For decades, outdoor brands gave little attention to women’s products. That’s changing fast. We asked a field of expert female athletes to nominate the best new performance tools in a range of sports. Here, we present our favorite yoga kit.Â
The XX Factor Issue
Our special issue highlights the athletes, activists, and icons who have shaped the outside world. Manduka Recycled Foam Blocks ($16)
Fun stripes that stand out in a crowd ensure you’ll always know which blocks are yours. These feel-good props are made from 50 percent recycled EVA.
REI Tech Capris ($50)
Truth: basic calf-length capris and the freedom of move-ment they afford are great for the studio or outdoor practice. But these ones from REI are even better, with UPF 50+ protection and a four-way-stretch polyester-spandex blend that wicks sweat.
Jade Yoga Mat Towel ($40)
For sweaty yoga sessions, this polyÂester-Âmicrofiber model is extra absorbent, soft, and quick drying.
Yoga Sak Pack ($50)
With straps to secure a mat and pockets for a water bottle, blocks, and straps, the Yoga Sak is an ideal companion for a walk to the studio—or even a short hike to your favorite lakeside retreat.
Manduka Prolite Mat ($82)
Long a top brand for yoga teachers and students for its great durability and grip, Manduka dropped 3.5 pounds from previous versions to make the ProLite even easier to love.
Flexibelt Strap ($30)
Flexibelts are extra long and wide to support yogis of every size, and the polypropylene material is washable to boot, meaning no unnecessary funk from repeated use.
Keen Uneek Slide Sandals ($90)
The Slide easily slips on and off for practice in the park or the mad dash when you’re late for class. And it looks good enough to wear the rest of the day.
Hydrapak Stash Bottle ($23)
This handy single-liter bottle can be frozen to keep liquids cold or filled with hot water for tea. Once the Stash is empty, the flexible plastic walls collapse into a small disc for the trip home.
Prana Phoebe Top ($69)
I find the Phoebe to be incredibly comfortable—both soft and flattering, with a built-in support bra and wide straps that allow for movement.
The Expert: A former president of the Yoga Teachers Association, Lauri Nemetz has been practicing her down dogs for 25 years and leads retreats around the world, occasionally from the cockpit of a kayak.