| 1. Manduka | 2. Jade Voyager Fold Up Travel Yoga Mat | 3. Yoga Design Lab |
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After a long walk in Paris, your muscles may get tight and you’ll want to stretch a little to relax. At times tempers flare because of jet lag or your body may get stiff after surviving a long flight. In such situations you may want to practice yoga in your hotel room and relax a bit. For this, you’ll need a yoga mat which can easily fit inside your luggage.
In this guide we will tell you how to buy the best travel yoga mat and maintain your personal yoga practice while traveling. We will be highlighting a few factors to keep in mind before purchasing gear such as a yoga mat, reviewing some of the best travel yoga mats, and covering other important questions you may have.
SHOW ME THE BEST TRAVEL YOGA MATS!Do You Require A Travel Yoga Mat?
The first thing you need to consider is whether or not you need a yoga mat. Some people may be very regular with their practice, but when on vacation, they may not find the time to do so. If you’re one of those people, then a travel yoga mat won’t be of much use to you. But, if rolling out your yoga mat in your hotel room puts you in a good mental space, then you should definitely invest in one.
A travel yoga mat is preferred to the usual yoga mat because the former is easier to pack and weighs less than the latter. It will be more useful if you travel frequently and don’t like to ruin your routine. if you think that you may practice on whatever flat surface you find, it is not a good idea as you may slip or get your hands and feet dirty. A mat will prevent you from slipping and sliding across rough surfaces.
There are many products in the market which may confuse you, but don’t worry as we are here to help you out. In the next section of this guide we have listed the advantages of using a travel yoga mat as well as important factors to look into before making a purchase. Before moving on to reading product reviews, it is recommended that you cover these sections.
The Advantages Of Buying The Best Travel Yoga Mat
If you own a regular yoga mat, you may be wondering why there is a need to specially buy a travel mat. Perhaps you would like to know that travel mats offer a few benefits which make them a better option.
1. Easier To pack
If you prefer minimalist packing, you’d like to fit all your travel gear in a single suitcase or duffel bag. Travel yoga mats are made to fit suitcases as they are foldable and their light weight ensures that your luggage won’t get too heavy for you to carry. You won’t have to carry a separate bag to carry the mat on buses, on the place, or in a cab.
2. Less Inconvenience At The Airport
If don’t have enough space in your suitcase to fit your mat and want to carry it separately, it won’t be counted as an extra piece of luggage by the flight crew. They usually understand that it won’t take much space. Sometimes, if the airline you’re flying with is very strict with regards to their baggage policy, then you get charged extra for your mat. Thus, it is better to buy a foldable mat and fit it inside your suitcase.
3. Less Hassle At Immigration
Sometimes, if you carry your yoga mat with you while visiting places like the US or the UK, the immigration officers at the airport may give you a tough time. They assume that you are planning to illegally teach yoga in their country. Though the officers won’t stop you from entering the country, secondary questioning can take up a lot of time and may cause stress. Nobody wants such an unpleasant experience, so it is better to buy a foldable and compact yoga mat.
Factors To Keep In Mind Before Buying The Best Travel Yoga Mat 2019
There are a few things you need to consider before making a purchase like portability, how durable the product is, weight, texture, style, etc. Considering these factors will help make the selection procedure easy.
1. Portability And Durability
Most travel yoga mats are extremely light and portable. But such ultra-light designs may mean a compromise on durability. If you are a frequent traveler, you’ll want to ensure that the mat is not only portable, but also offers a good life, so you don’t have to buy a new mat after a few months.
2. Stickiness And Comfort
When it comes to comfort, you may have to compromise a little with regards to travel yoga mats. Even the best travel yoga mat won’t come with extra padding because it tends to increase its overall weight. More weight means difficulty in carrying, which altogether destroys the purpose of a travel mat.
If you want more padding, then you can keep a folded towel or a blanket underneath the mat. Another important thing is the surface of the mat which may be ignored if you’re buying online. The mat’s surface should feel fine to the touch and should provide an adequate amount of stickiness for the kind of yoga you practice.
3. Eco-friendliness
This may seem a little far-fetched to some, but it is an important point as you should be aware of the effect a thing you buy has on the planet and the surrounding. You may practice yoga for yourself, but it is also about getting involved with the world around you.
Yoga means more than a workout and stretching – it is a way of life. You need to follow a lifestyle which does not harm anyone. Consider sustainability of the product – is the mat made of eco-friendly material and does the brand contribute to environmental causes?
4. Sustainable Manufacturing
It is good to consider whether the company gives back to local community which provides the raw materials for producing mats. If you have a choice, always support a manufacturer who understands this social responsibility and engages in sustainable production.
5. Weight Of The Mat
The weight of the best travel yoga mat will determine how often you’ll carry it with you and with how much ease. If you travel frequently by air, then you may be aware of added luggage fees due to overweight suitcases. So, it is better to check how much a mat weighs and buy the lightest one to avoid any inconvenience in the future.
6. Texture Of The Mat
You need to check if the mat offers a good grip while you are practicing yoga. Surely you don’t want to slide all over the place while practicing a particular pose. If you buy a mat with non-grip texture, it will definitely annoy you during supine positions. Grip is also necessary if you tend to sweat a lot.
This is an important factor to consider even if you’re buying a regular yoga mat because yoga mats need to provide a good grip. Otherwise, people may resort to bed sheets or covers to practice yoga. If you do not prefer textured mats, go for a smoother one. If you are buying online, make sure you go through the product reviews because they will give you a good idea of the mat’s texture. However, if you are very picky, we recommend you to visit your nearest retail store and check out the product before buying it.
7. Style
It is the last factor on our list but that doesn’t mean it is any less important than the others. To some, the color of the mat or its pattern may not seem essential to consider. But many consider yoga as an outlet for self-expression and demand particular colors that calm them.
You may buy a bright colored mat to boost your energy or, if you are trying a specific chakra, you can find a mat which comes in a pattern. Some technical mats come with markings to assist you with alignment. As your yoga mat would be a part of your everyday routine, make you sure you buy one which you like.
If you are looking for the best travel yoga mat to take your yoga practice on the road, then you’ll be glad to go through a list of some of the best travel yoga mats available online.
Top 15 Best Travel Yoga Mats of 2022
1. Manduka Eko Superlite Travel Mat
The first travel yoga mat on our list is by the brand Manduka, known for its high-quality products. It not only manufactures yoga mats, but also other yoga gear and apparel. This travel mat is one of the most popular products manufactured by the brand. The eKo Superlite, as the same suggests, is an extremely lightweight mat as it only weighs 2.2 pounds and folds up to the size of one pair of pants.
Manduka mats generally provide a good grip and are smooth, and this mat is no less. If you are an environment enthusiast and are looking for a sustainable product, then this mat is probably the best choice for you. It is an eco-friendly, non-toxic yoga mat which includes no toxic plasticizers, PVC, or dangerous dyes. It is available in 15 plus colors to choose from.
It is made from naturally harvested tree rubber which is biodegradable. Though it comes with a few downsides as some users have complained that it emits a loathsome rubbery smell, this fades with use. You can get rid of the smell by thoroughly cleaning it before you start using it.
It is a sticky mat, which is a good feature but can cause it to pucker during transitions. It is a thin yoga mat, which is ideal for travelling purposes, but can be hard on the knees. If you have a knee problem, we recommend you to use a knee pad cushion or a keep a folded hand towel underneath.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!2. Jade Voyager Fold Up Travel Yoga Mat
Jade is another yoga mat manufacturer which gives a tough competition to Manduka in the market. Most yoga studios prefer to rent Jade or Manduka mats. A special feature of this Voyager mat is that it is extremely lightweight (only weighs 1.5 pounds). It can be folded into a compact package to fit inside your suitcase or duffel bag.
Jade is also an eco-friendly company which gives back to the local communities that provide it with raw materials. It contributes towards green projects and plants one tree for every single mat purchased. Their products do not include PVC, EVA, or other synthetic fiber. The company is based in the United States and all its products are manufactured there. Its mats are a bit on the costly side, however.
If you have browsed other products by this brand and are now confused between Jade travel mats and Manduka, we recommend that you look out for texture. Both the brands offer different textures as well as anti-slip mats, but it depends on you and what you like. Jade mats are generally more textured while Manduka mats are smoother.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!3. Yoga Design Lab | Best Travel Mat For Hot Yoga
Yoga Design Lab manufactures some of the most uniquely designed travel yoga mats. If you want a bright pattern or plenty of different color options, then YDL is ideal for you. Their mats are a blend of yoga mat and yoga towel. If you regularly practice Heated Vinyasa or Bikram Vinyasa and do not want to separately pack a non-slip yoga towel, then this will work well for you because it fulfills two purposes in one.
This foldable mat only weighs 1.8 pounds and its length is 70 inches. It is made of recyclable cum biodegradable natural tree rubber base with a microfiber top. It is not difficult to maintain this mat as it can be machine washed and is decently priced. If you are looking for a low maintenance and affordable yoga mat, this is the one.
Its microfiber top layer is very smooth and may cause you to slip initially. If you get sweaty during your practice, you won’t slip because it gets grippy with sweat. This product is ideal for hot yoga and is available in a variety of intricate patterns.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!4. Gaiam Travel Yoga Mat | Most Affordable
Gaiam is a giant yoga brand which has built a good reputation in the market because of its great quality yoga mats available at accessible prices. This is one of the best travel yoga mats and can be folded into a 10” by 12” compact square. While most travel mats can be folded but are designed to be stored rolled, this mat is different as it needs to be stored folded, which means it will take up less space.
The mat is perforated for effortless folding. These marking won’t bother you during your yoga sessions, but if you think you may get annoyed by them, then buy accordingly. It weighs 1.8 pounds and boasts a smooth texture.
It is available in 8 different colors and patterns that are soothing and a little subtler than those on the mats designed by Yoga Design Labs. It features a sticky texture to provide a more stable footing. it is free of DEHP, DBP, and other toxic substances. It a great option for those who have a low budget as it costs less than $20.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!5. Liforme Travel Yoga Mat | Best Mat For Alignment
This mat is a good option for you if you are a beginner and want to focus on your alignment. The Liforme travel yoga mat comes with align-for-me markers that indicate the proper hand and foot placement. There are few things which make this mat different from other travel mats as it is thicker, longer, and wider.
It can’t be folded and can only be rolled up and stored. It comes with a yoga mat carry bag which makes it easy to carry, but may make your suitcase feel bulky if stored inside before travelling. The only downside is that it won’t be able to fit into a smaller piece of luggage. It weighs 4 pounds, which is a lot compared to the previously listed models.
It does offer a few benefits because of its size as it provides a soft cushioning due to its thickness. It provides a smooth surface with a grippy texture. If you have a knee problem and require a thicker mat which can provide more cushioning, then this is the one for you. Liforme mats are known to be costly, so if you have a low budget, you should consider other affordable options.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!6. Yogo Ultralight Travel Yoga Mat
The YOGO Ultralight travel mat is ideal for those who travel frequently. It is a compact mat and features its own built-in straps plus handle. You just need to unfold it, practice yoga, and roll it back. It is incredibly convenient for travelers and is easy to maintain as you can rinse it with water and hang it to dry.
It offers a smooth surface, but is extremely sticky and grippy, quite similar to Manduka mats. It is made from biodegradable plus recyclable tree rubber, making it an environment-friendly yoga mat. Like Jade, YOGO also plants a tree for every single mat sold. It weighs only 2.5 pounds and its compressed carrying system makes it compact enough to pack comfortably.
If you are bothered by germs and dirt which gets stuck to the mat’s top surface, then don’t worry because its folding system doesn’t allow the bottom of the mat to come in direct contact with the top. So, if you’re staying in a hotel room, you don’t need to worry about transferring the floor’s germs onto the mat’s top surface.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!7. Foldable Travel Yoga Mat By Clever Yoga
If you tend to sweat a lot, then this slip-resistant mat will suit you the best. The more you sweat, the more grippy it gets. It features a soft fabric top which provides a good grip without getting sticky. It is the perfect travel mat for practicing hot yoga.
It is a lightweight product which can be effortlessly packed into a suitcase, backpack, or any other carry on bag. It is 1mm thin and weighs 2.5 lbs. It is an incredibly thin yoga mat which may not be ideal for those looking for more cushioning. Its top layer is made of microfiber with a supportive base made of non-slip natural rubber.
This brand also manufactures eco-friendly products, so you can be sure that you are not placing the environment at risk. As it is made of 100% natural tree rubber, it won’t fade or peel like plastic mats. It doesn’t emit any unpleasant odor and is easy to maintain. Its special waterproof layer creates a hygienic barrier to keep bacteria at bay. It is machine-washable, comes with a warranty and is not very expensive. Overall, it is an economical product.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!8. Balancefrom Goyoga All-purpose Anti-tear Exercise Yoga Mat
This best travel yoga mat by BalanceFrom is available in 8 bright colors. It is 71 inches long and 24 inches wide, comfortable enough for people of all shapes and sizes. It is a great mat for those looking for extra padding as it features high density foam. This thick mat provides comfortable cushioning for the spine, hips, knees and elbows.
It features a non-slip texture which helps in preventing injuries. Its moisture-resistant technology offers exceptional resilience and helps you maintain your balance during any exercise style. However, it needs to be hand-washed, which may be a hassle for some as you can’t put it into the washing machine.
The mat is simple to strap and is lightweight, making it easy to carry and store. All the products manufactured by this brand are exclusively sold by BalanceFrom Amazon store. It comes with a free yoga mat strap and a 2-year warranty.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!9. Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Extra Thick Exercise & Fitness Yoga Mat
If you are looking for something unique, then Gaiam’s reversible travel yoga mat may be a good option to consider. It is available in over 30 different patterns, all mats being reversible. On both sides, the mats feature beautiful designs with both bright and soothing colors.
This mat is extremely durable, lightweight, and made of non-toxic substances. It is extra thick to provide added cushioning to your joints and spine. As it is a reversible mat, both its surfaces feature a sticky non-slip design for incredible traction and excellent grip.
If you are environment enthusiast, you will be happy to know that this mat is a healthier choice for you as it doesn’t contain DEHP, DBP, DINP, DIDP, AND DNOP. However, some users have complained that when you first unpack it, it emits an unpleasant odor. It is recommended that you air it out for 2 to 3 days before using it.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!10. Toplus Yoga Mat – Classic 1/4-inch Pro Yoga Mat Eco Friendly Non-slip Fitness Exercise Mat With Carrying Strap
TOPLUS is another renowned yoga mat brand which manufactures mats made with premium TPE friendly material. This material is a bit costly, which increases the production costs, but it is worth the money compared to other non-green PVC, NBR, and EVA travel mats. TPE material is better than traditional material because it offers the latest technological improvements.
It features a sticky non-slip texture which helps to provide good traction plus grip. It is suitable for practicing different forms of yoga like pilates, floor exercises, etc. It maintains its grip when placed on any kind of flooring – be it wood, tile, or cement.
It is a thick mat which makes it a little difficult to carry and pack inside a small suitcase. It is 6mm thick which means that you are provided with the most comfortable experience because of its optimal cushioning level. It is an ideal mat for those who have joint problems and can’t risk working out on a thinner mat.
It comes with a carrying strap which makes it easy to pack and carry. It is 72 inches long and 24 inches wide. The brand offers one-year warranty on the product. This best travel yoga mat is definitely worth checking out once.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!11. IUGA Eco Friendly Yoga Mat With Alignment Lines
This is another one of the best travel yoga mats by a brand called IUGA. It is made with recently developed and patented TPE foam (thermoplastic elastomer). It is an advanced material, better in comparison with traditional PVC and NBR and is also an eco-friendly product.
Its lower surface is textured and sticky enough to provide adequate traction. It provides for a very strong resistance against slippages and offers stability. It features alignment lines which are helpful while practicing yoga alone while you’re traveling because you won’t necessarily have a companion or an instructor with you.
It is 6 mm thick and 72 inches long, providing an ample amount of length and cushion. The package includes an adjustable strap to easily roll up the mat.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!12. IUGA Yoga Mat With Non-slip Textured Surface
This is another yoga mat by IUGA which is pretty economical and features the latest TPE foam. It comes with double-sided non-slip surfaces so you can perform any asana with confidence. Its textured surface prevents your hands and feet from slipping out of position.
It doesn’t emit any nasty odors even if you tend to get sweaty or regularly practice hot yoga. It also comes with a carrying strap to allow for easy portability. It is lightweight as it only weighs 2 pounds. You won’t have any problems fitting it inside your suitcase. It is a high-quality mat which won’t fall apart or flake after regular usage for a long time.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!13. TOPLUS Travel Yoga Mat
This travel yoga mat is extremely light as it is 1/16 inches thick and easily folds up into a compact square. It ideal for frequent travelers and comes with a carry bag to maximize portability and convenience. It is made using natural suede; the more sweat it absorbs, the more its grip increases. Due to its non-slip surface you can try any asana without worrying about losing your posture.
As it is made of non-toxic rubber, it is skin-friendly. The brand offers a one-year warranty on this product. If you have any issues, you can ask for a replacement or get a refund.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!14. Youphoria Absorbent Non-Slip Yoga Mats
Youphoria is a decent brand which manufactures yoga gear and this particular mat is one of its most popular products. It comes with liquid absorbent and anti-microbial properties. It is specially made for those who sweat a lot as it absorbs moisture quickly, but doesn’t retain unpleasant odors. It is suitable for practicing all types of yoga; be it Bikram, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, or even Pilates.
You won’t require a yoga towel if you are working out on this mat. It is technologically built to keep you in place and prevent your hands from slipping while you’re trying various asanas. It is a lightweight mat (weighs only 2.5 pounds). You can count on its durability as it won’t stretch, fall apart, flake, or fade even after extreme usage.
It doesn’t emit any odors and is easy to clean. You just need to wipe it down with lukewarm water after every use and let it dry thoroughly before rolling up and storing. This elaborate process of maintenance is required as it also works as a yoga towel. But some people may think of the cleaning process as a hassle.
Some users have complained that body oils temporarily cause stains on the mat, which eventually vanish, but they still remain for some time. Still, it is an affordable yoga mat which comes with a mat sling for convenient carrying.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!15. Matymats Non-slip Tpe Yoga Mat With Carry Strap
This is the last product on our list of the 15 best travel yoga mats in 2019. It is a decently priced model, ideal for those with a low budget. It is 72 inches long and weighs only 2.2 pounds. It is made of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) foam, a recently developed material that is non-toxic, PVC free, and hypoallergenic.
It doesn’t contain latex, rubber, or toxins. Due to TPE foam, it is much lighter to carry as compared to mats made of other materials. You don’t need to worry about nasty odors as it doesn’t emit any smell. It provides extra cushioning, high elasticity, and excellent resilience.
What makes it unique is that it features double layers in distinct texture designs. It comes with an adjustable carrying rope which helps to roll it up. It can be a little difficult to maintain this mat as it needs to be rolled up after use and stored in a dry area. If exposed to direct sunlight, it can become brittle so do not store in your car trunk for extended periods.
It needs to be hand-washed using soap and warm water. Afterwards, wipe it off with a soft cloth. If you practice yoga regularly, clean it once a week. Do not put it in a washing machine or dryer as it only needs to be air-dried.
CHECK THE CHEAPEST PRICE NOW!Best Travel Yoga Mat – Tired Yet?
We hope this guide has given you a basic idea about what to look for in the best travel yoga mat. We have tried to cover various kinds of mats available online, differing in their price range, features, and styles. If you find any model suitable from our list, do check out the manufacturer’s official website to get more details. You may not necessarily stick to one of these if you want to browse more.
You need to be clear about what your priorities are – do you want a textured mat, do you prefer compactness, extra cushioning, or want a sustainable and eco-friendly product above all? As travel yoga mats are generally thin to increase portability, they are not recommended for regular use, unless you practice on a carpet. A mat which doesn’t provide adequate cushioning can be tiring for your elbows and knees.
While almost every travel mat can be folded, it is not the best way to store it. It is better to roll it up and store like a regular mat when you’re at home. This helps prevent needless wear and tear. All the best for your purchase! We hope you’ll make the best choice for yourself.