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Best Yoga Mats for Travel: Lightweight and Portable Options for Yogis on the Go

Find your perfect travel yoga mat with the help of this guide! We have identified the top five mats that are perfect for yogis who are always on the go.

Yoga is a practice that has been around for thousands of years and has been growing in popularity in recent years. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or a beginner, having a good yoga mat is essential for a comfortable and safe practice. However, finding the right yoga mat can be a challenge for those who are always on the go. This is where travel yoga mats come in.

Travel yoga mats are designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, making them the perfect accessory for yogis who are always on the move. They are typically thinner than regular yoga mats, which makes them easier to pack and carry. However, this also means that they may not provide as much cushioning as a regular yoga mat, so finding one that strikes the right balance between portability and comfort is essential.

When looking for the best yoga mat for travel, there are a few things to consider. The first is the material. You want to find a durable mat that is easy to clean and eco-friendly if possible. The size and weight of the mat are also important factors to consider, as you want to find a mat that is easy to pack and carry without taking up too much space or adding too much weight to your luggage.

After researching and testing various travel yoga mats, we have identified the top five mats that are perfect for yogis who are always on the go.

Best Yoga Mats for Travel

When it comes to practicing yoga while traveling, having a lightweight and portable mat is essential. Whether you’re jet-setting to a far-off destination or simply want to take your yoga practice to the park, having a reliable travel yoga mat can make all the difference. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best yoga mats for travel that are lightweight, compact, and durable, so you can find the perfect mat to take with you on your next adventure.

Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat

If you’re looking for a yoga mat that’s easy to pack for your next trip, the Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat is a great choice.

Pros

  • This mat is lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack in your carry-on or overnight bag.
  • The sticky texture provides stable footing, even on the go.
  • Folds up nicely, making it perfect for weekend getaways, extended retreats, or trips across town, in the park, or on the beach.

Cons

  • At only 2mm thick, it doesn’t provide much padding.
  • It may fade and become brittle if exposed to the sun for extended periods of time.
  • Some users may find it too small for certain yoga poses.

This mat is perfect for yogis who are always on the go. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to pack, making it a great alternative to a traditional rolled mat. The sticky texture provides stable footing, even on the go, and it folds up nicely, making it perfect for weekend getaways, extended retreats, or trips across town, in the park, or on the beach.

If you’re looking for a mat that provides more padding, this may not be the best option for you. Additionally, storing the mat in a mat bag when not in use is important to prevent it from fading and becoming brittle. However, if you’re looking for a travel-friendly yoga mat that’s easy to pack and provides stable footing, the Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat is a great choice.

Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Mat for Travel

If you’re looking for a lightweight and easily portable yoga mat for your travels, the Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Mat is a great option.

Pros

  • The mat is incredibly lightweight and easy to fold and roll, making it perfect for travel.
  • Despite its thinness, the mat still offers great support and stability.
  • The natural texture of the mat provides excellent traction, even when you’re sweating.

Cons

  • The mat is quite thin, so it may not be the best option for those with knee or joint pain.
  • The mat can have a strong rubber odor when you first receive it.
  • The grip can be reduced when the mat gets wet.

The Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Mat is made from 100% natural tree rubber and is biodegradable, making it a sustainable choice. The closed-cell surface prevents sweat from seeping into the mat, and the tightly woven scrim resists tearing or stretching. It’s also 99% latex-free, making it a great option for those with latex sensitivities.

At only 1.5mm thick, the mat is incredibly lightweight and easy to fold and roll, making it perfect for travel. Despite its thinness, the mat still offers great support and stability, so you won’t have to sacrifice comfort for portability.

The natural texture of the mat provides excellent traction, even when you’re sweating, so you can focus on your practice without worrying about slipping. However, the grip can be reduced when the mat gets wet, so keep that in mind if you plan on using it for hot yoga or other sweat-inducing activities.

Overall, if you’re looking for a lightweight and easily portable yoga mat for your travels, the Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Mat is a great option. Just be aware of its thinness and the potential for reduced grip when wet.

Primasole Folding Yoga Travel Pilates Mat

If you’re looking for a yoga mat that’s easy to carry around while traveling, this Primasole Folding Yoga Travel Pilates Mat is a great option.

Pros

  • Lightweight and foldable for easy transport
  • Comes in seven different colors to match your style
  • Embossed surface provides stability during exercises

Cons

  • The mat is thin, so it may not provide enough cushioning for some users
  • Hand wash only, which may be inconvenient for some
  • Some users have reported a strong chemical smell upon opening the mat

This mat is perfect for those needing a yoga mat that’s easy to carry while traveling. It’s lightweight and foldable, making it easy to fit in a backpack or suitcase. It also comes in seven different colors, so you can choose one that matches your style.

The embossed surface of the mat provides stability during exercises, making it great for core strength, posture, balance, and flexibility exercises. It’s also perfect for hot yoga, ab crunches, or Pilates as well as yoga floor and standing poses.

However, the mat is thin, so it may not provide enough cushioning for some users. It’s also hand wash only, which may be inconvenient for some. Additionally, some users have reported a strong chemical smell upon opening the mat.

Overall, if you’re looking for a lightweight and easy-to-carry yoga mat for your travels, the Primasole Folding Yoga Travel Pilates Mat is a great option to consider.

DHTDVD Yoga Mat

DHTDVD Yoga Mat

If you’re looking for a perfect yoga mat for travel, the DHTDVD Yoga Mat is a great option.

Pros

  • The high-density pad can absorb the impact of the joints and provide strong support for users of all levels, especially beginners.
  • The special design makes the yoga mat waterproof and anti-skid, even when sweating frequently.
  • Soft and extra thick, it can be rolled and stored in compact spaces.

Cons

  • The mat may have a strong rubber odor when first opened.
  • It may not be suitable for those who prefer thinner yoga mats.
  • It may not be as durable as some other yoga mats on the market.

This yoga mat is a great investment for those who want to practice yoga on the go. The high-density pad provides excellent support, while the waterproof and anti-skid design ensures stability during even the sweatiest of practices. The mat is also soft and extra thick, making it easy to roll up and store in compact spaces.

If you’re sensitive to smells, you may want to air out the mat before use, as it may have a strong rubber odor when first opened. Additionally, this may not be the best option for you if you prefer thinner yoga mats. Finally, while the mat is durable, it may not last as long as some other yoga mats on the market.

Overall, the DHTDVD Yoga Mat is a great choice for those who want a high-quality yoga mat that is perfect for travel.

JadeYoga – Voyager(™) Yoga Mat

The JadeYoga – Voyager(™) Yoga Mat is a great investment for any yogi who travels frequently.

Pros

  • The mat is thin, lightweight, and folds up to the size of a yoga block, making it easy to pack in a gym bag, carry-on luggage, or backpack.
  • The natural, open-cell rubber provides a superior grip compared to synthetic mats, making it slip-resistant and stable for better balance.
  • The mat is made from entirely toxin-free materials with no PVC, phthalates, heavy metals, or other harsh chemicals, making it a nature-friendly and sustainable choice.

Cons

  • The mat’s thinness may not provide enough cushioning for some yogis, especially for those with sensitive joints.
  • The rubber smell of the mat can be strong and may take some time to dissipate.
  • The price point may be higher than other travel yoga mats on the market.

If you’re looking for a travel yoga mat that is lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly, the JadeYoga – Voyager(™) Yoga Mat is a great option. Its superior grip and slip-resistance make it perfect for yoga practice on the go, and its sustainable and toxin-free materials make it a conscious choice for the environment. However, keep in mind that the thinness of the mat may not provide enough cushioning for some, and the rubber smell can be strong at first.

June & Juniper Travel Yoga Mat

June & Juniper Travel Yoga Mat

If you’re looking for a lightweight and foldable yoga mat that you can take with you wherever you go, then the June & Juniper Travel Yoga Mat might be just what you need.

Pros

  • Versatile and high-performing
  • Ultra-thin and breathable
  • Environmentally friendly

Cons

  • Might be too thin for some users
  • Not suitable for those who prefer thicker mats
  • Might not provide enough cushioning for certain poses

This yoga mat is made of microfiber and tree rubber, which provides a superior, non-slip grip. The mat is nearly 6 feet long and folds to a compact size, making it perfect for travel. It comes with a knee pad and carrier, which makes it even more convenient to use on the go.

The porous, highly absorbent microfiber is quick-drying and won’t bunch up, making it ideal for hot yoga or Pilates. The mat is also reversible and features a beautiful hand-painted design by a NY artist. The black rubber side offers an exceptional grip, perfect for poses that need great traction, while the microfiber side is ideal for hot yoga as it grips even better when wet.

The June & Juniper Travel Yoga Mat is eco-conscious and made with environmentally friendly materials. It’s perfect for yoga lovers, yogis, athletes, personal trainers, physical therapists, the elderly, health-conscious men and women, professionals, and beginners. It’s a unique and practical present to celebrate a birthday, graduation, baby shower, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or Christmas.

In summary, if you’re looking for a lightweight and foldable yoga mat that you can take with you wherever you go, the June & Juniper Travel Yoga Mat might be the perfect choice for you. It’s versatile, eco-friendly, and beautifully designed, making it a great investment for anyone who loves yoga.

Buying Guide

There are several factors to consider when looking for the best yoga mat for travel. Here are some features to look for:

Thickness

The thickness of a yoga mat is an important factor to consider when choosing a mat for travel. A mat that is too thick can be bulky and difficult to pack, while a mat that is too thin may not provide enough cushioning for your joints. A good thickness for a travel mat is around 1/16 to 1/8 inch.

Material

The material of a yoga mat can affect its weight, durability, and grip. Some popular materials for travel mats include rubber, PVC, and TPE. Rubber mats tend to be heavier but provide a good grip, while PVC mats are lightweight and durable. TPE mats are eco-friendly and lightweight, but may not provide as much grip as other materials.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of a yoga mat are important factors to consider when traveling. Look for a mat that is lightweight and easy to pack, but also large enough to provide enough space for your practice. The standard size for a travel mat is around 68 inches long and 24 inches wide.

Texture and Grip

The texture and grip of a yoga mat can affect your practice, especially if you tend to sweat a lot. Look for a mat with a textured surface that provides a good grip, even when wet. Some mats also come with a non-slip surface or a sticky texture to help prevent slipping during your practice.

Price

Price is always a consideration when choosing a yoga mat for travel. While you don’t want to overspend, it’s important to invest in a mat that will provide enough cushioning and support for your practice. Look for a mat that fits your budget but also meets your needs in size, thickness, and material.

In summary, when choosing a yoga mat for travel, consider the thickness, material, size and weight, texture and grip, and price. By considering these factors, you can find a mat that meets your needs and helps you stay grounded and centered during your travels.

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About the Author

James Smith
Co-founder of Browse Wellness
James co-founded Browse Wellness by combining his love and passion for yoga and meditation with his entrepreneurial spirit and marketing expertise. James has spent the last decade exploring the wellness landscape of South-East and Central Asia, from Thailand and Bali to the Himalayan mountains of Nepal and Bhutan. James is a certified yoga instructor and holistic nutritionist, and his approach to wellness is grounded in a holistic, whole-body perspective.

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