Best Travel Yoga Mats – If there are two goals that most of us want to accomplish, it would be these two: to travel more and to get more fit. Bringing a compact yoga mat while traveling will help you do both. After all, whoever said that you can’t accomplish your fitness goals while also traveling at the same time?
What to look for in a travel yoga mat:
- Compact size
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Non-slip
- Made from eco-friendly materials
- Machine washable – a bonus!
Best Travel Yoga Mat Reviews
YOGO Ultralight Travel Yoga Mat
Our favorite is this folding yoga mat from YOGO. It comes in two sizes, regular or long. Both have a good grip and won’t slip and slide. Not only is it super compact and foldable, it fits easily in a backpack, gym bag, or carry-on luggage. The best part is it’s made from natural tree rubber and cotton.
The natural tree rubber is thin but supportive. It’s lightweight at just 2.1 pounds (.91 kg). Thickness is 1.5 mm.
One of the unique features is that you can keep it cleaner as the practice surface folds to the top and doesn’t touch the bottom surface. It comes in six colors. If you are looking for a mat for travel, this is the one to choose.
This company is also eco-conscious. With every mat they sell, they plant a fruit-producing tree in Africa.
Dimensions when open: 24” x 68” (61 cm x 173 cm)
Dimensions when folded: 12” x 2” x 4.5”
YOGO Ultralight Long Travel Yoga Mat
This is the same quality workmanship as above. It’s made with natural tree rubber. The difference is the weight. Still lightweight, it is 3.2 pounds (1.45 kg). It’s also thicker at 1.75 mm. This portable yoga mat comes in three colors.
Dimensions when open: 29″ x 72″ (73.6 cm x 183 cm)
Dimensions when folded: 14” x 2” x 5”
GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat by BalanceFrom
BalanceFrom is one of the top-ranking sellers of yoga mats online for the past couple of years. That’s why, for our first choice, we want to feature their GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat, which is one of their bestsellers.
It’s the perfect choice for those looking for an affordable yet quality travel yoga mat. This yoga mat comes in the dimensions of 71 x 24 inches, making it comfortable for anyone regardless of their height and size.
It is made of high-density foam that’s half an inch thick that comfortably cushions the body no matter what position you’re in. Another feature that we appreciate is its double-sided non-slip surface. What makes this surface even more special is that it is moisture-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about your sweat seeping in. This is essential for hot yoga.
Lastly, this travel yoga mat comes with a strap for added portability and storage convenience.
BalanceFrom Yoga Mat
We love that it has that double-sided non-slip surface since there are a lot of yoga mats that only have the bottom side as non-slip. This feature ensures the safety of its users. Another thing that we really appreciate about this product is that its moisture-resistant surface also makes it very easy to clean. All you need is soap and water, and it’s as good as new again.
This yoga mat is also available in seven color options: black, blue, gray, green, pink, purple, red.
It also comes with BalanceFrom’s 100% satisfaction guarantee and a two-year warranty—something that you don’t see from other yoga mats often.
The one thing that we could complain about this product is that some users claim that it is not tear-resistant, but the mat will start showing signs of wear and tear just after a few weeks or months of use.
Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Comfortable to use
- Will want to use as an everyday yoga mat and for travel
- Non-slip
- Portable
- Different color options
- Not tear-resistant
Essentials Yoga Mat by Gaiam
Gaiam is already a household name when it comes to manufacturing yoga gear. Their name, Gaiam, that is the combination of the word Gaia and “I am”, already says a lot about the company’s vision. That is, they want people to be more grounded and at peace.
Their Essentials Yoga Mat is part of their Essentials Collection. It is an all-around, high-end yoga mat that comes at an affordable price. Measuring 72×24 inches, this mat is an inch longer than our first featured item. It is also five times thicker than the previous product.
It’s 2.5 inches thick. Those who find their elbows excruciatingly hurt digging into their thin yoga mat will feel relieved using this piece. Its premium feature, though, has got to be that it’s eco-friendly and 6P free.
We will talk more about sustainability later on in our short buyer’s guide, but just know that 6P stands for a group of chemicals that is very harmful to one’s health. Finally, this yoga mat will come with a strap for ease of transport and use.
Gaiam Essentials Yoga Mat Pros and Cons
First of all, we love the energy of the company. They are really dedicated to providing healthy and sustainable yoga mats. This is probably the reason why even celebrities like Jessica Biel use it. The added thickness is very appreciated too. You don’t see that in a lot of yoga mats these days.
Finally, we love that it has nine different color options.
The thing that we don’t like about this product is that it doesn’t come with a warranty. Also, some users claim that it has a weird smell upon opening, but the good thing is, it goes away after some time.
- Well-known brand
- Affordable
- Comfortable to use
- 6P Free
- Different color options
- No warranty included
- Has a weird smell upon opening
Exercise Yoga Mat by AmazonBasics
AmazonBasics is its own line of products. They manufacture different everyday essentials that range from batteries to digital devices and home decor, and yes, fitness gear like this yoga mat.
It is a basic yoga mat that is perfect for beginners looking for an affordable piece that comes with a strap for added portability for taking to the studio or on a trip to the mountains.This yoga mat might have the label “basic”, but it does come with interesting features like its textured surface that increases its traction and support.
NBR foam
It is also made of a durable 100% NBR foam material that is half-an-inch thick for added comfort. NBR, or Nitrile Rubber, is the same material used for insulation and sound-proofing, so you know that it’s reliable. It’s tear-resistant and has good rebound. It also has good water resistance. As for its dimensions, this measures at an impressive 74×24 inches that is even longer than our previous mats.
What We Like about the AmazonBasics Exercise Yoga Mat
Its textured surface is very comfortable to use, and the product is really basic, so you don’t have to think about a lot anymore. It’s perfect for beginners who just want a lightweight, classic yoga mat at an affordable price. What’s great is you will be able to use this for daily yoga practice as well as a packable yoga mat for travel.
There are seven colors available, including black, blue, green, grey, pink, purple, and red. Finally, NBR is also known as a non-toxic material, making this product safe and healthy to use.
What We Don’t Like? Those looking for more advanced features will not find that here. Plus, it doesn’t come with a warranty.
- Well-known brand, typically in stock
- Affordable
- Comfortable to use
- Non-toxic
- Different color options
- Has limited features
- No warranty included
Classic Yoga Mat by TOPLUS
Interestingly, there are actually two companies named TOPLUS. One is in Taiwan, but the one we’re referring to is in Florida. They are a company founded in 2016 that specializes in yoga products. One of their flagship models is the Classic Yoga Mat which is ideal for travel.
It’s priced mid-ranged, though, so it’s a bit expensive compared to the other foldable yoga mats we have featured so far.
The price is due to TOPLUS’ exclusive Body Alignment Line System, which is embossed directly to the mat to help you adjust the alignment of your hands and feet for better form and position accuracy. As with any physical activity, yoga requires a proper form.
This is why a lot of instructors don’t recommend beginners to start their yoga journey without the aid of a professional trainer. However, this alignment system makes it significantly easier, and not to mention, safer, for solo practitioners to do yoga at home alone.
It also is important to mention the mat is made from TPE or thermoplastic elastomer. It is an environmental-friendly material known for the minimal energy it consumes during production and its high recyclability rate. Another feature of the mat worth mentioning is its non-slip surface to prevent injury.
TOPLUS Classic Yoga Mat Pros and Cons
The first thing that we like about this product is its dimensions. It is 72 x 26 inches, which means it is two inches wider than the other yoga mats we featured so far. Aside from that, it also comes with a one-year warranty.
We also love the brand-exclusive feature, their Body Alignment Line System, as this is something you won’t get from any other mats by other manufacturers. It comes in three color options: grey, green, and purple.
There are a few things that we don’t like about the product, though:
- It’s only ¼-inch thick, which means that it’s not as comfortable to use compared to other yoga mats
- It doesn’t come with its own carrying strap—something that we put a lot of value in since we travel a lot and it just makes it handier to carry
- Brand-exclusive features
- Wider dimensions
- Sustainable
- One-year warranty included
- A bit expensive
- Not very comfortable
- No carrying strap included
- Limited color options
Pro Yoga Mat by Manduka
Manduka is another renowned brand in yoga gear. It was founded way back in 1997 to create better quality yoga mats to improve, or in their company’s terms, “revolutionize” yoga practice. The yoga mat we reviewed is part of their Pro Series. It’s a collection of products that they take the most pride in, so it comes with a lifetime warranty!
The yoga has a bottom lining made of a non-slip material that provides better traction and prevents injuries.
As for the top material, it is sweat-resistant that makes use of the company’s closed-cell construction that prevents moisture and sweat from seeping in. This makes their yoga mat very easy to clean and prevent the growth of microorganisms. Additionally, each of Manduka’s product is made from an emission-free facility. They are also non-toxic that makes them safe and healthy to use, even for kids and pets!
Manduka Pro Yoga Mat Pros and Cons
We like the eco-friendly construction of this yoga mat. It tells a lot about the company that made it. Another thing that we really like is the lifetime warranty. It’s a huge leap from most of the yoga mats out there that don’t even come with a warranty in the first place.
It also has a good size to use for anyone, and it comes in nine different color options. There are a few things that we don’t really like about this product, though.
- It is only ¼-inch thick, which means it’s not as comfortable as other yoga mats
- No carrying strap
- It is ten times more expensive than some of the mats that we have featured above
This is a piece that you should definitely consider investing in, even with its lifetime warranty.
- Well-known brand
- Excellent product design
- Sustainable
- Different color options
- Lifetime warranty included
- Expensive
- Not very comfortable
- No carrying strap included
Best Travel Yoga Mats Buyer’s Guide
We’re sure you have your own personal favorites already, but before you decide, we suggest that you read our buyer’s guide first. We will discuss the different features that you should definitely look out for when buying a yoga mat. In this way, you’ll make a smarter purchase decision for your situation.
1. Lightweight Yoga Mat
Since we are featuring a list of the best travel yoga mat options, we put a lot of value in the actual weight of the product. This is the reason why all of the mats that we have featured above are lightweight since we expect that you will be carrying them around as you explore.
Keep in mind, the lightest yoga mat might be ideal for traveling but it likely won’t be thick enough to use regularly at home.
2. Travel Yoga Mat Portability and Foldability
Another factor that you should consider is the portability of the mat.
- Does it come with its own carrying strap?
- Will it fit into a separate carrying strap should you decide to buy one?
- Can it be rolled up without you worrying it would get torn?
Some people love wider yoga mats because they offer more room to practice in. However, you should also consider whether or not it would still fit into your luggage or travel backpack. If it doesn’t, then we recommend getting a piece that comes with its own carrying bag.
3. Travel Yoga Mat Comfort
You should also consider yoga mats that have a lot of features dedicated for additional comfort. We know that some people prefer a thinly padded piece because they are less bulky, but for us, we are willing to sacrifice the portability in favor of comfort.
That is because a yoga mat that is painful to use will not be used at all, regardless of how portable it is.
4. Yoga Mat Thickness
Along the lines of comfort is the thickness. This has a lot to do with how comfortable it will be. A thinner material with less bounce means you will feel the flooring underneath. Most thicker yoga mats are more comfortable to use than thinner ones. However, they won’t always be lightweight for traveling. You’ll also have to consider packing it into your luggage.
We believe that it all boils down to the weight of the user, though. There’s a sweet spot for everyone. The best way to ensure that your yoga mat has the proper thickness that you are comfortable in using is to test it yourself. Do you feel your elbows digging into the hard floor while you’re using the mat? If so, then you should consider getting a thicker piece.
5. Grip
Yoga requires forms that can cause serious injury if done on a slippery mat. You’ll want one with a sticky texture. Choosing a mat with traction is preferable over those that don’t have non-slip features. Most non-slip features, though, are limited to the bottom layer of the mat.
We suggest looking into mats that offer non-slip features in both its top and bottom layers. Keep in mind that there are materials that can be difficult to practice yoga in because they are slippery by nature, while other materials can get slippery once you’ve already sweated all over it.
6. Travel Yoga Mat Durability
Here’s the thing: high-quality yoga mats are not cheap. That’s why you should get a durable piece that will not get torn anytime soon. In this way, you will get more value for your money. Not only that, but you also need to consider the durability of the piece because you’re going to travel with it.
That means it will be exposed to various elements, temperatures, and constant handling. Some people consider thicker yoga mats to be more durable than thinner ones. This is actually not the case. It will still boil down to the durability of the material used.
7. Sustainability
Here’s a feature that we’ve constantly mentioned above. That’s because we consider yoga not just as a physical practice; it is part of a spiritual lifestyle. We also believe that using yoga mats that don’t value our health and the environment defeats our purpose of practicing it in the first place.
If you agree with us, then you should definitely consider mats that have sustainability and health features. The feature 6P free, for instance, means that it doesn’t have phthalates.
There are 16 types, but the first six are the ones that have been extensively researched so far. They are already proven to cause serious health issues like liver and kidney damage, respiratory diseases, and even cancer! Phthalates are usually found in yoga mats made out of PVC.
Travel Yoga Mats FAQs
Which Side of the Yoga Mat Faces Up?
First of all, you should check if your yoga mat is reversible. If it is, then you have nothing to worry about since you can use both sides either way. If your yoga mat comes with a design, then the side with the design goes up, and the plain one goes at the bottom.
Finally, if your yoga mat is plain and both sides look very similar, then pay attention to its texture. The textured layer goes up while the plain or stickier texture layer rests on the floor.
How Much Do Yoga Mats Weigh?
In general, yoga mats weigh between two and four pounds, but this largely depends on the thickness of your chosen yoga mat. For instance, thicker mats can even go for as much as nine pounds. There are pieces, though, that can still go for as much as 2.5 inches thick but only weighs three pounds.
How Do You Break in a Yoga Mat?
There are different ways in order to break-in a yoga mat. First, you can expose it to heat. You can simply leave your mat out in the warm heat of the sun all day to soften it up for use. Another way to break in a yoga mat is by giving it a warm salt scrub. To do so, make a mixture of salt and warm water, and then sprinkle it on your mat. Then, give your mat a gentle scrubbing using a soft washcloth.
You can also break in a new yoga mat by stepping on it. Lay your yoga mat flat on the floor, tune into Netflix or feel-good playlist, then brace yourself for a sweaty workout.
Stomp all over your mat to soften it up! Finally, you can break in a new yoga mat by simply using it frequently.
How Often Should You Clean Your Yoga Mat?
Ideally, you should give your yoga mat a quick wipe down after every session to ensure that dirt and sweat don’t accumulate and create a funky smell. However, it is an absolute must to clean your yoga mat once a week.
Why Am I Slipping on My Yoga Mat?
The main reason that you’re slipping on your yoga mat is simply the fact that it doesn’t have non-slip features. Check to see if your travel yoga mat has one before purchasing.
You can improve the traction of your mat by washing your mat with water to get it worn down a bit. After all, worn down mats definitely have more texture than brand new ones. Just don’t use a harsh cleaning solution or vinegar since they can strip away the non-slip layer of your mat.
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Best Travel Yoga Mats Recommendation
Overall, we recommend the GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat by BalanceFree. We believe that this is the product that best provides the balance between price, features, and portability.
On the other hand, if you’re willing to buy a separate strap, and if you find that the ¼-inch thickness is already comfortable enough for you, then we recommend giving the Classic Yoga Mat by TOPLUS a try with its impressive Body Alignment System feature.
In any case, it comes down to your personal needs and preferences. To take it a step further, check out natural tree rubber yoga mats which are made from eco-friendly materials.
We hope that you find the perfect yoga mat for you, though, a piece that will motivate you to practice regularly because that is what’s most important in the end.