Doing Yoga while traveling is an experience that many are missing out on. Finding a quiet spot and meditating helps you appreciate the finer nuances of nature and understand yourself on a deeper more personal level. An experience so calming and peaceful that it tends to alter your entire perspective on life.
Now imagine that while you are having this peaceful experience, your yoga mat starts to irritate your skin. Or maybe there’s a small tear. Or maybe that sweat smell from the mat just wouldn’t go and your whole experience is ruined.
I always believe in choosing the right equipment. I have been traveling for almost a decade now and wherever I go, I use the best equipment. In this article, I will be discussing some of the best Yoga Mats you can take with you while traveling. I have tried many Yoga Mats and the ones featured on this list are my best ones so far. All of them stand out for different reasons and you can choose the one that suits you best.
Best Travel Yoga Mats
1. Amazon Basics Yoga Mat
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The Amazon Basics Exercise Yoga Mat is one of the most basic (no pun intended) and cheapest yoga mats you can get your hands on, but do not let that fool you into thinking it might be subpar. It’s durable and is made with foam which helps with the stretchability ensuring it always springs back in shape. The best bang for your buck one may say.
With the extra ½ inch of thickness, your elbows, forearms, and knees will be spared from doing planks and other core exercises. The padding is so comfy that you probably might not even feel the hardness of the floor. And with the elastic strap, you can roll up your yoga mat and carry it everywhere with you.
- Extra Thick
- Foam Construction
- Durable
- Under $20
- Susceptible to tear if used on pointy rocky surfaces
2. Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Mat
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With more than 25 years in the market, Manduka has risen through the ranks to be one of the best yoga mat sellers out there. All their products are a testament to great quality. I have been using mine for nearly 4 years and I vouch for their quality.
For starters, you can fold it down to the size of a laptop. You can easily store it in the laptop compartment of your backpack.
But wait a minute. What if it starts to stink? We all know how it can be if these mats are stored in an enclosed area with no room to breathe.
Well, the Manduka Superlite Travel Mat is constructed with a closed-cell structure. What this means is that it prevents the moisture from seeping into the fabric. Yoga Mat won’t be stinky at all even after regular use.
It has been 25 years since Manduka was launched, and their years of expertise are clearly reflected in their craft. You just can’t go wrong with a Manduka.
Pro tip: To ensure the longevity and cleanliness of your Manduka Superlite Travel Mat, it is recommended to wipe it down after each practice session using Manduka’s Natural Rubber Yoga Mat Restore.
- Super Potable
- Prevents moisture absorption
- Latex-free composition – suitable for practitioners with latex sensitivities
- Tightly woven scrim resists tearing or stretching
- Thin mat can be hard on joints
- It can bunch up during some transitions
3. The JadeYoga Harmony Yoga Mat
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Crafted from 100% natural rubber, the JadeYoga Harmony Yoga Mat excels in moisture absorption and traction, which is pretty essential for maintaining stability during a sweaty session. It also means that this is perfect for an outdoor session even when it is hot.
Measuring at 3/16 inch thick, the Harmony Mat provides a delicate balance of support and cushioning under hands, feet, and knees, ensuring a comfortable yet stable practice experience.
But what really sets JadeYoga apart is their commitment to the environment. JadeYoga prioritizes the use of natural materials and sustainable production practices. Free from PVC, phthalates, heavy metals, and harsh chemicals, the Harmony Mat aligns with eco-conscious values and promotes a clean, toxin-free practice environment.
It’s not just the product design though. JadeYoga enforces its commitment to sustainability by partnering up with organizations like Trees for the Future, the company plants a tree for every mat sold, contributing to global reforestation efforts and fostering a healthier planet for future generations.
If you are looking for a yoga mat that is not only high quality but is also made with environmentally sustainable practices, then the JadeYoga Harmony Mat is the right one for you.
- High-quality grip
- Durable
- Eco Friendly
- Switching between poses is hard because you can’t slide your hands or legs
- Strong Rubber smell
4. Gaiam Yoga Mat
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The Gaiam Yoga Mat is another budget-friendly option that is not only the best bang for your buck but it is also even more potable than the Amazon Basics Yoga Mat. With a 2mm thickness, you can fold this yoga mat into a flat 10” x 12” square and store it inside your backpack, or even a tote bag.
It also comes with a lifetime warranty and has a slightly sticky surface that will help you hold your poses.
Probably the $20 I have spent so far.
- Cheap
- Great Quality
- Sticky Surface for grip
- Foldable and very compact
- Thin Mat may hurt joints
- Not suitable for hot yoga
5. Liforme Travel Yoga Mat
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All of the Liforme Yoga Mats have alignment markings that act as a visual guide. But it’s not just these markings that make Liforme so special. They are thicker than your typical super thin yoga mats and are a bit spongy. Your joints and knees won’t ache and the mat can be used on any rough surface.
Liforme takes the grip of the Yoga Mat seriously. So much so that they coin it as ‘GripForMe’ and claim that the mats made from their ‘GripForMe’ material is one of the most grippiest Yoga mat material currently available on earth. They have even patented their alignment markings and have termed this feature as ‘AlignForMe’.
The downside to the Liforme Yoga Mat is that it is the widest, thickest, and longest than all of the Yoga Mats featured here. Despite all of this, Liforme still maintains a level of portability. You can roll it up and carry it in a yoga mat carry bag.
- Alignment Markings
- Great Grip
- Thick Cushioning for Knees and Joints
- Comes with a Yoga Mat Carry Bag
- High Quality
- Expensive
- Heavy (weighs 4 pounds)
6. SNAKUGA Travel Yoga Mat
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The Snakuga Travel Yoga Mat is pretty unique. Crafted from a blend of natural rubber and suede, the Snakuga Travel Yoga Mat has a soft texture that not only has a great grip but it also absorbs sweat. A delicate balance between softness and stability. This particular fusion of natural materials not only enhances the mat’s eco-friendly appeal but also provides a tactile experience that connects you with the earth beneath.
However, like any product, the Snakuga Travel Yoga Mat has its considerations. Its minimal cushioning may pose discomfort for practitioners accustomed to more plush mats. While the non-slip surface excels on most grounds, it may encounter challenges on certain surfaces like carpet or hardwood floors.
It does have remarkable flexibility though. Thin and foldable, it effortlessly tucks into compact spaces. The included carrying bag is a bonus. Whether to use it or not, it’s entirely up to you.
- Durable
- Absorbs sweat
- Soft Texture
- Compact
- Minimal Cushioning
How to Choose the Right Travel Yoga Mat
I have always believed that when you travel, you must travel comfortably. Too many inconveniences result in the journey not being satisfactory enough. This is why i penned down How to Travel Lightly for a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience. Comfort can be an important determinant that may or may not break your travel. This is why choosing the right travel yoga mat matters a lot.
You don’t want your yoga mat to be all bulky and inconvenient to carry. Or be made of some poor-quality material that stinks all the time. I’ve written this guide to help you choose the right travel yoga mat. The right one will last you years and is much easier to travel with.
Is it portable?
One of the first things you should look for in a yoga mat is portability. Being able to move effortlessly while carrying the mat is a priority. Some yoga mats can be rolled up and secured to your backpack while others can be folded and stuffed inside the bag.
But that does not mean you get your hands on the first yoga mat you come across. It’s important to get one that is designed for travel and is compact when rolled up or folded. The ones designed for travel are lightweight and easy to carry.
My favorite Yoga Mat when it comes to portability is the Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Mat. The fact that it can fold down to the size of a laptop is a huge win in my books.
Will the thickness suffice?
Consider the thickness of the mat. While thicker mats provide more cushioning and support, they can also be bulkier and heavier. Thinner mats are lighter and easier to pack but may not offer as much cushioning.
Also, it depends on the location. If you’ll be using the mat on tough rugged pointy terrains, then you’ll need a thicker one for the added cushioning. If you’ll be using it on soft surfaces like sand or a wooden floor then a thin yoga mat should suffice.
Gaiam Yoga Mat has a sticky surface for grip and is very budget-friendly. It is pretty thin which makes it great for use on soft surfaces like the beach or a man-made floor like a terrace or a verandah.
Alternatively, Liforme Yoga Mat has great thickness and some cushioning that feels great on your joints and knees. The only downside here is that it can be a tad bit heavy.
Is the Material suitable for you?
Choose a travel yoga mat made from durable and lightweight materials. Many travel mats are made from rubber, microfiber, or PVC. Consider factors like grip, traction, and how the material feels against your skin.
If you have any reactions or allergies, this is the best time to identify them. It will help you avoid potential reactions or any other issues altogether.
Also, some mats have a strong chemical odor right after you buy them. The smell will wear off upon continuous usage. If you are sensitive to such synthetic or chemical smells, it’s best to stay away from them. This is most commonly seen in rubber mats.
The JadeYoga Harmony Yoga Mat may be of superb quality but it tends to have a strong rubber smell. You can go for it if you do not mind the smell. It will last you for a long period if you can get past the smell.
Test the Grip
Ensure that the mat provides adequate grip and traction, especially if you’ll be practicing hot yoga or vigorous flows. Look for mats with textured surfaces or non-slip materials to prevent slipping and sliding during your practice.
Remember that the yoga mat shouldn’t just be convenient to carry when it comes to traveling. It’s got to be functional too. No point in having a mat that’s great and convenient for traveling but not at all functional.
Liforme Travel Yoga Mat is the grippiest yoga mat on my list.
Is it easy to Clean?
This is a tricky bit. Choosing a Yoga Mat that is easy to clean and maintain while on the go may seem easier but is far from it. All Yoga Mats will have their own instructions to care for and maintain them. But as a rule of thumb, it is wise to wipe down the mat clean after use. You can use a water-dampened cloth, a homemade diluted vinegar solution, or a gentle mat wash, and then allow it to fully dry before storing.
While most yoga mats can be washed in a machine, the stretching and tumbling process can easily tear a PVC or non-rubber mat. Rubber mats generally hold up better in the washer, but they absorb a significant amount of moisture and may take a long time to dry.
If you are in a cold region with little to no sunlight, machine washing a mat can be very tedious. Also, natural rubber and many plastic foams degrade when exposed to UV light. Therefore you have to be cautious when drying wet mats in the sun.
Since choosing a good quality travel yoga mat can be pretty expensive, you need to care for it and maintain it well. And since maintaining it requires quite a bit of effort, it’s best to choose a mat where you can maintain it with ease.
What about Price?
Consider whether the mat is worth it or not. If you’ll be traveling for a short while then it’s wise to go with a cheaper yoga mat for temporary use. The quality won’t be that great but it will serve the purpose. If you’ll be traveling a lot or are an avid traveler, it’s wise to go for an expensive one that will last you for a long time.
Yoga Mat by Amazon Basics is one of the cheapest yoga mats on this list.
Last update on 2024-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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