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5 Best Travel Yoga Mats

woman meditating on floor with overlooking view of trees

Maintaining your yoga routine while on the go can make all the difference. But to maintain that routine, you need to pick the best travel yoga mat for your needs. We have put together the ultimate list of travel yoga mats to consider this year.

Features to look for

You don’t want to be disappointed with your mat when seriously looking to keep fit and relax after a long voyage. Here are some factors that will help you buy the right yoga mat:

Size 

Travel mats are slightly smaller than other mats, and if you are taller, that can be a problem. So to avoid being disappointed when you get to your destination, consider buying a mat that is close in size to the one you usually use at home.

Quality 

When traveling, you will bundle and squeeze your mat into your luggage. If you have a high-quality mat, you will travel confidently knowing your mat will be good shape anytime you need to use it. Otherwise, if you settle for low quality, you will have yourself to blame.

Weight and thickness

Compared to the normal yoga mats, travel mats are much thinner and weigh less, and that makes them more portable. They are designed with light fabric to prevent them from weighing your luggage down. But that does not mean they are less comfortable. You might be surprised to find out they are even better. If you purchase the right brand, you will not regret it. 

Non-Slip features

You will place your mat on different floors, some of which will be rough and others smooth. For the best experience, irrespective of the nature of the floor consider buying a non-slip mat. Such a mat will cope with all floors. 

Maintenance

You will place your mat on different floors when traveling. Some of which have not been cleaned for a while.  With that in mind, you may want to purchase a travel mat that is easy to clean. 

Will a foldable yoga mat really work? 

A foldable yoga mat is not as comfortable as the regular yoga mat but is still an excellent option when traveling. It will get you enough support if you pick the right. So, put your money into a pricey one that will feel almost as luxurious as a regular one. 

Bonus! Regular yoga mats are ultra-comfortable. They get you the right support. So, don’t let anyone force you to believe foldable yoga mats are a lot better.

Be prepared for your new yoga environment

When traveling, you have no control over the new yoga environment you will find yourself in. You may imagine a perfect, serene environment in the gym only to find the gym is closed for renovation or too crowded. 

Being prepared for any yoga environment and not having too much expectations are the key to the best experience. That is why it is a good idea to invest in the right mat, such as a slip-resistant mat as it is suitable for different floors. 

Benefits of a daily yoga routine 

woman doing yoga

Helps counters insomnia 

If you find it challenging to fall asleep in new or unfamiliar environments, yoga is your solution. It combats insomnia by keeping you relaxed.

Strengthen and keep you flexible

Travel burnout and fatigue are real. Doing yoga once you get to your destination helps restore your flexibility and boost your body strength.

Best for weight loss

You are likely to eat a bit more during a holiday. Doing yoga helps keep your weight under control and your body toned for the beach. 

Relieves tension

Uncertainties when traveling can cause tension. Consider when you missed your flight because you were late to the airport. Yoga will ease your anxiety and help you focus on what is essential. 

Can be done anywhere 

As long as you have your mat, you can do yoga anywhere. Whether you find yourself in a small hotel room or crowded gym, you can still go on with your daily sessions if you have the right mat.

Help counter challenges of traveling in high altitude

There are health problems of high-altitudes adventures such as difficulty breathing. Yoga will help you combat such problems.

Now let’s talk about the mats to purchase.

The best travel yoga mat

Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat

Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat

1.5mm Thick Travel Mat for Portability, Eco Friendly and Made from Natural Tree Rubber. Superior Catch Grip for Traction, Dense Cushioning for Support and Stability in Yoga, Pilates, and all Fitness.

This stylish 68” x 24” (1.5 thick) mat will not let you down when traveling. It is quite soft and ultra-comfortable, thanks to the natural tree rubber used. The material  99% latex-free, biodegradable, non-Amazon harvested, and don’t absorb bacteria. This mat will add only 2lb to your luggage.

Pros 

  • Available in 17 different stylish designs
  • Easily folds
  • Durable thanks to tightly woven scrim
  • Rubber grip keeps it in place
  • Sustainable sourcing of materials

Cons 

  • Sweat may affect the grip it has
  • May slide on carpet floors
  • Some users find it too thin
Clever Yoga Travel Yoga Mat

Clever Yoga Travel Yoga Mat

Foldable, Absorbent and Machine Washable and Dry – Non Slip Yoga Mats for Bikram and Hot Yoga – 

Do you tend to sweat a lot when doing yoga? Then this travel mat is all you need. Its soft fabric surface grips your hands and feet without becoming sticky. In fact, its grip becomes tighter the more you sweat. 

Its size (24” x 71” and 1 mm thick) is ideal for travel but maybe too thin if exercising on wood or concrete floor. It weighs in under 2lb hence perfect when traveling.

Additionally, this mat is easy to clean, latex-free, toxin-free, eco-friendly, machine washable, and durable.

Pros

  • Light 
  • Easy maintenance  
  • Great grip even when wet

Cons 

  • Very thin
Jade Travel Yoga Mat

Jade Travel Yoga Mat

Jade Yoga mats provide a superior level of traction. We use natural rubber which has a much stronger grip and more cushion than any of the synthetic rubbers on the market 

Jade is another brand that cares for the environment. They plant a tree for each mat they sell. These mats (which are available in two sizes: 68 and 74) and designed to enhance your grip, thanks to the natural rubber used. Although they are a bit heavier than the other models in this list, weigh 2.98 lbs, they are still an excellent option when traveling.

Pros 

  • Long mats available
  • Easy wipe down cleaning
  • Eco-friendly brand

Cons 

  • Slippery 
  • Heavier than other travel mats
  • Attracts lint
Yoga Design Lab The Travel Yoga Mat

Yoga Design Lab The Travel Yoga Mat

2-in-1 Mat+Towel | Lightweight, Foldable, Eco Luxury | Ideal for Hot Yoga, Bikram, Pilates, Barre, Sweat | 1mm Thick | Includes Carrying Strap!

If in the market for beautifully printed mats, Yoga Design Lab Travel Yoga Mats are all you need. Available in 13 designs that depict beautiful scenes, these mats truly add some style to your exercise routine. 

They are foldable, light (weigh 1.7lb), and of perfect size 70” x 24” x 1mm. They are made of natural tree rubber, recycled bottles and prints are water-based. We recommend selecting this brand because it does donate funds to youth yoga programs.

Pros 

  • Carrying strap is included
  • One of the lightest mats on the list
  • Beautiful designs
  • Soft, comfy surface

Cons

  • Very thin
  • Slippery surface
Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mats

Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mats

This foldable yoga mat easily fits in your carry-on or overnight bag – also a great alternative to a traditional rolled mat to save space

No doubt, you will sweat if you do yoga correctly. Gaia, gives you a towel to place on your mat when you make a purchase. Besides absorbing some sweat, this towel does make your mat more comfortable by adding another layer on top of the thin mat.

Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mats easily fold to fit any suitcase and ideal for taller travelers. They are 69 inches long. The mat’s grip is also excellent and is enabled by the waffle texture grip design. 

Pros 

  • Reasonably priced compared to similar products
  • Towel included
  • Dark colors are practical for travel

Cons 

  • Quite slippery

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the right yoga mat for travel, there are many things to look for to make the right purchase. From quality and color to size and thickness, you want to make sure you have considered all factors in advance. But remember, yoga travel mat cannot outshine the regular yoga mats. So, don’t discard your regular mat for a travel one.