I remember my first mattress topper. It was bright blue and made of foam, and I used it to try and relieve some of my back pain on the superthin mattress I owned in my post-college days. It didn’t do much, though, since it was just a thin sheet of foam thrown over a bad mattress.
These mattress toppers, however, are game-changers. While a mattress topper can’t save you from needing a new mattress, it can easily improve the feel of a too-firm mattress. All of these mattress toppers were tested against uncomfortably firm mattresses to see how much cushion they provide, if they can add any extra support or cooling, and if they really can make your sleep better. As someone who’s been unimpressed by mattress toppers in the past, I’m hooked now on having one.
From supersoft wool and memory toppers to hybrid toppers that will make your mattress feel new and firm again, we’ve got a pick for every kind of bed and sleeper. If you’re looking for more gear to improve your sleep, don’t miss our guide to the Best Pillows, Best Sheets, and Best Mattresses.
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Icelandic+ Mini Cod Fish Chips for $10: Open a bag of these cod fish chips and your room will immediately be engulfed with a fishiness that will linger in your nostrils for hours. On the other hand, your pup will dart to your room and wolf these down instantly. At least mine did. These are imported from Iceland and are sustainably wild-caught. There are literally no other ingredients.
Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Treats for $12: Like the cod fish chips above, there’s only one ingredient in Vital Essentials’ freeze-dried raw treats. You can choose from several flavors—my dog loves beef tripe—and it’s high in protein.
Other Great Accessories
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Casper Dog Bed for $126: Getting a dog bed from a mattress company may sound like Too Much, but investing in your pup’s care and comfort helps keep them happy and healthy. I got the Casper Dog Bed for my 18-pound dog in 2023, and it has held up well. The foam is supportive without adding much height to the bed. The Casper Dog Bed comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and colors (blue, sand, and gray). The foam inserts are fully removable, so you can easily toss the cover into a washing machine. The downside? There are five foam inserts, which can at times be frustrating to fit back into the cover.
Molly Mutt Wool Dog Bed for $150: I’m a fan of wool, pretty much wool anything, so when we got a new puppy it made sense to me to get a wool dog bed. What makes the Molly Mutt wool bed special is the anti-microbial, anti-odor properties of wool. After six months of use, including many of day of wet puppy flopping down on this thing to nap, and it still doesn’t have the slightest bit of odor. I’ve followed Molly Mutt’s suggestion to pull the insert out once a month or so and leave it in direct sunshine, but otherwise this has been a zero maintenance bed. We were fortunately that our puppy was housebroken in about a week, but if yours does have an accident, fear not, just pour some water on the insert, leave it in the sun and it will dry and odor free in no time.—Scott Gilbertson
Roverlund Ready-to-Roll Cabin Carry-On for $389: The idea behind this carry-on is that the horizontal shape will allow you to plop your dog’s carrier on top, making it easy to travel with them instead of carrying it separately. I tested the carry-on on a recent trip to Kentucky and paired it with Dagne Dover’s Kyoto Carrier and, while I like the carry-on itself, the experience wasn’t great. The carrier is wider than the carry-on, so my dog tipped over and the whole thing toppled down. If your pup is smaller, this may work. Roverlund also recommends it with its own carrier, but I have an older version without the luggage strap, so I couldn’t use it. However, you can still see in pictures that its updated carrier is wider so I don’t think the outcome would be any different. Still, I think this system works if your dog is 15 pounds or less. I love the bright orange accents inside the carry-on, and there are so many organizational pockets and pouches. It’s a great weekender; I was able to fit a whole suit on one side!
PetSmile Pet Toothpaste for $23: Every time I go to the vet, they give me a brochure on how to brush my dog’s teeth as a silent dig that I really need to brush them more. There are so many dog toothpastes out there, but my dog seems to like Petsmile, specifically the London Broil flavor. Well, he likes the toothpaste, but he hates the brushing part. Petsmile says you don’t have to brush, just put some on their teeth and let their tongue do the job, but I brush anyway. It’s approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, but keep in mind that this organization doesn’t conduct testing—it reviews data from trials that adhere to VOHC protocols.
Photograph: Kat Merck
Tavo Dupree II Pet Carrier for $250: As anyone who’s driven with a pet in the car can attest, animals don’t always stay put. This can be a hazard for both pets and drivers under normal driving conditions, let alone in the event of an accident. There are pet seatbelts and restraints, but for maximum safety, a pet carrier that can attach to a vehicle’s car seat anchors might be a good option. The Tavo Dupree is from high-end baby car seat maker Nuna, and like its car seats, it meets the United Nations ECE child restraint standards. It can click into your vehicle’s anchor bars and is also airline-compliant as a carry-on that fits under the seat. It’s an extremely sturdy, structured bag with a removable memory foam bed and thoughtful details like an Airtag holder. However, be advised it is for very small pets under 20 pounds only—at 18.5 x 11.5 x 10.25 inches it was even a tight fit for my small tortoiseshell cat. —Kat Merck
WagWellies Mojave for $49: Snow and ice are the main cause of paw-related concerns, but so is hot pavement. We like the WagWellies Mojave, which are like little Crocs for your pups. They come in seven sizes, and the straps around the ankles help the shoe fit better, while the holes keep their toes fresh and breezy. Our tester’s dogs haven’t figured out how to walk in shoes but these stayed on their paws.
RifRuf Caesar 1 Dog Sneakers for $75: Take the trendy, knitted mesh look many humans love, shrink it down, and offer it in six colors for your dog. The sturdy soles protect your dog from the elements, but the knitted body of the shoe can keep their paws cool enough on a regular walk. Our tester dog looked particularly cute in the Taro pair, even if she refused to walk in them.
PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Virtual Pet Fence for $320: Virtual dog fences aren’t a replacement for real fences. If your dog needs to be fully restrained, get a real fence. However, if your living situation permits a looser barrier, this wireless fence gives you a hassle-free way to partially restrain your dog. Despite the name, this is not really plug-and-play. The device itself is: Just plug it in, set the perimeter distance, and you’re done. But you’re still going to have to train your dog to acknowledge the perimeter and get them used to stay inside the permitted space. Once that’s done, this fence works really well. It’s also portable, so you can take it to a campground or to an Airbnb that permits dogs. Petsafe also makes a more permanent in-ground electronic fence we like even better because it’s cheaper and setting the perimeter is easier. The trade-off is that you have to bury the wire. The key to success is to train your dog to the fence. Don’t install it and expect your dog to figure it out.
Dog Accessories to Avoid
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
StitchLeash Coops Retractable Leash for $35: Most pet products sent my way are pretty good. That is not the case with the StitchLeash. It’s a simple retractable leash, but there are holes with carabiners attached to them. One carabiner has a poop bag holder, another has a poop bag dispenser, and you can attach two other things to the empty ones. Useful! However, the metal carabiner rubs against the plastic, and after a few days, it began making awful squeaking noises. Worst of all, the leash broke after a full week! My dog rushed after a squirrel, and rather than halting him at the leash’s end, it just broke off from the StitchLeash. You had one job! I’ve owned the classic Flexi retractable leash for years and haven’t had this problem.
Aer’s Travel Pack 3 is about as close to a travel-bag Swiss army knife as you can get. It’s a practically indestructible backpack made of 1680-denier ballistic nylon! It’s a sophisticated briefcase with a handle! It’s a tech organizer and a laptop bag and a suitcase! Though it might be over-engineered for some (“almost too much bag,” according to my husband), the Travel Pack has a sleek, unisex design (available in black, gray, navy, or olive) and utility that make it usable for everything from day-to-day work to business trips to international backpacking.
There’s a roomy, clamshell-style main compartment that fits shoes and about two outfits, or more with a couple of packing cubes, plus a separate divided laptop compartment for two computers. The front unzips to reveal two rows of pockets reminiscent of a miniature over-the-door shoe organizer, perfect for pens, power cords, snacks, or notepads. There are compression straps on both sides to cinch it down to a more manageable size. It should be noted that even when not compressed, the 21.5 x 13-inch profile is still small enough to be stuffed under an airplane seat. Both main compartments have zippers that can accommodate a lock, and a loop on the bag allows it to fit sideways over a suitcase handle. The only detractor is that the water bottle holder is bizarrely small, even when unzipped to its full capacity. It barely fits a 40-ounce ThermoFlask, and the included magnetic strap won’t even fit halfway around it. As long as you don’t get thirsty, this is a pretty solid bag that I think most people would be happy with. —Kat Merck
★ Alternative: I recently took Travelpro’s Altitude travel backpack ($280) on a work trip. I loved the full-access, flat-top opening, which saves space in a small hotel room. I also loved that it has structure, so you can pack it like a suitcase, and it’s expandable so you can bring home a large book or a library souvenir T-shirt if you really want to.
Specs
Material: Ballistic nylon | Exterior dimensions: 21.5″ x 13″ x 9″ | Weight: 4.12 lbs
You may notice most discs are marked with a set of four numbers. These are a (mostly) industry-wide standard for describing flight patterns, and having a basic understanding of them can help you know what kind of disc you’re looking at without having to go out and throw it.
The first number is speed, which is pretty self-explanatory. Discs with a higher number are built to travel further and faster, while lower numbers will fly at a slower speed over shorter distances. The tradeoff is usually that higher speed discs are tougher to throw precisely.
Next up is glide, which describes the disc’s ability to hold in the air longer. A higher glide disc will catch the air beneath it as it moves, which can give it longer air time, but that also means it’s more susceptible to gusts of wind.
Turn and fade refer to the nature of the disc’s flight path, and are a little more nuanced. As the disc leaves your hand, it will naturally bank right, but a lower turn will cause it to bank harder, and a higher turn will keep it more stable. Fade, on the other hand, describes how much the disc will curve back to the left after completing its initial bank. Keep in mind this is for right handed players throwing backhand, so if you’re a lefty, turn is how much it banks left initially, and fade is how much it curves back to the right.
Logitech Brio 4K for $170: The original Brio from 2017 was one of the earliest mainstream webcams to offer 4K resolution at 30 fps. Logitech gave it a minor update in 2022 with updated software and a privacy shutter, but the old model is still a fine purchase that’s a little cheaper. The white balance is still accurate, and my skin color always looks normal, whether I’m in a sunny room, in limited light, or using artificial light. The autofocus is fast and subtle when refocusing, and the image is razor-sharp. Plus, you can choose from 65, 78, and a superwide 90 degrees for your field of view, giving you some framing options. If you’re using a Windows machine, you can set it up to work with Windows Hello for face authentication to log in.
Obsbot Tiny 2 Webcam for $299: I used Obsbot’s first Tiny 4K PTZ webcam with great results for more than a year, and after switching to the new Tiny 2, it’s just as great. The 4K-capable picture quality looks great, and the camera does an excellent job of following my movement. The company has also really polished its software over the years, offering lots of customization. It can respond to your hand gestures, but you can also buy a remote to control it, making it great for presentations and group video calls.
Insta360 Link for $180: This 4K webcam is an impressive beast. Mounted on a powered gimbal that rotates horizontally and vertically, the Insta360 Link (8/10, WIRED Recommends) will follow, refocus, and zoom in and out (up to 4X zoom) automatically as you move around the screen. It’ll even zoom in on presentation boards or papers you want to show off on your call. It offers outstanding sharpness, color contrast, and white balance in the choice of recording in 24, 25, and 30 frames per second in 4K resolution. There are dual noise-canceling microphones and a screw mount on the bottom for attaching it to a tripod too. The only thing it lacks is a physical privacy shutter, but the camera points downward when it’s not in use. The Link 2 is a better buy, but this model has a three-axis gimbal that makes it more versatile than the Link 2’s two-axis gimbal.
Logitech C922x for $99: The C922X is a capable webcam with solid specifications. It can stream 1080p video at 30 fps or 720p at 60 fps, which makes the Razer Kiyo X its prime competition. But it’s more expensive and has a slightly narrower 78-degree field of vision. It’s a good webcam, but you can get a comparable Kiyo X for less money.
Don’t Bother With These Webcams
Photograph: Adorama
Not every webcam is an upgrade over the built-in one on your laptop. These are the models I tested that ranged from merely unimpressive to ones that made me look like the subject of a second-grade art project.
Microsoft LifeCam Studio for $100: It says it’s a 1080p webcam, but there’s a catch—that’s only for recording video. Using it for video calls restricts you to 720p. My coworkers commented on how out-of-focus I constantly was. The white balance was so off that I looked more orange than an Oompa Loompa. And the exposure was so blown out that I never stopped looking like I was living through the last scenes of The Lighthouse. There was also a lot of lag in my movements and bad motion blur.
Logitech Brio 500 for $130: I’m struggling to think of a reason why Logitech decided to make the Brio 500 mount via an adhesive patch on its bracket, which is not meant to be removed once placed onto a laptop or monitor. What if you want to use it on multiple computers, as many of us do, or if you swap the case on your laptop? The adjustment is wacky too. The webcam is held onto the base via a magnet. Panning the cam downward often pulled it off the base instead of adjusting the angle, and swiveling it left or right caused it to loosen so much it wouldn’t stay put. That meant I kept having to pull it off the magnetic stand, screw the mount back down, and reposition it—and then not adjust it during the rest of the Zoom. That said, the image quality of its 1,080p resolution, white balance, and color contrast was quite good, if not excellent, and it came with a USB-C connection and a physical privacy shutter. The autofocus could stand to be a touch quicker. Other positives are that you can get it in black, white, or pink, two more colors than what most webcams offer.
Logitech Brio 300 for $60: The image quality is lacking on this one. Even in a fairly well-lit room, my picture was grainy. It also did weird things with the white balance as it autofocused. The field of view is quite narrow at 70 degrees and non-adjustable, so the image onscreen is up in your face. You’ll want to scoot back quite a bit so everybody else isn’t looking up your nose. Like the Brio 500, it comes in black, white, and pink, connects via USB-C, and has a physical privacy shutter. There are better options for this price without these image quality oddities.
Razer Kiyo Pro for $130: Although it looks similar to its cheaper, non-pro sibling, the Pro ditches the light ring and instead relies on software to compensate for low-light conditions. I resented having to download the Razer Synapse app to get a decent image out of the Kiyo Pro. Yes, fine-tuning settings is a very WIRED thing to do, but most people just want to plug their webcam in. Once you fiddle with the app settings, the picture image is sharp and beautiful. However, it has the same overly obvious autofocusing as the regular Kiyo, and it’s also a little overpriced. It’s not a bad pick, but again, the Logitech Brio can do 4K/30 fps, as opposed to this camera, which tops out at 1,080p/60 fps.
Creative Labs Live! Sync 4K for $50: I was skeptical about a 4K resolution webcam for this price, and my skepticism was validated in the wildly strange white balance that turned me and everything faintly orange. It may be the only webcam that made my room look darker than it was. The privacy shutter is a rubber cap you put on and take off. The bit that holds it to the webcam when it’s off is flimsy enough that if you’re rough or careless, you could rip it off, but it’s nice that it isn’t plastic, which would weaken over time. A minor issue is that the black cap blends in with the black webcam and lens so, at a quick glance, it’s hard to tell whether the cap is on or off.
Cisco Desk Camera 1080p for $121: Not to be confused with Cisco’s almost identically named Desk Camera 4K. I tried the 1,080p, 8-MP version in a variety of natural and artificial lighting, but my fellow Gear Team members and I couldn’t help but notice that no matter how I used it, the video looked overly pixelated. Unless a webcam can make me look as good pixelated as Axel from Streets of Rage, then I want smooth video that looks like it’s 1,080p. During Zooms, the Desk Camera 1,080p had trouble with focusing and zooming, frequently and jarringly refocusing but never getting it quite right.
The two most important metrics to look for when shopping for a flashlight are the batteries and the lumens.
Batteries: There are two big categories of both flashlights and headlamps: rechargeable flashlights and those that take batteries. The difference is in how you recharge them. AA or AAA batteries are easy to find and can be swapped out quickly. When your light dies in the dark, you’ll see the genius of separate batteries. That said, rechargeable lights can charge off the same power bank you’re charging your devices on, and these days, with USB-C, many lights can recharge in less than an hour.
I used to swear by the battery option, and I still do recommend headlamps or flashlights with removable batteries for many situations (your emergency kit for example), but I must say I’ve come around to the convenience of a charging port for everyday-carry flashlights or camping headlamps. Personally, I rely on a Nitecore NU25 for most situations except long backpacking trips where I bring my Petzl Tikka and set of extra batteries.
Lumens: Flashlight and headlamp companies like to make a big deal about lumens, which measure how bright a flashlight is, but the truth is you don’t always want more lumens. We didn’t test a single flashlight or headlamp that wasn’t bright enough. You’ll find lights in here with everything from 300 lumens up to 1,000 lumen spotlights that will temporarily blind you if you so much as glance at them. For most uses, this is a good range: 300 to 1,000 lumens. For something like reading in your tent at night you’ll want far less light, but any good headlamp will have a variety of brightness levels, usually with a low power mode that’s more like 40 to 60 lumens, which is about what you want for reading. Also, look for a strobe mode which will pulse the light. The strobe function is good for rescue situations since the flash is more noticeable than steady light.
The light source for most flashlights and headlamps these days is LEDs. While there are still plenty of traditional bulbs out there, the light output to energy use ratio of LEDs is hard to beat.
Between anxiety and insomnia, I’ve always had trouble sleeping, and I’m not alone. Chances are you or someone you know is not getting enough sleep, and that can have a serious impact on your health. In the past few years, a few of us on the Gear Team have worked tirelessly to transform our bedrooms into the comfiest, coziest places possible to help coax ourselves into that ever-elusive restful night of sleep.
We’ve tested dozens of sleep products for various guides and reviews—everything from sheets and weighted blankets to sound machines and sex toys. The best of the best are listed here, and we can attest that each one of these has helped us sleep a little better at night. I hope they help you, or a loved one, too.
Updated November 2024: Updated pricing and availability and swapped in a few new products, including a wearable blanket hoodie, an essential oil roller, and a couple of sleep masks.
Be sure to check out our many other buying guides this season, including the Best Viral TikTok Gadgets, Best White Elephant Gifts, and Great Gifts for PC Gamers.
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The obvious way to keep Jack Frost from nipping at your fingers is to slip on a pair of toasty gloves. People have been wearing gloves for centuries, with the shift from mittens to individually wrapped fingers the biggest upgrade in all that time. But traditional gloves don’t play nicely with our smartphones. Sure, you could stab uselessly at the touchscreen before slipping your glove off to use your phone. But wouldn’t you rather snag a good pair of touchscreen gloves?
All these gloves have some material or fingertip technology that works with touchscreens, but some are better than others. I tested each pair in this guide with my phone—I answered calls, browsed the web, and sent text messages—and also considered comfort, grip, and warmth, using them in around 40 degree Fahrenheit weather. These are our favorites.
Updated November 2024: We added photos, an alternatives section, removed discontinued gloves, and updated prices.
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Adjust Your Phone’s Settings
Before we dive in, I strongly recommend you increase the sensitivity of your phone’s touchscreen. Here’s how:
On an Android phone: Go to Settings, System, Keyboard, then Pointer speed, and then slide it to the max. These settings may vary based on your smartphone. Some Android phones also have a Touch sensitivity option or Screen protector mode you can find in the Display settings.
On an iPhone: Go to Settings, Accessibility, Touch, and tap Haptic Touch or 3D & Haptic Touch and select Fast. You may also consider tweaking some of the settings in Settings, Accessibility, Touch, Touch Accommodations.
Whether you’ve been using yoga mats for years or are just learning your first downward dog, the right gear can enhance your yoga practice and support your body.
Finding the best yoga essentials starts with what matters to you and your practice. Start by asking yourself some key questions. What style of yoga do you enjoy? Are you more into restorative stretching or intense Ashtanga flows? Will you be practicing at home or commuting to a studio? How important is sustainability to you? This guide covers the mats, props, and accessories that can transform your experience on the mat, wherever it might take you.
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Table of Contents
You’ll Need a Yoga Mat
Material matters. Most yoga mats are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), natural rubber, or cork. If you’re after affordability and grip, PVC mats are a tried-and-true option, but they’re not biodegradable and not the most environmentally friendly. Natural rubber, on the other hand, is a sustainable choice with good traction, but steer clear if you have a latex allergy. TPE mats are a bit of a compromise. They’re a hybrid of plastic and rubber polymers, making them lighter than rubber but more flexible than PVC. Cork mats are another natural choice; they’re antimicrobial, eco-conscious, and actually have a grip that improves with sweat. However, they tend to be pricier, heavier, and require extra care to maintain their quality.
Consider thickness and texture. Different practices will benefit from different thicknesses, but it is also a matter of personal preference. Think about what feels best under your feet, knees, and wrists. Thinner mats keep you closer to the ground, which can increase stability during standing or balanced poses. They’re also naturally lighter and easier to transport. Thicker mats are brilliant for restorative poses and for yogis with sensitive joints. Also, consider the surface texture: If you sweat a lot, you’ll most likely prefer a sticky mat that can help you stay grounded.
Match your mat to your flow. What type of yoga do you practice? If you practice many flows, you may be looking for a more well-rounded mat. If you’re taking your mat outdoors or doubling it up for pilates, durability is important. You may also want a mat that can endure footwear.
How often do you practice? If you’re on the mat daily, consider investing in a high-quality option that can stand up to wear and tear. For occasional sessions or beginners, there are more budget-friendly choices that still offer decent comfort and stability.
For more guidance on yoga mats, check out our guide to the Best Yoga Mats Tried and Tested by Experts.
Lululemon the Mat.
Photograph: Lululemon
If you want a well-rounded mat, this Lululemon mat is one to consider. Yes, it’s pricey, but the attention to detail makes it worth the splurge. One standout feature is the antimicrobial additive, which helps fend off mold and mildew. This is great for those who don’t always remember to air out their mats (guilty). It’s also reversible, giving you the option to flip between a smooth polyurethane surface for sweaty sessions and a cushioned rubbery side for slower flows. The 5 millimeter thickness adds just the right amount of padding for your knees during restorative poses.
Note: Since it’s made with a blend of polyurethane, natural rubber, and synthetic rubber, it’s not a good fit for anyone with latex allergies. Also, while the smooth surface feels great, it’s prone to scuffing, so avoid shoes on the mat.
This is my go-to mat for indoor practices, and it has traveled with me everywhere, from Boston winters to Chicago summers. I’m a big fan of this brand made from sustainable rubber with no PVC or synthetic materials and in compliance with US environmental, labor, and consumer protection laws. (Jade also plants a tree for every mat sold.) The grip is stellar, but so is its ability to pick up lint, pet hair, and dust, so you’ll have to wipe it down after every use. It also has a rubbery smell at first, which fades over time but never fully disappears. Weighing just over 3 pounds, it’s super portable, though I wouldn’t recommend it for hot yoga or outdoor practices. Prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight will dry out and damage the rubber, so don’t leave it baking in your car either.
My very first mat, and honestly the best for anyone just starting out or on a budget. It’s lightweight (under 3 pounds), so I could easily tote it to the park or my neighborhood studio. I also used this mat for floor workouts during the quarantine, and because of the affordable price I didn’t feel bad about using shoes. It’s also latex-free, a great option for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies. That said, you’re not getting the most durable mat. My cat managed to poke holes in it during one of her kneading sessions, but at $25, you can’t expect it to be invincible.
Photograph: Manduka
When it comes to heated practices, the Manduka PROlite is my favorite. The mat is designed to stay put, thanks to its no-slip dot pattern, and it has a closed-cell surface that keeps sweat and moisture from seeping in. Unlike the open-cell construction of the Lululemon and Jade mats, this one doesn’t absorb as much sweat, so it’ll hold up longer. It’s also free of phthalates and latex.
How to Clean Your Yoga Mat
First off, check your mat’s care instructions. Yoga mats aren’t all made from the same materials, so the cleaning process isn’t a one-size-fits-all. In general, make it a habit to wipe down your mat after every practice. Use a gentle mat cleaner and a soft towel, spraying the solution directly onto the towel (never on the mat) to avoid any spotting. Opt for sprays with natural antimicrobial properties (like essential oils); they smell great, too.
About once a month, give open-cell mats a deep clean by soaking them in warm water mixed with a gentle dish soap. After a few minutes, rinse thoroughly and let the mat air dry. If you have a closed-cell mat, skip the full submersion; use a soapy rag to wipe it down instead, and then let it air dry.
I can’t stress this enough—always let your mat dry completely before you roll it up. Rolling up a damp mat is the fastest way to invite mildew and funky odors. Nobody wants that.
Photograph: Liforme
How to Dispose of Your Yoga Mat
When your yoga mat eventually bites the dust, there are a few things to consider before tossing it—unless you have a biodegradable mat, which you can send to the landfill without the guilt. Most mats, though, are crafted from materials like PVC and TPE, which are slow to break down. Some brands, like Jade Yoga, have recycling programs that will take these mats off your hands. You can also reach out to your local recycling center to confirm if they accept your mat.
If you can’t recycle it, repurpose it. Many animal shelters will welcome old mats to line kennels and crates, as long as they’re clean. Just make sure you call ahead to confirm. You can also reuse your mat for outdoor excursions. Use it as padding under your sleeping bag for added insulation while camping. Stash it in your car for impromptu picnics at the park, or use it to stop groceries from sliding around. If you surf, place it between your surfboard and car to prevent dings. The opportunities are endless, really.
Yoga Towels
Photograph: Amazon
If you’re hitting heated classes as often as I do (three to four times a week), a single yoga mat towel won’t cut it. This affordable microfiber set includes a mat and hand towel, and they’ve become staples in my towel rotation. I love the quality for the price and the mat towel’s corner pockets; it’s a simple feature that makes a huge difference. It stays put even when I’m shifting through lunges and balance poses, so I don’t have to constantly adjust my towel mid-flow. For under $25, this is a solid purchase for anyone who practices regularly.
This is a great towel for hot yoga, pilates, and even weight-lifting sessions. Unlike most hand towels, it’s soft enough on my skin that I don’t feel that scratchy feeling while wiping my face. It’s quick-drying, too, so you’re not lugging around a soggy towel by the end of the session. My only wish is that it was a slightly larger size.
Photograph: Manduka
The Yogitoes Yoga Mat Towel is a splurge, but it lives up to its reputation. Made from recycled plastic bottles and equipped with silicone nubs on the underside, it keeps you grounded even when your hands and feet start to fall asleep. The unique designs are what you’re really paying for, though, with options ranging from sunset landscapes to animal prints. Choose wisely. Each print adds a certain energy to your practice, and you’ll want a vibe that matches your flow.
Made from polyester microfiber, this Jade towel checks off all the basics. It’s super absorbent, quick-drying, and grippy enough for those more intense flows or even HIIT workouts. Plus, Jade partners with the Water Project. meaning that each towel sold helps provide a day of drinking water to someone in need.
Bags and Slings
Photograph: Beis
The Beis Sport Carryall is fabulously functional. It’s a total multitasker, with space for your yoga gear, work supplies, and other essentials. There’s a padded laptop sleeve (for up to 15 inches, a water bottle slot, a slit for your yoga mat, and many other extras. I especially love the added key leash and front pockets, so I’m not constantly digging around for my smaller items. It feels stylish enough to carry throughout the day, even after your practice.
If you’re after a no-frills carrier, the Manduka Commuter Mat Carrier fits most (if not all) yoga mats. The padded shoulder strap (made from 100 percent natural cotton) makes it comfortable to carry wherever you’re headed, and I very much appreciate the silent gravity cinch closure.
Photograph: Alo Yoga
I like the Alo Yoga Mat for those long hauls to the studio. The adjustable strap is plush, and the carabiner hook and top handle are nice touches. There are three zippered pockets, one for your mat and two more for your keys, wallet, phone, etc. The mesh compartments mean you’re not fumbling for your stuff. Maybe that’s just me?
Jade Yoga’s Recycled Sari Yoga Mat Bat is not only beautiful—each one is handmade with recycled cotton from saris by Local Women’s Handicraft (LWH) in Nepal. There are three compartments for your mat, water bottle, and the rest of your essentials. The main pocket’s long zipper makes it easy to slide your mat in and out when you’re rushing out the door, and the 55-inch is adjustable to fit all body types.
Blocks, Straps, and Props
Photograph: Amazon
If you’re buying only one prop, I highly recommend yoga blocks. At least two will help you maintain balance and practice proper alignment through flows. This Manduka Lean Cork Yoga set is sustainably sourced from renewable cork oak trees and offer top-tier grip for those with sweaty palms. The slimmer width is also ideal for people with smaller frames, on-the-go yogis, or for anyone looking for an extra challenge during balancing asanas.
Two yoga blocks let you set yourself up for success with excellent support in practicing and holding tricky balance postures. They encourage you to practice proper alignment in a variety of moves and stretches, too. With its super-solid construction, slimmer width, and textured surface for easy grip, the Lean Cork Block set improves balance and alignment for an enhanced practice. The set is also sustainably sourced from renewable cork oak trees with zero toxic chemicals.
The Manduka Recycled Wool Blanket isn’t just for Savasana. Fold or roll up for extra support during poses. You can also fold it into a makeshift cushion or wrap it around your body for meditation. It’s soft and stretch-resistant; just make sure to dry-clean only to avoid premature wear.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, this bundle also includes a yoga strap. Yoga straps are great for deepening stretches and improving flexibility.
Whether you’re easing into a backbend or looking to prop up your knees during Svasana for increased blood flow, yoga bolsters offer the proper support to relax. Round bolsters like this one are especially helpful for chest openers, side stretches, and deeper arches without strain. If Sukhasana (sitting cross-legged) or hero’s pose feels tough on your hips, you can place a bolster between your legs for comfort.
Reusable Water Bottles
We’ve spotlighted a few choices below, but you can find more recommendations in our Best Reusable Water Bottles guide.
Photograph: Dick’s Sporting Goods
The Hydro Flask has built a rep with outdoorsy folks, probably because it’s nearly indestructible. This bottle is perfect for yogis who like to take their practice outside; the durability is unmatched, and it keeps drinks cold for hours. It’s a must for someone looking for a bottle that can handle all the bumps and tumbles of an active lifestyle.
Photograph: Amazon
If plastic is more your vibe, we love the latest Nalgene. Made from BPA-free Tritan and half recycled plastic, it’s a classic with a modern upgrade. Tech director Martin Cizmar appreciates the screw-top lid, the measurement lines, and the wide mouth for easy cleaning.
Photograph: Owala
The hype is real with Owala FreeSip (9/10, WIRED Recommends). It’s insulated, perfect for hot days or hot yoga. What really sets it apart, though, is the dual-function lid: You can either sip through the built-in straw or chug from the spout. Switch up how you drink with your flow (I’m totally kidding).
Other Helpful Gadgets
Photograph: Amazon
Manduka’s lavender-scented refresh spray will have your mat smelling zen. It’s made with essential oils and is pet-friendly. If you’re not a fan of lavender, the brand offers ginger grass and lemongrass fragrances.
Wearing socks during practice is a personal choice. I sometimes prefer being barefoot, but when tackling balancing asanas, I do appreciate the extra stability. Bombas socks excel at maintaining their grip, even on a sweaty mat, which is a definite bonus.
Photograph: Amazon
You obviously don’t need a meditation cushion, but it transforms your practice. The Zafu helps alleviate knee strain, reduce ankle pressure, and improve spinal alignment—making it easier to settle into stillness. Realistically, you could grab any pillow, but if you’re looking to elevate your yoga space, this cushion is a thoughtful addition.
Photograph: Quiet Mind
I have been a proud owner of the Quiet Mind Weighted Pillow for over a year, and I can’t remember my life without it. My daily companion, I’ll place it on my lap when I’m meditating for comfort. It also weighs me down, helping me focus during those quiet moment when the scattered thoughts start to creep in. I don’t have a weighted blanket, but I’ll vouch for this pillow any day.
The Alo Yoga Bend It Yoga Wheel makes stretching feel more accessible. Use it for those tricky backbends and inversions. Roll your spine over it to open up your body, relieve tension, and enhance flexibility in your shoulders and hip flexors. For any beginners hesitant about advanced poses, think of this as training wheel. It also doubles as a prop for legs-up inversions.
My only gripe with the plush version is that it doesn’t have straps (the standard does, but I haven’t tested that). While it won’t slide off—it stays in place, thanks to the cotton cover—the corners do sometimes get bunched up when you’re changing sheets and need to be smoothed out.
Best Organic Bedding
It doesn’t really make sense to spend $1,000 on an organic mattress, then buy nonorganic sheets that will rest directly against your skin. Here are some of our favorite organic sheets to top your new organic mattress.
Soft Cotton Sheets
These are the best organic cotton sheets I’ve tested. They’re soft, but not overly silky, which is a feeling I don’t care for (if you do, check out the Avocado sheets below). The Brooklinen organic cotton sheets are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. They’re also Oeko-Tex certified, which means they’re tested for and do not contain any known toxic chemicals. The 300 thread count makes this plenty crisp and soft but isn’t so tight that you end up sleeping hot. These are a great choice for summer or if, like me, you sleep on the warm side even in winter.
For a Silk-Like Feel
These 600-count sheets are like sleeping on silk or satin. Somehow they are actually 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton from India. The only potential issue here is that, because they are such a dense weave, they sleep a little warmer than what you might be used to. Avocado also has a 400-count version I have not tested, but that might be a better pick for warm sleepers.
Soft, Crisp Hotel-Style Sheets
I first tested Antipodean’s wool duvet (see the next section), which I loved, but I recently started sleeping on these sheets and am confident enough to say that they’re excellent. They remind me of the sheets you’ll find in high-end hotels — wonderfully crisp, soft, clean white sheets. As with any of the organic cotton sheets here, these are naturally hypoallergenic. They’re made of ultrafine, long-staple organic cotton, with a weave that’s on the heavier side giving them a bit of weight. Everything Antipodean makes is grown sustainably on low-impact farms that practice regenerative farming methods. These are breathable too. I haven’t yet slept in real heat with them, but so far they’re been fine on nights where the only bedding I needed was the sheet.
Linen Sheets
Organic linen sheets are a potential heirloom purchase—high-quality, well-cared-for linen will last years, if not decades. That said, if you are used to 600-count cotton like the sheets above, linen sheets are, well, different. They’re rougher, though they get softer with every wash (cold water, mild detergent, cool or hang dry). What doesn’t change is their weight. If you like heavy covers, these are the sheets for you. Linen is also more breathable and cooler than other fabrics, making it a good choice for those who sleep hot. It’s also durable. Avocado’s organic linen sheets are some of the heaviest I’ve tried and will likely last you many years. The bottom sheet is fitted (sometimes linen sheet sets are both flat), and there’s a matching duvet cover ($439).
A Great Organic Wool Duvet
To round out your organic bedding collection you need a good organic duvet. My favorite that I’ve tested is Antipodean’s organic merino wool duvet. As one of the authors of our merino wool guide, I was well primed to like Antipodean’s wool duvet, but even I was surprised by just how much I like it. Like most wool things, Antipodean’s wool duvet is capable of amazing feats that sound too good to be true, like keeping you warm, yet being breathable enough that you rarely get too hot. (I am a hot sleeper, and I can vouch for this.) Wool is able to do this because it’s what’s known as an active fiber—that is, it reacts to changes in your body temperature and the environment just like it did when it was insulating and warming and cooling a sheep. The result is a duvet that’s given me some of the best night’s sleep I’ve had. One thing to note, this duvet is much heavier than what most people will be used to. I don’t mind it, but it does sometimes feel almost like a weighted blanket.
Organic Pillows
We have an entire guide to pillows, but we’re going to be adding some more organic picks here, because if you’re trying to get away from the phthalates and other chemicals, your pillow is just as important as your mattress.
The top organic pick in our pillow guide, the best part about the Avocado Green Pillow is the ease with which you can modify it. For example, I hate fluffy pillows; I like nearly flat pillows. So I just unzipped the Avocado pillow, pulled out half the stuffing (my kids used it to make sock puppets), and finally had the pillow of my dreams. My son, who loves an overstuffed pillow, took some of the extra stuffing that Avocado gives you and overstuffed his pillow. Everyone wins. The fill here is shredded GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic kapok. The quilted organic cotton cover is nice and soft and doesn’t get too hot. I’ve had mine for four years now and it’s just as good as the day I got it.
How We Tested and What to Look for in an Organic Mattress
Mattresses are large, and testing them is time- and space-consuming. Members of the WIRED Gear team have been testing mattresses for many years, and we have slept on every mattress on this list for at least a couple of weeks, often longer—in many cases, years longer. That said, there’s no way for us to test them all. Here are a few general tips, tricks, and things to look for when shopping for an organic mattress online.
Know What Kind of Sleeper You Are: Different mattresses are designed for different sleeping styles. Are you a side sleeper? Stomach sleeper? Back sleeper? Or are you like me, a little bit of everything (which they call a combination sleeper)? Knowing the answer to this question can help narrow down your search to mattresses that are a good fit for your sleeping habits. This is where mattress reviews like ours come in handy; we test for every kind of sleeper.
Do You Like Firm, Soft, Medium? Mattresses come in different firmness options, often within the same model. Whichever one is right for you depends on which firmness you enjoy, as well as any issues you may have, like back pain.
Innerspring vs. Foam: Organic mattresses come in two basic flavors: the traditional innerspring coil design and pure foam. We’ve primarily tested and recommend innerspring in this guide, though pure foam designs have improved in recent years, and we’re in the process of testing a few now. The big difference in my experience is the amount of heat that foam retains. It’s a good choice for those who sleep cold, while those who sleep hot are better off with a traditional pocketed coil design.
Look for a Trial Period: Everyone makes mistakes; to avoid having to live with a potential mistake, make sure the mattress you’re considering offers a sleep trial. Everything listed here offers some kind of sleep trial period after which, if you’re not happy, you can return the mattress.
More Expensive Doesn’t Mean Better: Organic mattresses aren’t cheap, but there’s no reason to spend a fortune just to get a good, eco-friendly night’s sleep.
Check the Warranty: Lifetime warranties are rare these days, but most of the mattresses we’ve tested offer around 25-year warranties. Some companies cap it at 10 years, but view those with suspicion. A good mattress should last more than 10 years, and good companies are willing to stand behind their products for that long.
Wait for a Sale: Mattresses go on sale all the time, usually every few months for most brands. Unless you need a new mattress right now, you’re probably better off waiting for the next big sale.
What Makes a Mattress Organic?
To help you make sense of the often bewildering world of organic mattresses, here are some terms and certifications to know.
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