The Best Gear for Military Style Workouts

Battle Bunker March 20, 2026 5 min read

Military style workouts combine bodyweight exercises, weighted drills, running, and functional movements that push your body hard. To train this way consistently and safely, you need gear that holds up. This guide breaks down the best gear for military style workouts and explains how each piece fits into your training.

At Battle Bunker, we build equipment for hybrid training, strength development, and military-grade fitness. Here's what you need.

Why Quality Workout Gear Matters in Military Style Training

Military style workouts are not standard gym sessions. They combine bodyweight exercises, weighted drills, running, and functional movements that mimic real physical demands. This type of training places unique stress on your body and your gear. Inferior equipment gets in the way and increases injury risk during high-intensity drills.

Investing in the right gear means choosing durable, multi-functional equipment that supports a wide range of movements. From resistance bands that add variable load to your pull ups, to wrist wraps that stabilize your joints during heavy lifts, each piece plays a role in your performance.

Top Battle Bunker Gear for Military Style Workouts

Here's a breakdown of the essential categories of training equipment for a complete military style workout kit. Each piece is chosen for durability and practical function.

1. Resistance Bands: Versatility and Progressive Overload

Battle Bands (resistance bands) are a must-have for anyone serious about military style workouts. They provide adjustable resistance for strength training, mobility drills, and explosive power development. Whether you're adding resistance to pull ups or warming up your joints before a loaded carry, resistance bands earn their place in any kit.

  • Why Battle Bands? Made from premium latex for durability and consistent tension. They come in multiple resistance levels so you can scale training progressively.
  • How to Use: Wrap bands around a pull up bar to assist or add resistance, use them for dynamic warm-ups, or integrate them into circuit training for full-body conditioning.

2. Wrist Wraps and Lifting Straps: Protect and Perform

Heavy lifts and high-rep bodyweight exercises place significant stress on your wrists and grip. Battle Wraps (wrist wraps) and Battle Straps (lifting straps) are essential for maintaining joint integrity and maximizing your lifting capacity during military style training.

  • Wrist Wraps: Keep wrists stable under load, reducing pain and injury risk during push presses, bench presses, and handstand push ups.
  • Lifting Straps: Secure your hold on bars and dumbbells so you can lift heavier and complete more reps without grip failure.
  • Battle Bunker Advantage: Built from breathable, durable materials. They balance compression and flexibility, so you stay comfortable across long training sessions.

3. Ab Straps: Build Your Core

Core strength is fundamental for military fitness. It drives balance, power output, and injury resilience. Hanging Ab Straps attach to a pull up bar and let you perform hanging leg raises, one of the most effective core exercises available.

  • Why Choose Battle Bunker Ab Straps? Reinforced stitching and padded arm supports for comfort and durability. They help you isolate core muscles safely and effectively.
  • Training Tips: Include hanging leg raises and knee tucks 2-3 times per week to build a strong, functional midsection.

4. Pull Up Bars and Mounts: The Foundation of Military Fitness

Pull ups are a cornerstone of military style workouts. Having a sturdy pull up bar at home or in your training space is critical to consistent improvement.

  • What to Look For: Choose bars that support your full body weight plus additional resistance with a secure mount system.
  • Battle Bunker Pull Up Bars: Designed for easy installation and maximum stability, suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced athletes.

5. Weighted Vests and Sandbags: Add Real-World Load

Adding external weight challenges your muscles and cardiovascular system in new ways, mirroring the physical demands placed on military personnel carrying gear in the field.

  • Hybrid Weight Vest: Adjustable weight distribution makes this vest ideal for running, calisthenics, and circuit training.
  • Skirmish Sandbag: A functional training implement that engages stabilizer muscles and builds grip strength through uneven loading.
  • Integrate Smart: Start with lighter loads and gradually increase to avoid overtraining or injury.

How to Assemble Your Military Style Gear Kit

Building a functional gear kit doesn't need to be complicated. Focus on versatility, durability, and how each piece fits your training goals.

  • Step 1: Start with a reliable pull up bar and resistance bands. These two items open up hundreds of exercises targeting multiple muscle groups.
  • Step 2: Add wrist wraps and lifting straps to protect joints and improve lift capacity.
  • Step 3: Include ab straps to intensify core work and build functional strength.
  • Step 4: Add a weighted vest or sandbag once your base fitness and technique are solid.
  • Step 5: Inspect and replace worn gear regularly to keep training safe.

Training Tips for Getting the Most from Your Gear

The gear alone won't do the work. Here's how to use it effectively:

  • Consistency: Use your gear regularly in focused sessions to build skill and strength over time.
  • Progressive Overload: Gradually increase resistance, reps, or training volume using bands, weighted vests, or added weight on lifts.
  • Focus on Form: Proper technique prevents injury and ensures you're actually targeting the right muscles, especially with assisted pull ups or weighted exercises.
  • Mix It Up: Combine bodyweight drills, resistance training, and cardio for balanced military fitness.
  • Recovery: Use wrist wraps to support joints during heavy sessions and prioritize rest to avoid burnout.

Why Battle Bunker for Military Style Workout Gear?

Battle Bunker is a fitness brand built by athletes who train this way themselves. Our equipment is designed for real demands, not just aesthetics. When you shop Battle Bunker gear, you're investing in:

  • Durability: Built to withstand intense workouts and harsh conditions.
  • Functionality: Gear that enhances your training, not hinders it.
  • Expertise: Developed by athletes and veterans who understand the demands of military fitness.
  • Community: Join a group of athletes who keep each other accountable and motivated.

Gear Up and Get to Work

Having the best gear for military style workouts means more than just showing up. It means equipping yourself with tools that help you train harder, stay safer, and go longer. From resistance bands and wrist wraps to ab straps and weighted vests, each piece plays a real role in achieving elite fitness.

Battle Bunker offers a focused selection of premium training gear built for the toughest workouts. Don't settle for gear that limits you. Shop Battle Bunker gear now and build out your kit. Join the Pull Up Club to connect with fellow athletes and get expert training guidance along the way.