Walk into any CrossFit box, and you'll see bags packed with grips, wraps, sleeves, ropes and more. Some of that gear earns its spot every week. Some of it rarely leaves the bag.
In this blog, you'll learn what makes CrossFit performance gear worth buying, which accessories to consider for each part of your body, the recovery tools that help between sessions, and how to match your gear to the WOD.
What Makes CrossFit Gear Worth It?
CrossFit throws a lot at you in one session: heavy lifts, gymnastics and fast conditioning, often back to back. That's why the best gear moves with you instead of locking you in place.
Before you buy anything, ask yourself three quick questions:
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Does it solve a problem you actually have?
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Does it work across more than one movement?
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Will you use it every week?
If the answer is yes to all three, it's probably worth it.
The CrossFit Accessories Worth Considering
Here's the gear that shows up in most well-packed CrossFit bags, grouped by the job it does.
Training Shoes for Your Feet
Your shoes are the foundation for everything else. CrossFit shoes need a flat, stable base for lifting, plus enough flex and cushion for box jumps, short runs and double-unders. A speed rope sized for you is a nice add-on. If you only buy one piece of gear, though, make it the shoes.
Grips, Chalk and Tape for Your Hands
Pull-ups, toes-to-bar and barbell cycling can be rough on your hands. A few simple tools help:
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Grips: Protect your palms on high-rep bar work.
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Chalk: Keeps your hands dry for a better hold.
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Athletic tape: Handy for your thumbs on hook grip or for covering hot spots.
Start with chalk, and add grips once your bar volume picks up.
Wrist Wraps and Knee Sleeves for Your Joints
Wrist wraps add support on presses, front squats and handstand work. Knee sleeves keep your knees warm and supported on squats, wall balls and lunges. Both are worth having if you lift heavy a few times a week.
A Lifting Belt for Your Core
A belt gives your core something to brace against on heavy squats and deadlifts. Save it for your heaviest sets, though, because most metcons move too fast for a belt to help much.
A Performance Mouthpiece for Your Breathing and Bite
Most CrossFit gear works from the neck down. A performance mouthpiece covers what the rest of your bag misses: your breathing and your bite.
The AIRWAAV Performance Mouthpiece uses a patented intake bar that positions your tongue to help open your airway. Its bite plate gives you a solid place to clench. It's built around three benefits:
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Breathe Better to Endure Longer: AIRWAAV lowers respiratory rate by up to 20% (peer-reviewed), which matters most on long metcons.
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Clench Stronger to Perform Better: The bite plate puts your jaw in an optimal position, so clenching engages more muscles on heavy lifts.
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Stay Calm to Recover Faster: AIRWAAV reduces post-exercise cortisol by up to 50% (peer-reviewed).
All three are built on 15+ years of peer-reviewed research, developed with Dr. Dena Garner, a researcher in muscle physiology and airway performance.
Want both airways covered? Pair the mouthpiece with Nasal Strips for the Performance System, a dual-airway advantage in training. The adhesive holds through sweat.
Recovery Tools That Help You Come Back Stronger
Training hard is only half the job. Many popular recovery tools work just as well for CrossFit athletes:
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Foam roller: Great for loosening up your quads, lats and upper back.
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Lacrosse ball: Gets into tight spots like your hips, glutes and shoulders.
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Mobility bands: Help you stretch and open up your hips and shoulders.
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Massage gun: A quick way to relax sore muscles after a tough session.
The biggest recovery tool of all is sleep. If you often wake up tired even after a full night in bed, the AIRWAAV RX1 Recovery Mouthpiece is worth a look. Its patented Reflex Technology™ gently cues your tongue forward to clear your airway without jaw repositioning, for deeper restorative sleep and better morning energy.
How to Match Your Gear to the WOD
You don't need everything every day. Use this table to pack for the workout in front of you:
|
Workout |
Gear that helps |
|---|---|
|
Heavy barbell day |
Belt, wrist wraps, knee sleeves, mouthpiece |
|
High-rep bar work |
Grips, chalk, tape |
|
Long metcons with rowing or running |
Mouthpiece, nasal strips |
|
Double-unders and box jumps |
Training shoes, speed rope |
|
Squats, wall balls and lunges |
Knee sleeves |
Pack light, pack smart, and let the workout decide what comes out of the bag.
FAQs
What CrossFit gear should beginners buy first?
Start with good training shoes and chalk. Add grips, wraps and sleeves as your training gets heavier and your volume goes up.
What's the best mouthpiece for CrossFit athletes?
Look for one built for breathing and clenching, not just impact. AIRWAAV's PX1 and PX2 deliver identical performance benefits, and only the fit is different. PX1 is relaxed and barely there, while PX2 is snug and locked in. Since CrossFit mixes heavy lifting with hard conditioning, having both fits lets you grab whichever feels right for the day.
Is a performance mouthpiece the same as a sports mouthguard?
No. Sports mouthguards are built mainly for impact protection. AIRWAAV's bite plate is specifically designed to engage more muscles when you clench, and the mouthpiece also supports your airway.
Can I use my HSA or FSA?
Yes. AIRWAAV is HSA/FSA eligible.
Build Your CrossFit Performance Gear Bag With AIRWAAV
The best CrossFit performance gear solves a real problem and earns its place every week. Start with shoes and chalk, add support as your lifts get heavier, and don't forget the two things most gear ignores: your breathing and your bite. Then back it all up with good recovery habits.
If your training mixes heavy lifting with hard conditioning, the Hybrid Performance Bundle gives you both mouthpiece fits plus Nasal Strips.
Ready to finish your gear bag? Shop the Hybrid Performance Bundle.