manduka pro travel yoga mat review

Path to Yoga

• Packing List

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Manduka begin and pro travel yoga mat: 2020 review.

I really needed to upgrade

What do i look for in a travel yoga mat, manduka begin and pro travel yoga mat review.

Manduka Pro Travel Yoga Mat

• It is very easy to clean . Just wipe it with a wet cloth and it will dry in no time.
• It is very portable . It is not only very thin, only 2.5 mm thick, but you can actually fold this mat to pack it in your suitcase or backpack. Believe it or not, it won't keep the creases of the fold. I wouldn't push it too far though.
• It is lightweight . I prefer lighter but at 2.4 lbs (2.88 lbs / 1.31 kg according to my test) it still feels comfortable to carry with you.
• It is sustainable . Their manufacturing process has no toxic emissions, their mats are safe for humans and above all, they last a lifetime. Even this thin travel mat is covered by Manduka's lifetime warranty.
• It feels very grippy . I haven't tested it when sweating but while dry it felt very grippy to my hands.
• Not supportive enough . Although the material feels firm and dense, you do feel the ground underneath you. I know some people do like to feel that connection with the floor, but if you need good support for your knees this mat might not work for you, especially if you want to use it daily.
• It's not as eco-friendly . Although the PRO series are sustainable, they are not as eco-logical as the Manduka Eko Series. They are made of PVC.
• Feels plasticky . In my opinion, although it looks great and it has the same built like all other PRO mats, because of the thinnest this one feels a bit plasticky. It feels a bit like those rubber floor tiles used to cover floors. Lol. That's just my opinion guys, pls don't get offended (to Manduka staff). A lot of people do love how this mat feels.

Manduka Begin Yoga Mat

• It is very light. Although Manduka's website says it is 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg), according to my test it is only 2.32 lbs (1.05 kg). It is definitely lighter than the Manduka Pro Travel Yoga Mat, half a pound lighter.
• It has soft cushioning . Although it is a bit squishy at the same time it's dense enough to provide stability and also good support for my joints. Yeah, my knees feel very comfortable on this mat. It is way better than every other regular sticky yoga mat I have tried before.
• Center alignment stripe . I'm an experienced practitioner and a yoga teacher, but I still appreciate to have that center alignment stripe. If you are a beginner then you'll love it even more.
• It is not very expensive . It costs around 40 USD, depending on the color, while the PRO travel yoga mat costs around 70 USD.
• It is grippy . Some people complain that this mat is slippery but to my hands, it does feel grippy although not as grippy as the PRO travel mat.
• It is reversible . You can use either side of the mat to practice on, and since Manduka offers several different colors then you have a large selection to choose from. You'll find the Manduka logo only on one side though.
• It is a bit bulky . At 5 mm thick it can feel a bit bulky. I would have preferred a 3 mm mat, but this is not such a big deal to me.
• Not as easy to clean . Because of the texture, it's not as easy to clean as the Manduka PRO mats.
• No lifetime warranty . It doesn't have the Manduka lifetime warranty as the PRO series, which means it is not as sustainable, although they still care about eco-friendly manufacturing.
• It keeps the creases . When rolling tightly or slightly folding the mat it tends to keep the creases of the fold. When I do a long sitting meditation practice I can see the mark of my cushion on it, but after some time they go away.
• Feels synthetic . The texture feels almost like a natural rubber mat but at the same time, it is not. To me, it feels mostly a bit synthetic. This might be very personal. I already got used to it and now I do like how it feels.
• Only one size . Tall people might find this mat a bit too short. It is only one size: 68" / 172cm. long.
• It doesn't fall flat on the floor . When brand-knew it doesn't fall flat on the floor. It took several days of rolling it on the opposite side to get it to fall flat.
• It gets stuck on the mat bag . Although I roll it tightly, once I put it inside my mat bag it tends to unroll and then because of the material it gets stuck on the cloth. So it's a bit difficult to get it out. If you have a small yoga mat bag with an opening on the top like I do then this might be a bit annoying.

Which travel yoga mat did I choose?

Which travel yoga mat you like best.

3 comments:

This article comes in right moment for me. I left my favourite yoga mat behind at home before setting off because it was too bulky. I bought 500ruppes (7 euro) mat in India but its life is ending and I need a clever solution...light and easy to fold so I can carry in my cabin style luggage and enough cushonning so I don't hurt my knee...

That's good to hear dude ;-) So which one are you getting then?

I absolutely love my Manduka Begin for on-the-go yoga practice! It's lightweight, easy to pack, and provides excellent grip. Whether I'm a beginner or a pro, this travel mat is a must-have companion for my yoga journey

• Weight Management
• Nutrition Facts
• Nutrition Basics
• Meal Delivery Services
• Fitness Gear
• Apparel & Accessories
• Recipe Nutrition Calculator
• Weight Loss Calorie Goal
• BMI Calculator
• Body Fat Percentage Calculator
• Calories Burned by Activity
• Daily Calories Burned
• Pace Calculator
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat Review

A high-quality PVC mat that demands a long-term commitment

Joy Merrifield is a freelance writer who has worked in the style department of Real Simple and has written for BUST, Overspray, and Planet Mag.

Elaine Hinzey is a registered dietitian, writer, and fact-checker with nearly two decades of experience in educating clients and other healthcare professionals.

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat

Verywell Fit / Joy Merrifield 

Dense and cushiony

Stabilizing for balance poses

Closed-cell construction keeps mat clean

Lifetime warranty

Very slippery 

Long break-in process

Getting Manduka’s PRO Yoga Mat from slippery hazard to perfectly broken in may be too much work for a casual yogi, but the luxurious density and a lifetime of use are at the end of the rainbow.

• Portability
• Ease of Cleaning
• Competition
• Final Verdict

We purchased the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. Keep reading for our full product review.

For yogis who are ready to level up their practice to the majors, the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat may be the last mat they’ll ever have to buy. I’d heard that this was the “Taj Mahal” of yoga mats from my instructor friends—Manduka seems to have coined this term itself—and I was curious to see what that could possibly mean. Could this be the mat that got me into a handstand? Read on to find out.

Grip: What grip?

When you buy a new Manduka PRO Mat, the mat you come home with is not exactly the mat you’ve just paid serious money for. That legendary mat, the “Taj Mahal of mats,” comes at a later point, once you’ve had a chance to break it in. It’s going to take a lot of crow poses to get her there, though. When new, the hefty, closed-cell PVC has almost no grip whatsoever.  

While the ideal “breaking in” is done with heavy use, Manduka includes instructions for how to fast-track the process with a salt rub. I covered the mat in coarse salt and let it sit for 24 hours before removing it with a damp cloth, as directed. Manduka says that you can repeat as needed, but how much labor should a consumer be expected to put into a new, expensive yoga mat to get it into usable shape? Could Manduka maybe have done some of this work?

It takes time to break in the PRO—casual yogis proceed with caution.

I proceeded to my first power yoga class after only one salt rub, but I regretted it immediately. The mat was so slippery, it was unusable without a towel at both the head and foot of the mat. Once my hands and feet started to sweat, it felt dangerous, even with the towels. I couldn’t wait for class to be over. Could just a few more salt rubs really make this tenable? 

For my review, I begrudgingly practiced on the mat five more times, and the slipping never improved. Maybe my expectations were too high from the outset, but I was really surprised by the total lack of traction. I’ve heard that it takes time to break in the PRO—a lot more time than six sessions—but that once it’s been broken in, it’s sticky, grippy bliss. To a more casual yogi, that feels like a lot of diligence to ask for with a slippery mat, but I guess “pro” is in the name. Casual yogis proceed with caution.

Comfort: Thick, stable, and super dense

What the Manduka PRO lacks in traction right out of the gate, it makes up for in high-density, comfortable support. Of all the mats I reviewed, the PRO had the highest stability-to-comfort ratio, overall. The 6 millimeters of padding cushioned without compressing, so it was great for poses that typically put a lot of pressure on the elbows and knees. I also felt very secure in standing poses that didn’t use oppositional force, like dancer and eagle pose .

What the Manduka PRO lacks in traction right out of the gate, it makes up for in high-density, comfortable support.

Portability: It’s no lightweight

Lugging around the 71-inch mat all day made me glad I hadn’t gone for the 85-inch version. Really. At 7.5 pounds of firm, 6-millimeters-thick PVC, the 71-inch mat begs to be stored at a studio, used at home, or at the very least chauffeured around in a car. And the 85-inch mat is 2 pounds heavier!

Lugging around the 71-inch mat all day made me glad I hadn’t gone for the 85-inch version.

Durability: Good for a lifetime 

Designed and guaranteed to last a lifetime , I give the PRO highest marks for durability. It’s guaranteed not to flake, fade, or peel with time, normal use, normal abuse, and regular salt rubs. When you’re instructed to beat something up before use, it’s a pretty sure sign that it’s not going to fall apart quickly. My friend who’s taught yoga on this mat for years says hers still looks and performs like new. 

A word about using PVC in yoga mats: PVC doesn’t biodegrade in landfills, and it can be notoriously difficult, and even ecologically harmful, to recycle. Though PVC isn’t an ideal earth-friendly material, by building a mat to last a lifetime, Manduka aims to reduce overall consumption and waste. There are certainly more earth-friendly materials you can make yoga mats from, such as sustainably sourced rubber or cork, but they aren’t usually as durable. 

It’s also worth noting that this mat is latex-free and OEKO-TEX-certified, meaning it contains no harmful chemicals.

Ease of Cleaning: Wipe, but don’t get wet

The closed-cell construction keeps the mat from taking on moisture and bacteria, but you’ll still need to clean the mat often—ideally after every use. Manduka recommends that you spray the mat with a yoga wash after practice, wipe it with a damp cloth, and allow it to air dry before rolling it back up. Soaking, submerging, or even showering the PRO may damage it and void the lifetime warranty, so remember to bring your mat in from the porch if the clouds roll in. 

Price: A serious investment for a serious mat

The Taj Mahal of yoga mats isn’t going to come cheap. At around $120, this mat is a pretty serious investment in your yoga practice. It’s dense, very well-made, and guaranteed to last a lifetime. 

But if you aren’t prepared to put the time into working with it and breaking it in, you aren’t going to get a great return on your investment. The casual yogi, or even a semi-pro with sweatier hands, is just going to get frustrated with all the sliding around. 

Competition: Manduka PRO vs. Manduka GRP

Manduka GRP Yoga Mat: Addressing my primary gripe with the PRO mat, the GRP mat from Manduka is designed with a good, immediate grip in mind. It has an upper layer that provides anti-slip control, particularly in sweaty conditions, and a lower charcoal-infused rubber layer that breathes, absorbs, and eliminates odors. The tradeoff for grip is durability, though—the GRP isn’t included in Manduka’s lifetime warranty.

Buy it if you’re ready to work.

The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat, like yoga itself, is an exercise in patience and a labor of love. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’re willing to put in the time and effort to break it in, the PRO may be the last yoga mat you ever buy—and that’s definitely worth a $120 price tag.

• Product Name PRO Yoga Mat
• Product Brand Manduka
• Price $120.00
• Color Black, Bondi Blue, Sea Star, Verve (Red), Waterfall, Black Magic (Purple), Odyssey (Blue), Black Sage (Green)
• Material PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
• Thickness 6 mm.
• Warranty Lifetime guarantee against manufacturer defects or product failure

Green Matters. Why is PVC bad for the environment ?

Manduka. Lifetime guarantee .

Ashtanga yoga for everyone

Best Yoga Mat Reviews

Manduka Yoga Mat Review: 12 Years Later

Manduka is a reputable company that is known for its long-lasting and quality yoga mats, but are they good enough to buy? I have some experience with Manduka products and have done some additional research for this Manduka yoga mat review and here is what I found.

Manduka yoga mats have a far superior quality than cheaper brands. Additionally, the Manduka Pro is the only yoga mat on the market to come with a lifetime guarantee. And yet, they still have their issues. They need to be broken in to achieve good grip. Overall though, Manduka Pro is worth the price.

It isn’t very common for any new yoga mat to have some problems, but that is the case with the Manduka Pro . You first need to break it in and only then are you able to get the full experience out of the Manduka Pro.

In this review, I discuss my experiences with my Manduka Pro that I’ve had for almost 12 years now (for a review of the Manduka eKo skip to here and for a review of the Manduka travel mat, skip here ). I still practice on it, teach on it, and it’s still as good as new. Well, that is once I finally broke it in!

The Best Things About a Manduka Yoga Mat

Let me start by saying that although the Manduka Pro does have its issues, it is my favorite yoga mat. From its lifetime guarantee to its 6mm thickness, the Manduka Pro was overall a great purchase.

Grip – Great Grip Once Broken In

One of my favorite parts of the Manduka Pro is the incredible gip it offers. I’m not sure if you have ever practiced on a yoga mat without any serious grip, but it can be a real pain in the neck.

As you can imagine, having good grip is one of the most important features of a good quality yoga mat. And this is what led me to buy this yoga mat all those years ago. I had purchased a pretty buy cheap yoga mat when I first started yoga. And as with many cheap yoga mats, I was sliding all over the place during my practice.

With the Manduka Pro, you will know that you will get to experience a superior grip during your practice. However, this is where the two key drawbacks come into place and are discussed in detail below. However, let me just say that in order to experience this superior grip you will most likely need to break it in first. Plus, if you sweat a lot you may need to add a yoga rug or a towel. Skip here to find out more.

For more information on the grip with dry and sweaty hands, you may like my video, where I examined the grip of 7 of the best yoga mats on the market: How to find the best yoga mat .

Cleaning – Simply Wipe It Down

Another great feature about a Manduka Pro is how easy it is to clean. Manduka Pro yoga mats are made of PVC which is considered to be the closed-cell type of yoga mat.

Manduka Pro yoga mats are made of PVC , which is resistant to water. And so a PVC yoga mat is considered a closed-cell yoga mat.

This means that if you sweat during your practice, the mat won’t absorb any of the sweat. This, in turn, means that you can simply wipe down your mat after every practice. This is an excellent choice for people who sweat a lot, as it may help make the mat more hygienic.

There are two main ways to clean a Manduka yoga mat:

• The DIY method – There are three mixtures you can prepare to clean your Manduka yoga mat. One is with water, vinegar, and tea tree oil. The second is with 1tsp baking soda in water. The third is with warm water and dish soap. Spray your mat with the solution, simply wipe it down and let it air dry.
• The Manduka cleaner spray mehtod – Manduka has 3 different yoga mat cleaners. The  Manduka Yoga Mat Wash and Refresh you can use after every practice, the  Botanical Cleaner  you can use if you want to disinefct your yoga mat, and finally the  Natural Rubber Yoga Mat Restore if you have a rubber yoga mat (such as the Manduka eKo).

I don’t know about you, but one of the quickest ways to damage a yoga mat in my opinion is a dirty and smelly yoga mat. I don’t think you will have any problems keeping this yoga nat clean.

For more information, check out my article: How To Clean Manduka Yoga Mat: Step-By-Step

Thickness – A Comfortable 6mm Thick

Yoga mats come in a variety of thicknesses . These can range from the very thin 1-2mm travel mats, to the very thick 12mm mats. Manduka Pro is considered a thick yoga mat, at 6mm thick.

This, for me, is the best thickness of yoga mat. Why? Well, it is thick enough so you don’t feel the floor beneath you, your joints are protected, your hands and feet don’t sink into the mat.

Plus, if the mat has a good grip, well then it is a perfect yoga mat for all types of yoga practice, from a dynamic Ashtanga to a more grinding Yin yoga practice.

Durability – It Will Last A Lifetime

The Manduka Pro was created with longevity in mind. And so if you are looking for a yoga mat that will last a long time, then look no further than the Manduka Pro.

It even comes with a lifetime guarantee! According to their website : “Manduka guarantees the Manduka PRO™,  PROlite® and PRO Travel yoga mats to last the lifetime of the mat, if used and cared for properly.”

To the best of my knowledge, Manduka is the only yoga mat brand to offer a lifetime guarantee.

From my personal experience, I can say that I’ve had my Manduka Pro for almost 12 years. I practice on it and I teach on it and it only has some very faint signs of wear and tear.

Sizes – Comes in 2 Sizes

Another advantage of Manduka Pro is that it comes in two sizes. The standard 71“/178cm and the longer 85“/216cm.

After some research I did on yoga mat sizes , I found that the standard length of yoga mats tends to range from 68″/173cm and 71″/178cm. This range is suitable for most practitioners of standard height.

And so if you are of standard height, go for the 71“/178cm. If you are 6’2″ and above it is worth looking out for the 85“/216cm version.

73% of Ashtanga Practitioners Use Manduka Pro

A few months ago I asked a group of Ashtanga yoga practitioners what yoga mat they would recommend. Interestingly, 73% of those who responded said that they would recommend the Manduka Pro.

Read more about it here: The BEST Yoga Mat for Ashtanga Yoga: Ashtanga Teacher review

The Worst Things About a Manduka Pro

As much as I do love Manduka, it still has its issues.

You’ll Have To Break It In First

A big hang-up with the Manduka pro is that you may need to break it in first. For example, when you first receive it and you try to practice on it straight out of the box, you are most likely going to be sliding all over the place.

In order to improve the grip you will either have to be very patient and wait for it to break in. Or you can actually speed up the process by breaking it in with salt. You may be thinking that that may not be such a big deal, but I know several people who want a mat they can practice on straight away without having to go through this break-in process.

Not Great Grip If You Sweat A Lot

The grip on the Manduka Pro is great (once broken it). However, that is till you start sweating in your practice.

And so if you have a sweaty practice you could do what most Ashtanga yoga practitioners do. You could place a yoga towel or a cotton rug on top.

Weight / Portability

Yoga mats tend to range from just under 1kg (2lbs) to just over 3kg (7.5lbs). Manduka Pro comes in at 3.4kg (7.5lbs).

This means that is quite a heave yoga mat! FOr this reason, the Manduka pro is a great yoga mat to have in one place. For example, if you can store it at your local yoga studio or have to practice on ta home.

However, if you are looking for a yoga mat that you will be able to travel with, then it would be best to look for a lighter yoga mat.

For more options check here: Yoga Mat Weight of all Popular Yoga Mats (lbs & kg) .

Both Good and Bad About the Manduka Pro

The Manduka is a premium yoga mat. And so like any premium yoga, it does come with an increase in price, but unlike some of its premium competitors, you are a mat for life. For just over $100 you can own a good quality yoga mat that you may never need to replace.

Paying just over $100 may seem like a lot. And it is. However, think that you will never need to buy another yoga mat.

To give you a comparison, the very popular Liforme has a lifetime of about 4-5 years and costs just over $150!

Sustainability

There is a little debate about how sustainable the Manduka Pro actually is.

On the one hand, we could argue that it is made of PVC which is a form of plastic and say that it isn;t a sustainable yoga mat.

However, according to the Manduka website : “Our PRO series mats are manufactured using a process that ensures no toxic emissions are released into the atmosphere. The PRO Series is certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®️ (12.HUS.17706 | Hohenstein HTTI) to keep you and your family safe from harmful substances”

Add to that the fact that you will not need to buy another yoga mat and are not adding to landfill.

Conclusion of My Manduka Pro Yoga Mat Review

Manduka Pro is not perfect, but it is still a terrific buy. If you are thinking of settling for a cheaper yoga mat you may want to reconsider.

In my opinion, the added price it takes to get the superior quality of a Manduka is well worth it.

I really love the grip and comfort that the Manduka Pro can offer. A nice thick mat that doesn’t mess up my joints is much appreciated whenever I’m practicing.

Not to mention the fact that I’ve had it for almost 12 years. All of these things combine to make a really exceptional yoga mat.

My biggest complaint is the need to break it in when you first buy it. I know this has put off many of my students from buying this yoga mat. But in my opinion, this is a small price to pay when juxtaposed with the plethora of great features.

When all is said and done, I fully endorse Manduka and think they are well worth the price.

Quick Manduka eKo Review

The Manduka eKo is an eco-friendly and biodegradable yoga mat that sells for just under 100 USD.

According to the Manduka website: “The eko® mat is a natural yoga mat made from sustainably harvested tree rubber. Unlike other rubber mats available today, the foaming agents used to create the eko® are non-toxic”.

Other than it being an eco-friendly yoga mat, the key advantage of this mat is that it offers great grip.

However, that is only if you don’t sweat a lot.

If you sweat during your practice, then keep in mind that you’ll be sliding quite a lot if you don’t place a yoga towel or a yoga rug on top.

As much as I love my Manduka Pro, I can’t say I’m a huge fan of the Manduka eKo.

Quick Manduka Travel Mat Review

I bought the 1,5mm Manduka travel mat several years ago when I was planning on flying to Paris with Ryanair. I know I could only have hand luggage, so this mat seemed like the perfect choice.

The great advantage of the Manduka travel mat is that it is just 1.5mm thick, meaning it can be folded and placed in a backpack. Additionally, it offers superior grip when your hands are dry.

The two key disadvantages I have found with this mat are:

• There is very little grip with wet hands. And is if you sweat a lot, keep in mind that you wont experience great grip. Click here to check out my wet vs dry hand grip experiment.
• It is too thin if you are plracticing on a hard floor. So for example, this mat is great if you can place it on a communal yoga mat or on a carpet. You’ll find it extremely hard to plactice on if you lpace it directly on ahrad floor (e.g. tiles, concrete).

Related articles:

• How To Choose the BEST Yoga Mat in 8 Steps
• The BEST Yoga Mat for Ashtanga Yoga: Ashtanga Teacher review
• How To Clean Manduka Yoga Mat: Step-By-Step
• Best Ashtanga Yoga Mats (& what reviewers are saying)
• How To Clean a Yoga Mat The Right Way

Related Content

Alexia Koletsou

Alexia Koletsou is a Level 1 Authorized Ashtanga Yoga Teacher with a Ph.D. in Science Communication. She received her blessing to teach Ashtanga Yoga in 2019, from the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India, where she has had the honor of practicing with R. Sharath Jois multiple times over the years. She is the owner of her own Shala in Greece and now shares her knowledge on yogamyoldfriend.com and her YouTube channel Alexia K Yoga.

You may also like

Lululemon Yoga Mat Review: 1 Year Later

I Asked 13 Airlines How To Travel With A Yoga Mat

Yoga Design Lab Mat – Unbiased Review

Manduka PRO yoga mat review: luxurious, eco-conscious but could have better grip

A luxurious top-end yoga mat that's almost perfect, apart from its grip... here's T3's Manduka PRO yoga mat review

The Manduka PRO mat is one of the better yoga mats you can buy today. The eco-friendly mat offers comfortable padding for a luxurious feel and great support, although its grip could definitely be better.

Padded comfort

Eco-friendly materials

Generous width and weight

Falters on grip

Extremely slippy

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

Most of the best yoga mats are now made from similar materials, are environmentally friendly and all claim to be super grippy and sufficiently padded. It gets harder to distinguish a good mat from an 'OK' mat from description alone so I tested the Manduka PRO yoga mat to give you the lowdown on whether the eco-friendly mat actually lives up to its grippy promises.

Manduka PRO yoga mat review: price

The Manduka PRO yoga mat is £134 and available to buy at Manduka and Yogamatters . It's not the cheapest option on the market, but it's also not the most expensive, either. It comes in 13 different colours, including blue which I tried for this review. It also comes in both a standard size (180cm x 66cm) or extra long version (216cm x 66cm).

Manduka PRO yoga mat review: design

The Manduka PRO yoga mat has a simple design which allows you to not feel too conspicuous when practicing. There are no fancy patterns or bold shapes with this mat, only a very faint stripe pattern which is all one colour and barely visible, unless you’re close up. 

For those who are environmentally conscious, the Manduka PRO mat will tick that box for you. Made mindfully, this yoga mat is made from certified OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 PVC which means the product has been rated as being harmless to human health. Manduka also ensure this mat is manufactured in an emissions-free facility, although the facility is in Germany so for those really eco-conscious consumers, if you’re buying this mat from anywhere but Germany, some harm is still being caused to the environment through transportation.

Of course, we have no way of testing if it does last a lifetime (and who is specifying what a ‘lifetime’ is?) but it does feel like a robust mat with a top layer that isn’t going to crumble away over time. The top layer is smooth, reasonably grippy and doesn’t mark easily, which is especially good when you have a slightly greasy forehead from a sweaty practice. One final notch to this yoga mat’s eco belt is that it is vegan friendly so you also know no harm has been caused to other living beings in the process of making it.

A thoughtful addition is the dot pattern on the bottom of the mat, to add extra grip. There's nothing worse than having your yoga mat slide around beneath you during a flowing practice to disturb your concentration, so the fact this has been thought of shows the creators understand how to make a reliable yoga mat, paying attention to the small details.

On rolling out the mat for the first time, it flattened completely with no curling edges. It’s quite a heavy mat at 3.4kg for the standard size and 4.3kg for the extra long version, with other yoga mats weighing around 1.5kg. This added weight perhaps helps this mat to lie flat perfectly for every practice. Although it unrolls with ease, it did have a strong smell to begin with but this is normal for yoga mats and tends to ease with time.

Manduka PRO yoga mat review: Performance and grip

I love the padding this mat offers, measuring at 6mm thick. I practice on a hard floor which, depending on the mat I use, can mean my knees are a little more sensitive than if I practiced on carpet. With this mat, I didn’t notice once that there was a hard floor beneath me.

The cushioning is fantastic and probably one of the best I’ve tried in terms of support. Furthermore, the dotted pattern underneath held the mat firmly in place while I was practicing. Yoga mats generally hold quite well on hard floors, sometimes there is a little movement, but with the Manduka PRO mat it was like it was glued to the floor. This allowed me some really solid practices with no distractions or concerns that I’d need to stop mid flow and readjust my mat. This was a relief and one that I think is underestimated when you’re trying to be in the moment.#

One thing I haven’t tried is a practice on this mat on carpet. I’m not convinced the dots would grip as much but I think this is something no yoga mat manufacturer has figured out yet.

Although the Manduka PRO yoga mat claims its fabric-like surface offers superb grip, I didn’t find this with the practices I did. I found this mat to be slippy, especially in a downward dog, and this wasn’t due to clammy hands. I often practice downward dog towards the start of a practice meaning I’m not hot or sweaty yet and my hands are dry. The slipping was frustrating and it didn’t seem to matter where I placed my hands, they still slid.

However, before completely writing this mat off, it’s important to note that Manduka do state the grip improves with time. The more you use this mat, the better the grip becomes. No timeline is given by Manduka so there’s no real way of knowing if this is true unless you keep practicing. It could take 10 practices or 1000…no-one knows. Saying this, Manduka do offer a hack to speed this process up. They suggest you sprinkle the mat with sea salt and leave it on there for 24 hours. After this time, use a damp cloth to remove the salt. You can repeat this process if needed.

The last thing that gets a thumbs up from me is this mat’s width. Measuring at 66cm wide, it offers ample space to spread out during your practice without the fear of a body part touching the cold floor unexpectedly (there is nothing worse!) This isn’t a deal breaker but it is nice having a wider than average yoga mat offering extra space, if needed.

Manduka PRO yoga mat review: verdict

The Manduka PRO mat is one of the better mats available. Its highlights include its padding for comfort and the hefty weight which gives you the feeling of practicing on a luxurious, supportive mat. It also means you have a completely flat mat from day one which is a blessing as you’re not left fighting with curling edges in your downward dog. The width is fabulous for stretching that bit further and the dotted back ensures the mat stays put.

The only thing that lets it down is the grip. Perhaps in time this will improve but after a couple of weeks practice, my hands were still sliding quite a lot so sadly, this brings it down to a 3 out of 5.

Kat has 10 years of yoga teaching experience with further training in supporting injured students. She is qualified to teach Yin Yoga, Hormone Yoga Therapy and more traditional forms of Hatha yoga. She also has a certificate as a Yoga Therapy Practitioner.

Are you one of the millions to tune in?

By Rik Henderson Published 1 May 24

Xbox's annual summer event will include multiple game reveals, here's what you need to know

The answer to a stain-free mattress is… shaving foam?!

By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published 27 April 24

After hearing mixed reviews on sound therapy, I wanted to try it for myself

By Lizzie Wilmot Published 26 April 24

Understanding sleep banking and if it can actually help you feel more rested

By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published 24 April 24

A lack of sleep can seriously affect your skin – here’s how

By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published 20 April 24

Why you should choose a hybrid mattress if you have these problems…

By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published 18 April 24

The Slumberland Air 9.0 Memory Mattress has received five stars across the board, but does it live up to its expectations?

By Lizzie Wilmot Published 13 April 24

Emma launches new Lite mattress, its most affordable option in its collection

By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published 12 April 24

Eve Sleep relaunches its mattress collection with six new Wunderflip mattresses

By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published 31 March 24

Useful links

• When is the next Prime Day?
• Best 5G phones
• Best VPN services
• Best laptops
• Best smartphones
• Best mattresses
• Best phone deals
• Best mattress deals
• Best TV deals
• Discount codes

• Yoga Gear Reviews

Manduka PRO Review

• Comfort and Support - 35% 10.0
• Grip - 30% 8.0
• Materials - 20% 10.0
• Ease of Use - 15% 8.0

Our Verdict

Compare to similar products, our analysis and test results.

The Manduka PRO is made of polyester and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a plastic polymer. While there are more eco-friendly materials used to make biodegradable mats, like natural rubber, PER (polymer environmental resin), or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), Manduka considers this line of mats to be an environmentally conscious choice as the PVC is eco-certified as zero-waste, and they design their mats for durability. This mat weighs a whopping 7.5 pounds and measures 71 inches long by 26 inches wide and 6mm thick. The PRO stands out for its great comfort and stability. Its quality design and support make it a staple mat for many students and studios today and one of the longest-lived high performers in our lineup.

Performance Comparison

Comfort and Support

The PRO has 6mm of firm padding that, for many yogis, remains comfortable and protective of the joints even after a decade of sustained use. It is one of the most luxuriously dense mats in our lineup and is topped with a textured surface that feels soft and never abrades the skin when sliding through a transition. The PRO is the ideal firmness for balancing and one of our favorite foundations for inversion practice, handstands, and acro yoga. Manduka has been making mats since 1997, and the PRO benefits from decades of refinement.

A firm mat like the PRO is excellent for handstands, arm balances, single leg holds, and other asanas where a solid, flat base helps you balance confidently. This mat is our first choice on hard floors. Many testers and yoga teachers trust it for delicate balances like chin stand. We love that it is accessible for different bodies to work on balance needs. We talked with a yoga therapist who uses the PRO for therapeutic sessions like working with cancer patients who need a good balance of stability and joint-friendly cushion in their practice mat. Its firm and thick cushion allows it to work on balance and strengthen asanas that improve quality of life.

The PRO is also very heavy so that it won't move around on you when jumping from Samasthiti (upright standing mountain pose) to Chaturanga . You can feel secure performing head and arm balances on it. We appreciate the firmness beyond our practice space as it works wonders on softer ground. The thick, firm mat will support you on grass, sand, or carpet. We also love this mat for partner yoga and acro jams at the park.

Many mats offer a sticky grip, but Manduka intentionally designed something "not sticky" to balance grip and slide, and the PRO is one of our favorite mats for flowing through vinyasa (moving with breath). That said, while many sticky mats are great for beginners or yogis with sweaty hands, the downside is that some ultra-grippy mats cause you to get "stuck" transitioning between poses. This can influence yogis to step into poses instead of flowing — which can be okay if you prioritize non-slip traction but is something to consider if you want to flow with breath on your mat.

The top layer of the PRO has a textured surface that is easy to grip but doesn't overly lock your hands or feet into place. The textured surface helps you to feel all four corners of the feet and the energetic lift of your arch. When you need to balance on the hands for poses like Bakasana (crow pose), the textured surface grips when you press into the pads and mounds of the fingers and energetically pull up through the center of the palm like a gecko. The firm surface highly supports the delicate joints in the wrist, and one of our testers appreciated the PRO's firm cushion when she was recovering from a wrist injury.

Some find the PRO slippery initially, but it quickly breaks in with daily practice. Unlike many mats that lose their stick after a year or two, the PRO gets a softer, more grippy feel over time. It is an amazingly subtle surface-level shift, so the mat still looks new. If you want to break your mat in quickly, Manduka recommends applying a coating of coarse sea salt and letting it sit for 24 hours before spraying it with water and gently wiping it clean. Our testers felt that the mat offered sufficient grip, so we didn't need to "break it in" with anything more than our hands and feet, but other yogis have had great success with this method. We found that the texture gives decent traction when wet, but if you sweat puddles, its performance is not as non-slip as "sticky mats" in the presence of moisture. Adding a microfiber towel is an excellent fix for pooling sweat. The benefit of a less absorbent mat is that it doesn't get saturated with body fluids, so it is much easier to wipe down and is less likely to get stinky.

The Manduka PRO is the only mat we tested with a lifetime guarantee , and these mats can last for many stages of your yoga journey. One of our testers has used her PRO for five years; it looks like it could have been unboxed today, and the cushion has not been compressed. At one yoga teacher workshop, one of our testers even made student adjustments on a nearly twenty-year-old PRO still in mint condition. These mats are quality-built to last.

The mat's closed-cell construction keeps dirt, sweat, and other moisture from absorbing deep into the mat. It makes cleaning easy, as any funk from sweat and grime wipes quickly off the surface. This mat's PVC is certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX . PVC takes a herculean effort to tear so that this mat will last a long time.

Ease of Use

The Manduka PRO is low maintenance. Because the closed-cell construction doesn't absorb moisture, the smooth surface is super easy to wipe down. You don't have to worry about a long dry time since body fluids do not drench the mat material.

Unlike open-cell mats that need a deep clean by submersion, do not submerge or soak your PRO in water. If it needs extra cleaning from dirt or sweat, Manduka recommends spraying the mat down until it is visibly wet on the surface, allowing the water to sit for 1-2 minutes, and then gently scrubbing any dirt or stains with a cloth. Let the PRO completely dry before storing it in a cool place. Manduka also sells a botanical disinfecting cleaner if you want a deeper clean or to share this mat with other yogis.

The PRO weighs 7.5 pounds, making it the heaviest in our test suite. While it rolls up tightly, you feel the weight on your shoulders in a yoga bag. If you're the kind of person who regularly drags two mats to class for extra cushion, then using just one of these mats instead might lighten your load a bit. It is a very versatile mat. It can be used inside, outside, on hard or soft ground, and is exceptional for most styles of yoga.

Should You Buy the Manduka PRO?

The Manduka PRO is a solid investment if you're looking for a long-lasting yoga mat, and if anything happens, it is backed by a lifetime guarantee. This mat offers a beautiful balance of grip and smoothness for sliding transitions. It has an excellent textured surface dry grip but becomes more slippery when wet, so there are better options if you want a mat for hot yoga. The closed-cell design doesn't absorb moisture or grime, so it doesn't smell funky over time and is easy to clean. The Manduka is one of the most comfortable mats we tested and unmatched for joint protection. On top of that, we love that it is built — and proven — to last.

What Other Yoga Mays Should You Consider?

Best Yoga Mats of 2024

How to Choose a Yoga Mat

Review: Manduka yoga mat

Hi my yoga friends! Have you ever heard of Manduka? It’s a well known brand that sells quality yoga mats. Maybe you have seen them on Instagram , because that is where I found them. Also a few of my international yoga friends own a Manduka yoga mat and are very happy with it. Their opinion combined with how kind my contact person was, made me feel excited about collaborating with Manduka. It’s a big name in the yoga community and I am very grateful for having the opportunity to work together with them!

So I guess you can already imagine how happy I was when my Manduka yoga mat arrived a while ago.  I’ve been enjoying it so much and have decided to finally share a review. 

But first of all, what do I expect from a yogamat?

A yoga mat needs to be from good quality , because you are going to spend many hours on it. This means the material is of great importance for grip, structure, cushioning, durability, comfort and environmental friendliness. Of course there are many different materials for yoga mats , which means you will need to keep in mind that it’s  a matter of personal preference and how the material reacts to your body.

A good yoga mat may be pricey, but believe me when I say “ It is so worth the investment! “. A cheap one is great when you’re starting your Yoga journey, but after a few months or a year you will feel the need to improve your yoga practices by investing in a better mat.

Review : Manduka Yogamat

I was gifted  the purple Manduka PRO Travel mat , which is meant to take with you on vacation or on the go. But it is also perfect if you’re only practicing Yoga at home. At first I thought “ Oh this yogamat seems thinner than what I’m used to. Let’s try it out to see how it feels! “, but must admit it is a nice experience to be this close to the Earth. The cushion is good and gives me the support I expect from a yoga mat . Also I don’t feel any discomfort in my poses, which is also very important. In case you do need some extra protection, I would recommend to create a little ‘ speedbump * ‘ in your mat.

* Fold a piece of your yoga mat over each other to get a thicker cushion. You can also add a towel or extra protection under your knee. 

The mat is Medium grip , which means you won’t slide away easily. When you are sweating during a more advanced Yoga practice, you can experience some sliding away as the grip gets more difficult. But it’s nothing bad compared to a cheaper yogamat I own.

And the design?

Well… I just love it! On the right corner at the top of your yogamat, you will see the Manduka logo, which is a frog. The material itself has a lovely feeling and feels non-slippery. The size of the Pro Travel mat is 180 cm., which is long enough for tall people. The bottom has a dot pattern to make sure your mat stays put.

Cleaning your yogamat :

Cleaning your yoga mat is so important, because you’re spending so much time on it. It’s always nice to experience a fresh yoga practice, right? I must admit that cleaning my yogamat is something I only started doing a few months ago  ( I know, shame on me! ) . You need a  yogamat cleaner and damp clean micro fiber towel (or cloth) to wipe your mat clean and let air-dry for a while. NEVER USE WATER OR SOAP!   This Pro Travel yoga mat is easy to clean on both sides.

My yoga experience on my new Manduka yoga mat

So far I am enjoying my Manduka yoga mat. I mostly practice at home and sometimes my yoga mat joins me in my Private Yoga Class. I refuse to take it with me to my classes at the gym, because I don’t want it to touch other people’s sweat (yup, I am thàt kind of a person 🙈 ) .

The mat is from good quality and I can easily transfer from one pose into another without experiencing any discomfort. I don’t feel like sliding away or sticking onto the mat, unless I take my practice to an intensive/ advanced level. In this case it might happen that you will slide away a little, so make sure to keep a towel with you.

The weight of the mat is not heavy, because it is lightweight. For me it is just perfect to transport. And you can also fold the mat into your luggage without damaging it. Isn’t that awesome?!

More information about the Manduka Pro Travel yoga mat

Some characteristics:.

• 71″ long x 24″ wide⎜ 180 cm long x 60 cm wide
• 3/32″ thick⎜ 2,5 mm thick
• Closed-Cell Construction: c losed-cell construction prevents moisture, sweat and dirt from absorbing into the mat surface and cleans easily
• Top: performance grip to optimize your practice
• Bottom: proprietary dot-bottomed grips to the floor to stay put in any surface
• Light weight: easy to transport and fold
• Travel friendly: packable in backpack, tote or carry-on
• Easy to clean: top and bottom surfaces rinse easily
• Dense cushion: high-density cushion and support 
• Durable: guaranteed to never wear out from yoga practice
• Mindful: non-toxic emissions-free manufacturing and 100% latex free

How to love your (new) Manduka yoga mat:

• Keep your mat in the best condition by wiping it down after every practice with a yogamat cleaner . DO NOT soak, shower or submerge in water!
• Roll your mat with the top side facing outwards. This keeps the corners of the mat flat when practicing. Store the mat horizontally.
• Manduka guarantees that this product is free of manufacturer defects and, under normal use, will last a lifetime. For more information, visit  www.manduka.com/us/lifetime-guarantee

Also make sure to visit their

Website  and Social Media pages: Instagram – Facebook

**This blogpost contains a gifted yoga mat

At Debbythechocoholic we not only bake cookies, but we also collect them. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.  Click here for our Privacy Policy.

We’re independently supported by our readers and we may earn a commission when you buy through our links.

What are you looking for?

Search ideas for you, manduka yoga mat review.

Health & Wellness, Skincare, Food, Decor & Plants

Nea Pantry is a freelance writer living in downtown Toronto. She writes full-time for Honest Brand Reviews, alongside a variety of copy writing projects for local and international businesses. When not writing, you can find her in the kitchen whipping up a batch of vegan muffins.

Table of Contents

About Manduka

First and foremost, Manduka is a sustainable brand. Putting it at the forefront of all it does, you’ll find consciously sourced materials and eco-friendly production methods within each item’s description. Offering a full range of yoga mats, clothing, towels, and accessories , the company does yoga gear the way it should be, with respect to the earth.

Receiving praise from New York Magazine, Bustle, Self, Glamour, and heaps of other notable publications, Manduka’s products frequent ‘best of’ lists. The brand also holds a proud following of 271k on its Instagram page.

In this Manduka yoga mats review, we’ll give you the rundown of the brand and its best-selling mats, fill you in on what customers have to say about them, answer important FAQs, and more, to help you decide if they’re worth the buy .

Overview of Manduka

Founded in 1998, the quality , selection , and practices of Manduka have come a long way, but its heart has remained the same. 23 years ago, Peter Sterios set out to create a yoga mat that would “ make a world of difference .”

He believed that “ the joy of yoga can encourage a more positive world ,” and that’s the very same principle the brand is grounded on today.

Sterios designed just one mat, but it was a mat that changed the way people did yoga forever. Sending his design to instructors around the USA, those instructors turned around and shared them with students, and so, Manduka was born.

The El Segundo, California-based brand has since expanded its product line to include multiple series of mats, as well as apparel and accessories. It has transformed into a company that doesn’t just sell mats, it shares a vision .

Before we get into exactly what the brand’s mats are like, this Manduka yoga mat review will take a short pause on its pros and cons.

• Wide selection of apparel, gear, and accessories
• Multiple series of mats, with different thicknesses and materials
• Mats are made in OEKO-Tex Certified factories
• Sustainable collections & practices
• Fantastic Sale Section
• Ships around the world
• Satisfaction guarantees for mats
• Free US returns
• PRO line of mats requires a break-in period
• Can be pricey due to high-quality, sustainable materials

Just like every movement in yoga, Manduka’s mats are purposeful. With smart designs to keep you in the flow, stop slippage , and negate bacteria, these functional mats serve to keep your eye on the prize and reduce distraction.

Offering three different collections, this Manduka yoga mats review will take you on a journey through them all. We’ll also include a few extra special products to help elevate your sequence .

Manduka Yoga Mats Review

In this section of our Manduka yoga mat review, we’ll get into the brand’s awe-inspiring selection of yoga mats offered in dreamy prints, cushy material, and differing lengths and thicknesses. We’ll also cover a few of the brand’s accessories to improve your practice and make carrying your mat a breeze.

We’re going to start things off with the mat that’s gotten a ton of attention lately, the PRO Yoga Mat 6mm .

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 6MM Review

One of the thickest mats on the market, the PRO Yoga Mat 6mm is substantial , durable , and sturdy . Of course, those features come with a 9.5 lb weight but carry it in one of the Manduka yoga bags to make the load feel a little lighter.

Recommended by yoga teachers around the world, this one is made to last . Offering support for your joints, along with stability in difficult poses, the German-made mat uses a proprietary dot pattern on its underside to keep it in place.

It’s made from a tightly woven fabric that resists moisture and bacteria . And, the top layer has a grippy texture that won’t ruin your flow like others do when you lift your hand up and the mat comes with it.

Measuring 71” x 26”, the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 6mm is latex-free and comes in nine tranquil colors, like morganite colorfields, a marbled, peaceful teal.

Seriously get into your practice with this functional mat for $130 .

Manduka PRO Squared Yoga Mat Review

Yoga mats are ideal for studio practice, but when you’re in your own space, feel free to spread out! The Manduka PRO Squared Yoga Mat is perfect for home studios. Roll around, stretch, use up every inch of this 78” x 78” mat, or perhaps flow with a friend.

The mat weighs 26 lbs , so you may want to leave it in place or store it close by. In traditional black, this large mat provides cushion, stability , and durability —everything you love about the PRO line just in a bigger form.

The PRO Squared Yoga Mat is $300 but is currently out of stock. Check back in again soon!

Manduka PRO Travel Yoga Mat 2.5MM Review

Oh so you like to move, do you? The Manduka PRO Travel Yoga Mat 2.5mm should do the trick.

With the PRO’s superior performance, grip, and durability, this thin Maduka yoga mat weighs in at just 2.4 lbs . Rolling it up and carting it to brunch is as easy as tying your shoe.

Measuring 71” x 24”, the mat is a classic black shade that won’t fade with time. Go anywhere with this travel-friendly mat for $75 .

Manduka PROLITE Yoga Mat Review

So you love the PRO line but want something a little…lighter. No problem, Manduka PROlite has your back.

With the same supportive, stabilizing cushion, but 50% less weight , this mat uses dots on the bottom so it stays on the floor, but uses texture on top so it stays separated from your hands. The Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat measures 71″ x 24″ and comes in 11 colors. Keep things soothing with cosmic sky or add some bright color to your practice with deep coral.

Experience the PRO features in a more convenient weight with the Manduka PROlite for $100 .

Manduka eKO Lite Yoga Mat 4MM Review

Meet eKO, the earth-friendly mat that’s going to break down naturally. Made from tree rubber (not sourced from the Rainforest) the eKO Lite Yoga Mat 4mm offers medium thickness and a grippy texture that’ll keep your bare toes in place.

This particular mat measures 71″ x 24” and comes in 10 patterns, like deep forest marble, an emerald green daydream that you could get lost in. Weighing 5 lbs , this mat’s great for those who walk to the studio or like to take things outside.

Do more with your mat with the Manduka eKO Lite Yoga Mat 4mm for $80 .

Manduka eKO Yoga Mat 5MM Review

Made from sustainably sourced non-Amazonian tree rubber, this biodegradable mat provides a firm, textured surface for sweaty yoga sessions. Available in standard (71”) and long (79”) sizes, the mat weighs between 7-8 lbs and comes in five inspired colors.

Manduka says that it’s actually the most durable natural rubber yoga mat on the market, and it took a group of yoga teachers over four years to design it. Pretty cool.

Pick up a standard Manduka eKO Yoga Mat 5MM for $95 or a long for $110 .

Manduka Breathe Easy Yoga Mat Review

Manduka yoga mats can get heavy—and people like them that way. But it doesn’t exactly make carting your mat to and from practice easy, and so the Breathe Easy Yoga Mat Bag is here to help.

It’s a super simple mesh bag that helps your mat dry out after sweaty practice. It features a contoured zipper for easy removal. Measuring 26.5” x 6.5” x 6.5”, this bag can be used with PROtravel , PROlite , eKO lite , eKO mat , eKO superlite , X Mat , and Begin series.

Available in black, harbor green, and thunder, make traveling with your mat all the easier with one of these lightweight , breathable Manduka bags for $30 .

Manduka Enlight Rectangular Bolster Review

Some poses call for a little extra support . The Enlight Rectangular Bolster is made with 30% recycled filling that offers a firm, but cradling cushion. Its microfiber cover material is soft, dries quickly, and can be removed and tossed in the wash.

Weighing 2.5 lbs, the bolster measures 28″ x 11.75″ x 5″ and comes in six enlightened colors.

Add the Manduka Enlight Rectangular Bolster to your practice for $70 .

Manduka Yogitoes Yoga Mat Towel Review

When the sweat starts to drip, any mat is going to start slipping. That’s where Manduka yoga towels come in. Made from a smooth , absorptive material, this mat/towel wonder is easily rolled up and toted outdoors to keep your practice going no matter where you are.

The Yogitoes Yoga Mat Towel uses Skidless® Technology (silicon grips) that help keep you in place while on it. It’s made with at least four recycled water bottles and though it comes in 14 wonderous patterns, the dye is free from AZO and heavy metals.

But let’s talk about these patterns for a second—ocean swell midnight? Lookin’ like a dream.

Available in standard (68″ x 24″; 1lb), standard+ (71″ x 24″; 1.25 lbs), and long (79″ x 24″; 1.6 lbs), you can get one of these gorgeous and outdoor-friendly mats for $60-$65 .

How Sustainable Is Manduka?

To get an idea of just how sustainable Maduka is, pop onto any product page. In its description, you’ll get to get up on exactly how that item was produced and its certifications.

Certain Manduka mats boast higher sustainable stats, like its eKO series that’s made with responsibly sourced, biodegradable tree-rubber (not from the Amazon!). Or, the Yogitoes line that’s made with a minimum of four recycled plastic bottles.

All of its items are produced in OEKO-Tex Certified facilities, meaning the factories follow sustainable practices.

What Are Manduka Mats Made Of?

Manduka PRO mats are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a material that’s usually used for electrical insulation. This material is tightly woven , durable , and moisture resistant —qualities that certainly make it just as useful for yoga and it is for electrical wires!

The brand’s eKO mats are made of non-Amazonian tree rubber. Both of these materials are easy to clean, just use some Manduka mat wash and a towel.

Who Is Manduka For?

Manduka is for yogis with a conscience . Sustainable practices and yoga go hand in hand, so it only makes sense that this brand merges the two.

Developing mats that will last you for a decade (maybe more), yogis of all levels can shop the company’s range of thicknesses, prints, and features and use them as they strengthen their practice.

Comparison: Manduka vs. Lululemon

Lululemon is treated like the queen of the yoga market , and rightly so. Take a look at its wide collections of workout gear for men and women, along with its accessories and gear, and you’ll find great-looking items that exude quality .

And though you will find Manduka leggings in our featured brand’s collection, just as you will its competitor, because this is a yoga mat review, we’ll be sticking to Lululemon’s mat selection to see how it stacks up against our featured brand.

Lululemon offers nine mats , some reversible, some not, but many with pretty patterns that rival Manduka’s options (although nothing beats ocean swell midnight, like, come on!). Browsing through our competitor’s mats, we didn’t see any above 5mm , so already, for thickness, our featured company has them beat, in friendly competition, of course.

We looked closer at the Lululemon Reversible Mat 5mm ( $88 ) and found that it’s made from polyurethane, rubber, and has an antimicrobial finishing.

Again, we’ve got to give it to Manduka again, because it’s Prolite Yoga Mat 4.7mm ( $100 ) is latex-free (Lululemon’s aren’t) and ditch the finishing, instead tightly weaving the PVC material to naturally resist sweat and bacteria.

With the quality of Manduka mats considered, the extra few bucks are certainly worth it, and that price comes with the peace of mind that the mat was made in an OEKO-Tex Certified facility too. We love you Lululemon, but who’s wearing the crown now?

Manduka Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

There are three parts to assessing a yoga mat: one, how it looks , two, how it feels , and three, how it performs . We’ve already got a great idea about the first one, but for the others, we’re going to need a little help from customers.

In this section of our Manduka yoga mat review, you’ll find a selection of feedback gathered from sources far and wide across the web that helps shine some light on what the brand’s mats are really like.

Let’s kick things off with a few ratings from the brand’s website, shall we?

• PRO Yoga Mat 6mm : an average of 4.5/5 stars from 1,397 reviews
• Yogitoes Yoga Mat Towel : an average of 4.5/5 stars from 470 reviews
• Manduka X Yoga Mat : an average of 3.8/5 stars from 124 reviews
• EKO Yoga Mat 5mm : an average of 4.4/5 stars from 601 reviews
• Manduka EKO Lite Yoga Mat 4mm : an average of 4.4/5 stars from 408 reviews

All with high scores, we chose to zero in on the PRO Yoga Mat 6mm because it appears to be the brand’s most-loved mat. According to customers, it’s very stable , durable , and doesn’t slide on carpet. It’s thick and heavy, too.

This Manduka yoga mat review pretty much sums it up: “ I can practice on carpet and the mat doesn’t bunch up or move around. Stability is wonderful and the size is great! ”

As does this one: “ Owned the mat for 3 years. Shows no sign of wear and tear. ” The thickness and weight of a mat are really what makes it last throughout the years, and of course, the woven PVC doesn’t hurt either.

To see if we could find out some more details on the PRO Yoga Mat 6mm , we headed to Outdoor Gear Lab , a trusted source of quality information.

The blog’s team gave the mat an overall rating of 74/100 with the following scores:

• Comfort & Stability : 10/10
• Portability : 4/10
• Durability : 10/10
• Traction Dry: 7/10
• Traction Wet: 5/10
• Ease of Care : 8/10

These scores really help us to see just how durable and comfortable the mat is, and because of those qualities, how easy it’s to care for . Even though Outdoor Gear Lab gave the mat a lower score for its wet traction, its team said that it’s “ nowhere near as sticky as the other top models. ”

The Manduka yoga mat review also states that it “ provides ample cushion for even the boniest yogis, but the overall effect is still stable and not squishy .” With yoga, balance is key , and squishy yoga mats can ruin your form, so it’s good to know this one performs strongly.

Feeling like we had a good grasp on what the Manduka pro mat was like, we wanted to check about another version that caught our eyes, the Yogitoes Mat Towel 2.0 , sold on Zappos.

With a total of 119 reviews, the Manduka mat towel has an overall score of 4.7/5 stars . In terms of a breakdown, 84% of shoppers gave it a perfect score, while just 3% gave it 1 or 2.

Just like it looks, the Manduka mat is lightweight and soft, and buyers say that it has a good grip . Take this helpful review:

“ I love this towel. It doesn’t bunch up or slip around on my mat of the same brand…The material is very soft. ” Others mention its durability , which is great considering it’s such a soft mat .

From our research, not many people had negative things to say about the brand’s yoga mats, although we will note that the Manduka PRO line has a break-in period where it may be a bit slippy. The company tells customers this is a temporary thing and will change within a few uses.

Is Manduka Worth It?

The brand’s yoga mats are more expensive than your corner shop specials, but you’re also going to get more out of them too. The differences between one of the mats featured in this Manduka yoga mat review and one from Walmart are pretty stark, but we’ll recap them here in case you need a refresher.

Manduka puts sustainability at the heart of what it does. When you’re dealing with a primarily foam or plastic-based industry, things like this matter.

Its mats age incredibly well , no matter which one you use. We saw that in the previous section of this Manduka yoga mat review where we looked at the PRO and the Yogitoes—both very different thicknesses, both very durable .

And since they’re made from closed-cell fabric that helps keep out bacteria and moisture , they’re easier to clean. And, you don’t have to worry about germs on your face or yucky smells during child’s pose.

So yeah, we’d say the brand is worth it. But, if you need a few more reasons, check out the next section of this Manduka yoga mat review.

Manduka Promotions & Discounts

With quality and social responsibility often comes a higher price . Saving the world has its perks, so while the brand’s products are certainly worth the money, a deal is always appreciated.

Throughout this Manduka yoga mat review, we spotted a few that would definitely come in handy, like a stellar sale section , and free shipping on orders over $75 .

Where To Buy Manduka

To access the widest selection of products, shop sales, and take advantage of discounts, we suggest buying directly from Manduka.com . If you prefer to shop around, you can also find certain items at Well.com, Amazon, and a handful of other wellness-centric retailers.

Who owns Manduka?

From what we can tell, the brand’s original founder, Peter Sterios is still the present owner.

Where is Manduka Made?

Manduka PRO mats are made in Germany, while all of the other brand’s mats are made in China in OEKO-Tex Certified facilities.

What is Manduka’s Shipping Policy?

Manduka ships all around the world , and typically, orders placed before 12:30 pm PST will be sent out the same day. Orders placed after that time will be shipped out the following business day.

When your package ships, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a tracking link that you can use to follow your package’s progress. That link will also show you an estimate of when your order is due to arrive.

What is Manduka’s Return Policy?

Manduka offers a few different styles of products that all come with different return periods and guarantees . To help make things a little easier to digest, we compiled that information into a neat little list below:

• Accepts used returns
• Must not be damaged or dirty
• Can return used mats
• Cannot be dirty or have damage
• Must not be used, dirty, or altered
• Needs to be sent back with polybag
• Cannot have been worn, washed, altered, or damaged
• Must include all tags and original packaging

To make a US return, follow these steps:

• Fill out the Return Form and include it in your package
• Email or call Customer Care
• Download prepaid return label (provided by Customer Care)
• Attach said label to the outside of your package
• Drop off at the nearest FedEx location

International customers are responsible for shipping the item back on their own accord, covering all shipping fees.

Send your returns to: Manduka LLC, Attn: Returns, 2207 E. Carson Street, Unit C3, Carson, CA 90810, United States

How to Contact Manduka

We hope you found all the information you needed and more in this Manduka yoga mat review. But, if you have any lingering questions, feel free to reach out to the brand by using any of the methods below:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 1-877-626-3852

The brand’s customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm PST.

Looking for cute yoga outfits? Check out trendy workout ensembles with these top brands:

Outdoor Voices

Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent.

Ask the community or leave a comment

Customer reviews, leave a review, ask the community or leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required

This field is required Please use a valid email

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You may also be interested in

Thesis Nootropics Review

Alo Yoga Review

Henson Shaving Review

SFERRA Review

CookUnity Review

Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat review: A sturdy mat suitable for most people

The Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat is a good all-rounder that impresses with its large size and comfortable thickness

• Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

The Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat is, as its name suggests, suitable even for experienced yogis and fitness fans. Its thickness and large dimensions mean it will be great even for taller people. The flipside of its large dimensions is that it’s quite heavy to carry, so this mat is best purchased for home use only. Another drawback is the mat tends to get a bit slippery during hot and sweaty workouts.

Good thickness

Large dimensions make it good for taller people

Suitable for people allergic to rubber

Lifetime guarantee

Gets slippery during intense workouts

On the expensive side

You can trust Fit&Well We give honest reviews and recommendations based on in-depth knowledge and real-world experience. Find out more about how we review and recommend products.

• Price and specs
• Look and feel
• Performance
• User reviews

Also consider

Wondering whether the Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat is worth it? We spent several sweaty sessions on the mat to assess it for things like grip, length and durability. 

The most striking feature of the mat is its apparent thickness and sturdiness, even for a "lite" mat. Its larger size means that we're a bit reluctant to class it as a travel mat, but it’s a solid choice for home use and intensive workouts.

Manduka boasts that even the standard size on this mat is 3 inches longer and 2 inches wider than other standard mats, so it’s great if you’re taller or after extra room. The other advantage of this mat is that it’s made of synthetic materials, so you don’t have to worry about using it if you’re allergic to rubber. 

Despite our misgivings, we still rank think of it as one of the best yoga mats for home use. Here's how we got on with it during our testing period.

Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat: price & specs

The Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat is available on Amazon and on the Manduka website for $99 / £75. 

It’s available in two lengths: 71 inches and 79 inches. We tested the 71-inch (180cm) long one, which is a whole 5ft4. We were very impressed with how roomy the standard model was; Manduka says it is both three inches longer and two inches wider than other standard mats.

The flipside of these dimensions is the weight. This mat is the lighter, travel version of the Manduka PRO 6mm mat, which weighs 7.5 lbs (3.4 kgs). Compared to that, the Manduka PROlite is quite "lite" at just 4 lbs (1.8 kgs) - but it’s still heftier than a lot of travel mats, and could be a pain to carry to the studio on a regular basis. Definitely invest in a carry bag if you’re planning on using it on the go!

Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat: look and feel

The Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat is available in three neutral dark colors, a navy blue called Midnight, a grey called Thunder, and a burgundy shade called Indulge. The dark colors seem a wise choice to conceal any signs of sweat and wear common on yoga mats. We selected the navy model, and we're enjoying the fact its appearance hasn’t changed since we've started using it.

Apart from the color choice, the design on this mat is as minimal as you get. The small red Manduka logo features in one corner, but the rest of the mat is uniform in color. If you are after a striking mat to make an impression at the gym, this is not the one for you! 

Despite having "lite" in the name, the Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat is still pretty hefty, weighing 4lbs (1.8 kgs). What you gain from the weight, however, is a lovely 4.7mm thickness, which makes this mat very comfortable. We felt very cushioned and padded during workouts, sometimes forgetting there were only a few millimeters between us and our wooden floorboards. 

Good news for people who suffer from rubber allergies: this mat is made from PVC, a synthetic polymer of plastic. Although it’s not made from natural materials, the PVC is OKEO-TEX certified meaning it is produced sustainably.

The mat was built with resistance in mind and feels very sturdy; it also comes with a lifetime guarantee, which should put your mind at ease when splashing out on it. 

The Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat has a closed-cell construction meaning it is designed to prevent moisture, sweat and dirt from absorbing into the mat. As a result, it is very easy to wipe clean. The flipside of the closed-cell construction is the mat gets slippery very easily, so it’s not ideal for intense and sweaty workouts. We didn’t find this an issue until we got to the end of a particularly intense HIIT session.

Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat: performance

A cool feature of the Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat is the textured dots on the bottom side, which help it grip the floor and prevent it from sliding. We found this very nifty and it definitely helped with our stability. 

Once you’ve unrolled the mat for the first time and let it air for 24 hours as instructed, you should have no issues getting it to stay flat. Ours has been rolled and unrolled countless times and stays put during all of our workouts!

This mat is great for a wide range of exercises due to its larger size; you definitely notice the extra couple of inches on the sides and the end when you’re exercising in your living room. 

The other big draw is the thickness: despite being a "lite" mat, the Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat is 4.7mm thick. This means it’s a suitable choice for someone who might need more support (although if you have joint pains, We’d recommend checking out the Manduka PRO 6mm or the Lululemon Reversible 5mm Yoga Mat ). We even practiced headstands on this mat and found we could do without a towel. 

In terms of grip, this mat performs quite well for basic yoga sessions and workouts. However, due to the closed-cell construction, it doesn’t absorb sweat and gets quite slippery during intense sessions. Definitely don’t attempt hot yoga or a HIIT workout without a towel on hand! 

Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat: Care

Rather oddly, Manduka suggests you break in your mat using salt. We did as we were told and sprinkled the mat with sea salt after unrolling it, before letting it sit for 24 hours. We then removed the salt with a damp cloth and waited for the mat to dry.

This process was quite messy and space-consuming, especially in a small apartment. It apparently helps wear in the top surface, though we can’t say we noticed the difference. Manduka recommends repeating this process as often as needed, as this should help with the slip. 

To clean the mat, wipe it down after every practice. As it has a closed-cell construction, that’s all you need to do to clean it. Absolutely do not wash it down in the shower or submerge it, as that would damage it irretrievably.

If you’re after more care information, take a look at this article about cleaning your workout gear .

Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat: user reviews

The Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,075 ratings on Amazon. 

Satisfied customers were especially pleased with how sturdy and comfortable the mat is, with one person saying "It’s been getting better and better since I’ve started using it, and I can’t wait until it fully breaks in – this mat is going to last me a lifetime! The closed-cell surface is great also. I haven’t noticed any smells, plus the mat looks perfect so far even with multiple uses."

However, lots of reviews mention how slippery the mat gets, even with the regular salt brushing technique suggested by Manduka. One unhappy customer states "I've practiced 4-5 times a week for 4 months and done the salt scrub-down 3 times. They cheerfully tell you to scrub it with salt and leave it in the sun which is maybe ok in California but I live in an apartment with no balcony in a dark country. Still hoovering up salt months later."

Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat: verdict

Overall, the Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat is a great all-rounder and a good mat for fitness enthusiasts who want to upgrade to a more premium mat. It's undeniably high quality and very sturdy – it’s built to last and comes with a lifetime guarantee. For $99, that’s a great investment. 

Its larger size, good thickness, and synthetic materials mean it will suit pretty much anyone. The only two drawbacks are its hefty weight, and the fact it tends to get slippery. 

While it doesn’t look as premium or eye-catching as the Lululemon Reversible 5mm Yoga Mat, it feels sturdier and longer-lasting. If you’re not bothered about aesthetics and just want a solid yoga mat to upgrade to, the Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat might be the one for you.

If you’re after a proper travel mat to take with you on holiday, take a look at the JadeYoga Travel Mat . This nifty mat folds up into a square as well as rolling up, so you can fit it in your suitcase! It’s also really light at just 2.9 lbs (1.3 kgs) and a bit cheaper than the Manduka PROlite ($58/ £62.72).

If you want a mat made from natural rubber, consider the Manduka eKO Lite Yoga Mat . For a similar price to the Manduka PROlite, you get a mat with great grip and sustainable materials.

Get the Fit&Well Newsletter

Start your week with achievable workout ideas, health tips and wellbeing advice in your inbox.

Workout Develop full-body strength, stability and mobility with this bodyweight routine

By Harry Bullmore Published 2 May 24

Workout Use these four exercises from Sweat app trainer Britany Williams to strengthen your lower body muscles

Workout Strengthen your core while also targeting your quads, glutes and more with this one-move, four-minute workout

By Harry Bullmore Published 1 May 24

Useful links

• How to do a kettlebell swing
• How to lift weights
• How to build mental strength
• How to go vegan

Buying guides

• Best adjustable dumbbells
• Best protein powders for weight loss
• Best cross training shoes
• Best workout earbuds
• Rowing machine discounts
• Black Friday weights
• Cheap Fitbit deals
• Walking shoes on sale
• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Cookies policy

Fit&Well is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

• Yoga Life Book
• Chakra Journal
• Abundance Journal
• Listen to the Podcast
• Master the Basics
• Chakra Challenge
• Yoga Business Plan
• Sequencing Masterclass
• Somatic Yoga Workshop
• Pregnancy Resource Center
• 2024 Yoga Calendar
• Advanced Yoga Poses
• Basic Yoga Poses
• Seated Yoga Poses
• Standing Yoga Poses
• History of Yoga
• Kundalini Demystified
• Business Launchpad
• Yoga for Self Mastery
• Prenatal: Pregnant & Powerful
• Uplifted Academy
• 200 Hour Certification
• 300/500 Hour Certification
• Somatic Yoga & Life Coaching Certification
• Kundalini Yoga Certification
• How to Pick a Yoga Teacher Training
• Doctor’s Roundtable
• FREE – Brett’s PDF Sequences & Masterclass
• Chakra Affirmations
• The Seven Chakras
• Becoming a Yoga Teacher
• For Yoga Teachers
• 8 Limbs of Yoga
• Yoga Sutras
• Positive Affirmations
• Styles of Yoga
• Yoga By Benefit
• Uplifted Login
• Contact / Help

Manduka Pro Lite Yoga Mat Review | Travel Yoga Mat Review

The Manduka Pro Lite yoga mat retails for $80. This may seem like a lot of money for a yoga mat, but it’s still less than this mat’s big brother, the Manduka PRO Mat (watch that review here).

The size of this mat feels just right, from the thickness and how long and wide it is. It is 4.7 milimeters thick and it is an inch longer than normal yoga mats.

The Manduka PRO Lite is marketed as travel friendly. It’s thin but sturdy and has a fabric like texture which is Manduka’s proprietary closed cell technology. This special closed cell construction supposedly prevents bacteria, slipping and moisture.

This mat weighs four pounds making it not heavy, but not light either – especially for something marketed as travel size.

Big problems arose when I put this mat to the sweat test. With the Manduka PRO Lite, I slipped and slid as soon as I got the mat wet. I did not feel like I could safely maintain a downward dog.

Pros of this mat are its nice long length that comes with a lifetime guarantee just like all Manduka mats. It is somewhat lightweight and it is sticky once broken in.

Cons are that it is pricey at $80 and it does not stay sticky when wet.

The Manduka PRO Lite is my pick for alignment focused yogis who like Iyengar and Hatha and want to travel.

Watch this video review of the Manduka Pro Lite on Youtube here . See all of my top yoga mat reviews .

Note: I don’t get compensated for any reviews I write here on my own site, they’re just my way of sharing with the community.

Manduka PROlite yoga mat review

The travel-friendly manduka prolite yoga mat is also extra-roomy to accommodate all yogis.

Live Science Verdict

The Manduka PROlite yoga mat comes recommended by yoga teachers, offering stability and cushioning for your joints. It requires breaking in and is initially slippery to use, but you have three size options to choose from and plenty of space to practice.

Easy to clean

Spacious range of sizes

Closed-cell anti-bacterial design

Slippery, grip towel or gel required

Needs breaking in

Why you can trust Live Science Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best ones for you. Find out more about how we test.

Price and availability

Performance, user reviews, should you buy, alternatives.

According to Manduka, The Manduka PROlite yoga mat is the number one mat recommended by teachers worldwide. 

Designed with three size options, including regular, long, and long and wide, this super spacious yoga mat can hold the practice of all yogis. The PRO series is the OG of the Manduka range, combining premium recyclable materials with supportive cushioning for joint protection and extra room to spread your wings (or limbs?) 

Size: Standard : 71”x 24”/ 180cm x 61cm, Long : 79” x 24”/ 200cm x 61cm, Long and wide: 79” x 30” / 200cm x 76cm

Thickness: 4.7mm

Weight: 4lbs/1.9kg, 4.5lbs/2.1kg, or 5lbs/2.7kg 

Materials: Certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®️, PVC

Colors: 13 striking block colors to choose from  

It’s a brilliant option if you’re looking for a lighter model (weight starts at 1.9kg) and more room on your mat, sending it straight into our round-up of the best yoga mats around. Be warned though, the closed-cell surface prevents moisture absorption, so if you’re practicing hot yoga or just tend to sweat a lot, we strongly recommend investing in a grip towel or gel — or opting for a specialized grip yoga mat from our guide instead. 

We put the Manduka PROlite through rigorous testing as both a fitness instructor and a yogi student, assessing the highs and lows of its weight, grip, and cushioning. Find out the many benefits of yoga for your physical and mental health, or read on to see how we got on.  

The MSRP of the Manduka PROlite yoga mat is $99-$115/ £69-$120 depending on size, available on the Manduka website. It sits on the (slightly) more affordable end of the scale of our guide. 

You can recycle your old mat for $10 with any mat purchase using the Live On scheme, and Manduka also offers add-ons like a yoga mat wash at checkout. This mat is available for international shipping and is also available via third-party websites like Amazon. 

We tested the thunder-grey color in a standard size and loved the understated look. The palette ranges from olive ‘ celadon green ’ to striking pink ‘ majesty’ , with only a Manduka logo stamp adding to the design. 

There aren’t any alignment lines or patterns to speak of on the Manduka PROlite range; this could be off putting for beginners that require a helping hand. The underside of the PROlite yoga mat features a proprietary dotted pattern that holds the mat firmly on the floor, and a textured top layer helps you flow through transitions without the sticky grip of other models, like the tried-and-tested Lululemon Take Form yoga mat . 

The PRO series yoga mats are all made using PVC (100% latex-free) and emissions-free manufacturing. They’re also OEKO-TEX®️ certified, which means they have tested for toxic chemicals and harmful substances. Each mat is recyclable via the Live On scheme — good news for those trying to up their sustainability efforts.

This yoga mat has a closed-cell surface, which means it’s non-absorbent. The idea is to prevent bacteria from building up to improve the hygiene and longevity of your yoga mat, but because moisture isn’t absorbed, it becomes slippery — quickly.

Manduka recommends pairing your mat with a grip towel or applying grip gel to improve traction, especially during hot yoga practice. They also offer handy tips via their blog, like engaging your core during practice and using a proper mat cleaner post-use.

On the plus side, this design makes for an incredibly easy clean, unlike the super grippy and coarse Jade Harmony yoga mat . But we cover this more below.

Manduka advises practicing breaking in the PROlite yoga mat as much as possible, clearly stating that the grip improves with use and time. 

We can only speak for the limited time we’ve spent testing, but we will update this review in the coming months after more time is spent on the mat. Manduka says the ‘professional medium grip, as preferred by teachers, allows you to flow between postures without sticking to the mat,’ — an issue found with very grippy models. 

We found this model slippery throughout testing and wouldn’t practice without a grip towel. For more precarious balances and poses like a wheel, handstand, or downward dog, we wouldn’t feel comfortable relying on the mat grip alone to hold us. There’s only so much core engagement to improve your stability in poses. 

When trying to maximize hot yoga benefits in a vinyasa or Bikram class, we strongly recommend having a towel handy to help absorb moisture and improve your grip until you’re further into the breaking-in process. However, Manduka dishes up a nifty salt treatment trick if you’re keen to speed up the process, recommending yogis sprinkle a layer of coarse sea salt over the mat, leave it in the sun for 24 hours, then gently rub away with a damp towel. It does help, although it gets messy in a second-floor apartment with no garden.  

The Manduka PROlite yoga mat uses 4.7mm of high-density cushioning to help improve joint protection whilst still maintaining versatility and stability. We could have done with slightly more cushioning, especially in frog pose (similar to child’s pose, but with knees wider and knees and ankles aligned). The thickness will likely suit teachers and those with advanced practice as it provides much more grounding and stability on the mat. However, beginners or those with a Yin practice might prefer a thicker mat like the Lululemon Reversible 5mm yoga mat .

That aside, we had more than enough room to flow, and it was a joy to freely test our parameters without resorting to planting down on the floor around us. As a 5”2 yogi, I hardly need the space of taller buyers, but the roomier options encourage inclusivity, and it’s an ethos we can get on board with. The extra wide option also allows you to play with alignment, especially if you have a mandala-style practice that requires using all four corners of your yoga mat. 

The standard size supports a lightweight design and weighs 1.9kg, so it should suit those on the go. The large option peaks at a hefty 2.7kg, so ensure you check which size you’re buying if you know you’ll be traveling often. Manduka individually make mats and they do warn that size and pattern could differ very slightly from images and specs.

We recommend our handy go-to guide on how to clean a yoga mat . 

Manduka PRO mats should be stored top side facing outwards to prevent any curling during your practice. The popular brand recommends breaking in your mat with repeated use to improve the grip and adding a performance yoga towel to initially help you out alongside the salt treatment if you have some outdoor space.

To clean the mat, yoga mat washes and disinfect mat cleaners are both tried and tested methods of preserving materials. 

The Manduka PROlite yoga mat pulls in 4.33 out of 5 stars on their website and a more impressive 4.7 on Amazon. Users compliment how well-made it is and like how it stays in place during practice. One user said ‘it’s lightweight and stays firm on the floor during yoga class…the thickness is just right, allowing cushioning when doing poses on knees .’ Another loved the balance between thickness and weight and how much stability it offers. 

Negative feedback reported how slippery the mat was, with one user reporting theirs didn’t improve over time despite breaking in using sea salt. 

If you’re looking for a larger or lightweight yoga mat from a reliable and popular brand, then the Manduka PROlite is a staple you can count on. It sits in the mid-range price market, and more affordable options exist, but you are partly paying for a brand many yoga teachers depend on — and the materials will last. If you’re looking for unparalleled grip, other yoga mats could serve you better.  

We loved the Lululemon Take Form yoga mat (pictured above). It has an innovative built-in 3D pattern design to help improve posture and positioning. It’s expensive, but it provides ample cushioning, high-quality materials, and stability — perfect for all practices. 

Like to travel? The Primasole Folding Yoga Travel Pilates mat is affordable, lightweight, and compact. If you prefer to take your yoga on the road, it will slip neatly into your suitcase — and travel plans. 

Sam Hopes is a level III fitness trainer, level II reiki practitioner, and resident fitness writer at Future PLC. Having trained to work with both the mind and body, Sam is a big advocate of using mindfulness techniques in sport and aims to bring mental wellbeing to the forefront of fitness. She’s also passionate about the fundamentals of training and how we can build more sustainable training methods. You’ll find her writing about the importance of habit-building, nutrition, sleep, recovery, and workouts.

Exercise may reverse sign of aging by 'flushing' fat from muscle

Oladance OWS Pro Open-Ear Bluetooth Headphones review

Villa near Mount Vesuvius may be where Augustus, Rome's 1st emperor, died

Most Popular

Suggested companies

Duri cosmetics, ltmate global llc.

Manduka   Reviews

In the Sports category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 2.6.

Most relevant

Unfortunately, I cannot support this company. I was working in Nicaragua at a local yoga studio in 2013. The CEO of Manduka, Peter Sterios, came to do a yoga training. He was stuck up and rude to several of us, and even humiliated a few students and teachers. In 2016 I was gifted a Manduka mat. From the start there was zero grip. There are much better yoga mat brands to support.

Date of experience : December 05, 2023

Expensive (buy sales) but quality product and fast delivery

I've gone trough a bunch of (cheaper) yoga mats now, and I have to say I'm very impressed with the pricier Manduka one. Got it on sale at a decent discount, normally they are a bit too expensive for my taste. I'm willing to pay a premium for a quality products, but still wouldn't pay full price at this point since I don't know how durable the mat is. So I was going to give the 4 instead of 5 stars. Shipping was quick though and no issues (never had any issues with DPD to be honest). On a side-note, I don't quite understand how people that got scammed by a website imitating this brand, come to this page to give a bad review. That's a bit unfair. So I'll give 5 stars anyway to bump up their average a bit.

Date of experience : January 15, 2024

Greasy film on the mat, difficult to return, no communication

I bought the Manduka Pro on sale and it had a noticeable crease on the back, which wasn't mentioned. The PVC is covered with a greasy film that should be removed in a "break in process": you should sprinkle salt on the mat and leave it for 24 hours. Multiple times if necessary. With a mat this expensive, I expect to be able to use it straight away. The return is very difficult. Communication is non-existent. Customer service does not respond to multiple emails. There are good yoga mats made of PVC that only cost a third. I cannot recommend Manduka.

4 out of 5 aint bad.

Excellent customer service. Prompt and friendly replies. Mat towels are a bit pricey thats why I gave a 4. Also a 4 because of items not being shown out of stock at the time of purchase and then getting an email saying, " oh sorry those items are out of stock." Its honestly no real big deal, just expressing an honest review. The Pro-lite mat is awesome. Pricey, but life time guarantee. Although it is very slippery when it gets wet at first, the Mat Towel actually helps with it a lot. The carry strap is very easy to use too, and helps with freeing up hands to carry other items if needed. Thanks Manduka, I will certainly come back. and remember all...... "don't forget to bring a towel"

Date of experience : December 11, 2023

Great Products

I love Manduka. I've been a long-time yoga practitioner and there really is no better yoga equipment than theirs. Not sure what these negative reviews are about because I've only had good experience on their website and ordering...

Date of experience : August 01, 2023

Great yoga mat and customer service

This review relates to Manduka in The Netherlands. I ordered a very expensive yoga mat, a carrier bag, and mat cleaner. The mat cleaner bottle broke immediately, so I wouldn't bother buying this product. The carrier bag also left black, irremovable marks on the yoga mat. So DON'T BUY THE CARRIER BAG. The yoga mat itself however, is wonderful. I contacted customer support about the issue, and they were extremely helpful. They sent me a replacement mat and gave me a refund for the carrier bag.

Date of experience : August 15, 2023

This review relates to the mandukaaustralias website which is clearly a scam. Ordered 3 mats and received 1 knock-off baseball cap?! "Customer service" admitted there was a mix up, not their fault of course, and then offered to refund me 35%. Luckily I managed to recover the funds (thank you ComBank Australia) less a small fee.

Date of experience : June 01, 2023

Amazing products & customer service

Their yoga mats and all their products are of amazing quality. I use the Pro Lite myself, and it's got such a good grip and is easy to carry around. I also just got their travel mat to bring with me on trips, and love it. What I really want to mention is the amazing customer service: they are really helpful, kind and quick in responding. I rarely leave reviews, but I felt this company really deserved a lovely recommendation!

Date of experience : July 10, 2020

Poor delivery system.

Poor delivery system. It costs 30 US$ to ship a US$99 Yoga Mat, plus another US$25 for the custom fees... Then Fed Ex ''ship'' it at the front of your door whitout notice, so If the package has been stolen, nobody is responsible... Try another mat you can find in a store because obviously no one in Canada is selling manduka anymore.. Might be for the best

Date of experience : January 29, 2020

If I could leave -5 I would

They wouldn’t publish my review so I am warning people however way I can. If I could leave -5 starts I would. The company peddled their defective product (unusable due to slippery nature) and then refused to take their defective product back. The reply I got gives off the feeling I am being punished/discriminated against because I am a British customer, so DO NOT buy if you are in UK they refuse to treat you like a normal customer, despite happily taking your money.

Date of experience : June 23, 2021

Still not received item.

Order placed on 31st august, it was sent back to Manduka once and was told it would be sent out again and they confirmed my delivery details. Within a day DPD tracking said it was being returned to Manduka yet again. I have spoke to DPD who confirmed they couldn’t speak to me as they don’t have the correct security access as they don’t have my delivery details correct although they were provided correctly and confirmed by Manduka. Still awaiting the item after 2 weeks.

Date of experience : September 10, 2022

Item received but not good for the purpose of practicing ANY yoga . Customer service charges me for the return delivery and also 10 more euros for not having the paper the mat was folded in . Total scam, don’t buy from them. I’ll try and report the website too.

Date of experience : February 17, 2023

Not ready to sell in Europe

Terrible service in Europe. They use the cheapest delivery company - impossible to contact and they claim to have attempted delivery when they haven’t. To return anything, you will find no information at all on the website. You have to call the helpline, where some American goes off to investigate and then gives you a Belgian PO Box address. Recorded delivery to which from the U.K. is not cheap and you have to pay for. And then....nothing! Six weeks of chasing later, the refund finally arrives. Returned because, of course, the product doesn’t live up to the extravagant claims they make for them - and they should possess for that price. Avoid.

Date of experience : March 22, 2019

Avoid this website

Avoid this website. My credit card was over charged and then a nightmare getting a refund. Customer service would be described as terrible if it actually existed took over one week to actually get someone. I have my doubts it does exist. Then found out 10 months later that my card details have been taken as part of a data breach. Luckily enough I changed my card a few months back. Gets 2 stars as the actual product is ok. Buy in a shop or yoga studio or a reputable website. So in short good product but terrible web sercurity and customer service

Date of experience : April 12, 2018

SCAM: Manduka Australia

Manduka has confirmed that the Manduka Australia website is a scam - don't order from here! The URL redirects from mandukaaustralia.com to mandukaaustralib.com

Date of experience : September 10, 2023

Refund takes 1+ months

Refund takes 1+ months. Customer service will “escalate” it, but still waiting double the time they already suggest on their website for refunds (15 days).

Date of experience : September 13, 2022

The black mat

The black mat is a legend in the practice of mysore ashtanga. I have gotten 7 fellow 6 days per week to buy them. I just bought your travel pro mat and it's just as great. Keep rocking the yoga game

Date of experience : February 26, 2020

Ordered the eko mat in 4.7mm. I love the fact that the mat is made in an eco-friendly material, the color, the grip and the comfort is perfect for me. I am in love :D

Date of experience : July 29, 2020

Do not order to Switzerland

Do not order to Switzerland. The customer service is very bad. For 3 products that were 100.-, we had to pay 25.- for shipping, then 75.- for import taxes and fees from the shipping partner. They should not be selling to Switzerland if you have to pay double the price for a product. Also I had to pay the tax in Switzerland and now I have no way in recovering the 20% VAT I paid on the product too.

Date of experience : January 12, 2021

Very delayed delivery, but happy with the mat

Order was very severely delayed because of Brexit but the products themselves are really good

Date of experience : July 02, 2021

Is this your company?

Claim your profile to access Trustpilot’s free business tools and connect with customers.

• Moscow Tourism
• Moscow Hotels
• Moscow Bed and Breakfast
• Moscow Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Moscow
• Moscow Restaurants
• Things to Do in Moscow
• Moscow Travel Forum
• Moscow Photos
• All Moscow Hotels
• Moscow Hotel Deals
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Need some pro trips on Russian travel - Moscow Forum

• Europe    
• Russia    
• Central Russia    
• Moscow    

Need some pro trips on Russian travel

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Central Russia forums
• Moscow forum

Do we need to carry our passports at all times? Local customs we need to observe? I want to give our tour guide a nice gift from the US--what would be a good gift? I am so excited for this trip and I want to be respectful. ~ Lisa

In my opinion it is better to leave the passport in the hotel and carry a passport copy.

A good gift would something local (from Texas?) I think.

The best gift to a tour guide is money. They are happy to be tipped.

I carried my passport in a money belt under my clothes on our first trip. On our second I did what I usually do i.e. left it in the hotel safe and carried a copy.

For sure, make copy and keep passport in safe, also, do the same with the migration card you will be given as you enter the country...you simply do NOT want to risk the hassle of having to deal with potential loss of theft of your docs...including passport, visa, and the migration card.

Thank you! We gave her a hat from the University of Texas and she seemed very pleased.

That being said, you are unlikely to be stopped. Just always carry it on the off chance that you are. Some gambles are just not worth it.

The biggest mistake tourists make is wearing sports insignia on Red Square . Make sure your hats, scarves, jackets, and shirts are free of references to sports teams when you visit. Also be weary of manhole covers. Sometimes they are not properly secured. Other than that, just enjoy! It's a beautiful country and the people are excellent. Be sure to ride the metro downtown! The stations look like palaces.

> When stopped, they ask for your documents. If you are not able to produce your passport, city registration, visa, and migration card, you are jailed

Don't talk nonsense, please. Nobody is jailed for not having a passport on them. In the very worst case (the police suspect you are not who you say you are) they will accompany you to your hotel for your passport.

Fairy tales.

> The biggest mistake tourists make is wearing sports insignia on Red Square . Make sure your hats, scarves, jackets, and shirts are free of references to sports teams when you visit

Please go on. It's the funniest collection of fairy tales I have ever read here.

I have absolutely no reason to lie. I would have thought that this would be common knowledge in a Russia forum. Since you seem dubious, you can read the US State Department website, where they explain the penalties of internal movement without your passport: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/russia.html.

The sports insignia rule may have changed or may have been temporary due to a special event or the political climate when I visited Red Square . As I was a Russian resident and not a tourist, I did not often visit such tourist attractions.

> I would have thought that this would be common knowledge in a Russia forum.

This is neither common knowledge nor truth.

> you can read the US State Department website, where they explain the penalties of internal movement without your passport

I did. It says:

"You can be detained for not carrying your passport with you"

"Detained" and "jailed" are two different words with two different meanings. Yes, if you don't have any id on you and the cops suspect you might be not the person you claim to be they can theoretically detain you (=not let you go) until they have your id. The same as in any country I suppose. The most practical way to id you is to bring you to the place where you say your passport is. And if the cops don't suspect you of any crime, a copy of your passport will do just fine.

Some important info is missing here. It makes no sense to detain someone for lack of id AND not let him provide the id.

> The sports insignia rule may have changed

It never existed. Someone must have pulled your leg.

Actually, thanks for that link to the State Department web site - it's very funny. Some parts of it haven't been updated since Soviet times, like this one:

"Global Positioning System (GPS) and other radio electronic devices, and their use, are subject to special rules and regulations in Russia. Contact the Russian Customs Service for required permissions"

Total, utter nonsense all this hysteria around tourists and passports. Sorry, but I have very little "faith" in State Department warnings...not only have they typically been outdated, but with recent history, there is an uptick in the drumbeat of "evil Russia"...I am there all the time, and NEVER, EVER have any issues with this or any others having to do with "authorities". When I ask my many Russian friends about such fears, they chuckle quite good-naturedly. Reminds me of the occasional "do cops still hassle you and demand bribes?" nonsense. Folks visiitng here can read the thousands upon thousands of posts from real tourists, our most excellent Russian contributors and come to their own conclusions. The fact is one reason we travel is to learn about the rest of the world, do away with all the myths and propganda. It is nigh time to put to bed those that seek to make people fearful when visiting...

Well, all IMHO!

• travel to moscow 1:58 pm
• Planning trip to Russia Apr 28, 2024
• Train Booking Moscow to St. Peter Apr 24, 2024
• SIM card. Russian SIM cards, do they still work in the UK? Apr 09, 2024
• Union Pay debit card Mar 27, 2024
• Russian trying to book a hotel in Jerusalem Mar 14, 2024
• Dual Citizen Arrested in Russia Mar 12, 2024
• about clothes Feb 27, 2024
• NOTE - border crossing from Finland into Russia closed Feb 09, 2024
• Snow boots in Red Square Feb 04, 2024
• Travelling to Moscow & Murmansk with toddle in winter Feb 02, 2024
• Anyone traveling from London to Moscow this week ? Jan 27, 2024
• Booking accommodation Jan 11, 2024
• Traveling friends (Designers preferred) :) Jan 05, 2024
• Moscow to St Petersburg train or air?? 32 replies
• New Sapsan Express Train from Moscow to St Petersburg 18 replies
• New year's in moscow 8 replies
• Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour 5 replies
• How do you purchase Bolshoi Ballet tickets at a great price? 2 replies
• Select-a-room.com Are they legitimate? 3 replies
• Weather Moscow and St. petersburg in May 8 replies
• Night train to St Petersburg 3 replies
• ATM Access 12 replies
• Visa needed if on layover at Moscow Airport??????? 15 replies

Moscow Hotels and Places to Stay

• Where can I get initial answers to ANY question?

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Oops! Something went wrong.

Manduka pro travel yoga mat 2.5mm thin, lightweight, non-slip, non-toxic, eco-friendly, made with dense cushioning for stability and support, 71 inch, black sage.

Customers also viewed these products

PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 requires textiles-based products to be tested against a list of 1,000+ chemicals, to limit those which may be harmful to human health. Certification focus: #ProductSafety and #ChemicalsUsed.

Product information

Technical details, additional information, looking for specific info, customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

Top reviews from other countries.

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

R&K Insider

Join our newsletter to get exclusives on where our correspondents travel, what they eat, where they stay. Free to sign up.

A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

• Moscow Travel Guide
• Moscow Things To Do
• Moscow Hotels
• Moscow Restaurants
• Moscow Neighborhoods
• Moscow Travel Tips
• Moscow News
• Moscow Gallery
• Moscow Sights
• Moscow Nightlife
• Moscow Performing Arts
• Moscow Shopping

Log in with user name:

Log in with social media:

Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.

• Things To Do
• Restaurants
• Neighborhoods
• Travel Tips

Fodor's Expert Review Atrium

One of the most popular shopping malls among Muscovites is in front of the Kursk station and is yet another symbol of modern Moscow. Everything is under one roof, including numerous mass-brand clothing stores (H&M, Camper, UNIQLO, Zara, Karen Millen), a perfume "supermarket," a huge grocery store, and the Formula Kino movie theater. You can also find a trendy Italian café and a sushi bar here.

Quick Facts

33 ul. Zemlyanoi Val Moscow, Moscow  105064, Russia

495-970--1555

www.atrium.su

What’s Nearby

Related stories.

Top 12 Experiences in Moscow and St. Petersburg

Related forum posts, trump can't come up with the appeal bond money in the tish james case, interesting photo from isis-k attack in moscow, russian holiday in may 2024, ukraine ukraine where did you disappear to.

• Destinations
• Things to Do
• Advertising

• Fodor’s Travel Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use. Copyright © 2024 by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Fodor’s is a registered trademark of MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved.

Thank you for your interest!