Christmas Gifts for Men Who Train: Gear He'll Put to Work

Christmas Gifts for Men Who Train: Gear He'll Put to Work

The best Christmas gifts for men who work out are things that can be used on his next training session. A weighted vest adds resistance to bodyweight exercises, a lifting belt supports squat sessions, and a compact bag keeps daily essentials organized. 

 

Here are 12 Wolf Tactical gifts for the gym, trail, work, and everyday carry, with prices and recommended uses. 

 

Short on time? Start with the table, then scroll for the details. 

 

Gift 

Price 

Best for 

$125.99 (vest only) 

Runs, rucks and bodyweight work 

From $82.49 per pair 

Loading up his vest 

From $79.49 

Carries and odd-object training 

$15.99 

Squat and deadlift days 

$29.99 / $24.99 

Gym regulars 

$63.99 

Rucking 

$22.49 

Runners and ruckers 

$44.49 

Everyday carry 

$30.99 

Daily wear and work days 

$21.99 

Gym bags and workbenches 

Beanie 

$19.99 

Cold mornings 

$25 to $300 

Last-minute shoppers 

 

What makes a good Christmas gift for a man who trains? 

 

Gifts for gym lovers are easier to choose when you know how they train.  
Look at his usual week, from lifting sessions to weekend runs or rucks.  
Then check three things before buying. 

 

  • Will he use it this week? Prioritize equipment that fits a routine he already follows. 

  • Is this similar to what he does currently? A vest is great for a runner who wants to switch up their training and add some resistance. A lifting belt is great for someone who lifts weights. 

  • Can you ensure that the product will fit? If you can't, choose either products with adjustable sizes, products in one-size-fits-all options, or purchase a gift card. 

 

What are the best gym gifts for men? 

 

The ideal gifts for male gym-goers will enhance their current workout routine. Whether that means adding more weight, creating a more efficient workout space, or giving him a shirt he'll actually want to train in. These five are gifts for guys who work out regularly. 

 

Weighted Vest Plate Carrier ($125.99): the gift he'll train in all year 

 

The Weighted Vest Plate Carrier adds resistance to pushups, squats, stair climbs, and weighted walks. It holds one plate in front and one in back to distribute the load across the upper body. A padded shoulder yoke and adjustable shoulder and waist straps help secure the fit. The carrier comes in one adjustable size, listed to fit XS through XL. 

 

Each plate weighs between 5.75 and 19.75 lbs. A pair adds 11.5 to 39.5 lbs of resistance, depending on the weight selected. He can increase the load as his training progresses without replacing the carrier. Laser-cut MOLLE panels on the front and back provide attachment points for compatible pouches and patches. 

 

What you need to know before you purchase: The cost covers the vest only. You must buy plates separately (the next item on your list). If you are unsure of where he can begin, we have a guide for selecting a weighted vest that discusses how to find the right size and starting weight. 

 

Curved Weight Vest Plates ($82.49+ per pair): that way he has the option to use them on Christmas morning 

 

He can't use the vest until it has plates in it. The Curved Weight Vest Plates are made of steel that has a powder-coat finish. They're designed to conform to the body and are available as a pair. A 5.75 pound pair of plates costs $82.49, and would create a total weight of 14 pounds on his vest. For many people, this will be a good amount of weight to start out with. If he already owns a vest, a heavier pair of plates is the next step up. 

 

Workout Sandbag (from $79.49): for the guy who's bored of the barbell 

 

Sand shifts as he lifts or carries it, making the load less predictable than a fixed barbell. The Workout Sandbag is great for loaded carries, cleans to shoulder, and lunges in hybrid or HYROX-style training. It includes a built-in filler bag and is offered in listed weight options from 50 to 200 lbs. Sand is not included. 

 

Weightlifting Belt ($15.99): a squat-day gift under $20 

 

If he has a leg day, he can put this to work. The Weightlifting Belt is made of 4-inch nylon with a quick release buckle and laser cut MOLLE on the back. This lightweight belt will fit nicely into his gym bag. He can choose between black, gray, or tan in sizes XS (23-27 inches) to XXL (45-50 inches). Need help guessing his size? A good place to start would be with the size of his jeans waist. 

 

Men's Fitness T-shirt ($29.99) or Sleeveless Shirt ($24.99): get rid of the old one he's worn out 

 

Each person that trains has a favorite workout shirt and at this point it's probably falling apart. The Men's Fitness T-shirt is made of a lightweight polyester interlock material and has a relaxed fit that can be worn while working out and then when going out for coffee. The Men's Fitness Sleeveless Shirt is constructed from a lightweight black polyester material and is specifically designed to be worn on workout days. These shirts are available in sizes small through double-extra large (S - 2XL). 

 

What do you get a guy who rucks or runs? 

 

A weighted rucking backpack adds resistance to walks. A compact chest pack keeps his phone and keys off his hands during runs. Choose based on how he trains. 

 

Weighted Rucking Backpack Plate Carrier ($63.99): turn his walks into training 

 

Rucking is walking with added weight in a backpack. The Weighted Rucking Backpack Plate Carrier holds standard 10 x 12-inch plates or compatible Wolf flat and curved vest plates. Adjustable shoulder and chest straps help secure the fit, while mesh back padding, a padded top handle, and a zippered key pocket add comfort and storage. Exterior MOLLE webbing provides additional attachment points. Plates are sold separately. Our rucking guide explains how to get started. 

 

Compact Chest Pack ($22.49): phone and keys off his hands 

 

Running with a phone and keys in your hands gets old fast. The Compact Chest Pack keeps both on his chest, with a zippered main compartment and front pocket. It measures approximately 4 x 7 x 1 inches and features adjustable chest and shoulder straps, plus front MOLLE webbing. Its compact size also makes it a stocking stuffer. 

 

What are practical everyday carry gifts for men? 

 

Practical gifts for men can be useful well beyond the gym. A compact sling bag keeps everyday essentials organized, while a stiffened belt supports items carried at the waist. Both serve a purpose during workdays and everyday activities. 

 

Compact EDC Sling Bag ($44.49): one bag for the whole day 

 

The Compact EDC Sling Bag offers 11 liters of storage in an 8 x 11 x 5-inch design. Internal organizer pockets keep smaller items like a wallet, phone, and keys in place. A single adjustable strap allows front, back, or side carry, while MOLLE webbing on three sides provides attachment points for compatible pouches. 

 

Heavy Duty Hybrid Quick-Release EDC Belt ($30.99): the belt he'll wear every day 

 

A belt he wears every day goes through daily wear and tear, he can probably use a new one. The Heavy Duty Hybrid Quick-Release EDC Belt uses stiffened construction to help support items like a multi-tool or phone pouch at the waist. Its quick-release buckle makes the belt easy to remove and put back on. For help choosing between belt styles, see our EDC belt vs. duty belt guide. 

 

What about the guy who works with his hands? 

 

A MOLLE Dump Pouch keeps small items together while he works.  
A knit beanie provides an extra layer on cold mornings. Both cost under $22. 

 

MOLLE Dump Pouch ($21.99): keep the small stuff organized 

 

Screws, drill bits, chalk, lifting straps... they are all going to be at the bottom of something. The MOLLE Dump Pouch is a 6" wide, 3" deep, and 8" tall nylon pouch that has a drawstring at the top, one main compartment, two side pockets, and a front pocket. This pouch can attach to MOLLE webbing on a pack or belt and will fold flat once empty. 

 

Beanie ($19.99): for 5 a.m. starts 

 

Cold work environments, morning running when it's dark, and late night dog walking are examples of when to use the Beanie. This double layer rib knit beanie is made from 100 percent acrylic, measures eight inches in length, has a three-inch fold-up cuff, and features a Wolf patch on the front. You can purchase the beanie in either black or olive green, and it is available in one size. 

 

What's a good last-minute Christmas gift for him? 

 

The Wolf Tactical Gift Card is available in several denominations ($25, $50, $100, $200 and $300) and is delivered via email; therefore, it still works for those times that you are close to being late. In addition, you may select a delivery date and he can make the final decision on what size and/or color to purchase. 

 

Christmas gift ideas for men, by budget 

 

Every pick in this guide, sorted by price. The gift card fits any budget. 

Budget 

Gifts 

Under $30 

Weightlifting Belt ($16.99) · Beanie ($19.99) · MOLLE Dump Pouch ($21.99) · Compact Chest Pack ($22.49) · Men's Fitness Sleeveless Shirt ($24.99) · Men's Fitness T-shirt ($29.99) 

$30 to $70 

Heavy Duty Hybrid Quick-Release EDC Belt ($30.99) · Compact EDC Sling Bag ($44.49) · Weighted Rucking Backpack Plate Carrier ($63.99) 

$70 and up 

Workout Sandbag ($85.59) · Curved Weight Vest Plates (starting at $82.49 for each set) · Weighted Vest Plate Carrier ($125.99; plates need to be purchased separately) 

 

Shopping for multiple guys? We have many more gift ideas available including stocking stuffers for men, white elephant gifts for under $50, and our top-pick holiday gifts. 

 

The most special present isn't the most eye-catching thing under the tree. It is the vest he wears on Saturdays, the belt he wears daily, the bag he takes to the gym on Mondays. Choose something that is compatible with how he currently trains and lives. 

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FAQ 

 

What are good Christmas gifts for men who work out? 

 

You need to find equipment that can enhance what he is doing in his current training program. You could buy a Weightlifting Belt for $15.99. He may also want a Workout Sandbag (which starts at $79.49). If he is a runner or rucker, then he will benefit from either a Weighted Vest Plate Carrier ($125.99 plus the cost of plates) or a Weighted Rucking Backpack Plate Carrier ($63.99). Lastly, buying him a new training shirt would be beneficial to anyone who goes to the gym. 

 

What is the five gift rule for men? 

 

This is an easy-to-use shopping guide. One common form of this is: something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read, and something to do. An example of how this applies to a man that works out would be: a weighted vest (want), a lifting belt (need), a workout T-shirt (wear), a book about his sport (read), and a weekly ruck using a new rucking backpack (do). 

 

Is a weighted vest a good Christmas gift? 

 

Yes, if he currently runs, rucks, or uses body weight to workout. The Weighted Vest Plate Carrier is available in one size that adjusts from x-small to x-large; therefore, sizing will be low risk. The $125.99 cost includes only the vest, therefore, purchase a pair of plates and start at a lighter weight. Our guide to starting weighted training provides information on how to begin your weighted training program over the initial few weeks. 

 

What can I get a man who trains that isn't gym gear? 

 

He has other things to worry about when he is not at the gym. An everyday carry is covered by either a Compact EDC Sling Bag ($44.49) or a Heavy Duty Hybrid Quick-Release EDC Belt ($30.99). If he works with his hands, a MOLLE Dump Pouch ($21.99) or Beanie ($19.99) will cover his work day. 

 

What's a good last-minute gift for a guy who works out? 

 

The Wolf Tactical Gift Card is sent via e-mail for a monetary value of $25 up to $300, and he selects the gear, size, and color himself.