Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Tyler DiGiovanni, BSBM
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The pull-up is the ultimate test of upper body strength. It is also a fundamental movement for anyone wanting to get bigger and stronger. Sometimes referred to as the upper body squat, the pull-up works multiple muscle groups while also improving dynamic power.
Having an outdoor pull-up bar in your backyard allows you to take full advantage of this great exercise while also soaking up the sun's rays. In this article, we review the 7 best outdoor pull-up bars on the current market. We'll also drill down on the benefits of having an outdoor pull-up bar and provide you with a buyer's guide to help you make the best buying decision.
7 Best Outdoor Pull-Up Bars
- Overall Best Outdoor Pull-Up Bar: Stamina Outdoor Power Tower
- Best for Budget: Cap Barbell Power Rack
- Most Heavy-Duty: Khah Trinh Foldable Pull-Up Bar
- Outdoor Dip & Pull-Up Bar: GoBeast Pull-Up
- Portable Outdoor Pull-Up Bar: PULLUP & DIP Portable Pull-Up Bar
- Best Straight Outdoor Pull-Up Bar: Rogue MIL Pull-Up Station
- Best Outdoor Pull-Up Station: Stamina Outdoor Power Tower Pro
SFS Pick
Stamina
Budget Pick
CAP
3rd Pick
Khan Trinh
1. Overall Best Outdoor Pull-Up Bar: Stamina Outdoor Power Tower
The Stamina Outdoor Power Tower has been specially designed for permanent outdoor use. It's finished in a bold green fluorescent oil-based paint that is able to withstand all the rigors of the weather. It is also rust-proof, chip and erosion resistant, and has excellent UV protection.
The tower is built from heavy gauge steel with stainless security hardware, such as the dips handles, that are designed to withstand the challenges of an outdoor environment.
Being a power tower, you get multiple workout stations on this device, allowing you to get a full body workout on a single piece of training equipment. Here are just some of the exercises you can do on the Stamina Outdoor Power Tower:
- Pull Ups
- Chin Ups
- Kipping Pull Ups
- Foot anchored sit-ups
- Chest/tricep dips
- Push Ups
- Hanging leg raises
The Stamina Outdoor Power Tower features an aesthetically pleasing design. It is compact so that it will fit into any outdoor environment. It's also easy to assemble and disassemble and requires hardly any maintenance. Your purchase includes a special tool to connect the special security hardware, ensuring that thieves aren't able to come and take them in the middle of the night.
You have the option of bolting your power tower to the ground or keeping it as a free-standing, non-fixed device. Doing so would allow you to carry the power tower into your garage gym or other indoor space during the winter months.
The arm supports on this power tower are not padded, so you may want to use towels or other wrapping for enhanced comfort when doing hanging knee raises. Barring this issue it is one of the best pull up bars on the market for outdoor usage.
The assembled size of the Outdoor Fitness Power Rower is 49" L x 50" W x 81" H.
Pros
- Multiple exercise stations
- Made of heavy gauge steel
- Compact
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
Cons
- No padding on the arm supports
Weather-resistant, paint-chip and corrosion resistant with UV protection to maintain vibrant color. Bars for push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups...
2. Best Budget Outdoor Pull-Up Bar: Cap Barbell Power Rack
The CAP Barbell company is one of the most trusted names in the home fitness industry. Over the past 25 years, they've forged a reputation for providing high-quality budget-priced equipment. The CAP power rack lives up to that reputation, providing the solid structure and functionality that you'd expect from CAP.
The CAP Barbell Power Rack is a simple device. It consists of a pair of uprights, a solid base, and top crossbar. There are safety holes all the way down the length of the uprights and the unit comes with a pair of safety catches
This rack is constructed of 12 and 14-gauge steel, meaning that it is super strong. Mounting plates and secure welds keep the component parts together. The double gusseted uprights provide extra stability, ensuring that the rack won't move laterally when its supporting your body weight. The top features a straight pull up bar to do all the pull ups you desire. There are also a pair of weight pegs on the base of the rack for storing your weight plates. This also weighs the rack down to enhance its rigidity.
The maximum weight capacity of the rack is 300 lb in terms of the safety catch capacity. However, as a pull-up bar that max limit goes up to 500 lb. The assembled dimensions of the rack are 50 inches wide x 46 inches deep x 80 inches high.
The CAP Barbell Power Rack is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It weighs 60 lb, so moving it around shouldn't be much of a problem. Even though the powder coating finish is weather and rust-resistant, this rack is not designed to be kept outside permanently.
This rack is able to be built upon to kit out a more extensive gym as your budget allows. As such, it is able to form the basis of a complete home gym setup.
Pros
- Power rack and pull-up bar
- 500 lb max pull-up weight
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Solid steel construction
Cons
- No multiple grip positions
- 300 lb safety max weight may be too low for some lifters
Durable powder coat finish and industrial zinc hardware provide exceptional maintenance free durability...
3. Best Heavy-Duty Outdoor Pull-Up Bar: Khan Trinh Foldable Pull-Up Bar
The Khan Trinh Foldable Pull-Up Bar features a unique A-frame design that provides a superior level of user stability while also being foldable so it can be stored away after use. Khan Trinh developed this device after 15 years as a street and calisthenics athlete. Its unique design is super safe and adjustable. Unlike many competing products, there is no problem with user width space, as you get a full 39.37 inches to move laterally according to the exercise you're doing.
The Khan Trinh Foldable Pull-Up Bar has spacer holes in the legs and a distance-setting bar. This allows you to adjust the height of the pull-up bar between 76.7 and 100.4 inches. That makes this pull-up bar suitable for all members of the family. That contrasts with the majority of self-supporting pull-up bars on the market, which are 92.5 inches or lower. With this pull-up bar, your feet will clear the floor, no matter how tall you are.
The A-Shape structure of the Khan Trinh Foldable Pull-Up Bar makes it extremely sturdy. With four support bars welded into the legs, it is even more rigid, giving you complete confidence that it won't wobble when you're working out.
The bar is made from high-strength alloy steel and has a protective powder coating. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. This is a multipurpose piece of fitness equipment. You can hang a punching bag, a swing, or even a hammock from it. It also works well as an anchor for a suspension trainer or resistance bands.
Pros
- Very stable A-frame design
- Multi-purpose
- Foldable
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Quite large and bulky
Designed by Mr Khanh Trinh who has 15 years of Calisthenics & Street workout experience, KT Pull Up Station gives you the most comfortable pull ups...
4. Best Outdoor Dip/Pull-Up Bar: GoBeast Pull-Up
A portable pull-up bar and dip station combined into one, the GoBeast pull-up bar stand does so in an unconventional way. The side poles can be fully extended when used as a pull-up bar or just partially extended when used as a dip station.
While in theory this is a good idea, some customers have complained that switching from one station to another requires disassembling and reassembling the bar, which is annoying if you're in the middle of a workout and need to stop.
The maximum user weight on the GoBeast pull-up bar is 240 lb. That is the lowest on this list and may be a limiting factor for some people. You are able to adjust the frame into some pretty unique angles that you cannot do on conventional pull-up bars or power tower. That extends the versatility of this unit, allowing you to do exercises such as decline push-ups and inverted rows, in addition to all the pull up variations you can do.
Your purchase of the GoBeast Pull-Up bar comes with a large carry bag, making the device portable. It is designed as both an indoor and outdoor training device, being extremely durable and finished in weatherproof oil-based paint. It only takes a couple of minutes to assemble and dismantle.
Pros
- Fully adjustable
- Large carry bag
- Suitable for outdoor and indoor use
- Easy assembly
Cons
- Max user weight limited to 240 lb
- Adjusting the poles between exercises can be a hassle
Save Time & Money, Beast your Biceps and Triceps at home with over 35 exercises. Allows you to develop powerful defined arms and core muscles...
5. Best Portable Outdoor Pull-Up Bar: PULLUP & DIP Portable Pull-Up Bar
The Pull-Up and Dip Bar is designed to be attached to a solid tree trunk for outdoor use. The fact that it doesn't come with an upright makes this the most portable pull-up bar on this list. However, it also limits your use in that you need to have a pretty solid tree or similar upright anchor at home to be able to use it. If all you've got is a yard full of grass, you won't be doing pull-ups on this device!
The Pull-Up and Dip Bar is made from high-quality stainless steel and finished with a powder coating. It is rust and weather-resistant so can be kept outside on a semi-permanent basis. It's got a max user weight of 290 lb, which is a little on the lower side.
Safety is enhanced on this device with the aid of a rotatable locking pin. This prevents the side arms from slipping from the adapters. You can easily adjust the adapter thanks to four knurled screws which will work with different diameter trees.
For indoor use, it can be attached to a wall. It's made from high-quality powder-coated steel. It can be adjusted to a range of angles, so that you can perform all sorts of movements to work your upper and lower body.
Pros
- Very portable
- Easily adjustable
- Lightweight
- Made from high-quality stainless steel
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Requires a tree or either upright for outdoor mounting
- Max user weight limited to 290 lb
Worldwide unique mobile pull-up and dip bar for wall mount at home and outdoors in a park or garden. Incl. two adapters for indoor and outdoor workouts...
6. Best Straight Bar Outdoor Pull-Up Bar: Rogue MIL Pull-Up Station
The Rogue MIL Pull-Up Station has been specially designed by the experts at Rogue to train for the Army Combat Fitness Test Leg Tuck. As a result, it is wider than most outdoor pull-up bars, with a distance of 62 inches between uprights.
As you would expect with a piece of equipment produced by Rogue, this single pull up bar is super strong. It is constructed from 2 x 3-inch 11-gauge steel tubing. The bar height is adjustable between 86 and 90 inches, with a maximum unit height of 93 inches. You also get an attachable step that connects to an upright with a detent pin and can be adjustable between 18 and 24 inches.
The Rogue MIL Pull-Up Station is finished in a textured black powder coat. It is designed for outdoor use but can also be used indoors, so long as you have a sufficient amount of ceiling height.
One potential hassle with this unit is that it ships in multiple packages so you might not get it all at once.
Pros
- Wide spacing so you can do leg tucks
- 2 x 3-inch 11-gauge steel tubing
- Bar height adjustable between 86 and 90 inches
Cons
- Ships in multiple package
- Expensive
The Rogue MIL Pull-Up Station is built to the required specs of the Army Combat Fitness Test’s “Leg Tuck” event, with an extended width of 62” between the two uprights to create ample...
7. Best Outdoor Pull-Up Station: Stamina Outdoor Power Tower Pro
The Stamina Outdoor Power Tower Pro is a higher-spec version of our favorite outdoor pull-up bar. It is made from a thicker, more durable steel than the standard power tower and features a step-up box that is adjustable to 16 and 24 inches.
This power tower is finished in weather-resistant, paint-chip, and corrosion-resistance coating with additional UV protection to prevent fading. The frame can be bolted into the ground for a permanent outdoor station or left as a freestanding pull up bar. You can also use this power tower indoors during the winter months.
The pull-up station on the Stamina Outdoor Power Tower Pro comes with multi-grip options, a dip station, and a push-up station.
Pros
- Heavy duty construction
- Adjustable step-up box
- Pull up bar has multi-grip options
Cons
- Expensive
The Stamina Outdoor Power Tower Pro is specially designed to withstand any climate, providing a powerful and intense exercise routine...
What are Outdoor Pull-Up Bars?
An outdoor pull-up bar is a sturdy, weatherproof structure that allows you to perform pull-ups outside. The design of the bar may require that you fix it in one position or it may be portable. Portable outdoor pull-up bars can also be used indoors.
Benefits of Outdoor Pull-Up Bars:
When you have an outdoor pull-up bar in your yard, you have 24-7 access to what many believe is the best single exercise you can do to for a stronger and more muscular upper body. Here are four reasons to consider investing in your own outdoor pull-up bar:
1. Variety Of Exercises
Obviously, the key reason you'd buy an outdoor pull-up bar is to do pull-ups. But there are many other exercises you can do on this device. These include chin ups (palms facing you), level ups, muscle ups, hanging leg raises, hanging knee raises, around the world, 90-degree hangs, and the inverse ladder.
When you are able to use a pull-up bar outdoors, you also aren't restricted by the ceiling height. This allows you to do exercises above the bar, such as muscle ups, without hitting your head on the ceiling.
2. Increased Vitamin D
Vitamin D is widely known as the sunshine vitamin. When you are able to exercise outdoors, your body is exposed to the natural light of the sun. as a result it is able to soak up vitamin D. There have been a number of health-related to benefits to increased vitamin D absorption from the sun's rays.
Pre-vitamin D3 is a form of cholesterol that is spontaneously converted to vitamin D when UVB light is absorbed by the skin. Over the course of many days, pre-vitamin D3 in the skin transforms into vitamin D3, which is subsequently released into the bloodstream. The active form of vitamin D, calcitriol, must undergo two metabolic transformations after entering the liver. Nearly all of the body's cells contain vitamin D receptors, which calcitriol binds to.
Vitamin D has been shown to help fight a large number of diseases. It is also able to elevate a person's mood and help ward off depression. There is even some evidence that it can help with fat loss.
3. Being outside can help lower blood pressure
Spending more time outdoors, which you will do if you have an outdoor pull-up bar, has been shown to lower blood pressure levels. In one study, out of Japan, found that taking regular walks in the forest decreased blood pressure levels by an average of 2%.3
Other research shows that spending more time outdoors decreases stress levels and improves overall mood.4
4. May Help sleep quality
Exercising outdoors, rather than under artificial light, is far better for your body clock. By resetting your body clock, it will help you to get better sleep quantity and quality.5
What to Look For When Buying Outdoor Pull-Up Bars:
An outdoor pull-up bar has to support your entire body weight over and over again. To keep yourself safe, you need to make sure that you're investing in a quality product. Here's what to look for when you're ready to go shopping for an outdoor pull-up bar.
1. Materials
Unlike an indoor pull-up bar, you will find quite a few brands of outdoor pull-up bar that are made from timber. There are a lot of timber options when it comes to the upright posts. We recommend going for white oak or pressure-treated pine.
If you decide to go with solid steel upright posts, they should be constructed from low gauge steel. Keep in mind that when it comes to steel gauges, the lower it is, the stronger the steel will be. We recommend an upright steel gauge of 11 or 12. make sure that the post is treated with a weather-resistant coating.
Steel outdoor bars should be finished in an oil-based paint, while a metal unit should be powder coated.
Check the maximum weight capacity of the bar. It should be, at a minimum, 50 pounds heavier than the anticipated heaviest user.
2. Build Quality
An outdoor pull-up bar typically consists of a pair of uprights and a crossbar. Make sure that the connection between the upright and the crossbar is extremely secure. This connection is usually by way of some sort of bolt system. If the bar requires installation in the ground, make sure that you follow the instructions carefully to ensure that it is secure and stable.
3. Features
Decide whether you want a pull-up bar with a range of gripping options. This will allow you to more effectively target either the biceps or the latissimus dorsi when doing pull-ups. Pull-up bars that include a neutral grip option as well as angled grips are ideal.
Keep in mind that outdoor pull-up bars do not come with foam hand grips. So, you might want to invest in a pair of grips or gloves to complete your outdoor workout.
4. Price
Outdoor pull-up bars are generally more expensive than their indoor counterparts. They range from a little over a hundred dollars for the budget models to close to a thousand dollars for the top-of-the-range models. The average price of the 7 outdoor pull-up bars on this page is around $350.
5. Reviews
It is a good idea to check user reviews on any outdoor pull-up bar that you are considering buying. Doing so will allow you to get real user feedback on how the device performs after weeks, and even months, of use.
Pay special attention to the ease of set-up, durability, lack of lateral movement, and versatility of the bar. Look out, also, for any customer service issues and how the company responded to them.
Outdoor Pull-Up Bar FAQs
Can you put a pull-up bar outside?
Yes, you can buy pull-up bars that are specially designed for outdoor use. These may be planted into the ground or they may be multi-use devices that can be transported outdoors as desired.
How high should an outdoor pull-up bar be?
An outdoor pull-up bar should be high enough that the tallest user can hand from it in a dead hang position without their feet touching the ground. However, it shouldn't be soo high that the average user is unable to grab onto the bar with a slight upward jump.
Is a thicker bar better for pull-ups?
A thicker pull-up bar will make it harder to maintain your grip. So, if your focus is only developing forearm and grip strength, then a thicker bar will help you to do that. If, however, your main goal is to actually increase the number of pull-ups that you are doing, you are going to be better off with a standard thickness pull-up bar.
Should I wrap my Pull-up Bar?
Wrapping your pull-up bar can be a good idea if you regularly find your grip giving out before your lats and biceps do. You can buy special pull-up bar tape, which we recommend because it will adhere better to the bar for long-term adhesiveness.
Summary: What is the best outdoor pull up bar?
Investing in an outdoor pull-up bar will allow you to set up an outdoor training to soak up the sun's rays as you exercise. You won't have the restrictions of ceiling height and will be better able to go directly from pull-ups to functional exercises such as those done in a CrossFit workout.
Outdoor pull-up bars are available as stand-alone units that are fixed in the ground or as multi-purpose devices that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
In our opinion, the best pull up bar for outdoors is the Stamina Outdoor Power Tower. It's been especially hardware engineered to withstand outdoor elements.
Being a power tower, this device is more versatile than most outdoor pull-up bars, allowing you to do also do dips, push-ups and feet-anchored sit-ups. Your purchase of the Stamina Outdoor Power Tower gives you access to a comprehensive workout app.
More Best Equipment Resources:
References:
- Bouillon R, Manousaki D, Rosen C, Trajanoska K, Rivadeneira F, Richards JB. The health effects of vitamin D supplementation: evidence from human studies. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2022 Feb;18(2):96-110. doi: 10.1038/s41574-021-00593-z. Epub 2021 Nov 23. PMID: 34815552; PMCID: PMC8609267.
- Lotfi-Dizaji L, Mahboob S, Aliashrafi S, Vaghef-Mehrabany E, Ebrahimi-Mameghani M, Morovati A. Effect of vitamin D supplementation along with weight loss diet on meta-inflammation and fat mass in obese subjects with vitamin D deficiency: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2019 Jan;90(1):94-101. doi: 10.1111/cen.13861. Epub 2018 Nov 12. PMID: 30246883.
- Park BJ, Tsunetsugu Y, Kasetani T, Kagawa T, Miyazaki Y. The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing): evidence from field experiments in 24 forests across Japan. Environ Health Prev Med. 2010 Jan;15(1):18-26. doi: 10.1007/s12199-009-0086-9. PMID: 19568835; PMCID: PMC2793346.
- Barton J, Pretty J. What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health? A multi-study analysis. Environ Sci Technol. 2010 May 15;44(10):3947-55. doi: 10.1021/es903183r. PMID: 20337470.
- Burns AC, Saxena R, Vetter C, Phillips AJK, Lane JM, Cain SW. Time spent in outdoor light is associated with mood, sleep, and circadian rhythm-related outcomes: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study in over 400,000 UK Biobank participants. J. Affect. Disord. 2021;295:347-352. doi:
Steve Theunissen
Author