Equipment Reviews

Q: What equipment do I need for a home gym?

Start with adjustable dumbbells and a pull-up bar. Add a weight bench, then a barbell and plates. A power rack is the ultimate upgrade. Budget around £500-£1000 for a starter setup.

Q: Are the reviews independent?

Yes. Some links are affiliate links earning a small commission at no extra cost to you. This doesn't influence our ratings — we recommend what we'd genuinely use ourselves.

Honest, no-nonsense reviews to help you find the right gear for your training.

Quick answer

Start with the gear that removes friction from your training: shoes that fit, a simple gym bag, bands for warm-ups, and only then specialist kit like belts, straps, racks, or watches.

Prioritise fit and use case over hype
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Cycling Swimming Yoga Climbing Rugby Football

53 reviews

★★★★☆ £8-£25

Best Reflective Vests and Lights for Dark Running

Stay visible on dark roads with the best reflective vests and LED lights for runners. Cheap gear that could save your life.

Best for: Visibility on dark roads

Essential

★★★★★ £20-£80

Best Ruck Plates for Weighted Rucking

Compare the best ruck plates for weighted rucking. GORUCK, Titan Fitness, and budget DIY options to add load to your pack.

Best for: Adding weight to your rucksack

Essential

★★★★★ £50-£300

Best Rucking Backpacks for Weighted Carries

Find the best rucking backpacks for weighted carries and hiking. From GORUCK to budget picks, we cover what to look for in a ruck.

Best for: Weighted rucking and hiking

Essential

★★★★★ £30-£120

Best Rugby Boots for Forwards and Backs

The best rugby boots for soft and firm ground. Metal studs, moulded studs, and position-specific designs reviewed with top picks.

Best for: Traction and ankle support on the pitch

Essential

★★★★☆ £10-£30

Best Running Belts for Carrying Phone and Essentials

The best running belts for carrying your phone, keys, and gels without bouncing. FlipBelt, SPIbelt, and budget options.

Best for: Carrying phone, keys, and gels on runs

★★★★★ £60-£200

Best Running Shoes for Every Budget and Gait

The best running shoes for beginners and experienced runners. Nike, ASICS, Brooks, Hoka, and budget picks compared.

Best for: All running — the single most important piece of kit

Essential

★★★★☆ £40-£120

Best Running Vests for Hydration and Trail Running

The best running vests for carrying water, nutrition, and gear on long runs. Salomon, Ultimate Direction, and budget options.

Best for: Long runs and trail running

★★★★★ £100-£500

Best Running Watches for GPS Tracking and Heart Rate

The best GPS running watches for tracking pace, distance, and heart rate. Garmin, COROS, and Apple Watch compared.

Best for: Tracking pace, distance, and heart rate

★★★★☆ £5-£30

Best Shin Pads for Football

The best shin pads for football. Slip-in, ankle guard, and sleeve styles compared with top picks for comfort and protection.

Best for: Protecting shins in football

Essential

★★★★★ £10-£40

Best Speed Ropes for CrossFit

Find the best speed ropes for double-unders and CrossFit WODs. Lightweight cables, adjustable lengths, and top picks at every budget.

Best for: Double-unders and CrossFit WODs

Essential

★★★★★ £8-£40

Best Swim Goggles for Pool and Open Water

The best swim goggles for pool and open water swimming. Anti-fog, UV protection, and top picks from Speedo, Arena, and Zoggs.

Best for: Pool and open water swimming

Essential

★★★★★ £60-£150

Best Trail Running Shoes for Off-Road Running and Hiking

The best trail running shoes for off-road running, day hikes, and light rucking. Lightweight, grippy, and ready to go.

Best for: Trail running, day hikes, and light rucking

Frequently Asked Questions

What gym equipment do I actually need?

For a commercial gym, just bring a water bottle and a towel. Optional but useful: lifting straps, chalk, resistance bands (for warm-ups), and a gym bag. A belt and lifting shoes are worth investing in once you're squatting and deadlifting heavier weights.

What equipment do I need for a home gym?

Start with adjustable dumbbells and a pull-up bar — these two items unlock hundreds of exercises. Add a weight bench next, then a barbell and plates. A power rack is the ultimate upgrade for safe heavy lifting at home. Budget around £500-£1000 for a solid starter setup.

Are the reviews independent?

Yes. Some links on our review pages are affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This doesn't influence our ratings or recommendations — we recommend what we'd genuinely use ourselves.

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