seat for hours on end.

The GRID massage ball from TriggerPoint has a textured pattern for added versatility and can fit in your pocket. You may want to buy a couple so you can figure out what shapes you like best, like this spiky ball or the classic texture that can help stimulate blood circulation.

A lightweight block like Fledo Yoga Blocks can take your stretching to the next level and help you undo all the stress of sitting upright during long-haul flights and drives.

It's difficult to recreate the sturdy support and softness a yoga block provides when stretching, so although it's bulkier than other items on this list, Fledo Yoga Blocks are worth packing.

Sitting on an airplane for hours on end puts a lot of pressure on your hips and lower back, but resting in a supported bridge pose can help you rest those tense muscles and relax. It may be one position, but it stretches all the muscles that suffer when you sit down for too long, from your low back to your hip flexors and your core. The ultra-lightweight Fledo Yoga Blocks only weigh about seven ounces each.

See more of the best yoga blocks here

The pint-sized TriggerPoint mini foam roller is designed for targeting specific muscles, but you can get a lot more use out of it than that when you're on the road.

There's no practical way to carry a full-size foam roller with you on your trip, but you can get used to using the TriggerPoint mini foam roller. Just four-inches long, five-and-a-half inches in diameter, and weighing less than 7 ounces, this roller won't take up much space in your bag and you could even pack something else inside its hollow center.

You may not be able to do all the moves you're used to with a full-size roller, but this does come in handy for targeting spots like your shoulder blades or IT band.

See more of the best foam rollers here

You'll barely notice the versatile Amonax's gliding discs in your bag, but you'll definitely feel the difference in your workout.

Weighing next to nothing, you'll barely notice the flat Amonax's gliding discs in your suitcase, but you will notice how they up the difficulty on your planks and pikes. These simple tools come in different shapes and sizes and are sold by many different brands, so whatever you go with just make sure you purchase one that's dual-sided, meaning it will work on a carpet as well as hard surfaces like tile or hardwood.

If you'd like extra stability, Amonax's gliding discs come with a detachable strap which helps you focus on the movement.