The Recommended
type: channel
link: https://www.therecommended.com
description: Your source for expert recommendations and advice.
date: 2023-09-01T12:58:02.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: The best travel pillows for planes, trains and car travel
items: The best luggage straps to help keep your belongings safe while you travel
items: The best camping chairs for festivals, garden parties and camping staycations
items: The best camping stoves, recommended by outdoors experts
items: The best outdoor rugs to spruce up your garden
items: The most stylish outdoor cushions to bring some colour to your garden or balcony this summer
items: The best kettlebells, recommended by personal trainers
items: The best skipping ropes, recommended by jump rope experts
items: The best resistance bands, recommended by personal trainers
items: The best cat food: natural and grain free foods for all kinds of cats

The best travel pillows for planes, trains and car travel
type: item
date: 2023-09-01T10:00:29.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Household
subject: Sleep
subject: Summer essentials
subject: Travel
description: Whether you’re flying abroad or catching a train cross-country, ensure you travel comfortably and sleep well with our guide to the best travel pillows.
encoded: Made it through the airport, boarded the plane and ready to hit the hay? If you’ve not quite made it to first class, sleeping on a plane is no easy feat. You’re hot then cold, and there are legroom issues, maybe other passenger issues, and a lack of neck support on your seat. Adding a travel pillow to your packing list should be the top of your priorities to make travelling and sleeping a little more of a breeze. A travel pillow can make all the difference to your comfort on a flight - not only will it help you sleep better, but it can help prevent neck pain and avoid awkward sleeping positions. They’re also great to use for long-haul car journeys or train journeys or when travelling cross-country on a night bus. For more useful tips on journeying in the air, check out our tips for air travel: the most common mistakes to avoid. We’ve also got you covered with the best carry-on luggage and the best luggage straps to help keep your belongings safe. So, which type of travel pillow is the best for you? To help you answer that, The Recommended scoured the internet to find the best travel pillows on the market to ensure you have a good night's sleep, regardless of how you travel. We’ve also put together a handy buyer’s guide to answer your most commonly asked questions, which you can find at the bottom of this page. The best travel pillows at a glance: Best for neck support: BCOZZY Neck Pillow, £39.97 at Amazon Best budget travel pillow: Streetwize Travel Neck Pillow, £13 at Argos Best travel pillow for side sleepers: Travelrest Ultimate Travel Pillow & Neck Pillow, £25.54 at Amazon Best compact travel pillow: Boots Deluxe Travel Pillow, £25 at Boots Best accessories: Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Travel Pillow, £24.99 at Amazon Best portable travel pillow: SNUGL Travel Pillow, £29.95 at Amazon Best for long journeys: Go Travel 2 Memory Dreamer Pillow, £19.99 at John Lewis Best for comfort: Huzi Store Infinity Pillow, £39.99 at Amazon Best supportive travel pillow: Memo…

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The best luggage straps to help keep your belongings safe while you travel
type: item
date: 2023-08-31T11:47:14.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Household
subject: Summer essentials
subject: Travel
description: We searched the internet to find a selection of the best luggage straps for securing your bags when flying.
encoded: Keeping your luggage safe and secure when on the move is a top priority. From luggage locks to luggage tags, adding simple and relatively inexpensive travel accessories to your belongings can make a big difference. Luggage straps are a great way to keep your bags in check - they’ll prevent your belongings from spilling out in the event of zippers breaking, and they’ll also help you to identify your luggage when at the airport carousels. There are plenty of options out there - some come with locks, others are extra long, and some are super bright! Don’t know where to start in picking the best one for your bags? Lucky for you, at The Recommended, we’ve scoured the internet and put together a super handy guide on the best luggage straps available on the market. Plus, we’ve also included some useful advice on why you should use a luggage strap, the features to look for and how to fasten them correctly to your suitcases and bags. Read on for the full rundown. The best luggage straps at a glance: Best overall luggage straps: BlueCosto Luggage Straps, £8.99 at Amazon Best secure luggage strap: GoTravel Sentry Luggage Strap, £13 at Boots Best lockable luggage straps: Santrest Travel Luggage Strap, £32.56 at Amazon Best classy strap: Nere Luggage Strap, £9.99 at Nere Best extra-long luggage straps: TRIWONDER 4 Pack Luggage Straps, £12.99 at Amazon Best colourful strap: Status Luggage Strap, £3 at Dunelm Best personalised straps: The JetRest Personalised Combination Luggage Suitcase Strap, £17.99 at Amazon Best for fastening extra bags: Vigorport Add A Bag Luggage Strap, £13.99 at Amazon The best luggage straps Best overall luggage straps: BlueCosto Luggage Straps A great all-round design These heavy-duty luggage straps have a secure buckle for fastening tightly to your bags and suitcases. These straps extend to fit suitcases between 46 and 78 inches in width or height and are 2 inches wide. They are available in a choice of six colours - black, grey, navy, green, pink and si…

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The best camping chairs for festivals, garden parties and camping staycations
type: item
date: 2023-08-18T11:00:47.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Camping
subject: Summer essentials
subject: Travel
description: Getting ready for an outdoors adventure or just look for some extra garden seating? We've picked some of the best camping chairs you can buy online, and pulled together a buyer's guide to help answer some commonly asked questions.
encoded: If you've ever gone camping and forgotten a chair you'll know just why this piece of equipment is essential for an enjoyable trip away. Whether you’re heading to a music festival, embarking on a backpacking adventure or escaping on a caravanning holiday, there's nothing worse than sitting on the wet, dirty, and often uncomfortable ground. So, along with a camping stove and suitable tent, a camping chair should be an essential component of your kit list in order to avoid misery on the floor. You might think that buying a camping chair is simple but there's actually more to consider than you might first think. Weight, lumbar support, and size, are all factors worth thinking about to ensure that you choose the right camping chair for your plans. To help you find the best camping chair for your next outdoor adventure, The Recommended has done the hard work and found the best camping chairs out there. We’ve also shared some tips on what you should look for depending on where and how you plan to use your camping chair. The best camping chairs at a glance: Best portable camping chair: Trekology Chair Ultra Lightweight, £85, at Millets Best cushioned camping chair: Hi-Gear Kentucky Classic Chair, £22, at Go Outdoors Best shaded camping chair: Alpha Camp Chair With Shade Canopy, £39.99, at Amazon Best supportive camping chair: Regatta Forza Adults Camping Chair, £53.95, Decathlon Best large camping chair: Outdoor Revolution Tubbi XL Chair, £99, Halfords Best two-seater camping chair: Kelty Low Loveseat Chair, £120, at Mountain Warehouse Best circular camping chair: KingCamp Moon Chair, £69.99, at Amazon The best camping chairs Here are our top camping chairs: Best portable camping chair: Trekology Chair Ultra Lightweight Great for hiking This camping chair from Trekology is ideal for hiking. It weighs just 960g and packs down into a small storage bag that can be packed away in a rucksack. The Trekology Chair features a high-strength aluminium frame, polyester fabric seats de…

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The best camping stoves, recommended by outdoors experts
type: item
date: 2023-08-17T14:20:48.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Camping
description: A camping stove is an essential accessory for every camper, trekker and adventurer. But with hundreds to choose from, all suited to different applications, which should you choose? We spoke to outdoors experts to find out.
encoded: Amongst tents, sleeping bags, and warm clothes, a dependable camping stove is a crucial piece of equipment for campers to have in their arsenal. Whether you’re a solo camper eager for a cup of coffee or a parent faced with a family of hungry campers, you won't regret investing in a reliable stove. With countless options available, from two-burner gas stoves to electric hobs and wood burners to induction, it can be hard to choose the right stove for your needs. To simplify your selection process, we've got the insights of two camping experts to help assist you in your camping stove purchase. They have shared their recommendations on what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for a camping stove. Armed with their advice, we've also compiled a list of the best camping stoves for you based on their tips. The best camping stoves at a glance: Best two-burner camping stove: Campingaz Folding Chef Stove, £70, at Argos Best electric camping stove: Vango Sizzle Double Induction Cooker, £144.99, at Very Best for remote trips: Fire-Maple FMS-X1 Camping Stove Gas System, £55.95, at Amazon Best single burner stove: Campingaz Camp Bistro 2, £29.99, at Decathlon Best for windy conditions: MSR WindBurner Sauce Pot 2020 camping stove, £200, at Cotswold Outdoor Best lightweight camping stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove, £55, at Decathlon Best multi-functional stove: Campingaz Party Grill Gas Stove, £109.99, at Robert Dyas Best wood-burning stove: REDCAMP Camping Wood Burning Stove, £21.99, at B&Q The best camping stoves Here are our best camping stoves chosen with the help of our experts. Best two-burner camping stove: Campingaz Chef Folding Camp Stove Lightweight and compact With two gas burners and a toaster function in the base, our experts say this foldable camping stove is ideal for keen campers and adventure enthusiasts. Housed in a lightweight folding case, this camping stove is compact and portable. It is also compatible with Campingaz 904 and 907 gas cylinders, a popular …

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The best outdoor rugs to spruce up your garden
type: item
date: 2023-08-17T10:00:24.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Furniture
subject: Garden
subject: Summer essentials
description: We’ve scoured the internet to find the best outdoor rugs to inject some colour and comfort into your garden, as well as share some top tips for keeping them clean.
encoded: If you're looking to elevate your outdoor space then you'll need some accessories which can boost the aesthetics no matter the size or style of your garden. Outdoor rugs can do exactly that. Whether it's a patio, a balcony, or a garden the size of a football pitch, outdoor rugs can help add a burst of colour and personality to any space. What's more, unlike indoor rugs, most garden rugs are crafted from durable materials that equips them with waterproof, stain-resistant, and UV-resistant properties, ensuring they can effortlessly withstand rain, drink mishaps, grass stains, and the sun. To aid you in finding the ideal rug for your outdoor space, The Recommended has meticulously scoured the online market to curate a collection of top-tier outdoor rugs available for purchase. Plus, we've got a handy buyer's guide to help you clean your rug, safely store it to prevent mould, and the perfect places to position it. The best outdoor rugs at a glance: Best overall outdoor rug: Green Decore Nirvana Outdoor Eco Rug, £80, at Robert Dyas Best design: Habitat Meadow Haze Boho Woven Outdoor Rug, £28, at Argos Best tree-themed outdoor rug: Paco Home Indoor & Outdoor Rug Jungle Carved, £102, at Wayfair Best range of colours: Pop Outdoor Rug, £55, at Dunelm Best reversible outdoor rug: Zoe Geometric White & Grey Outdoor Rug, £22.99, at Debenhams Best outdoor rug for summer: Aztec Indoor and Outdoor Rug, £50, John Lewis The best outdoor rugs Best overall outdoor rug: Green Decore Nirvana Outdoor Eco Rug Great all-rounder This patterned rug from Green Decore has an elegant geometric pattern and comes in a range of eight tasteful colours to suit any style. The rug is available to buy in six sizes and is UV protected, so it shouldn’t lose its colour after being exposed to the sun. It is also mould-resistant, pet-friendly, odour-free, and reversible, which means that if you stain it, you can flip it over until you have time to give it a thorough clean. Best design: Habitat Meadow Haze B…

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The most stylish outdoor cushions to bring some colour to your garden or balcony this summer
type: item
date: 2023-08-16T14:09:19.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Household
subject: Furniture
subject: Garden
subject: Summer essentials
description: We've scoured the internet to find the best outdoor cushions to inject some colour into your outdoor living space, as well as share some top tips for helping them last year after year.
encoded: Whether you’re revamping an inner-city balcony or adding the finishing touches to a landscaped garden in the countryside, when it comes to creating your dream garden living space, a set of outdoor cushions is a simple way of adding some colour and personality to your outdoor space. With an endless variety of designs and artwork to choose from, as well as cushions specifically designed to fit rattan garden furniture, sun loungers and outdoor dining sets, there’s a set of garden cushions out there to suit every home. To help you find the cushions that best match your style, The Recommended scoured the internet to find a collection of the best outdoor cushions to buy online. We’ve also included a handy buyer's guide, sharing some tips including how to keep your outdoor cushions clean and how to store them safely to ensure you can continue using them year after year. The best outdoor cushions at a glance: Best stylish cushion: furn. Capri Cushion, £17 at Next Best set of cushions: M&S Collection Set of 2 Outdoor Cushions, £19.50 at M&S Best waterproof cushions: MIULEE Waterproof Outdoor Cushion, £10.99 at Amazon Best affordable cushion: John Lewis New Country Stripe Outdoor Cushion, £15 at John Lewis Best reversible cushion: Squiggle Print Reversible Outdoor Cushion, £7 at George at ASDA Best outdoor floor cushion: Lazy Bag Giant Bean Bag Chair XXL, £89.90 at Amazon Best patterned cushion: Coast Blue Water Resistant Outdoor Cushion, £20 at Dunelm Best premium cushions: Izabela Peters Luxury Designer Garden Outdoor Cushions, £18.99 at Amazon The best outdoor cushions Best stylish cushion: furn. Capri Cushion Contemporary design Transport yourself to the Italian island of Capri! This cushion is bright and boldly coloured in blues and pinks, with a radiant yellow sun decorating it and the slogan ‘Capri’. Rest against your favourite chairs, benches or hammocks and add watch the colours pop out in your garden. Made from 100% polyester and wipe clean only to maintain its cond…

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The best kettlebells, recommended by personal trainers
type: item
date: 2023-08-15T11:00:16.000Z
creator: Luke Chamberlain
subject: Fitness
subject: Exercise
subject: weights
description: We spoke to some top personal trainers to put together our list of the best kettlebells to buy to add some variety to your home workouts
encoded: If you're looking to buy fitness equipment to use at home then a kettlebell is essential. Whether you’re just starting out and looking to explore home fitness for the first time, or you’ve been lifting for years and want to upgrade your home gym, this versatile weight can be used in hundreds of different exercises to improve your strength and fitness. Not only do kettlebell exercises add variety to your workouts and increase strength, but kettlebell movements are also a highly effective way of getting your heart pumping and improving cardiovascular health. However, when it comes to kettlebells not all are made equal and there are some considerations you should make before buying one. To help you navigate this world of kettlebells and inform your purchasing decision, we have spoken to two of the most knowledgeable personal trainers out there. They've helped explain what you should look out for (and avoid) when shopping for kettlebells and some of their favourites on the market. The best kettlebells at a glance: Best overall kettlebell: Body Revolution 2kg Kettlebell, £19.99, Body Revolution Best versatile kettlebell: Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Weights and Dumbbells, £228, Very Best kettlebell for experimenting: DKN Unisex's Vinyl Kettle Bell Weight Set, £24.99, Amazon Best kettlebells for beginners: PROIRON Cast Iron Kettlebell Weight, £21.99, Amazon Best kettlebell for heavy lifting: ORIGINAL Cast Iron Kettlebells UK, £59.99, Original Kettlebell Best kettlebell for technical movements: Pro Fitness 20kg Cast Iron Kettlebell, £55, Argos Best colour variety: Body Revolution Kettlebells, £39.99, Amazon Best kettlebell for home gyms: Bionic Body Soft Kettle Bell with Handle, £22.50, Exercise Best kettlebell for one-armed movements: ATOM BELLS Competition Kettlebell, £45, Gymstuff Best kettlebell for grip: Yes4All Single Vinyl Coated Kettlebell, £19.02, Amazon The best kettlebells Best overall kettlebells: Body Revolution Kettlebell Easy storage These kettlebells tick …

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The best skipping ropes, recommended by jump rope experts
type: item
date: 2023-08-14T13:29:46.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Fitness
subject: Exercise
description: Skipping ropes are a handy, all-in-one fitness accessory that you can take with you on the go for a quick cardio workout. But with a range of ropes on offer, which style should you choose? The Recommended spoke to jump rope experts to find out.
encoded: A staple of the playground and the boxing ring, skipping - or jump rope, if you prefer the American term - is a straightforward but rewarding exercise that can be used for everything from a quick warm-up, an intense fitness session, or simply performing tricks and having fun. But before you head out and buy a skipping rope for yourself, there are certain things you should look out for to ensure you pick a rope that’s suitable to your skill level and that helps you develop good technique. Not only will this enable you to reap the rewards of more efficient cardio sessions and avoid injury, but it will help you to incorporate new tricks into your routine as you become more confident. To help you master everything from basic jumps to side swings, crossovers and double unders, The Recommended spoke to three skipping experts to find out what you should look out for (and avoid) when shopping for a skipping rope. You can read their expert advice in full at the bottom of this page, and we've included a helpful buyer's guide, answering some of your burning questions. For the ultimate guide on why skipping should be your new favourite workout, check out our comprehensive guide on skipping tips and benefits for physical and mental health. The best skipping ropes at a glance: Best jump rope for beginners: Dope Ropes Signature Beaded Jump Rope, £19.99 at Dope Ropes Best skipping rope for cardio: The Dope Rope 2.0 - Cardio Fitness Jump Rope, £19.99 at Dope Ropes Best intermediate jump rope: TORQ Ropes Current, £22 at TORQ Best skipping rope for families: MoKo Jump Rope Soft Beaded Skipping Rope (2 Pack), £11.99 at Amazon Best minimal skipping rope: Alfya Skipping Rope Adult, £4.75 at Amazon Best skipping rope for fancy footwork: EliteSRS Boxer Jump Rope 3.0, £27.29 at Amazon Best jump rope for speed: Beast Gear Speed Skipping Rope Adult for Women and Men, £19.99 at Amazon Best budget skipping rope: Gritin Skipping Rope, £5.99 at Amazon Best for multiple jumpers: MoKo 16ft Jump Rop…

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The best resistance bands, recommended by personal trainers
type: item
date: 2023-08-11T09:11:22.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Fitness
subject: Exercise
description: Super lightweight and versatile, resistance bands are an all-in-one fitness accessory that allow you to take the gym with you wherever you go. But with a range of materials and resistances on offer, which option should you choose? We spoke to top personal trainers to find out.
encoded: While they might not look like much, resistance bands are a convenient and versatile gym accessory that can bring a range of benefits to your workouts, regardless of your fitness level. Kind on joints but hard on muscles, resistance band sets deliver a low-impact alternative to lifting weights, allowing you to target and isolate specific muscle groups without the need to switch between heavy machines and equipment. But like any gym accessory, resistance bands are not one-size-fits-all. With a variety of materials and resistances to choose from, it’s important to understand which options are best suited to your individual fitness goals. Here at The Recommended, we're on hand to help you out in your decision-making. We've rounded up some of the best resistance bands on the market in a variety of styles and spoke to two of the most knowledgeable personal trainers to find out more. We've put together a handy buyer's guide at the bottom of this page, including what to look for (and avoid) when looking for your next resistance band, according to our experts. We'll also answer some of your most frequently asked questions to bring you the best band to work your muscle groups. For more on how to incorporate resistance bands into your training, check out our guide on how to use resistance bands, with tips from fitness experts, and take your workout up a notch. The best resistance bands at a glance: Best overall resistance bands: TRX Exercise Bands, £24.95 at TRX Best resistance bands for comfort: ELVIRE Fabric Resistance Bands Set, £15.99 at Amazon Best resistance bands for building mass: Protone Resistance Bands Set, £20.99 at Amazon Best resistance bands for toning: Gritin Resistance Bands, £7.89 at Amazon Best resistance bands for versatility: Potok Resistance Exercise Band Kit, £8.59 at Amazon Best resistance bands for high-intensity training: Takemirth Store Resistance Bands Set Exercise Bands, £16.99 at Amazon Best resistance bands for strength training: FitBeast Resist…

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The best cat food: natural and grain free foods for all kinds of cats
type: item
date: 2023-01-27T10:25:54.000Z
creator: Luke Chamberlain
subject: Pets
subject: Cats
description: We've rounded up the best products on the market for your feline friends, whether a kitten, teen or older cat.
encoded: Finding the best cat food for your pet can be tough. We all want to buy the best quality pet products we can afford, but faced with an often confusing list of ingredients and selling points to make sense of, it can be difficult to identify those best suited to your animal. Luckily, there are some straightforward tips that can help make the process simpler. Whether you’re the owner of a senior cat, kitten or cat that suffers from allergies, The Recommended has found out everything you need to know when shopping for cat food, including what ingredients you should look out for and avoid, and why it’s important to consider the life stage of your animal when it comes to their meal times. In line with this general advice, we list some of our top picks of the best cat food to buy for your pet. The best cat food at a glance: Best dry cat food: Purina ONE Adult Dry Cat Food Best dry food for kittens: Royal Canin Kitten Dry Cat Food Best dry food for older cats: Royal Canin Senior Consult Cat Food Best wet food for older cats: Lily's Kitchen Marvellously Mature Wet Cat Food Best for sensitive stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Hypoallergenic Dry Cat Food Best cat food multi-pack: Felix Original Fish & Poultry Cat Food 80x100g Best natural cat food: Lily's Kitchen Everyday Favourites Pate - Adult Wet Cat Food Best alternative wet cat food: HiLife it's only natural - Complete Wet Cat Food Best alternative wet kitten food: IAMS Delights Wet Food for Kittens The best cat food Best dry cat food: Purina ONE Adult Dry Cat Food Complete and balanced for adult cats Nutritionally complete and balanced, this dry cat food from Purina is designed to improve cats’ digestive health, promote healthy eyes, encourage high energy levels, and keep your cat’s coat shiny. Purina’s dry food for adult cats comes in a range of flavours to suit your pet’s preferred taste, including chicken, salmon, turkey, chicken and beef, ocean fish and lamb, as well as a multipack that includes a mix of flavours. Purina cla…

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