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The 9 Best Travel Yoga Mats for Practicing on the Go, Tested and Reviewed

Stay in your flow with these supportive, portable yoga mats.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Other Mats We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

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

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Finding the right yoga mat is like reaching nirvana — once you do you’ll be in a state of bliss. Find one you can also travel with and that’s just icing on the cake. We tapped Mandy Ingber, yoga instructor and author of Yogalosophy: 28 Days to the Ultimate Mind-Body Makeover to give us the scoop on what attributes you should look for in your next mat purchase. Ingber, who has been the yogi to several A-List celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston and Kate Beckinsale, suggested we make design, comfort, grip, and portability the standards we swear by, noting to pay special attention to things like a mat’s thickness, which if too clunky, can throw off your balance, and whether or not your mat feels like a Slip 'N Slide (not in a good way) or helps you stick your poses with no problems.

Armed with all of this insider information, we tested 40 different mats during multiple yoga sessions, taking careful notes and paying special attention to attributes like excellent balance of cushion and support, great grip, and portable features that made them easy to transport. Check out our favorite yoga mats for travel below.

Best Overall

Aeromat elite yoga pilates mat.

• Design 4.5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5

It has a cushy and supportive feel.

The rubber smell, though slight, was bothersome.

When it comes to thickness, consider the Aeromat Elite Yoga/Pilates Mat to be the “just right” porridge, chair, and bed that Goldilocks commandeered in the classic kid’s fairytale. There’s just enough material to support and cushion your body as you flow from pose to pose, but not so much that it gets in your way or inhibits your ability to make solid contact with the floor. It also boasts a textured finish that ensures a secure grip, especially when things get wet. We were able to work up a good sweat without our hands and feet sliding around during testing. The surface also has built-in mesh to help your mat retain its shape. And when you’re ready to pack up and go: sling one of 12 calming hues (think celeste, dusty rose, sea glass green, and chai) across your shoulder (a harness is included with purchase). It’s super lightweight — essential for any portable exercise equipment — so toting it around will be as easy as child’s pose.

The Details: .25 x 24 x 72 inches | PVC

Travel + Leisure / Cindy Erskin

Best Overall, Runner-up

Jade yoga jade voyager mat.

• Design 3.9 /5
• Comfort 3 /5

The great grip keeps hands and feet in place no matter the pose.

Sensitive to smells? This mat has a strong rubbery one that lingers.

There’s nothing worse than having to constantly flow in and out of a pose to wipe the water away from your sweaty hands or feet. The Jade Yoga Voyager solves for this in two ways: its opened-cell surface easily soaks up excess moisture while the textured natural rubber enhances grip. Also, weighing in at just over 1.5 pounds, this lightweight pick is the perfect on-the-go partner, whether you’re headed down the street or across the country for a wellness retreat . Plus it folds down to the size of a yoga block , which makes storing it in a shoulder bag or a suitcase that much easier. Even better: every time you make it to the mat, you’ll know you’re doing so with Mother Earth in mind because this eco-friendly mat not only does away with synthetic rubbers (that’s right no PVC or EVA), using the natural kind by extracting the latex sap from rubber trees, but the brand also plants a tree for every mat sold.

The Details: .06 x 24 x  68 inches | 1.5 pounds | Natural rubber

• Travel + Leisure/Jennifer May

Travel + Leisure / Jennifer May

Best Portable

Nike training mat 2.0.

• Design 5 /5
• Value 3.5 /5

A little longer than an average yoga mat, it can accommodate folks up to six feet tall while still being super easy to carry.

While the extra cushion is great for bony joints, it does make balancing poses extra challenging.

Nothing can put the kibosh on a Zen practice quicker or be more cumbersome than a yoga mat that constantly keeps unfurling while you’re on the way to your next class. Thankfully, the convenient, adjustable strap that comes with the Nike Training Mat 2.0 helps manage this issue, allowing us to wrap it around both ends of the neatly rolled mat and comfortably carry this cushy two-pounder without experiencing any shoulder discomfort. Even better, for yogis who do a myriad of floor workouts (think Pilates, stretching, core work, and more), this high-density foam mat stands in the gap, making it an extremely versatile and well-padded option. In fact, it was so cushioned that we thought it could double up as a sleeping pad for camping , but the downside is that it may be a challenging surface for balance exercises.

The Details: 71.26 x 24.02 x 0.32 inches | 2.08 pounds | PVB and foam

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Lightweight

Lululemon the lightweight 5mm yoga mat.

• Portability 4.9 /5

This mat offers a solid, firm grip without being sticky.

If you’re a heavy sweater, you may want to steer clear because it tends to get slippery.

Don’t let this thin, featherlike yoga mat — which is light enough to take anywhere you want to flow — fool you: it’s still supportive and cushy enough to handle every pose from camel to headstand. The hundreds of mini rectangular nubs covering the top of the mat’s surface will help guide your hand and foot grip so you can easily maintain your balance in each of these poses and beyond.

We found this mat very easy to roll out and roll up, and it was supremely lightweight to carry. One thing to note is that the closed cell design doesn’t allow for the absorption of sweat, which can make this mat extra slippery. However, the mat was easy to clean post practice — simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to keep dirt, stains, and bacteria at bay.

The Details: 26 x 71 x 19 inches | 3.3 pounds | Foam

Best for Hot Yoga

Jadeyoga travel yoga mat.

This lightweight mat, which comes in two sizes, is easy to carry, so you won’t have trouble toting it to and from yoga class.

For multi-hour practice days, this thin mat may lack sufficient support.

When it comes to hot yoga, you should expect to sweat. While this may be good for helping to cool down your body, major water works also leave you open to slipping and sliding across your mat, which is a definite no-no, no matter what the position. Luckily, the Jade Yoga Travel Yoga Mat helps keep you grounded, literally, thanks to its open cell construction, which absorbs moisture, combined with its micro ribbed surface that offers a supreme grip. After testing this mat, we loved it for its exceptional grip that was suitable even with our sweaty palms. We also thought it felt lightweight, easy to carry, and we think it would stay rolled up in transit due to its grippy texture. Feel good environmental bonus: for every mat sold, the company plants a tree.

The Details: 68 x 24 x 0.125 inches | 3 pounds| Natural Rubber

Best for Beginners

Newme fitness instructional yoga mat.

Courtesy of Amazon

• Design 4 /5
• Comfort 4 /5

If you routinely deal with sweaty palms, this moisture-wicking mat will help rein in that excess water.

This mat molds to your body, leaving an imprint that doesn’t instantly go away.

Being a beginner in a room full of established yogis can feel super intimidating, but newbies can practice with more confidence thanks to the NewMe Fitness Yoga Mat. Doubling as an asana crib sheet, this handy yoga mat has 70 printed pictures of poses (think crow, cow face, corpse, among others) with their corresponding names in both English and Sanskrit emblazoned across its expansive surface. So, whether you need a quick refresher mid-class or help decoding what move the teacher is asking you to perform (we’re talking about you Chaturanga Dandasana!), this mat has got your covered. We also thought this affordable mat had a great grip that kept our hands in place and felt just as grippy as mats twice the price. It was very easy to roll up and carry around as well.

The Details: 68 x 24 x 0.2 inches | 2.6 pounds | PVC

Gaiam Premium Reversible Lunar Wave Yoga Mat

• Design 4.2 /5
• Comfort 4.5 /5

It features an antimicrobial, waterproof layer that is moisture-wicking and nonslip.

This mat is on the thin side, so if your knees or wrists need extra cushion and support, go with another pick.

The small raised nodes covering this mat’s dual-textured sides gives it a gummy feeling that offers greater traction for hands and feet to keep you steady so you don’t slip. The result: a tremendous grip that verges on almost feeling sticky at times. Don’t let those little nodes fool you, though; they are tiny enough that they won’t disturb those peaceful moments on the mat, not even while you’re letting the day’s work sink in during Savasana. Did we mention we are also moonstruck by the stunningly painted design of moons in its many forms? FYI: if you are a visually stimulated person, a mat with a cool design, like this one, can make your practice more pleasurable, says Ingber. A handy bonus: with this mat you also get access to an online library of yoga content .

The Details: 8 x 24 inches | 6 millimeters | PVC, latex-free

Best Reversible

Manduka yoga mat.

There’s an alignment stripe down the center of one side, which can help better guide beginner’s with hand, foot, and overall body placement.

The mat’s surface is closed-cell, which means it won’t absorb your sweat or any bacteria, so you’ll have to be diligent about wiping it down post flow.

We love that this eco-friendly Manduka mat is not only free from harsh chemical substances but makes you feel like you are getting two mats for the price of one, thanks to the dual-hued sides. Regardless of what mood leads your color choice that day (we are super keen on the lavender/fig combo), you can always count on the mat’s firm, textured surface to add stability through traction. This well-designed mat held up in a variety of classes — flow, power, and hot yoga — but we think yogis interested in a more restorative practice might do better with a more cushioned pick. Bonus points: it’s light and easy to roll and fold, which makes it a great portable option for yoga-based travel .

The Details: 68 x 24 inches | 2.5 pounds | TPE

Travel + Leisure / Megan Hartig

Best Budget

Amazon basics yoga mat.

Amazon 

• Grip 4.5 /5
• Portability 4 /5

At half an inch inches thick, this cushy mat is a godsend for those with sensitive joints.

The thickness makes it slightly tricky to transport.

Shelling out big bucks for a mat can be super off-putting, especially if you’re a newbie and unsure if you’re ready to commit to getting downward-dog on the regular. Luckily this mat is very kind to your wallet—without you having to sacrifice on things that really count like durability, grip, and comfort. Those who spend lots of time pressing into their hands (think Crow or Wheel), will find the thick cushioned surface is gentler on wrists. We used it often for handstands against the wall and planks and never felt like we were slipping, even when sweaty. The ample cushioning also makes this a great choice for floor-based bodyweight moves (hello crunches!), too.

The Details: 73.2 x 24.3 x 0.5 inches | 2.45 pounds | Foam

Travel + Leisure / Michael Navarro

• Travel + Leisure/Michael Navarro

Other Travel Yoga Mats We Liked

These yoga mats didn’t make our main list, but they still scored well and had a few key standout features that placed them in a league of their own.

YogaAccessories 1/4-inch Deluxe Yoga Mat : At 74 inches long, this foam-based mat is longer than traditional ones, which tend to land around 68 inches, making it more amenable to those over six feet tall. It’s also extra thick, making kneeling poses like camel, low lunge, and cat/cow more manageable, especially for those with extra sensitivity in this area. That said, this 3.6-pound pick can be a little unruly when it comes to transporting it, making it less portable for travelers.

Lululemon The Mat 3mm : This barely-there option — it’s only 0.12 inches thick — is dual-sided, boasting one that’s sticky and nubby to keep you stable and grounded, while the other is smooth and cushioned for workouts that won’t leave you drenched (think a couple of quick stretches versus a full-on power flow). While we love that it comes in six gorgeous shades and has an antimicrobial layer that keeps mold and mildew at bay, we weren’t fans of how moisture marks remained long after we finished our last flow.

Blogilates Beginner Lightweight Yoga Mat: This mat — which is lightweight, easy to roll, and comes with its own carrying case — is the perfect companion for on-the-go flows. At 4mm thick, this thinner silhouette is great for those who who may need extra stability during a super active and balance-heavy practice (think: Power Vinyasa). As you flow from asana to asana across this 68-inch surface, you’ll be treated to a super grippy, textured surface (both top and bottom) that eliminates slippage. One drawback: hair and dirt are commonplace when using this mat.

For this article, we looked over results from two different yoga mat tests, in which we tried a total of 40 yoga mats. In the first round of testing we tried 19 mats from notable brands (think Manduka, Lululemon, and Jade) through three to five yoga classes per week over a four-week testing period. During this time, we assessed each yoga mat for its design, comfort, grip, and portability — all features that yoga instructor Mandy Ingber said can make or break a yoga practice. Testers continued putting these mats through their paces for an additional six months to collect long-term insights.

For our second test, we tried an additional 21 yoga mats during a yoga class, paying special attention to mat thickness, cushioning, support, and how easy they were to clean. After the class was over, we rolled and packed up the yoga mats, walking around the building, and going up and down stairs to take notes on how portable they were, if they stayed rolled up during transit, how lightweight or heavy they felt to carry, and how easy (or difficult) it was to reroll the mats and pack them up.

In the end, the standout mats put the kibosh on sweat (at least most of them), weren’t overly cushy but left our joints feeling happy, and offered a stellar grip when flowing through poses. Most of all, we felt they were portable enough to travel with.

Tips for Buying a Travel Yoga Mat

Don’t forget about weight.

Lugging around a super heavy mat can make any yoga feel less than Zen, especially if it saddles you with a heavy baggage fee at the airport. That’s why it’s wise to reach for more lightweight styles (think under 2.5 pounds) so you can easily transport it to your final destination.

Consider stickiness

As far as yoga mats go, stickiness is equivalent to traction.  So if you’re looking to lower your risk of slipping and sliding all over the place, the stickier, the better (PVC yoga mats have a pretty high stickiness factor). Also handy for staying power: mats with a raised texture.

Plan for extra support

According to Ingber, thinner yoga mats make great travel companions, as they fold easily and usually weigh less. She also notes that barely there mats “will often leave you feeling every bit of the floor,” which is why shoring up your practice space with a towel or shirt to counter any pain points (think wrists or knees) or cushion more weight-bearing asanas is advisable.

First determine what type of mat you have, as some are meant to be folded and others rolled. If the former, follow the creases if they are apparent, or simply fold it small enough to fit into the storage space you are aiming for. The latter? Roll it as tightly and evenly as possible. Ultimately, the key is to make it work for the type of luggage you are using, whether that be a backpack, a duffel bag, a tote bag, or something else.

When not traveling, consider rolling up your mat and placing it in a mat bag. This will help you keep the practice surface clean, crease-free, and for the most part unscathed, especially if you have a furry friend roaming around your home.

From Astura Yoga Mat Detox to TreeActiv Yoga Mat Spray to Moxe Yoga Mat Cleaner , there are no shortages of quality sprays lining shelves that can help eliminate sweat, stenches, and bacteria. You can also go the DIY route, mixing apple cider vinegar in a 1:4 ratio and adding a few drops of tea tree oil. No matter what route you choose, proper cleaning will help extend the life of your mat.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Rozalynn S. Frazier is a multimedia journalist with more than 20 years of experience reporting on health and fitness. She is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and an avid exerciser, who routinely puts wellness tools and fitness gear through its paces to help access which products are worthy of praise. She has created content for SELF, Shape, Men’s Health, Real Simple, Oprah Daily, and Cosmopolitan, among other publications. Yoga instructor and author Mandy Ingber also contributed insights to this roundup, with all picks tested and reviewed by the team.

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The Best Lightweight Travel Yoga Mats for Easy Storage

By Madison Flager

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

For some travelers, the thought of exercising on vacation —beyond walking around a new city—seems ridiculous. To others, taking time to stretch , do a few downward dogs, or head to a local class is a necessity after spending hours on a plane. For those who fall in the latter camp, we've got you covered. While your standard mat is likely a bit too heavy to make the cut, these travel yoga mats are designed with portability in mind.

When deciding which ones fit the bill, there were a few factors to consider: for one, is it lightweight? If you're going to be packing it in a suitcase , a weekender bag , or backpack, you don't want it weighing you down. With that said, though, you want there to be some cushion and support, especially given that the more lightweight mats won't have the same thickness as regular mats. We managed to find a few that are still fairly supportive (for added comfort, try placing a yoga towel on top) and also looked at grip and packability—like whether it can only be rolled, or if you can fold it up flat. Below, our top choices for travel yoga mats, plus a few more accessories to help keep you zen on the road.

All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat

Weight: 2.2 pounds Thickness: 1.5mm Traveler editors tried out both Manduka's eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat and the Pro Travel Mat and preferred the eKO version—while still fairly thin, the Superlite offered a bit more cushion, despite weighing less (every ounce matters in a checked bag). It doesn't bunch up or move on the floor, and held up well, grip-wise, in a hot yoga class. It also rolls up to be super slim, so we recommend packing it that way; if you're putting it in a tote or backpack, though, fold it flat into a square for less height. As a bonus, it comes in 10 colors, catering to yogis who like a neutral mat as well as ones who prefer a pattern, and is made out of sustainably harvested tree rubber and synthetic polyester.

Buy Now: $44, manduka.com

Hugger Mugger Tapas Ultra

Weight: 2.5 pounds Thickness: 6mm We asked a New York-based yoga instructor for her mat suggestions, and this Hugger Mugger model stood out as being both lightweight and cushiony. It comes in two lengths, depending on your height (68 inches or 74 inches; the longer one adds .2 pounds). It's thicker than the Manduka mat, but just a few ounces heavier, so if you like a bit more support under you, or are staying somewhere with hard floors, this mat is a solid choice. The stickiness will help you stay in place mid-pose, too.

Buy Now: $40-64, amazon.com

Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat

Weight: 1 pound Thickness: 2mm Another instructor-recommended brand: Gaiam. While their traditional mats offer much more cushioning, this foldable mat is great if you're really tight on space or travel frequently. At just a pound, it's the most lightweight option we found, and folds easily into a 12" by 10" rectangle after use. It has a sticky texture on top for stability, and works just as well at the beach or the park. Reviewers note it is great to use in hotel rooms and is thin enough to slide into the outer compartment of carry-on suitcases.

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Charlie Hobbs

Buy Now: $18, amazon.com

Yogo Ultralight Travel Yoga Mat

Weight: 2.1 pounds Thickness: 1.5mm Yogo's Ultralight Travel Yoga Mat makes taking a yoga mat wherever you go a no brainer—it's designed to easily fold up into its attached clips, which keep it secure and roughly the size of a rolled newspaper when not in use. The straps can also be used to hang the mat to dry after rinsing it off, or to secure it to a bicycle if you're really taking it on the go. Like the other mats, it has a sticky top layer to aid with grip; it's also made of eco-friendly materials (natural rubber and cotton). While on the thinner side, it gets points for its packability, and is flight attendant-approved, per reviews.

Buy Now: $62, amazon.com

More accessories to consider

For those serious enough about their practice to bring a yoga mat on vacation, these tack-on products will find a good home in your suitcase, too:

While yoga blocks aren't the most compact items, they are extremely lightweight (Gaiam's weighs a pound and a half). And for road trips, they're a no brainer: Toss one in the back of the car, then pull it out in your hotel room or Airbnb for help stretching out and getting into poses, even when your muscles are especially tight.

Buy Now: $11, yogaoutlet.com

Carrying case

If you plan on taking your yoga mat outside the place you're staying—say, to a yoga class in town or a local park—a mat carrier will come in handy (and functions just as well back home). Manduka's rolls up to about the size of a belt, and loops around your rolled yoga mat to form a shoulder or cross-body strap, with a padded strap for extra comfort. Alo's version—the Duality Yoga Strap —is meant to be used during your practice, too, to help with stretch and support.

Buy Now: $16, manduka.com Buy Now: $38, aloyoga.com

Cleaning spray

Before you roll your mat back up after a class or sequence, give it a spritz of cleaning spray, like this ASUTRA Natural Yoga Mat Cleaner, which comes in soothing scents like peaceful lavender, calming citrus, and energizing peppermint. Then, wipe it down with a damp cloth to get rid of the gunk and towel it dry to keep your mat from getting slippery. While it doesn't come in a TSA-friendly size, the four-ounce spray can go in checked bags or on road trips.

Buy Now: $12, amazon.com

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• Best overall
• Best budget
• Best cushioned
• Best reversible

The best travel yoga mats of 2023

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Flexible, travel yoga mats are specifically designed to pack down small and not take up too much room (or weight) in your suitcase or backpack. They're often thinner than your standard yoga mat and made from a more flexible material, both of which allow them to be stashed in small places but still provide you some cushioning as you move through asanas.

Our top pick is the Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat ; this mat weighs just 2.2 pounds and is extremely flexible, allowing it to be easily packed while traveling. For a budget mat, we recommend the Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat ; it's compact enough to fit into a suitcase or carry-on, features a grippy texture, and costs less than $20. 

With any yoga mat, the thinner it becomes, the less reliable it is, so it's important to look for a travel yoga mat that still has a good grip, is made of durable material to withstand folding and transportation, and is easy to clean. We've vetted the world of foldable, travel yoga mats to narrow in on the four best for every type of yogi and traveler.

If you're looking for a standard yoga mat, check out our guide on the best yoga mats, from yoga instructors .

Top picks for the best travel yoga mats

Best overall: Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat - See at Amazon The Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat weighs only 2.2 pounds and is highly flexible for travel, without sacrificing the quality of the materials.

Best budget: Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat - See at Amazon The Gaiam Foldable Travel Yoga Mat is a compact and grippy option with an under-$20 price tag.

Best cushioned: JadeYoga Travel Yoga Mat - See at Amazon The JadeYoga Travel Mat comes from one of the most reliable brands on the market, is 3mm thick, and comes in two lengths to accommodate taller people.

Best reversible mat: The Reversible Mat - See at Lululemon The cleverly named Reversible Mat from Lululemon is like having two lightweight yoga mats for the price of one.

Best overall: Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat

Pros: Folds down very small, lightweight, tear-resistant, natural rubber, sticky surface

Cons: Expensive, not a lot of padding

Long-time yogi and Hatha yoga teacher Christabel Lobo and Kasia Gondek, DPT, CSCS, a physical therapist in Southern California, both point to the Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat as your best choice for keeping up with your practice while traveling.

At 2.2 pounds and 1.5 mm thick, it's extremely lightweight and flexible, making it easy to fold up tightly and toss in a suitcase. Despite being so thin, the mat is made of a woven scrim so it won't tear or stretch in your suitcase.

It has Manduka's signature closed-cell design which helps keep the surface dry, as well, and creates a strong grip for sweaty hands, so you can even pop into a hot yoga class on your travels. All Manduka mats are made without PVC or potentially toxic plasticizers. --Rachael Schultz

Best budget: Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat

Pros: Affordable, very lightweight, meant to be folded

Cons: PVC material

If you only travel a couple of times a year, you don't want to drop too much on a mat. Infrequent travelers will love the Gaiam Foldable Travel Yoga Mat .

This one-pound mat is even more lightweight than Manduka's eKO Superlite but it's slightly thicker at 2mm thick. The whole mat folds down to a 10-inch-wide and 12-inch-long rectangle for easy transportation in a carry-on or overnight duffel bag. It's one of the most affordable options available, too.

I have a full-sized Gaiam yoga mat that's lasted me for several years with regular use, so I can attest to the quality of the brand's goods.

Best cushioned: JadeYoga Travel Yoga Mat

Pros: Natural materials, purchase benefits Trees for the Future, more cushioning

Cons: Heavier than many other travel mats, doesn't pack down as small as others

Nearly all travel yoga mats are pretty thin, which is frustrating if you have knee of joint issues. This 3mm-thick mat from JadeYoga is the best you can get for a mat that'll still roll up tight. What's more, the JadeYoga Travel Mat is available in 68-inch and 74-inch lengths, which offers taller people adequate space on the mat.

JadeYoga puts special attention on sustainability, and its mats are made of natural rubber sourced from trees with no PVC or other synthetic materials added. For each one purchased, the brand ensures a new tree will be planted.

A no-slip, open-cell (more absorbent) surface gives you a solid grip, and it features much more cushioning compared to other travel mats. At approximately 3 pounds, it's a bit heavier than others on this list, but that's a small price for more support. 

One downside is that, unlike most travel yoga mats, JadeYoga's rolls instead of folds, so it may be harder to fit in your luggage. On the other hand, the quality makes it a great multi-use pick for home practice as well as travel.

JadeYoga makes one of our favorite yoga mats for sweaty yogis , too.

Best reversible: The Reversible (Un)Mat

Pros: Reversible with a grippier side for when you sweat, very thin and light, antimicrobial

Cons: Not much cushion

One of the downsides of taking your yoga practice on the road is decreased access to the props and extras that make classes and at-home vinyasa sessions more enjoyable.

The Reversible Mat from Lululemon helps solve that problem with a moisture-absorbing polyurethane-coated layer on one side, and natural rubber on the other.

If you get super sweaty during vigorous practice, use the grippier side to keep yourself from slip-sliding off the mat. For more chill sessions, you can use the rubberized side. The mat also has an antimicrobial additive to help prevent mold and mildew, which makes for more peace of mind while traveling.

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here . Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

• Main content

7 Best Travel Yoga Mats To Practice Yoga On The Go

Yoga has become an important part of my routine, but if you're a yogi like me, you know how crucial finding the right mat is. As someone who’s always on the move, I remember the moment I realized my old, bulky yoga mat just wasn’t going to cut it for traveling.

There I was, trying to squeeze it into an already overstuffed suitcase before a flight to Thailand, and it hit me: I needed something more practical. It had to be comfortable and grippy but also light enough to pack away easily and tough enough to handle being unfurled on a variety of surfaces. Easier said than done!

If this sounds familiar, you're in the right place. We’ve researched, tested, and reviewed the top travel yoga mats to find options that stand up to the demands of life on the road. This guide will help you pick a yoga mat that suits your travel and yoga needs , with personal tips from us on how to carry, maintain, and clean your mat while traveling (yes, you need to clean it!). Ready to find your perfect travel yoga mat? We are!

• Image: /content/images/size/w600/2024/03/yogo-ultralight-folding-mat.webp
• Title: Yogo Ultralight 4.0 Folding Travel Yoga Mat
• Description: Best Overall Travel Yoga Mat
• Target: 1-yogo-ultralight-40-folding-travel-yoga-mat-best-overall-travel-yoga-mat
• Price: 74.00
• Link: https://yogo.net/collections/gear/products/ultralight-folding-travel-yoga-mat?rfsn=7889906.61c0df1
• Image: /content/images/size/w1600/2023/10/MIKKOA-travel-yoga-mat-1.webp
• Title: MIKKOA Travel Yoga Mat
• Description: Best for Hot Yoga
• Target: 6-mikkoa-travel-yoga-mat-best-for-hot-yoga
• Price: 89.00
• Link: https://alnk.to/1XVlOMn
• Image: /content/images/size/w1600/2023/10/gaiam-travel-mat.webp
• Title: Gaiam Travel Yoga Mat
• Description: Best Budget Mat
• Target: 2-gaiam-travel-mat-best-budget-mat
• Price: 21.22
• Link: https://amzn.to/3Q4cndt
• Image: /content/images/size/w1600/2023/10/manduka-eKO-superlite.webp
• Title: Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat
• Description: Best Eco-Friendly Mat
• Target: 3-manduka-eko-superlite-best-eco-friendly-mat
• Price: 52.00
• Link: https://amzn.to/46Fn25x
• Image: /content/images/2023/10/SNAKUGA-travel-yoga-mat.webp
• Title: SNAKUGA Travel Yoga Mat
• Description: Best for Versatility
• Target: 4-snakuga-travel-yoga-mat-best-for-versatility
• Price: 30.99
• Link: https://amzn.to/3s9Yp1A
• Image: /content/images/size/w1600/2023/10/yogamatters-eco-travel-yoga-mat.webp
• Title: Yogamatters Eco Travel Yoga Mat
• Description: Best Mat for Barefoot Feel
• Target: 7-yogamatters-eco-travel-yoga-mat-best-mat-for-barefoot-feel
• Price: 47.00
• Link: https://www.yogamatters.com/products/yogamatters-eco-travel-yoga-mat
• Image: /content/images/2024/04/avoalre-travel-yoga-mat.webp
• Title: Avoalre Foldable Yoga Mat
• Description: Best Storage Bag Included
• Target: 7-avoalre-foldable-yoga-mat-best-storage-bag-included
• Price: 28.95
• Link: https://amzn.to/4aNgt2T

Best Travel Yoga Mats: Our Top 6 Picks

Traveling doesn't mean you have to put your routine in the drawer. So, to make sure you can continue your yoga sessions while traveling, we've found the 6 best travel yoga mats on the market . We've personally tested each mat during our travels (yes, we have loads of mats by now), from early morning stretches on the chilly floors of a London apartment to evening asanas on a warm beach in the Canary Islands.

• Yogo Ultralight 4.0 Folding Travel Yoga Mat
• MIKKOA Travel Yoga Mat  
• Gaiam Travel Yoga Mat
• Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat
• SNAKUGA Travel Yoga Mat
• Yogamatters Eco Travel Yoga Mat
• Avoalre Foldable Yoga Mat

In our guide, we’ll give you the 411 of each mat, from their texture and thickness to how well they pack away. We’ll tell you what we love about them, as well as point out any challenges we've found with them because let's be honest—no mat is perfect.

1. Yogo Ultralight 4.0 Folding Travel Yoga Mat : Best Overall Travel Yoga Mat

On my recent backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, the Yogo Ultralight 4.0 Folding Travel Yoga Mat was an absolute lifesaver. Weighing just about the same as a bag of apples and as slim as a notebook at 1.7 mm thick , this mat made it into every travel bag I packed. It is incredibly effortless to carry around , and I would super recommend it, whether you are heading to a beach in Koh Lanta or setting up for some sunrise yoga on a quiet corner in Purto Escondido. And yes, I've been using the Yogo Ultralight 4.0 on different types of grounds, from grassy parks to wooden decks, and it has shown me just how versatile and reliable it can be for a traveling yogi.

What we love about this travel yoga mat

What really sets the Yogo Ultralight apart is its clever folding design. It folds up so neatly that the surface I practiced my poses on never touched the underside that lay on the ground. This was especially handy when I found myself wanting to practice in less-than-spotless locations (and who are we kidding, most of them aren't spotless). I could lay it down anywhere without worrying about getting the top side dirty.

Another thing I really appreciated about this yoga mat is its commitment to sustainability. I love knowing that it's made from FSC-certified natural rubber , which helps protect our rainforests and supports fair labor. Traveling has also opened my eyes to unfair practices towards people from poorer countries, and I don't want to be a part of that. Not to mention, the straps are made out of recycled water bottles , which feels like a small but significant contribution to reducing ocean plastic.

Key Features:

• Weight: 2.3 lbs / 1 kg
• Thickness: 0.07" / 1.7 mm
• Size: 68"L x 24"W / 173 (L) x 60 (W) cm
• Material: Tree rubber and cotton

Pros and Cons:

2. mikkoa travel yoga mat : best for hot yoga.

People always imagine yoga as this serene thing where everyone is calm and centered, and everything around is aesthetically pleasing. Sure, the first few minutes! Then, it gets all sweaty, especially in humid tropical climates where the heat amplifies every session. If you often find yourself in a hot yoga class while traveling , the MIKKOA Travel Yoga Mat is the go-to choice. This mat is tailor-made for intense, sweaty practices. It has a microfiber surface that feels smooth under your hands and feet. But the real magic happens as you heat up— the mat’s grip improves with moisture , ensuring stability no matter how challenging the positions.

Aside from its excellent grip in hot yoga sessions that prevents you from sliding or hurting yourself? Well, it's incredibly travel-friendly! It's lightweight and folds up easily , slipping into your luggage without taking up much space.

• Weight: 2.2 lbs / 1kg
• Thickness: 0.05" / 1.3 mm
• Size: 72"L x 26.7"W / 183 (L) x 67 (W) cm
• Material: Rubber

3. Gaiam Travel Mat : Best Budget Mat

Do you know the thing about reviewing yoga mats? It means you have a lot of them, which means my friends ask me to test them out all the time! A while ago, I was packing for a month-long stay in Tbilisi and all my yoga mats were with my friends (the irony). So I read some last-minute reviews about the Gaiam Travel Yoga Mat , which I was eyeing for its budget-friendly price tag. I purchased it and guess what? As I participated in daily yoga sessions in Tbilisi, ranging from different types of workouts, from energizing Vinyasa flows to grounding Yin yoga, I realized how good this mat was! Despite its modest price , this mat stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the pricier models . It’s just 2mm thick, effortlessly folding down to a neat 10" x 12" square that fits in almost any bag (or travel yoga bag). So yes, it's truly a minimalist’s dream.

Its featherlight build makes it incredibly easy to carry around, perfect if you prefer to travel light (who doesn't?). Plus, its affordability means you don’t have to compromise on quality, even if you're sticking to a tight budget. My friends are already lining up to test it!

• Weight: 1.8 lbs / 0.8 kg
• Thickness: 0.08" / 2.00 mm
• Material: PVC

4. Manduka eKO Superlite : Best Eco-Friendly Mat

As someone who travels frequently, I'm aware of my lifestyle's environmental footprint . That's why I try to make a conscious effort to choose products that align with my commitment to sustainability whenever I can. That goes for yoga mats, too. If you're like me, the Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat will get your curiosity tingling. Not just because it's superbly lightweight and foldable but also because it's crafted from sustainably harvested tree rubber.

It's not perfect, it's just 1.5mm thick , which means it sometimes requires the addition of a towel for extra cushioning during intense sessions. But its durability and eco-friendly design are love at first sight. After returning from a trip to Nicaragua, I can say that it held up like a champ through all sorts of daily use in different places, without showing signs of wear and tear!

What we particularly appreciate about this mat is its eco-conscious manufacturing . I can keep up with my yoga sessions without compromising my environmental principles. The mat's lightweight and easy foldability means I can take it with me anywhere—from a quick city break to a remote retreat—without adding bulk or guilt to my travel experience.

• Weight: 2.2 lbs / 1 kg
• Thickness: 0.06" / 1.5 mm
• Size: 71" (L) x 24" (W) / 180 (L) x 60 (W) cm
• Material: Sustainably harvested tree rubber

5. SNAKUGA Travel Yoga Mat : Best for Versatility

If you're a yogi constantly on the move, struggling to find a mat that keeps up with your nomadic lifestyle, then the SNAKUGA Travel Yoga Mat is probably for you. It was designed with the needs of the traveling yogi in mind , combining the best of both worlds: it’s lightweight and eco-friendly , made from a sustainable blend of natural rubber and suede . This mix ensures you get a soft, non-slip surface perfect for a range of yoga styles, from a meditative flow in your hotel room to a sweat-inducing hot yoga class in a studio.

But a heads-up: the SNAKUGA Mat does score high on environmental friendliness and portability, but it has a thinner construction. While that's great for travel, it may not provide the best cushioning if you need extra support during more challenging poses or when you're practicing on harder surfaces.

The mat's non-slip surface is super , even as sessions intensified, the mat stayed securely in place, allowing me to focus on my poses rather than worrying about slipping. And its compact and foldable nature, complete with a handy carrying bag, made it easy to transport from one destination to the next.

• Weight: 2.6 lbs / 1.2 kg
• Size: 72"L x 26"W / 183 (L) x 66 (W) cm
• Material: Natural rubber and suede

6. Yogamatters Eco Travel Yoga Mat : Best Mat for Barefoot Feel

Sometimes, the choice of a yoga mat really depends on where you'll be practicing. Yes, thick mats offer cushioning, but there are moments when you want to feel grounded and connected with the place you're in . This is especially true if you're practicing outdoors (it's not like anybody wants to feel the parquet floor of a yoga studio). So, a few months ago, we were heading to the Canary Islands, and I could already envision my early morning beach yoga sessions in Fuerteventura. I knew I wanted to be comfortable but at the same time, I wanted a mat that would let me feel the golden sand beneath my feet, you know what I mean? And the Yogamatters Eco Travel Yoga Mat turned out to be just perfect at this. Weighing only 700g and just 1mm thick , it was just the right balance.

It's like having just the right barrier against twigs and pebbles, but you still feel every grain of sand. The thin layer shields but it enhances your yoga session . Just perfect.

• Weight: 1.6 lbs / 0.7 kg
• Thickness: 0.03" / 1mm
• Size: 72"L x 24"W / 183 (L) x 61 (W) cm
• Material: Sustainably harvested natural tree rubber

7. Avoalre Foldable Yoga Mat : Best Storage Bag Included

I recently saw another digital nomad use the Avoalre Foldable Yoga Mat , went online and after seeing all the rave reviews, I thought, why not add an extra one to my collection? Since then, it’s quickly become one of my favorites because it’s so easy to pack away and carry around . What’s really cool is that this mat folds up into a neat square and comes with a bag that can also be used as a small backpack —very handy! Just a little tip: make sure to unfold it and let it air out for a few days when you first get it. This helps clear out any smells and lets it lay perfectly flat.

So…it has a foldable and portable design , it’s environmentally friendly and get this: it even has a double-sided non-slip texture , ensuring stability for various yoga styles no matter which surface you’re practicing on.

• Weight: 4.18 lbs / 1.9 kg
• Thickness: 0.02" / 0.5mm
• Material: Phthalate-free Eco-Friendly PVC

You may also be interested in:

How to Pick The Right Yoga Mat For You

As we saw from our list, yoga mats are not all the same ! This may not be obvious to beginners, but take it from a true yogi. Picking out the right yoga mat can completely change your yoga sessions and your travel experience . Here are a few things to keep in mind that might help you pick a mat that not only suits your yoga style but also fits into your travel routine:

Digital nomads aren't just visiting one country. We're always on the move. So, traveling light is essential , and this extends to your yoga mat, too. You don't want to carry around a bulky mat through a crowded international airport, trust me, I know. I learned this the hard way when I brought a heavier yoga mat on a backpacking trip through Europe. It felt like I was hauling a second backpack. That experience made me start testing out various mats, opting to find something lighter, which drastically changed how I travel. A lightweight mat is invaluable when you're moving often and have to carry your gear yourself. It needs to be light enough not to be a burden , yet substantial enough to provide comfort and support on whichever surface you're practicing on.

Texture & Grip

You don't want to be having a yoga session, worrying about whether your sweaty hand is going to slip away or not, potentially hurting yourself . That's why the right texture and grip can make or break your yoga practice , especially in unfamiliar settings. I once found myself on a sleek studio floor in Puerto Escondido where my mat just wouldn't stay put because it didn't stick well to the surface. After switching to a mat with a cork texture, my yoga sessions became way more stable, no matter the surface. Cork and jute are excellent because they offer natural slip-slip resistance , which is essential whether you're trying to hold a pose on a dewy morning hillside or a humid tropical beach.

We've rolled out everything from PVC to natural rubber mats throughout our yoga journey . While PVC mats are budget-friendly and offer decent initial stickiness, they haven't always matched up with the performance of natural rubber or other eco-friendly options. The shift to natural rubber made a difference for me, especially in terms of grip and eco-consciousness .

Size does matter when it comes to yoga mats. I remember practicing on a mat that was too short in Bulgaria, and it was just so annoying adjusting my poses to stay on the mat. That isn't the type of yoga session I was going for. Ensuring your mat is at least six inches taller than you can make all the difference, offering ample space for any pose. Remember, the width and length of your mats have to be in line with your body and the different types of yoga you'll be practicing during your travels.

Do you know how surgeons wear colorful scrub caps? That’s their way of showing personal style. For us yogis, it’s our yoga mats that do the talking. You can't deny there's something special about unrolling a mat that resonates with your style, especially when you’re in a new environment. While functionality trumps everything, we've found that choosing a mat with a design or color that speaks to us enriches our session, making it feel more intimate and personal. Yes, these stylish mats might cost a bit more, but setting down a piece of your personality in each new location is priceless.

How to Travel With Your Yoga Mat: My Top Tips

Traveling with a yoga mat has turned into a non-negotiable for me, as essential to my trips as a comfortable pair of walking shoes. I use my mat for stretching out in between calls or grounding ourselves when we're in a new city. Here's how I carry them around the world and how we manage to keep our yoga practice going strong, no matter where we are:

Packing Your Yoga Mat

Stuffing your yoga mat into your suitcase is not the way to go. Instead, a reliable yoga mat bag or a carrying strap is essential. I always look for bags with extra pockets —they're perfect for safely tucking away the mat but also other personal belongings like wallets and passports. This setup keeps everything organized and easily accessible , which is crucial when you're moving from place to place.

Air Traveling with a Yoga Mat

In my experience, bringing a yoga mat on flights hasn't been an issue. Most airlines allowed me to bring our mats along as carry-on luggage . I've gotten into the habit of attaching our mats to our backpacks using either compression straps or simply sliding them under the elastic bands that many travel packs come with. It's a simple trick that keeps our hands free and makes moving through busy terminals much easier.

Maintaining Your Mat

I've learned that keeping my yoga mats rolled up too tightly for too long isn't the best idea . So, wherever I land, I make it a priority to find a little nook in my temporary apartment where I can spread out my mat and leave it flat. This helps the mats keep their shape and also creates a ready-to-use space that inviting for regular practice. Once, I turned a small corner of our temporary home into a serene yoga spot with just our mats and a view. Since then it became a daily ritual that grounded me in my routine.

Cleaning Your Mat

Yes, you need to clean your yoga mat , especially after a sandy beach session or a sweat-drenched workout. We stick to a simple cleaning solution — water mixed with a splash of mild soap or a few drops of essential oils . A quick spray and wipe with a soft cloth after each use does the trick. Ensuring the mat is completely dry before rolling it back up is key to preventing any mold or unpleasant odors. This is how we've saved our mats from wear and tear and kept them fresh, no matter the climate or setting.

How Can I Fold a Yoga Mat for Travel?

Packing a yoga mat for travel is like going on autopilot for me. Here's the simple yet effective method I've perfected over the years to make sure my mats are always ready for the next destination:

• Lay it Flat: I start by spreading the mat flat on a clean surface, with the side we practice facing inward. This step is crucial for protecting the mat's surface from dirt and wear while we travel.
• Fold or Roll: Depending on the mat's material and how much space we have, I either fold it into a compact square or tightly roll it up. Folding is great for saving space, while rolling can be better for keeping your mat in shape long-term.
• Place in Luggage: I then carefully place the mat in our suitcase or yoga mat bag. If it’s folded, I lay it flat against the bottom or along the sides to keep it uncreased and ready for use as soon as we land. In a backpack or tote, we find a snug spot where it won’t get bent or twisted.

That was it for this guide! I hope you will find your perfect yoga mat and you will have taken something useful from my tips. Happy travels!

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Home > Gear > Travel Yoga Mats

7 Best Travel Yoga Mats For On-the-Go Practice

The YOGO Ultralite is our top pick for the best travel yoga mat for all types of travelers.

By PS EDITORS | Reviewed by GEERT MEIJER

Last Update: December 17, 2022

​ Disclosure:  We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links. Read more here . 

Take your practice everywhere with mats designed for traveling yogis!

We put forward the best travel yoga mats in the current market

Our top picks include Manduka, Gaiam, Jade Yoga, and others

Also, check out the seven best eco-friendly yoga mats for a green practice

What's Covered:

The Best Travel Yoga Mats of 202 3

YOGO Ultralight Travel Yoga Mat

Hugger Mugger Tapas Travel Mat

Gaiam Foldable Travel Yoga Mat

Manduka eKO Travel Yoga Mat

YDL Travel Yoga Towel + Towel

Jade Travel Yoga Mat

Lieforme Travel Yoga Mat

How to Pick the Best Travel Yoga Mat

Can a yoga mat fit in a suitcase of carry-on luggage?

Can a yoga mat be folded?

Can you carry a yoga mat on a plane.

A mat is essential gear if you practice yoga while traveling. But every inch and ounce counts on the go or when you live out of a backpack. A standard mat can occupy a third of your suitcase, adding weight to your luggage. Not ideal!

“A regular yoga mat is designed for grip and comfort, not to pack down small. Conversely, a travel yoga mat is thin, light, and easy to carry around," says Geert Meijer, an Iyengar yoga instructor. "Travel yoga mats often have a foldable design, built-in straps, and other travel-friendly features to practice on the go ,” he adds.

Best Travel Yoga Mat: Short Answer

The YOGO Ultralite is sticky, lightweight, and smartly designed, making it our favorite travel yoga mat for 2023. Audition the Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat – it's budget-friendlier, but you forgo the built-in straps and carry handle.

We spoke to traveling yogis to decipher how to pick the best travel yoga mat. Their answer was it should be sticky, durable, supportive, and light. So, we found researched and tested top-rated mats on the market to find the best of the best. We also pooled our know-how into a buying guide you'll find below.

Here are the best travel yoga mats on the market, according to our research.

Best Travel Yogs Mats of 2023

BEST OVERALL:  Yogo Ultralight Foldable Travel Yoga Mat ($68) at Amazon  

BEST BUDGET:   Hugger Mugger Tapas Travel Yoga Mat ($25) at Amazon

​ BEST FOLDABLE:   Gaiam Foldable Travel Yoga Mat ($25) at Amazon

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT:   Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Mat ($49) at Amazon

BEST FOR HOT YOGA:  YDL Travel Yoga Mat+Towel ($70) at Amazon

BEST CUSHION:  Jade Travel Yoga Mat ($65) at Amazon

BEST PREMIUM:  Liforme Travel Yoga Mat ($191) at Amazon

1. Best Overall: YOGO Travel Yoga Mat

“The folding ingenuity makes this one of the best travel yoga mats we tested."

Natural Rubber Mat

Built-in carrying straps

Size: 68” x 24” 

1.5mm thickness

Weighs 2 lbs

Available in 2 colors

Designed for travelers and urbanites, the YOGO mat folds up to the size of a newspaper. It's lightweight, compact and features integrated straps and a carry handle . The mat fits in a purse or suitcase and can be strapped to a bike or motorcycle. You can wash and drip dry it, so it's easy to keep clean while traveling.

What we think: 

The Ultralight mat is made of natural rubber and free of harmful chemicals . It has an ultra-thin profile and sticky textured surface for superior grip. The travel mat turns into a 68-by-24-inch underlay when unfurled – the same as a standard yoga mat. It costs as much as other high-end equivalents but features a one of it's kind design with built-in carrying straps. There’s a larger version for taller yogis , too.

Unlike other mats we tried, the Ultralite had a superior dry grip and didn’t shift during practice. More importantly, the mat lies perfectly flat on uneven surfaces, tough it may lift up when it is breezy. The 1.5mm thickness isnt' first-rate cushioning but quite normal for a skinny fold-up mat. It's best to pair it with a microfiber towel for Hot Yoga or intense fitness workouts .

Reasons to Buy

Non-toxic natural rubber mat

Lightweight and foldable

Amazon Bestseller

Reasons to Skip

No color options

Not ideal for sensitive joints

RELATED: 7 Best Yoga Mat Straps, Carriers, and Slings (2022)

2. Best Budget:  Hugger Mugger Tapas Foldable Yoga Mat (Travel Version)

“The best lightweight yoga mat for travel if you are on a shoe-string budget."

PER travel mat

Size: 68” x 24”

3.18mm thick

Weighs 1.4lbs

Despite being the most cheaply priced, the Hugger Mugger Tapas Travel Yoga Mat scored well on all attributes , including grip, weight, durability, and value for money. For those reasons, it’s our best pick for yogis who don’t want to get spendy.

What we think:

This one is a PER yoga mat with a closed-cell and textured construction. The sticky surface provides a solid grip for your hands and feet while posing . The base is hextremely stable during intense flows, and the cushiony feel has you covered while you rest in Corpse Pose. It's 1/8 inches (3.18mm) thick, weighs 1.4 pounds, and can be rolled up or folded – treasured features to have in a travel companion.

Unfurled, the 68-by-24-inch size is roughly the same as a standard mat, so it should work for travelers of all shapes and sizes. Overall, the Hugger Mugger Tapas travel mat is an excellent underlay, though you should pair it with a towel if you sweat a lot. You can even lay a cotton rug atop the mat for Hot Yoga at home. If the PER material doesn't bother you, this mat  offers fantatic bang for your buck .

Inexpensive yoga mat

Sticky, textured surface

Works for all styles of yoga

Too thin for tender joints

Only available in 2 colors

RELATE D: 7 Best Yoga Wheels of 2023 | Top Picks with Reviews

3. Best Foldable:  Gaiam Travel Yoga Mat

"The best foldable yoga mat for travel and outdoor practice."

​Key Specs:

Non-toxic PVC mat

68” x 24”

2mm thickness

Weighs 1.82lbs

• Available in 6 colors

Even the most lightweight standard yoga mat resists folding, making it inconvenient to pack. On the other hand, this Gaiam mat folds into a 10” x 12” tile and can fit it in a laptop bag, carry-on, or suitcase. Since it just weighs two pounds, we tout it as the best foldable yoga mat for travellers and urbanites.

The Gaiam Travel Yoga Mat is a non-toxic PVC mat with a thin profile and folding design. It’s grippy, lightweight, and durable - important features for travel mats. In use, the mat has excellent stickiness, both front and back , and doesn’t move under your feet. It's fairly comfy and can be used without additional support.

The yoga mat is a perfect travel companion for weekend retreats, grassy fields, and sandy beaches. It’s easy to clean and carry , and it won’t add weight to your luggage. That said, it’s a PVC mat, not the best mat material for the planet. Also, the wet grip is slightly slippery, so pair it with a yoga towel for extra safety.

Sticky, durable travel mat

• Folds up compact

Variety of printed designs

Affordable, excellent value

Strong scent initially

Slippery when wet

Not eco-friendly

RELATED: 10 Best Yoga Mat Cleaners to Revive Your Mat and Practice

4. Best Lightweight:  Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat

“The best all-around travel yoga mat pound for pound, or so we think.”

Natural Rubber mat

Size: 71” x 24”

Weighs 2.2 lbs

Several color options

Thise Manduka travel mat had the best price-to-performance ratio among the travel yoga mats we tested . Weighing roughly 2 lbs, it's made of all-natural rubber (99% latex-free rubber) that's biodegradable, non-toxic, and free from harmful chemicals. The 2.2 lbs travel yoga mat can be rolled or folded, making it easy to travel with. 

The Manduka travel mat has a rubber top with a rippled texture for superior grip. Its closed-cell surface resists moisture and is easy to clean, but it can become slippery as sweat pools atop the mat. It's best to pack a mat towel if you practice Hot Yoga. The dimensions (71" x 24") are standard yoga but the mat is only 1.5mm thick. It'll lie flat on most surfaces but the corners can roll up occasionally.

In a nutshell, the Manduka eKO Superlite mat is a safe bet if you want a durable and high-performance travel mat for yoga . It has excellent reviews from buyers and is justifiably popular in the yoga community. If you want more cushion, audition the thicker-but-heavier Manduka PRO travel yoga mat .

Lightweight yoga travel mat

Folable, lightweight yoga travel

Grippy and durable

Easy to pack and clean

Faint rubber smell initially

Only 1.5mm thick

Related: The 10 Best Yoga Blankets for Warmth and Comfort (2022)

5. Best For Hot Yoga: Yoga Design Lab Travel Yoga Mat + Towel

“The best travel yoga mat for sun, sand, and intense Hot Yoga workouts.”

Microfiber and rubber

2-in-1 product

Size: 70” x 24”

Weighs 3.5lbs

The YDL travel mat + towel combines two of the most essential travel accessories. It’s a vailable in three thicknesses – 1.5, 3.5, and 5.5mm . We tested the thinnest version since we were hunting for the best travel mat for yoga. All variants are foldable and avaiable in vibrant designs printed with water-based inks.  

To be clear, this is one product – a towel bonded to a rubber mat. Tha mat has a PET microfiber top made of 15 plastic bottles and a non-Amazonian rubber base. It's 1.5mm thick, weighs 3.5 lbs, and comes with a carrying strap. The surface is soft and ultra-absorbent, and the rubber base grips the ground to provide superior stability. The mat scores top marks for grip, stability, and cushioning .

That said, this is not the most lightweight option in the current market, barely lighter than the YDL cork mat. But it’s unique because you don’t need to carry a mat and towel separately to class or while traveling. The prints are eye-catching and come with a no-fade guarantee . The yoga mat can be machine washed, although the manufacturer recommends hand-washing for a longer lifespan.

Soft top and sticky base

Excellent wet and dry grip

Ideal for Hot Yoga

Prints are gorgeous

Relatively heavy

RELATED:   7 Best Yoga Towels for Grip, Hygiene, and Slip-Free Sessions (2023)

6. Best Cushion: Jade Travel Yoga Mat

“The best travel yoga mat for supporting sensitive joints.”

Rubber yoga mat

Weighs 3.2 lbs

4 color options

Ultra-thin mats are light but not supportive on hard surfaces. Conversely, this 3mm travel yoga mat weighs 3 lbs, folds flat, and provides extra support for your bony bits. It won't weigh your suitcase down and won't let your joints down either . Moreover, the mat is available in 68" or 74” length, so its works for everyone.

This is an all-natural yoga mat made of premium toxin-free rubber. It’s lightweight, grippy, and well-cushioned but can fold up compact to fit in a backpack. The closed-cell construction makes it easy to clean, but you’ll need to add a towel over it for sweaty flows in tropical climates. 

The Jade travel yoga mat can handle the toughest practice with its ample cushion and superior traction. More importantly, the sticky surface provides excellent grip to prevent sliding when posing. Yogis will appreciate that it’s renewable and sustainable , and Jade gives back by planting a tree for every mat sold.

Free of harmful chemicals

Sticky surface, solid grip

Eco-friendly and renewable

Slightly heavy

Fishy smell initially

Not ideal for outdoor use

Related: 10 Best Yoga Mat Bags for Commutes, Biking, and Travel (2022)

7. Best Premium: Lieforme Travel Yoga Mat

“Premium and patented, this grab-and-go yoga mat is the best money can buy!”

Natural rubber mat

Size: 74.8” x 25.98”

Weighs 5lbs

• Available in 8 colors

Liforme is one of the top yoga mat brands, famed for making high-performance yoga mats for all skill levels and yoga styles . We've featured the travel version of the Liforme Original mat that retains the best features of the flagship product with a lighter footprint for portability. The yoga mat is 2mm thick, weighs 3.5lbs, and rolls up easily to carry around on your travels.

This travel yoga mat has 3 layers – a PU top, a rubber base, and a felt layer between the two that provides extra cushioning for your joints. It also features patented markers and lines that help maintain proper alignment. Additionally, it’s slightly longer and wider, makig it an excellent choice for for taller yogis.

The Lieforme yoga mat s cores an A on grip, durability, and design . Its alignment system lets you flow with accuracy and the stick top prevents slipping and sliding.  The rubber base is super stable and the patented surface material exhibits superior grip when dry or soaking wet. Yogis will also appreciate that it's  non-toxic, biodegradable, and ships with recyclable outer packaging . It costs a king's ransom, but the premium looks and performance justify its 3-figure price.

Patented top for superior grip

Excellent size for tall yogis

Alignment markers

Available in many colors

Final Verdict: Prana Sutra Picks

We recommend the YOGO Ultralight Foldable Travel Yoga Mat for its high performance and ingenious design. It's features built-in carry straps that make it ideal for ubranites, subway commuters, and all types of nomads.

The market-tested  Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat is lightweight, durable, supportive, eco-friendly, and reasonably priced. With high scores on all attributes, it's the best travel mat for yoga on the market.

Lastly, the Yoga Design Lab Travel Yoga Mat + Towel is our top pick for Hot Yoga, sweaty hands, and tropical weather. It features a printed microfiber surface with a rubber base and is available in 1.5, 3.5, and 5.5mm thicknesses.

Buying Advice: How to Pick the Best Yoga Travel Mat 

As always, we recommend investing in high-quality yoga equipment that suits your needs. You can only enjoy it for a long time if it meets your expectations and supports your practice. Here are five attributes to consider when you shop to ensure you get the best bang for your buck -

Travel yoga mats should be durable, easy to clean, and lightweight. Most of the products in this category are made of PVC, PER, Jute, and natural rubber. We recommend natural materials because they are good for your practice and the planet, but they come with an uptick in price.

Travel yoga mats should be 1.5mm to 4mm thick. A 1.5mm thin mat is the lightest but can feel like a napkin under you. Moreover, it won't like completely flat and the ends may lift up with the slightest breeze. A thicker mat will have better cushioning but more weight.

Portability

Weight is a key factor to consider when you pick travel yoga mats. Your best bet is something between 1 to 4 pounds as it will be easy to carry and won't weigh down your suitcase. You can also invest in a carrying strap to wear your mat cross-body while you travel or bike around.

Travel-friendly Features

Travel can mean different things to different people. You may need a travel yoga mat for a short weekend retreat, backpacking continents, or practicing in the park on a sunny day. The best fit for you should have features that support your needs and applications.

Cost-Value Ratio

The cost of a travel yoga mat ranges from $25 to $125. All options on our list give you the best bang for your buck, but the value is highly subjective. Generally speaking, we recommend buying top-rated products from reputable brands, preferably made of natural and eco-friendly materials. Frequent travelers should invest in a premium product that can withstand hectic traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a yoga mat fit in a suitcase or carry-on luggage.

A standard yoga mat can be rolled compact to fit in a suitcase, but it won't fit in carry-on luggage. You can look up specially designed travel yoga mats that can fold down to the size of a newspaper (10" x 12"). They can can be stored easily in a laptop bag or the outer pocket of carry-on luggage. 

You can only fold thin yoga mats designed specifically for traveling. Regular yoga mats resist folding and needed to be rolled up for storage. They may develop cracks or marks if you fold them instead of rolling.

Most airlines won't allow passengers to carry a standard yoga mat in their carry-on luggage and it needs to be checked in. You may carry a foldable travel mat if it fits your carry-on bag. However, the rules vary among airlines, so it's best to contact them beforehand to avoid confusion.

Our Review Process

We independently research, vet, and/or test yoga equipment for all of our reviews and buying guids. Our editorial team consults yoga influencers, instructors and fitness experts identify the best attributes to look for in a particular product.

In this articles, we researched more than a dozen travel yoga mats and read 1k+ reviews from other users. We listed seven different mats that work for any type of traveller, hoping you can leave with a definitive decision. ​

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There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.

​ Want to turn your yoga practice into a more adventurous one? If so, take it on the road with the best travel yoga mat!

Many people are now practicing yoga while traveling. It brings double happiness—you get to see the beauty of the world while enjoying calmness, peace, and relaxation.

But if you have tried to take your regular yoga mat with you while traveling, you know it takes up too much space in your luggage and can't be folded properly.

Just like when you're doing your regular yoga practice at home, you need to be fully prepared with the right kind of materials in order to practice yoga while you are traveling. You need a travel yoga mat that you can take anywhere you go.

In this post, we have compiled the five best travel yoga mats for you. They are lightweight, compact, durable, and foldable—everything you need to take your yoga practice on the road.

But before we introduce the top products, we would first like to share with you the benefits of practicing yoga while you travel, and how it can make you a happier , healthier human.

Furthermore, we will discuss the things you need to check and consider before finally purchasing the travel yoga mat of your choice.

Don't have time to read the entire review?

If you're a busy person who doesn't have time to read this entire review, we've simplified everything. Here is a table to show you a quick rating of the best travel yoga mats.

Table of Contents

Benefits of Yoga While Traveling

Yoga alone can already make you happier and healthier. But how does doing it while traveling make it even more beneficial?

It provides relief from neck and back pain.

Traveling for extended hours can cause your whole body (especially your neck and back) to feel tired and painful.

Practicing yoga will relax and strengthen your muscles to reduce the discomfort you feel while traveling. Learning to move in ways that help realign your posture while traveling will help release any tension and encourage more functional movement patterns.

Even if you can just practice yoga for a few minutes each day while you're on the road, it can help you increase your awareness of your body, allowing you to notice where you’re holding tension and possibly have imbalances.

Heightens senses and awareness.

When coupled with meditation , yoga can elevate your sense of perception. It allows you to feel and appreciate the beauty of everything that’s around you.

Imagine being on a backpacking trip or traveling abroad and being able to appreciate the beauty of the scenery around you even more than you normally would.

Yoga is largely a sensory practice that will allow you to experience your travels with all five of your senses. If your mind can stay quiet and attentive during your yoga practice, then the impact of yoga will occur much faster.

Alleviates anxiety and stress levels.

Yoga is a powerful practice because it focuses on your mind, body, and soul.

Regardless of what your anxiety looks like—whether it's temporary or constant—yoga can help you manage it. Stress is a natural experience that is attached to your fight-or-flight system.

As stress-related adrenaline pours into your body, you tense up. However, practicing yoga initiates the release of more GABA hormones in your body, which is the hormone that induces calm and relaxation .

In the same manner, yoga can also lower the production of cortisol (stress hormone) to manage your stress levels . Yoga can also enhance your mood and overall sense of well-being.

Gets rid of sleepless nights.

Travelers often experience jet lag, which can lead to insomnia. But when you practice yoga, you can improve the quality and quantity of your sleep .

Doing certain yoga poses can impact your nervous system and balance your hormones, helping to normalize your sleep cycle. It has even been hypothesized that, on average, for every minute you practice yoga, you need one less minute of sleep.

One of the most important things you need in a travel mat is its durability. The overall quality of the mat is also important.

Boosts energy and immunity levels.

The Huffington Post reports that yoga helps combat the signs of over-fatigue by increasing your energy levels. Likewise, it can support your overall health by boosting your immune system.

Yoga is one of the rare physical activities that improve your overall wellness (meaning both physically and mentally) without creating an imbalance. Yoga connects your mind, body, and surrounding environment, which helps you optimize your energy.

Practicing yoga also improves blood circulation, which helps nourish your organs, tissues, and cells, ensuring you remain healthy. This is especially important while you travel because airplanes are known to circulate germs!

Increases physical strength and endurance.

Practicing yoga develops the stamina and power of your muscles.

As you practice holding your poses, you can gain muscle strength using your own body weight. And, because you usually hold a yoga pose and repeat it throughout your workout, it adds another dimension to your strength.

By holding your poses longer, increasing your number of repetitions, and trying out new poses, yoga will become more challenging and therefore more beneficial. If you are a traveler, you need the strength to last longer on the road.

It improves mental clarity and sharpness.

Mind and body awareness is the ultimate goal of yoga. For most people, our inner thoughts and feelings don't get the attention they need because life has never-ending distractions.

However, spending time doing yoga is one of the best ways to center yourself and focus on the present. Traveling requires you to be mentally alert of your surroundings all the time.

Now that you know why you should practice yoga while traveling, let's look at some things you should keep in mind when shopping for the best yoga mat for your needs.

Considerations When Choosing the Best Travel Yoga Mat

The most important thing you need in a travel yoga mat is durability . Because this is a mat that will take a beating while going through airports and in and out of hotels, you need for it to be able to stand up to the elements.

This means that strength and sustainability are both important in order for your yoga mat to be able to keep up with your travels. It would be best to find one that is made out of natural rubber—one that is sustainable, yet still comfortable.

The overall quality of the mat is also important, which will certainly factor into its durability. You don’t want to sacrifice the quality of your mat in order to meet some other important requirements, such as portability .

Since you are traveling, you probably want to choose a travel yoga mat that is thin, lightweight, and easy to fold. You probably also want to be able to easily pack it in your backpack or suitcase. However, it is important to remember that it still has to be made out of the finest materials to withstand travel.

While the price might be the first thing that you look at, it should be the last thing you consider. Your comfort should be prioritized over the expense of your travel yoga mat. That being said, there are many travel yoga mats out there that are comfy while also being affordable!

Now, let's look at the details of some of the best options on the market so you can decide which one best fits.

The 5 Best Travel Yoga Mats That Are Lightweight and Compact

1. manduka eko superlite yoga and pilates travel mat.

Check Price on Amazon

This is the best overall travel yoga mat for being portable, durable, foldable, and affordable. It is made out of natural rubber, making it an elegant yet firm yoga mat that offers superior grip.

This thin mat is only two pounds, so it won't weigh you down on the road. It does not compromise on size and offers full-sized measurements of 68″ long and 24″ wide. But because the mat is only 1.5 mm thick, it leaves out all of the extra weight.

This mat also won't take up much space in your luggage because, unlike most yoga mats that roll up, this one is designed differently, allowing users to fold it up like a piece of paper. This makes this the best travel yoga mat for backpacking. You can even fold it and stick it into the area where your computer usually goes in your bag.

Because this travel mat is made with incredibly detailed construction, it is extremely durable. Its natural-grip rubber has a closed-cell structure, allowing it to be used daily and still hold up for years. It is sticky and slip-free, which leads some users to practice yoga on this mat even when they are not traveling.

• Great for people who are traveling light.
• Very durable.
• Materials are natural, eco-friendly, and biodegradable.
• Because it is thin, it is not very soft.
• A bit expensive.
• Some users report a strong rubber smell.

2. Gaiam Yoga Mat for All Types of Yoga

This reversible, non-slip mat is the best travel option for any fitness routine. It provides users with a stable, sticky surface for yoga practice, whether you are using it at home or on the go. This mat offers the safety and comfort that users need to maintain proper alignment and poses.

The reversible design will suit any mood and help you maintain your motivation and focus. While these mats are thick and durable, they are still lightweight, allowing for easy travel.

The extra-thick cushioning makes this the best yoga mat for bad knees or joints, as it supports you throughout any yoga or fitness routine. This mat measures 68″ x 24″ x 6mm thick.

• Has a textured, sticky, non-slip material for superior traction and grip.
• It comes with a downloadable yoga workout.
• It offers an extensive number of designs, which are all reversible.
• Stains easily.
• It cannot be folded up.
• The initial smell is quite strong.

3. TOPLUS Travel Yoga Mat

TOPLUS offers this travel mat that is designed to give maximum traction instead of cushioning, making it the best travel yoga mat for traveling in hot places.

In fact, it is prepared with natural suede, so the more sweat that is absorbed into the mat, the more non-slip it becomes, making it suitable for hot yoga.

Because this mat is so thin, it is great for travel, as well as for those who want to have closer contact with the ground. It is made of eco-friendly, natural rubber that is supportive and non-slip on both sides.

Some people use this mat on top of another mat if they want to have a yoga session with an adherent mat, but also want to add more cushioning.

The suede material is eco-friendly and non-toxic on both sides. It is ideal for soft yoga because it gives priority to comfort, so your ankles, joints, and knees are protected, even while you're in upside-down positions.

This mat is only 1/16 inches thick, allowing it to be folded and easily stored in your luggage or carry-on bag. It is lightweight and easy to carry, so you can take it anywhere.

This travel mat is free of heavy chemicals, metals, PVC, and other potentially hazardous synthetic materials. It offers an exceptional grip and an open-cell construction, so the strength remains optimal with a lot of use.

• Thin and easy to fold.
• This is a washable travel yoga mat.
• It comes with a travel bag.
• It does not offer cushioning.
• Some find this mat to be slippery.
• Difficult to get in and out of the travel bag.

4. Yoga Design Lab Combo Yoga Mat

This travel yoga mat is a great travel companion because it has a two-in-one purpose. It’s a yoga mat and towel in one, so you don't need to bring both to your yoga practice.

The top layer is a microfiber material and the bottom is made from natural tree rubber. Because this mat was designed specifically with hot practice in mind, it becomes sticky once it is wet.

This mat is lightweight and compact, making it perfect for traveling. The straps that come with it are great to use and adjust if you are biking or hiking. The rubber bottom sticks well to the floor so this mat will not move as you are transitioning in and out of poses. It is also long enough for taller users to have enough space to use it.

Because this mat can also be used as a towel, it is perfect for hot yoga. However, it is a light mat, which means that it offers less padding. It is not as comfortable as a typical yoga mat that has more cushioning.

• Machine washable.
• Works as a towel and yoga mat at the same time.
• Comes with a carrying strap.
• May be slippery unless it is a bit wet.

5. Jade Travel Yoga Mat

This is the best travel mat for resilience and grip. It offers a little cushioning while staying light for traveling yogis. This mat is made from a dense, natural rubber, which makes up a little bit for its lack of thickness. It also comes in different colors and is made out of sustainable materials, making it perfect for anyone's style.

It's offered in two sizes—a 68″ and 74″ length, both with a 24″ width. It is built to fit well into a suitcase and offers superior traction. Because it has a sticky surface, it is easy to hold onto in most conditions without being worried about slipping.

When it comes to weight, this mat is only around three pounds, so it is pretty light to take with you on the go.

• It is three mm thick, which gives solid support while staying lightweight.
• It has an extra sticky surface, so it is easy to maintain your grip.
• It comes in a variety of colors.
• Too heavy for backpacking.
• Because it does not fold up, it is not great for small bags.
• Has a slight rubbery odor.

Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Yoga Mats

All these top products are the best travel yoga mats available on the market today. The positive reviews and high ratings of customers from different platforms can attest to that.

However, our winner for today is the Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga and Pilates Travel Mat   for possessing all the desired qualities of a lightweight and compact travel yoga mat.

And if you're looking for other products to help you build a mindfulness habit, check out these articles:

• 14 Best Gifts for Meditation Lovers
• 9 Best Folding & Portable Meditation Benches
• 9 Best Stress Relief Gifts

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The 6 Best Travel Yoga Mats to Practice Anytime, Anywhere

Get ready to flow wherever your go..

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Taking your practice on the go doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re flying to the other side of the world or just heading to your neighborhood park, don’t let a bulky yoga mat weigh you down. These days, you can find travel yoga mats that are light, easy to carry, and functional. You may even find that you prefer them to your regular mat. Practicing anywhere—at anytime–just got a whole lot easier.

See also: The 7 Best Yoga Mats of 2021

The 6 best travel yoga mats for practicing on-the-go

Manduka Pro Travel Yoga Mat 2.5 mm

This mat does it all—truly. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, foldable, and has enough cushion to sustain even the toughest practice. At just over two pounds, you’ll be able to carry this mat around all day. It’s textured top allows you to flow through a sequence with ease (and without any fear of slipping). You’ll find yourself gravitating toward this mat even when you’re not traveling. Pro Travel Yoga Mat 2.5 mm, $75

Lululemon Carry Onwards Travel Yoga Mat

Need a yoga mat that will fit in a backpack? Lululemon’s. version of a travel yoga mat does just that. Packable and easy to fold, you can add this mat to any suitcase or bag. The wraparound strap ensures that it will stay folded in your bag and not splay out. Plus, Lululemon made this mat with sustainably sourced rubber materials—you know we love it. Carry Onwards Travel Yoga Mat, $88

Jade Yoga Travel Mat

Say goodbye to bulky, thick mats that weight you down. At just over 3 mm thick, this travel yoga mat balances cushion with lightness. Available in a variety of earthy colors and made sustainability, this travel mat benefits you, the aesthetics of your space—and the environment, as Jade Yoga plants a tree for every mat they sell.  Travel Mat, $59.90–$64.70

Hugger Mugger Tapas Travel Yoga Mat

Looking for a portable yoga mat that won’t break the bank? Consider this one from Hugger Mugger. At just over a pound (yes, really), you’ll be able to transport this mat anywhere. Its sticky top will give you fantastic grip, even though it’s a thinner mat, while the bottom tracts to the floor, ensuring that you won’t have to worry about unforeseen slips. Plus, you can’t beat the price. Tapas Travel Yoga Mat, $21.95

2nd Wind Free Bird Yoga Mat

Do you love a sweaty practice? With 2nd Wind’s Free Bird mat, you’ll no longer need to lug both a mat and a towel to your favorite hot yoga class—the towel is built right in to the top layer, providing a great grip, especially when you sweat. Low-maintenance, easy to care for (you can toss it in the washing machine), and thin, this yoga mat will ensure you’re able to keep up with your practice while on the move. (Heck, you probably won’t even notice a difference.) Free Bird Yoga Mat, $80

The B Mat Traveller 2 mm

Looking for a yoga mat that you can fold into your suitcase? This is the on-the-go mat for you. Made with 100 percent rubber, this mat has tons of grip, offering you a stable foundation for the duration of your practice. It’s also durable and easy to clean. This mat will quickly become your most important luggage, accompanying you on all of your future trips. Traveller 2mm, $60

See also: Yoga Journal’s Best Yoga Retreats and Travel Spots Around the World

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The 7 Best Travel Yoga Mats On Amazon

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

Finding a compact yoga mat you love can help you take your practice out of the studio and into the world. The best travel yoga mats are lighter and thinner than traditional mats, and they roll or fold up for easy carrying. When choosing a yoga mat for travel, make sure to get one that is made with a grippy material and a thickness you’ll feel comfortable practicing on.

The material your yoga mat is made of will affect both how nonslip and light it is. PVC mats are generally fairly budget-friendly and light, but they can take a while to break in . And in my personal experience, PVC mats often aren’t as grippy as rubber mats, especially for folks who tend to get sweaty when they do yoga. Natural rubber mats can be a bit more expensive and are heavier, but they can also be super grippy. And while PVC mats are synthetic and are not biodegradable, mats made from natural rubber are biodegradable . Synthetic rubber mats maintain many of the same benefits of rubber mats, but tend to be harder on the environment , which may be a factor for eco-minded shoppers.

While traditional yoga mats are usually between 4 and 6 millimeters thick , travel versions tend to be considerably thinner, which cuts down on their overall weight and allows them to either roll up in a narrow cylinder or fold several times into a small rectangle. The thinner your travel yoga mat, the easier it will be to fold — but keep in mind that a thinner mat may be less comfortable on your knees and elbows, especially if you’re practicing on hard flooring.

The standard dimensions for a yoga mat is about 24 inches by 68 inches . Many travel yoga mats maintain that standard, but you can also find longer mats that are still travel friendly. It will increase your mat’s weight a bit, but it is a good trade-off if you’re tall or would like to have more room.

Practicing yoga can be a wonderful way to exercise, gain flexibility, and calm your mind . Here are some of the best travel yoga mats — as well as a couple yoga accessories to help with comfort — so you can flow anywhere you go, from a hotel room during a hectic work trip to a park on a sunny spring day.

1. A Fan-Favorite Budget Travel Yoga Mat

• Material: PVC
• Thickness: 2 millimeters
• Size: 24 x 68 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds

What makes it great: Touting more than 3,000 ratings on Amazon, this popular PVC travel mat from well-known yoga brand Gaiam is both high quality and budget friendly at just $25. It’s foldable and easy to toss into a tote or carry-on bag. Weighing 2 pounds with a 2-millimeter thickness, it’s right in the middle of the road in terms of typical travel mat measurements — which makes it a solid first travel yoga mat purchase if you’re not totally sure what specs you’re after. Plus, it comes in five colors.

One reviewer wrote: “Wanted a yoga mat to use while on Annual Training for the Air Guard while staying in carpeted hotels. I’m not so comfortable with doing yoga on a carpet that may not be clean, or has been used my many others I don’t know. This mat is thin and is made to fold, fitting easily in my duffle bag. The texture of the mat is not quite like one you might roll—it’s a little stiffer and not quite as squishy—but it serves the purpose well. It suits my needs perfectly. I highly recommend.”

2. This Super-Thin Mat Made With Natural Rubber

• Material: Natural rubber
• Thickness: 1.6 millimeters
• Size: 24 x 71 inches
• Weight: 2.2 pounds

What makes it great: Manduka’s travel yoga mat is nice and thin with a thickness of 1.6 millimeters, so it’s easy to fold or roll and bring along anywhere even though it’s a bit longer than a standard mat. Reviewers note that it has great grip with one even writing, “I can easily grip the mat and do everything I do on my regular mat.” It’s available in two colors.

One reviewer wrote: “Great to bring along during a trip. It does indeed fold just like a towel or sheets with no creases left behind after unpacking it. It provided enough cushioning and stability to practice over a cemented floor. I practiced every single day on a recent 8 day trip in Ecuador. I highly recommend it.”

3. The Best Thicker Mat For Travel

• Thickness: 3.2 millimeters
• Size: 24 x 68 inches, 24 x 72 inches
• Weight: 2.9 pounds, 3.3 pounds

What makes it great: If you’re looking for a roll-up travel mat that’s still thick enough to provide your knees and joints with some cushioning, think about investing in the Jade Yoga travel mat . While this particular mat is a bit heavier than others on this list, it is 3.2 millimeters thick and made of thick, natural rubber. Jade Yoga is one of my favorite yoga mat brands. Their mats are super-duper grippy and wonderfully textured, holding even my very sweaty hands firmly in place. If you’re in need of a mat that’s lighter than what you use in the studio but don’t need it to fold, this is a great pick. It’s available in four colors and two sizes, including one that’s a few inches longer than standard.

One reviewer wrote: “I love that I can roll/fold this up and carry it easily anywhere I want, and although it is thinner than most other mats, it has great grip and I almost prefer the feel of it over my more substantial mats. I’ve had other yogis comment that they are pleasantly surprised at how good it is for what they were expecting out of a travel mat!”

4. This Thinner Version Of Jade’s Rubber Mat

• Weight: 1.5 pounds

What makes it great: If you want a natural rubber mat but need it to be as light as possible, consider the Jade Yoga Voyager travel mat . At just 1.5 pounds in weight and 1.6 millimeters in thickness, this could be the perfect choice for you. It’s foldable or rollable for easy transport and has the same awesome grip that sets Jade’s mats apart. It’s available in green , purple , or blue .

One reviewer wrote: “Perfect yoga mat for traveling. Super light weight and fits in my suitcase without taking up too much space or weighing it down. Has the same feel like the jade harmony mat that I’ve been using for 8 years [...] Great traction on floors and feels great on my finger tips when doing my yoga moves.”

5. A Thick Yet Foldable Mat Under $20

• Thickness: 4 millimeters
• Dimensions: 24 x 68 inches

What makes it great: This PVC travel yoga mat is super light considering its generous 4-millimeter thickness. Reviewers have confirmed that it is both comfortable to use and easy to travel with, with one describing it as a “great mat, easy to fold, sufficient thickness for comfort.” Choose from five colors: green, light gray, pink, and two shades of blue.

One reviewer wrote: “I would most likely not use this regularly for classes, etc, but it is very handy for when you want a mat with you when travelling. It will sit in the bottom of a suitcase or in an end pocket of a decent-sized holdall style of bag. Good value.”

6. A Folding Rubber Mat That Comes With A Carrying Strap

• Thickness: 1.5 millimeters

What makes it great: For a super portable option, try this thin foldable rubber yoga mat that comes with its own built-in carrying strap. It’s made of natural rubber, and it’s nice and grippy, which makes practicing anywhere easy. One reviewer wrote, “It makes going to practice in Central Park a breeze!” It’s available in two colors.

One reviewer wrote: “This is a very thin mat but the cleanliness and the compactness can’t be beat. The way it folds ensures that the side that touches the ground never comes into contact with the side you stand on. The carrying strap hooks easily to a backpack or luggage when traveling. The mat has good stickiness to it and with a yoga blanket/towel for your knees and hips the thinness is not an issue.”

7. An Extra-Long Rubber Mat For Travel

• Material: Synthetic rubber
• Dimensions: 26 x 71 inches, 26 x 85 inches
• Weight: 2.2 pounds, 2.6 pounds

What makes it great: I have a regular B Mat that I use all the time at the yoga studio and love it for its smooth-yet-grippy texture that really keeps my hands and feet in place. This travel version of the B Mat has the same texture but is just 2 millimeters thick, making it much lighter. It comes in two extra-long sizes, which is perfect if you’re very tall or simply like a lot of room to practice. It can be rolled or folded, and it comes in eight colors.

One reviewer wrote: “This mat is very sticky, so this is a good choice if you have trouble with sliding on other yoga mats. It is also very thin, so if you use it every day you’ll want to layer it over a thicker mat. For travel, it folds well and was easy to pack in a suitcase. Overall a nice travel or every day mat.”

Also Great: A Small Knee Cushion For More Padding

• Material: NBR foam
• Thickness: 15 millimeters
• Dimensions: 10 x 24 inches
• Weight: 0.4 pound

What makes it great: If you have sensitive joints, a knee and elbow pad could be a great addition to your on-the-go yoga setup since they’re small, light, and easy to bring along with your travel mat while still providing extra cushioning just where you need it. It’s not designed to roll or fold, but it’s made of a supportive foam, measures 15 millimeters thick, and comes in six colors.

One reviewer wrote: “I like a super-thin yoga mat, so I bought this for my knees and wrists for the extra support when I need it. It fits both of my mats widthwise. It’s pretty thick but not stiff and hasn't worn out in the several weeks I’ve been using it. It doesn’t slip at all no matter what pose or exercise I use it for, which is great. I feel safe, and it is supportive and just the right amount of squishy while still being very durable. I am very pleased with this purchase.”

Another Nice Add-On: A Microfiber Yoga Towel To Keep You In Place

• Material: Microfiber
• Thickness: Not specified
• Dimensions: 26.5 x 72 inches (a hand towel measuring 16 x 2.5 inches is also available)
• Weight: 0.7 pounds

What makes it great: A microfiber yoga towel can be really helpful for staying in place, especially if you’re practicing on a slippery PVC mat in a warm studio or outside on a hot day. One shopper described how portable it is: “It’s also very soft to the touch, rolls up into a very small and compact roll, and really doesnt weigh anything at all.” Some people even opt to use just a yoga towel as your travel mat if you want to, particularly on carpeted areas. This towel is available as a hand towel or a full-length mat towel, as well as six colors.

One reviewer wrote: “I got this for yoga in the summer in LA, when it can be difficult to stay stuck to your mat. This works great for keeping you stable but it's also super handy as a travel mat - I took it away with me for two months and did yoga on it every day, plus it doubles as a quick-dry towel in a pinch. Great space-saver and multi-purpose accessory!”

World’s Smallest

Non-slip, Non-sweat, Easy to Carry, Improve your Asanas, Practice Yoga Anywhere

Designed and Patented in the USA

NATURAL RUBBER

SUPER ABSORBENT MICROFIBER

LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMPACT

YogaPaws  Gloves and Socks provide an inspiring and unique way to stabilize your foundation when  practising Asana , or  Yoga postures , and  Pilates exercises.

Our evolutionary design provides solid support, extra padding, and non-slip peace of mind

in your asanas

absorbent and breathable

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yogapaws are patented

Lightweight

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AS FEATURED ON

WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT YOGAPAWS

Lightweight and Compact

leave your mat at home. YogaPaws Yoga Gloves and Yoga Socks easily fit in your handbag or pocket. The ultimate travel yoga mat.

Superior Grip and Stabilization

No more slipping in downward dog!

Padded for your Pleasure

SkinThins offer 2mm of extra cushion while Elites offer 5mm of extra cushion

Ideal for multiple fitness activities including Yoga, Pilates, Weight Training, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Bicycling, and Pole.

Made of Natural Rubber and Breathable Mesh

YogaPaws Yoga Gloves and Yoga Socks are harmless to the environment and will not cause allergies or irritation of the skin. They're also completely Latex-Free.

Liquid Absorbent Lining

wick moisture away from your hands and feet to keep you from slipping inside of your Paws

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Four convenient sizes.

perfect fit for everyone

Available in “Elite” and “SkinThin” Versions

Ideal for the Maximalist — those in need of wrist support or those who love a little bit of cushion while exercising.

Ideal for the Minimalist — offering a Barehand feeling. So soft you're not even sure where you end and the Paws begin.

These are fantastic. My sweaty hands and feet made it difficult to get deeper into some of my favorite poses, especially if they were at the end of a workout. I tried grippy gloves and socks, but they were so hot! No ventilation

I have arthritis in my left thumb so the cushion provided by my Yoga Paws makes my yoga practice tolerable again

My technique is better because of no slipping and better control

I love these. This was actually my second set as i misplaced the first set i bought about 5 years ago. I find these to be fabulous to relax in poses with. Its so nice to be able to plant your hands and feet and just relax in the pose and not worry about slipping if you get hot.

100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

Try it, Risk Free

Natural Rubber

Super Absorbent Microfiber

YogaPaws Gloves and Socks provide an inspiring and unique way to stabilize your foundation when practising Asana , or Yoga postures , and Pilates exercises.

Our evolutionary design provides solid support, extra padding, and non-slip peace of mind.

What’s special about YogaPaws

wick moisture away from your hands and feet to keep you from slipping inside of your Paws.

These are fantastic. My sweaty hands and feet made it difficult to get deeper into some of my favorite poses, especially if they were at the end of a workout. I tried grippy gloves and socks, but they were so hot! No ventilation.

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Take your practice with you everywhere

Compact, lightweight and foldable travel yoga mats that takes little space in your carry on..

"The most beautiful yoga mats I have ever seen. They’re a combination of hot yoga towel meets travel yoga mat and have the most beautiful designs on the market."

On The Road

"Their lightweight travel mat is designed to fold neatly and compactly into your luggage.This clever product allows your everyday yoga routine to easily follow you around the world."

The World Pursuit

"What I love most about this mat are the fun colors and designs, which are far from boring. Mikkoa mats are also machine washable, making it easy to clean."

Jill On Journey

"Even though it can be folded quite small, it’s longer than an average travel yoga mat. When rolled or folded, it gets small enough to fit into a small bag"

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10 Best Foldable Yoga Mats For Travel

By: Author Camille

Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2023

Categories Yoga Retreat Tips

In this article: Discover the best foldable yoga mats for travel!

Are you a traveling yogi looking for a reliable yoga mat? Then, this post is for you.

Foldable yoga mats are tailor-made for yoga practitioners who want to maintain a consistent practice on the road.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the main features, benefits, and unique qualities of each foldable mat so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing.

Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, read on to discover the best foldable yoga mats for your next adventures.

Note: Affiliate links may be used in this post. We may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through our affiliate link. Read our full disclosure policy here .

Table of Contents

Quick Overview

Below, you’ll find the 10 best foldable yoga mats for travel:

• Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat
• Mantra Yoga Travel Pro Yoga Mat
• Feetlu Foldable Yoga Knee Pad Cushion
• Primasole Folding Yoga Mat
• Foldable Yoga Mat With Stretch Strap
• Khataland YoFoMat Travel Mat
• Aurorae Synergy Foldable On-the-Go Travel Yoga Mat
• EKE Foldable & Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat
• Snakuga Suede Travel Yoga Mat
• Vixa Luxurious Yoga Mat Set with Booty Bands

Keep reading for more details about their characteristics, attributes, and more!

Below, you’ll find an in-depth review of each mat, highlighting their best features and benefits.

1. Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat

GET IT ON AMAZON

Gaiam’s foldable yoga mat offers the perfect balance of convenience and performance.  

Weighing only 1 pound, this foldable mat easily fits in a carry-on or overnight bag without taking up much space.  

Despite its portability, this mat doesn’t compromise on quality.  

Being 2mm thick, this non-toxic PVC yoga mat provides sufficient support for practicing on the go.  

The textured surface offers excellent traction, helping you maintain stability during various poses.  

This mat is available in 5 different beautiful and colorful designs.

Maintenance is also a breeze with this product. It can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent.  

Last but not least, this foldable yoga mat costs less than $25, making it one of the most affordable on this list.  

• Lightweight
• Beautiful design
• Easy to wash

2. Mantra Yoga Travel Pro Yoga Mat

The Mantra Yoga foldable mat is another top choice for yogis who need a reliable and portable travel companion.  

This high-quality yoga mat has everything you could be looking for. It is beautifully designed, compact, comfortable, and eco-friendly.  

Its 1.5mm thickness makes it incredibly lightweight and easy to carry, fitting seamlessly into your travel bag.  

The mat is constructed with high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity.  

One of the main benefits of this mat is that it is both eco-friendly and non-slip.  

It is made of microfiber and rubber materials that provide a reliable grip during your practice and are easy to care for.

Whether you’re jet-setting to a yoga retreat or want to keep up with your practice on your travels, the Mantra Yoga foldable mat could be the perfect choice for you.

• Eco-friendly

3. Feetlu Foldable Yoga Knee Pad Cushion

Do you want a foldable yoga mat that is both easy to carry and comfortable? Then, this mat made by Feetlu is definitely what you need.  

This foldable mat offers a generous 1-inch thickness, providing an extra layer of cushioning for your joints and ensuring a comfortable experience wherever you go.  

It is extremely easy to fold, transport, and store, making it ideal for traveling but also for at-home practice.  

This eco-friendly mat was also made to withstand regular use. It is flexible, tear-resistant, resilient, and designed for long-lasting durability.

Another great feature of this mat is that it is waterproof and both sides are textured and non-slip.

If you’re looking for a comfortable yoga mat that you can take with you anywhere, I’d recommend checking out this one!

• Easy to store
• Non-flip surface
• Folding lines

4. Primasole Folding Yoga Mat

Primasole is a fitness brand that sells yoga mats, exercise balls, foam rollers, and more.

Their portable mat was clearly made with the traveler in mind, featuring a foldable design that allows for easy packing and transportation.  

This 4mm thick mat is made of durable PVC that resists peeling, fading, and tearing. It is available in 7 different colors.  

The textured surface enhances grip and prevents slipping, even during more challenging poses.  

But one of the main benefits of this mat is its versatility. It is perfect for yoga but also core strength, pilates and other flexibility exercises.  

With its compact size and affordable price, this foldable yoga mat is a must-have for yogis seeking a convenient and reliable travel companion.

• No travel bag

5. Foldable Yoga Mat With Stretch Strap

If you’re looking for a practical and beautifully designed foldable mat,   this one could be perfect for you.

This portable yoga mat is resilient, comfortable, and non-slip, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

With a thickness of 2mm, this mat provides both protection and support.

But what makes this yoga mat stand out from the crowd is its design.  

It features yoga poses of the Sun Salutation which is great for beginners.

The last thing that will undoubtedly spark your interest is the fact that this yoga mat comes with a travel bag and a stretch strap.

• Stretch strap
• Only available in one color

6. Khataland YoFoMat Travel Mat

The Khataland YoFoMat is another great option for yogis who are always on the road.  

This mat’s primary attribute is its eco-friendliness.

It is crafted from high-quality materials that are free from phthalates and other harmful substances, ensuring a safe yoga experience.  

Measuring 72″ long and 24″ wide, this extra-long mat is also 4mm thick.

The textured surface offers a reliable grip, keeping you stable during your practice, even on slippery surfaces.  

The YoFoMat also comes with a travel case which makes it even more convenient to carry around.  

Without a doubt, the YoFoMat is an excellent option that combines quality, affordability, and eco-consciousness all in one.

• Travel case
• Heavier than the other ones

7.  Aurorae Synergy Foldable On-the-Go Travel Yoga Mat

The Aurorae yoga mat is a little bit different than the other ones on this list.  

This mat has an integrated microfiber towel that provides excellent grip, even during sweaty yoga sessions.

Due to its nature, the mat is lightweight and compact. It is very portable and mobile, making it super easy to pack in a small travel bag.

Another plus of this mat is that it is machine washable.

This product is great for all yoga exercises but also for outings at the beach or the park.  

With its innovative features and practical design, the Aurorae yoga mat is a fantastic option for nomadic yogis.

• Microfiber towel
• Machine washable

8.  EKE Foldable & Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat

This foldable yoga mat is an excellent choice for yogis who want a thick and portable mat.  

Made with high-quality TPE, this mat offers a non-toxic and eco-friendly option for your practice.  

It was made to be resistant to tearing and deformation and also has a non-slip texture on both sides.

Its foldable design allows for easy transportation and storage, making it ideal for travel and on-the-go yoga sessions.  

With a thickness of 5.5mm, this foldable mat is by far the thickest and most comfortable on the list.  

The textured surface ensures excellent grip and traction, promoting stability and preventing slips during poses.

The EKE mat can be folded or rolled, depending on your preference.

9. Snakuga Suede Travel Yoga Mat

The Snakuga yoga mat is another travel-friendly option to consider.  

Crafted from natural rubber and suede, this foldable mat offers excellent durability and anti-tear properties.  

The microfiber suede surface will keep you dry when you’re sweating which makes this mat suitable for hot yoga and other high-intensity exercises.

Measuring 72″x26″, this mat is a little bit wider than a traditional yoga mat.

It is also very beautifully designed and weighs only 2.5 pounds.  

One of the best features of this mat is that the company selling it offers a 30 days refund, so you can buy with confidence.  

• Rubber grip
• 30 days refund

10.  Vixa Luxurious Yoga Mat Set with Booty Bands

The last product on our list is a luxurious yoga mat set that includes a super soft yoga mat, 2 resistance bands, and one yoga knee pad.

One of the standout characteristics of this mat is its super grip and smooth texture.  

The absorbent material effectively wicks away moisture, keeping the mat dry and slip-free even during sweaty practice sessions.  

This feature greatly enhances the overall yoga experience and lets you focus on your practice without any distractions.

This mat is made with non-toxic materials and is easy to clean.

The package also includes 2 booty bands with different resistance levels and a yoga knee mat for extra support.

• High quality
• Absorbs moisture
• Booty bands
• Hand wash only

How to choose the best foldable yoga mat for travel

Here is what you should consider when choosing the best foldable yoga mat for travel:

Portability

Look for a mat that is specifically designed for travel and offers foldable or compact features. Consider its weight, size, and ease of folding to ensure it can fit conveniently into your travel bag or suitcase.

Many foldable mats are quite thin. Thicker mats provide more support, especially if you have sensitive joints. However, keep in mind that thicker mats may be bulkier to carry. Thinner mats are lighter and more compact but may offer less cushioning.

Opt for a mat made from durable and high-quality materials that can withstand regular use. Common materials include TPE, PVC, or eco-friendly options like natural rubber or cork.

Your mat should have a textured or non-slip surface to ensure a secure grip during your practice. This is particularly important when practicing on various surfaces or in different environments.

Maintenance

Choose a mat that is easy to clean and maintain. The best mats can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or are machine washable. Quick-drying properties are also beneficial for travel.

Consider your height and personal preference when selecting the size of the mat. Make sure it provides enough space for your practice and allows you to move freely without feeling restricted.

Read customer reviews and seek recommendations from fellow yogis or trusted sources to gather insights about the mat’s performance, durability, and overall quality.

Bottom line

A foldable travel yoga mat provides the freedom to continue your yoga practice wherever you roam.

When it comes to finding the best one for travel, there are many options to choose from.  

The mats recommended in this post offer the perfect blend of convenience, portability, and performance.

No matter which one you choose, make sure it is lightweight, comfortable, and compact enough for travel.

Which one of these foldable yoga mats for travel is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

Thinking about going on a yoga retreat? You can take one of these foldable yoga mats for travel on your next yoga holiday to the USA , the UK , or Thailand !

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The Best Travel Yoga Mats in 2024

By Author Lindsay Marquette

Posted on Last updated: January 24, 2024

Categories Mind & Body

If you’re a yogi who’s looking forward to traveling again soon, you may be wondering to yourself, “do I need a yoga mat specifically for travel?” Well, the answer is yes! If you’re a yogi-on-the-go, you need a lightweight , easily transportable yoga mat to allow you to practice from anywhere on the planet. But where do you even start to look? Don’t sweat it . We’ve scoured the web and read the best travel yoga mat reviews so that you can find the best travel yoga mats.

Our Top Picks

No time? No worries! Check out our quick list of top picks:

Best Travel Yoga Mats: A Closer Look

You don’t have to travel very far to see why we chose the above as our top picks. You just have to keep scrolling.

1. Manduka Superlite Yoga/Pilates Mat

The best travel yoga mats overall

Brand:  Manduka | Material:  Natural Tree Rubber |  Dimensions:  71″/24″ | Price: 💰💰💰💰

The Manduka Superlite is our personal choice for the best yoga travel mat due to its versatility and high quality. Manduka’s Superlite yoga mat is made of natural tree rubber and non-toxic foams and dyes. This particular mat weighs just over 2lbs, so it is relatively lightweight and easy to carry around. Although you may roll it up, since this mat is so thin, you can easily fold it as well This mat does need to be broken in, so it should get better and better with use. This travel mat is just over ½” thick, so while it is lightweight, it should also provide a decent amount of cushioning.

Buyers loved these yoga mats, overall. They thought it was the perfect design for traveling and were pleased to find that it had a very grippy finish. They also loved how easy it was to fold up and store. The main complaint about this product was that it got too slick with any amount of sweat added to the mix. Some also mentioned that the mats smelled too strongly of rubber, which is very common in rubber yoga mats. The smell should, however, fade with time!

Reviewers Like

• Very sticky
• Easy to fold up
• It is perfect for traveling

Reviewers Dislike

• Gets slick with sweat
• Smells strongly of rubber

2. Jade Yoga-Voyager Mat

The best eco-friendly travel yoga mats

Brand:  Jade Yoga | Material:  Natural Rubber |  Dimensions:  68″/24″ | Price: 💰💰💰

This yoga mat by Jade Yoga is made of all-natural rubber for those who like to stay eco-friendly. When it comes to transportation, this is an excellent mat for that, weighing only 1.5lbs. You can also buy the Voyager mat on  Amazon  if you have Prime and want free shipping. Our very favorite thing about these mats is that Jade Yoga will plant a tree for every mat sold!

Overall, buyers loved these yoga mats. With its incredibly low weight, they found that this mat was ideal for traveling. They also were pleased with how grippy the mat was and how durable and high-quality the natural rubber was. There were a few disgruntled reviewers, however. Some were not happy that the mat was so thin; however, the only way to have it be so lightweight is to have it thin, unfortunately. A couple of others were disappointed with how strongly their mats smelled. This is a common complaint with natural rubber products, so keep that in mind if you have a particularly strong sense of smell.

• It’s very grippy
• High-quality material
• It’s perfect for traveling yogis
• It is very thin
• Smells strong

3. Pure Fitness Deluxe Fitness Mat

The best travel yoga mats for sensitive joints

Brand:  Pure Fitness | Material:  NBR Foam |  Dimensions:  68″/24″ | Price: 💰💰

This beautiful blue mat by Pure Fitness is perfect for all your fitness needs. It is made of half-inch-thick NBR foam to keep your body extra cushioned. Although this is a very thick mat, it rolls up and comes with a strap for easy transportation anywhere you need. This is truly the perfect travel mat with extra cushioning, and for those who use mats for more than just yoga, like exercises that could put pressure on their joints. It is also available on  Amazon , for those who want to take advantage of free shipping.

Most buyers were thrilled with this mat. Those with sore joints who needed some extra cushioning were thrilled that this option existed. They were also impressed with its grip, as well as its amazingly low price. Some were disappointed, however. Since this is technically an “exercise” mat and not a “yoga” mat, some were disappointed about this. However, the description explains how thick this mat is, as well as that it is an exercise mat, rather than just a yoga mat, although it can easily be used for yoga. Always read product descriptions! Another buyer was disappointed that this mat wasn’t sticky enough for their needs.

• It has good grip
• It’s great for sore joints
• It has a great, low price
• Not sticky enough
• Not a legit “yoga” mat

4. Yogo Ultralight Folding Mat

The best splurge travel yoga mats

Brand:  Yogo | Material:  Natural Tree Rubber, Cotton, Recyclable Plastic |  Dimensions:  68″/24″ | Price: 💰💰💰💰💰

Made primarily of natural tree rubber, this yoga mat is very grippy and eco-friendly. This is also a very compact option; the mat folds up very tightly. The straps attached to the mat clip together to keep it that way for easy transportation. Our favorite thing about this mat? For every mat purchased, Yogo funds a food-bearing tree and agricultural training for a family in Africa.

Many reviewers left very positive messages about this yoga mat. They loved how sticky it was and found the material very durable. They were also thrilled with how well it worked for traveling due to how tightly it folds up. A few thought that the mat was either not sticky enough or not cushioned enough, but overall, buyers loved it.

• It’s perfect for travel
• The mat is very sticky
• The material is very durable
• Not cushioned enough
• Not sticky enough for some

5. Yoyi Travel Yoga Mat

The best suede travel yoga mats

Brand:  Yoyi | Material:  Natural Suede and Natural Rubber |  Dimensions:  72″/26″ | Price: 💰💰💰

This mat from Yoyi comes in several different (equally beautiful) prints and is perfect for all your travel yoga needs. It is 1/16” thick, so it folds up very small, and it also comes with a small travel case. One surprising thing about this mat is that it is machine-washable! This is quite uncommon when it comes to yoga mats. You may still choose to wipe it down, but you can machine-wash it safely if you prefer.

Overall, buyers loved this travel yoga mat. It folded up quickly and compactly for them, making transportation a breeze. They also loved how grippy the mat was. Some thought the mat was a bit heavier than they prefer, especially when it comes to traveling. Some mentioned it was a bit too slippery.

• It folds up well
• Nice and grippy
• Easy to transport
• Rather heavy
• It is too slippery

6. Gaiam Folding Travel Mat

The best lightweight travel yoga mats

Brand:  Gaiam | Material:  PVC |  Dimensions:  68″/24″ | Price: 💰💰

This folding yoga mat from Gaiam comes in 5 beautiful pattern options and is made of PVC. It folds into a compact (10”/12”) size, and it only weighs a pound, so it’s perfect for transportation. It is worth noting that the description mentions not leaving the mat out in the sun for very long, as it could make the mat brittle and unusable. If you do lots of outdoor yoga in the sun, this may not be the mat for you.

Buyers were pleased with these yoga mats, overall. They loved how lightweight they are, which made them easy and convenient to transport. They were also impressed with how well they folded up for easy storage and loved that they were sufficiently sticky, too. There were a couple of complaints, however. Some thought the mat was too slippery, and others noted that the fold lines did not allow the mat to lie completely flat when it was open.

• It is sufficiently sticky
• It is so lightweight, easy to transport
• Folds up so small that it fits just about anywhere
• Mat is slippery
• Won’t lie completely flat due to fold lines

7. Snakuga Travel Yoga Mat

The best absorbent travel yoga mats

Brand:  Snakuga | Material:  Natural Rubber and Suede |  Dimensions:  72″/26″ | Price: 💰💰💰

Made of natural rubber and natural suede, this beautiful yoga mat by Snakuga is perfect for taking your practice on the go. It folds into a 10”/12” rectangle which fits perfectly in its accompanying travel case. This yoga mat length is 72”, perfect for anyone who likes some extra space on their mat. This mat is available in several beautiful patterns with various color schemes and weighs just 2lbs, perfect for travel. Snakuga’s mat is moisture-absorbing, and as you sweat, the surface should become grippier.

The reviewers of this foldable yoga mat were pleased overall. They reported the mats being easily foldable, making them perfect for storing and travel. They also were happy with how grippy the mats were, even with how sweaty they were. Possibly most importantly, buyers reported that especially considering their price, these yoga mats were of excellent quality. On the flip side, some reviewers didn’t like how thin the mat is and felt it was not as light as they anticipated. 

• Great quality for the price
• Nice and grippy, even with sweat
• It’s easily foldable, great for storing
• Not quite as light as expected

8. Gurus Sprout Eco-friendly Yoga Mat

The best cork travel yoga mats

Brand:  Gurus | Material:  Cork and TPE Foam |  Dimensions:  72″/25″ | Price: 💰💰💰

This yoga mat by Gurus is made of cork (top side) and TPE foam (bottom side) and weighs just 2lbs! It’s a whopping 72” long, so this is perfect even for those on the taller side. They are designed to be non-slip, so you can switch positions with ease. Gurus also plant a tree with every purchase made, which makes this a wonderful eco-friendly option.

Overall, buyers were very pleased with this cork travel yoga mat. They loved how grippy the cork was; even with lots of sweat, it worked! Buyers were also happy with how lightweight and easy to transport it is. Another plus was that the mats didn’t have any strong smells like so many other yoga mats do. However, there were some negative reviews. One stated that the cork started peeling off of the mat very shortly after being used. Some other buyers mentioned the mat was simply not grippy enough for them.

• Very grippy cork
• Perfectly lightweight for travel
• No bad smell like with other brands
• Not grippy enough
• Cork started peeling off

What to Look for in the Best Travel Yoga Mats

Yoga mats come in numerous varying styles , colors, and comfort levels. Let’s dive into a few things you’ll need to consider when looking for the best yoga mat for travel.

The first thing to consider is the materials used in the making of your yoga mat. Many companies are moving towards eco-friendly options such as natural rubber and cork, so it isn’t too difficult to find eco-friendly and non-toxic options. However, some materials such as TPE are boasted to be completely safe for humans, when in reality, they may not be. You may note that there are some options in this list that are made of or contain TPE. These are often cheaper options than rubber and other eco-friendly materials, and they are still good yoga mats. However, we think it is essential to be transparent about the relatively  unknown, unstudied, and potentially negative effects  of TPE.

All this to say, if you are especially conscious of keeping a home free of toxins or other harmful products/chemicals, you may want to stay away from PVC (which is known to be harmful) and TPE, and play it safe with natural rubber!

When it comes to travel, no one wants to lug around a heavy bag (or bags). This is why many travel yoga mats are very lightweight, which is ideal. Some yoga mats are meant for use at home, so they are not as lightweight as the average traveler needs. For this reason, many yogis who travel regularly may want to buy a separate yoga mat for travel, specifically. This is an excellent idea to keep your bags light and more easily portable. 

One thing that is directly affected by the weight of a yoga mat is often the level of cushion it provides. The more cushioned a mat is, the thicker it is, generally speaking. Therefore, you must be careful and consider if you value your travel mat being lightweight or more cushioned. Although you can find lightweight mats with decent cushioning, if you have any joint pain or like some extra support, a mat that is designed for travel and extra cushioning may be difficult to find.

Folding vs Rolling

Another aspect of travel yoga mats to consider is how they can store . Typically, yoga mats get rolled up, and sometimes they come with a carrying strap for easy toting. While rolling is convenient for a trip to the yoga studio, when it comes to long-distance or long-term traveling, keeping baggage compact and light is of utmost importance. 

This is where folding yoga mats come into the picture. Some yoga mats can fold into a very compact rectangle that’s only a foot long, and lies very flat, which is perfect for traveling.

In Conclusion…

There are all sorts of different yoga mats for travel, but we hope we’ve helped you narrow down your list of potential travel yoga mats. Better yet, we like to think you’ve found your perfect mat in this list! 

Stay safe, and enjoy your future travels accompanied by your travel yoga mat!

Our Process

For this guide on travel yoga mats, our team spent 8 hours researching the most popular options from over 11 brands and manufacturers big and small. We then read about one hundred and fifty user reviews (both positive and negative) to discover what shoppers thought about each travel yoga mats. After comparing this data, we narrowed our list down to the top 8 on the market. You can count on this research to guide you to a mindful purchasing decision.

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Further Reading

Shopping | ES Best Home | Health & Fitness | Yoga

Best travel yoga mats for flows on the go

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The ancient art of yoga has endured since its origins in India approximately 5,000 years ago, becoming a widely taught and practised activity in contemporary society and wellness-orientated groups to this day.

With its three main tenets focusing on breathing, flexibility and strength, the movement elicited by yogic practices simultaneously allows us to pause and reflect, while flowing through core-engaging movements assisted by the power of our own breath. In teaching us to harness the power of our body’s natural movements and the basic functions which help us to survive, students of yoga learn to be at one with the natural world.

Yoga provides a firm, solid foothold to help boost us into a wellness-focused life, which prioritises mental health and positive movement above all else – it just takes a little bit of practice. Yet despite yoga’s unwavering popularity over the centuries, many beginners find that the activity is often at odds with their modern, fast-paced life.

Rather than waking up extra early to get a sun salutation in, it suits the vast majority of 9-to-5ers far more to run to the office instead. Similarly, many office-dwellers would prefer to take a speedy 20-minute gym break during lunch, during which they’ll likely burn far more calories than they would in a 90-minute yoga class.

However, attempting to turn yoga into a means to lose weight or putting your physical endurance to the test is missing the point entirely. Yoga is all about intuitive movement, so much so that flows and salutations can be learned and rehearsed like dance routines, so they’ll come as naturally as breathing.

As such, you don’t need a studio or instructor to flow while you’re away from home. After a few classes and a little bit of practice, you’ll feel mightily confident on your own – and if you’re still not quite there, you can of course pop on a gentle guiding YouTube video from one of your favourite online instructors (ours is Adrienne, of course).

Whether you’re camping, hiking, travelling or enjoying a relaxing beach holiday, you’ll be surprised by how incomplete your day starts to feel without even a few minutes of stretching, breathing and movement. When you’re on the move, it’s therefore always a brilliant idea to take a portable, travel yoga mat with you.

We’ve rounded up a selection of the best travel yoga mats to help elevate your practice even when you’re not on home soil.

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Mikkoa Travel Yoga Mat – Finding Nirvana

Foldable, compact and lightweight, Mikkoa’s travel yoga mat is one of the best on the market for a myriad of reasons. Not only will you gain access to free online yoga classes once you make your purchase, but you’ll also be able to use this durable yoga mat on the go for years to come without the need for a replacement.

When unfolded, the sweat-absorbent and supportive microfibre mat measures 183 x 66cm and folds neatly into a 24 x 14cm rectangle – thereby taking up approximately one-third of the space of a regular yoga mat. The best part? This yoga mat is entirely machine washable. That’s right, no more wiping down with cloths and disinfectant after every single use.

Sustainable Non-Slip Jute Travel Yoga Mat

Another brilliantly compact option, this jute travel yoga mat from Complete Unity Yoga is just 2mm thick. Despite its incredibly grippy surface, yogis will be pleased to discover that the mat itself has been crafted solely from durable, non-toxic and eco-friendly materials.

The manufacturing process itself is also proudly zero-waste, and your mat will be delivered in zero-plastic FSC-certified packaging. Suitable for whatever type of yoga you go for – even in the hottest environments – Complete Yoga Unity stands by its grip guarantee, making this portable mat perfect for yoga retreats abroad.

Viavito Travel Yoga Mat

Designed to fit in even the smallest of tote bags, this grippy non-stick yoga mat has been fabricated from a durable and waterproof PVC which is nevertheless free from phthalates and horrible chemical odours. Thanks to the handy slightly perforated design, this yoga mat folds easily from a 61 x 173cm mat into a 31 x 25cm rectangle for the utmost portability.

Liforme Cosmic Moon Travel Yoga Mat

Though on the more expensive side, this luxurious and beautifully designed yoga mat from Liforme is not likely to leave your side any time soon. While lightweight and wonderfully portable thanks to the inclusion of a bag strap with your order, this yoga mat also functions as a top-of-the-range piece of kit to use during practices and classes at home as well as abroad. Made from PVC-free and biodegradable materials, you can be sure you’re protecting the planet as well as your mind by purchasing a mat from this B-Corp-certified yoga brand.

Manduka eKO SuperLite Travel Yoga Mat

Available in a plethora of calming gradients and solid hues, Manduka’s SuperLite travel yoga mat is a no-nonsense piece of apparatus to add to your yoga arsenal, especially if you travel a lot. With two options for size – standard and large – you’ll find that both are able to fold neatly into a tote, travel bag or suitcase. Plus, you can use it on top of your regular mat during normal practices for extra support and grip, whether you tend to move on hardwood floors or ultra-plush carpets.

Foldable Cork Non-Slip Yoga Mat

Eco-friendly and entirely slip-proof thanks to its cork surface, this yoga mat by Eke features a beautiful lotus design in the centre of the mat and a line down the middle to help focus your practice while improving your balance with every session. We also love the fact that this value-for-money option comes with a yoga mat for extra portability.

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• Health and fitness

The Best Yoga Mats

By Ingrid Skjong and Amy Roberts

A yoga mat should be comfortable and supportive, provide sufficient grip to keep you from slipping, and be no-fuss enough to clean and carry.

Our hatha and hot-yoga instructors Downward-Dogged, Ashtanga vinyasa-flowed, and Savasanaed on 38 top-rated yoga mats (and one mat alternative), and the one that came out on top is Lululemon’s The Mat 5mm . Its dual-textured sides, firm-yet-cushiony rubber construction, and ample size will have you covered, no matter what style of yoga you practice.

You don’t need to invest so much to get started with yoga: Our budget pick (for more than seven years running) costs well under half what our other picks do and has held up surprisingly well in long-term testing. We have recommendations for all-rubber and non-rubber, latex-free mats, too. Our travel mat pick folds to fit neatly in a suitcase.

Everything we recommend

Lululemon The Mat 5mm

The best yoga mat.

Your hands and feet won’t budge, and the 5 millimeters of natural rubber provide plenty of padding for knees. It’s available in a massive Big size too.

Buying Options

JadeYoga Harmony Mat

A natural rubber option.

Made of natural rubber, this mat feels like it suctions to your fingers and toes, and is especially good for hot yoga. But being rubber, it has that telltale odor, especially when new.

Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Yoga Mat

A rubber-free mat.

This PVC mat offers comparable stickiness, support, and cushioning to our two top picks, but without the latex.

Budget pick

Yoga Accessories 1/4″ Extra Thick Deluxe Yoga Mat

A bargain mat that holds up.

This squishy ¼-inch (6.2 millimeters) PVC mat is a bargain—because it lasts. It’s 4 inches longer than your average cheapie, too.

JadeYoga Voyager

A foldable mat for travel.

This rubber mat folds small but still provides excellent traction. Expect to sacrifice some cushioning for that portability, though.

What to consider

Most yoga mats are made of rubber, PVC, or TPE. Some are made of cork or other materials. All vary in thickness and surface texture.

Regular wipe-downs and occasional deep cleans will extend the life of your yoga mat.

Lululemon’s The Mat 5mm scored high marks on all nine attributes our professional testers rated, including stickiness, weight, thickness, durability, and overall feel. Lululemon’s mat has two sides: a smooth, “sticky” polyurethane side that makes your hands and feet adhere to the mat, and a spongy, synthetic and natural rubber “grippy” side that instead provides traction via a textured surface. This lets you dial in how much traction you need, whether you are doing hot yoga or restorative yoga, or are just someone who might sweat a lot. The 5-millimeter-thick natural rubber is supportive, so sensitive knees and elbows won’t sink through to the floor. It’s slightly oversize—3 inches longer and 2 inches wider than a standard mat—which gives you some breathing room but doesn’t take up tons of space in a cramped class or smaller room. If you need even more real estate, the (Big) Mat is literally the size of a door. These mats are on the heavy side, and the surface tends to show dust, dirt, and smudges that are hard to clean.

The JadeYoga Harmony Mat is made from 100% rubber, and this offers some advantages, because it absorbs a lot of moisture and helps maintain traction in sweaty situations—possibly too much for some people, as it can be hard to pivot your feet or slide your hands when flowing from one pose to another. It’s slightly thinner than our top pick at 3/16 inch (4¾ millimeters) thick, but it still provides a spongy-yet-supportive feel under hand, foot, and knee. It comes in four sizes, including the XW (extra-wide) line , but know that the bigger size you choose, the heavier it gets—and rubber isn’t light to start with. This mat has a strong rubber smell, at least for a while, which not everyone loves, and rubber also contains latex. If you have a latex allergy, try our rubber-free recommendation below.

If you have an allergy to latex or dislike the smell of rubber, consider the 5-millimeter-thick Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Yoga Mat . It is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and has ample cushioning and firm support that pleased our joints and grounded our standing poses. The smooth top layer, meant to wick away moisture, kept our hands and feet locked in place while allowing freedom for transitions during a flow. The mat is relatively light at 4¼ pounds, roughly a pound lighter than our top pick—a consideration if you carry your mat often.

You don’t have to spend $50-plus for a quality mat. In a world where PVC foam mats are a dime a dozen, YogaAccessories has produced a low-cost option of value. Its PVC foam is a lofty ¼-inch (6.2 millimeters) thick, plus the mat is generously cut, extending 4 inches longer than the standard size, and available in more than a dozen vivid colors.

The thin, lightweight JadeYoga Voyager is the only travel mat we tested that folded compactly for packing, provided excellent traction during practice, and didn’t slip or shift on the floor. We found the traction of this rubber mat to be as good as that offered by our runner-up pick, also made by JadeYoga. This mat does have less cushioning than our other picks. But if you prefer a plusher feel, our yoga instructor testers found that the Voyager stayed as secure when used on carpet or atop another mat as it did on the floor.

The research

Why you should trust us, how we picked and tested, how our picks compare, our pick: lululemon the mat 5mm, runner-up: jadeyoga harmony mat, runner-up: gaiam performance dry-grip yoga mat, budget pick: yogaaccessories 1/4″ extra thick deluxe yoga mat, also great: jadeyoga voyager, care and maintenance, environmental and end-of-life issues, other good yoga mats, the competition.

To learn all we could about how to choose and care for a yoga mat, we interviewed yoga instructors, a sustainable manufacturing expert, a dermatologist, and a professor of microbiology and environmental sciences. We then recruited two accomplished yoga instructors, hatha/vinyasa specialist Juan Pablo Gomez and hot-yoga practitioner Arden Goll , to practice on and carefully evaluate yoga mats.

To narrow the enormous field (seriously: searching “yoga mats” on Amazon yields more than 2,000 results), we spent hours reading customer reviews. We also talked to the big-name manufacturers to learn what was new in their lines and to the founder of the online yoga platform YouAligned (formerly YogiApproved), to get a sense of both trendy and tried-and-true in yoga mat designs. In addition to testing mats that customers had reviewed well, we also aimed to find a wide variety of options in price, size, and material. (For this guide, we did not test mats designed specifically for Pilates or other exercise. These tend to be larger and, often, thicker than the yoga mats we review here.)

Next, our intrepid yoga instructors practiced on each mat, evaluating overall experience while carefully weighing each of the following nine attributes:

• size (rolled and unrolled)
• portability and weight (for carrying to and from class)
• stickiness (with dry versus sweaty hands and feet)
• thickness, squishiness, and support (adequate, too much, or too little?)
• surface texture and feel (on your skin and under hand and foot)
• ease of unrolling (and staying flat)
• odor (if one exists or goes away)
• attractiveness

Finally, after our pro yogis turned in their extensive notes, we practiced on each of the top picks to get a personal feel for what attributes made each mat worthy of our recommendation.

Lululemon The Mat 5mm aced our test for its impressive versatility. The mat has two sides—a “sticky” side and “grippy” side. Sticky means it actually sticks; grippy refers to traction, created by a texture. We’d love to tell you which to choose, but this is an eternal debate in yoga, and is based on how you practice—hot or not, sweaty or dry—and what feels best against your body.

The sticky side is made of smooth polyurethane and has a lot of traction, even in the very sweaty conditions of a hot-yoga class; our instructor said it was one of the only mats that didn’t require her to put down a towel once things got really drippy. The opposite “grippy” side is made of rubber and provided just as much traction, no matter the moisture conditions.

Getting the right padding in a yoga mat is a tricky balance. If it’s too squishy, pointy joints may sink too deep into it, and balancing on the surface becomes challenging because too much support is lost to the compression. Then again, if it’s too firm, you might as well practice directly on the floor. With a few exceptions, 5 millimeters (about ¼ inch) is fairly standard for yoga mats, and that’s exactly how padded the Lululemon mat is. The dual-material makeup does the job well, though we found the rubber side to be even kinder to the knees.

The Lululemon mat also comes in two sizes to accommodate different body types and preferences. Most people will be more than satisfied with the regular 71-by-26-inch mat, which is 3 inches longer and 2 inches wider than a standard mat. It has ample space to keep you in its confines during a vigorous flow. The Big version is a monster: It measures 84 inches (that’s 7 feet) long and 28 inches wide, which prompted one of Amy’s trainer friends—a 6-foot-2, 350-pound bodybuilder—to light up with glee and remark, “That’s the size of a door!”

Lululemon makes two lighter-weight versions of The Mat: The Mat 3mm and The Lightweight Mat (5 mm) for travel, both of which have the same extra-grippy surface area and dimensions (71 by 26 inches) as the regular mat. Both are lighter to carry, rolled up, to class—the trade-off being reduced cushioning.

One long-term tester, who has owned the mat for three years, appreciates its cushiony texture, which is still dense enough to help her feel “rooted.” Its surfaces earn praise, too: “Grip is my main priority, as I sweat a lot, and this mat stays grippy even as I drip sweat from my forehead.”

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Lululemon mats aren’t light to carry around—an issue if you’re walking or biking to class but less so if you practice at home. The regular size weighs just under 5¼ pounds, and the Big mat is over 7 pounds.

Being more than half rubber in composition, this mat had a faint smell, though not nearly as strong as that of the JadeYoga mat or the odiferous Hugger Mugger . In fact, by the time we got to practice on the Lululemon mat (after the yoga instructors had tested it), the scent had basically disappeared. One long-term tester enjoys the smell (“It makes the room feel more gymlike”) and loves the mat overall but has one quibble: She bought the mat in a light color and notes that “sweat really shows up on it.”

“The first time I used it, I thought something on my clothes must have stained it,” she says. Sweat outlines do fade completely as they dry, but she recommends buying a darker color if this is a concern. Note, though, that even a dark blue version we own tends to show sweat marks, which also eventually fade. (Even a wet ponytail left a stamp.)

A company spokesperson told us the mat should never be rolled up when wet—this can cause the mat’s layers to peel or separate. Proper care, including cleaning and allowing the mat to fully dry between uses (which may mean unrolling it at home after a class) is essential for its longevity.

For those who prefer a mat with only natural rubber, consider the grippy  JadeYoga Harmony Mat . The surface texture feels like a million tiny suction cups that glue to your skin at every contact point, which is particularly useful when attempting to hold any sort of balance-heavy pose—you definitely aren’t going to lose it because your foot or hand slipped. In fact, we sometimes found pivoting movements, say, from a high lunge to a Warrior 2, a bit of a challenge because of all the friction.

It also comes in four sizes. Just keep in mind that the bigger you go in area, the heavier the mat is to carry: The smallest is a reasonable 4½ pounds, and the largest is a getting-awkward 6½ pounds.

At 3/16 inch (4¾ millimeters) thick, the Harmony Mat has just enough cushion to pad, though it doesn’t feel quite as plush as the slightly thicker dual-material Lululemon mat. That said, with its durable material, the JadeYoga can be given a bath or even cleaned in a front-loader washer on gentle—just be prepared for a long drying time, as this puppy really sucks up water. In fact, it did nearly as good a job at absorbing sweat and wicking it away as the Lululemon, making it a great pick for heated classes, too. If you’d like additional cushioning (and don’t mind the heft it adds) and prefer an all-rubber mat, our testers liked JadeYoga’s 5/16-inch-thick (about 8 millimeters)  Fusion Mat .

As with any natural rubber product, there’s that smell; it was more pungent than the Lululemon’s but less than the Hugger Mugger’s , which really reeked. Because it’s a rubber mat, it also contains latex, so it’s not good for those with a latex allergy. (If you’re looking for a latex-free rubber mat, consider the Clever Yoga LiquidBalance Mat , which we also reviewed .)

Some people may find that the Harmony mat’s texture provides too much grip, hindering pivots and some sliding movements. In that case, we recommend the rubber Manduka eKO Mat 5mm .

Following our initial testing, several people (including a Wirecutter staffer) have noted that certain JadeYoga mats they purchased from late 2016 through 2017 wore out much more quickly than expected. Upon our inquiry, JadeYoga’s president, Dean Jerrehian, indicated that the company had experienced an uptick in premature wear complaints (from an estimated 1 in 2,500 mats to around 1 in 1,000) regarding mats manufactured between October 2016 and August 2017, during which time it had changed the mats’ fabrication in an effort to make them lighter (for the sake of portability). Since August 2017, the company has returned to its original formula, Jerrehian said. He pointed to the company’s one-year warranty , which covers premature wear. How long any all-rubber yoga mat will last depends on how you use (and clean ) it. “The average lifespan for our mats is about two to three years, but some people have them much longer and some replace them more frequently,” Jerrehian said. We’ve noticed some reviewers on the JadeYoga site reporting that their Harmony Mat has lasted for five, seven, even 11 years.

If you dislike the smell of rubber or are allergic to latex, look to a rubber-free mat. The Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Yoga Mat , constructed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and free of latex, delivers a supportive, cushioned experience that rivals those of our top rubber picks.

The Performance Dry-Grip is nearly identical to our former latex-free runner-up pick, Gaiam’s Athletic Duramat, which is now discontinued. The Performance Dry-Grip has a glossy flower print on its surface and is slightly smaller than its predecessor—a standard 68 by 24 inches versus 78 by 26 inches. The mat is 3 inches shorter and 2 inches narrower than our top pick, though we didn’t feel cramped on it at all.

At 5 millimeters thick (the same as our top pick), the mat offers ample cushioning and firm support; our knees and elbows remained content even during prolonged planks and kneeling. We felt pleasantly grounded in standing poses, the mat providing enough cushion to root into, but adequate support to avoid a sinking feeling. Its smooth surface is built for a slip-less experience. The top layer, meant to wick away moisture, kept our hands and feet firmly in place, while allowing for freedom during transitions. We did not test the mat in a hot-yoga class, but we did spritz our hands with water to approximate a seriously sweaty session and didn’t slide.

The mat emits an odor in the beginning, which was noticeable on nose-to-mat postures like Child’s Pose and on our hands after use. The odor faded after a few days but didn’t disappear completely, particularly on the underside. The surface has a tendency to pick up lint and dust (rug fuzz from a shedding wool carpet glommed on to ours), but a quick wipe with a towel took care of it. We also noticed visible handprints and streaks after use, which waned eventually.

The mat is relatively light at 4¼ pounds—roughly a pound lighter than our top pick, the Lululemon The Mat 5mm. This might not seem like much. But if you plan to tote your mat from place to place, overall heft can make a difference.

The Performance Dry-Grip also comes in an “XL” size that’s 78 inches long and 26 inches wide.

The Yoga Accessories ¼″ Extra Thick Deluxe Yoga Mat 's PVC foam is uncommonly lofty for its price, providing ¼ inch (6.2 millimeters) of material to support your body in any pose, and is made without those widely dreaded phthalates. Like many inexpensive mats, it compresses more than its denser, pricier cousins, but most people will find the support adequate.

More than adequate is its generous 74-inch length, a full 6 inches longer than some competitors, yet not so long that you’re taking up more than your fair share of floor space in class. Even with the extra size, it weighs an extremely portable 3.6 pounds.

The stickiness is fine under dry hands and feet, though particularly wobbly or sweaty yogis will definitely appreciate the sweat absorption of the rubber picks from Lululemon and JadeYoga. Our pro yogis also expressed concern about how durable this mat would be over time; being PVC, it shouldn’t be thrown away but instead recycled or upcycled .

One long-term tester, who chose a light color of this mat, has found that it can show dirt even after cleaning.

Unlike other folding travel mats we tested, the JadeYoga Voyager offers excellent traction. It didn’t slip or shift on the floor during our practice. At just 1/16 inch (about 1.6 millimeters) thick, the Voyager doesn’t offer much padding compared with our cushier picks. But that lack of cushioning also makes it easy to fold up and stash in either a backpack or carry-on suitcase.

Unfurled, the Voyager provides a full 68-by-24-inch natural-rubber practice area—the same as a standard mat (though smaller than the Lululemon The Mat). It’s as grippy under hand and foot as the Harmony , also made by JadeYoga (though not as grippy as our top pick from Lululemon ). It also didn’t shift, slide, or bunch up on the floor during our testing, unlike several of its competitors. At just 1½ pound, it’s also among the lightest mats we tested and is significantly lighter than all of our other picks. If you want more squish, you can place it on a carpet or atop a rental mat at the studio; we found that it didn’t slip on those surfaces any more than on a hard floor.

Both of our yoga instructors praised the Voyager highly for its portability and traction, selecting it as either their favorite or second-favorite travel mat. Depending on the style of yoga you practice or your preferences, though, you may need to make a few adjustments. Our hot yoga instructor noted that the rubber felt almost too grippy and somewhat coarse on her skin and she had to put down a towel to absorb sweat near the end of class. Still, she preferred it over most of the travel competitors, which could become slippery during a heated session.

How you clean and store your yoga mat will keep it in usable shape longer. All mats come with care instructions specific to the materials they’re made of, but generally you should wipe your mat clean after every few uses with a water-dampened cloth, a homemade diluted vinegar solution or a gentle mat wash, and then allow it to fully dry before storing.

In real-world terms, that means wiping and rolling up your mat after class, then laying it out to dry at home, possibly with another wipe-down on a second rollout. For spot cleaning stubborn stains and grime, try a mixture of dish soap and water. For deeper cleaning, consider soaking your mat in the bathtub.

Although you can wash most yoga mats in a machine, the stretching and tumbling can easily tear a PVC or non-rubber mat. Rubber mats typically fare better in the washer, but they suck up a ton of moisture and can take forever to dry.

Natural rubber and many plastic foams degrade when exposed to UV light. That means no drying wet mats in the sun or leaving them in a hot car, and possibly no al fresco classes; of our picks, JadeYoga and Gaiam specifically caution against prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Yoga mat materials can create a thicket of concerns for many yogis, and many companies that make yoga mats try to appeal to the environmentally sensitive nature of their audience. JadeYoga says it does not source the rubber for its mats from Amazon trees. Manduka previously accepted old mats (for a $10 fee on top of a new mat purchase) for downcycling.

As we note in our guide to foam rollers , purchasing a quality item that suits your goals and expectations is key to securing a tool you’ll ostensibly use (and enjoy) for a long time. Yoga mats follow suit.

Eric Wilmanns, principal and founder of Brown and Wilmanns Environmental, views the use of a product from a life-cycle perspective. “Yes, the majority of yoga mats, especially the ones made from a variety of materials, are not going to be composted, reused, or recycled,” he said. “But if they last significantly longer, they may end up having a lower impact.”

It can also be tricky to know exactly what you’re getting when it comes to a mat’s material. Wilmanns pointed out that chemicals added to polymers that are meant to add specific physical or cosmetic properties can be viewed as a supplier’s trade secrets and aren’t always revealed. “So even if a brand is told that the primary material is something that is okay, many of the additives are not disclosed and might have profound environmental or health implications,” he said. “I always use the analogy of adding bacon to a veggie burger.” ( Our runner-up rubber-free mat is considered 6P free, meaning it does not contain the six most-studied phthalates.)

Maintaining a sense of personal responsibility and sustainability in light of so many complicated factors can be hard, so if you want to use one of these mats but worry about the impact, focus on what happens to the mat when you’re done using it . Generally, that means finding a second use for it after it’s too worn out for yoga—perhaps as furniture cushioning, an anti-slip surface, or as portable seating, padding, or lining material.

The Clever Yoga LiquidBalance Mat is a generously sized (72.8 by 26.8 inches), latex-free rubber mat. Our hands and feet never slipped on its smooth, sticky, eco-polyurethane surface, and it doesn’t show sweat stains quite as much as our rubber-free pick does. (We tried the LiquidBalance in black; lighter colors may tell a different story.) It comes with a carrying bag, which is helpful considering it weighs a hefty 6½ pounds (1¼ pounds heavier than our top pick and 2 pounds heftier than our natural-rubber pick, the JadeYoga Harmony ). It typically costs around $45 more than the Harmony, and it might be worth that investment if an oversize, latex-free mat is what you’re after.

The rubber Manduka eKO Mat 5mm is plush and grippy with a subtly striped surface texture (reminiscent of tree bark) that performed well damp or dry in our tests. It also just felt good. The mat weighs 7 pounds—2½ pounds more than the JadeYoga Harmony Mat, our runner-up natural-rubber pick —and its 5-millimeter thickness (the Harmony Mat is about 4¾ millimeters) cushioned comfortably. The Manduka eKO Mat’s surface is smoother than that of the Harmony Mat, which is finely textured, so we didn’t get quite the locked-down feel the Harmony Mat provides. But it is confidently grippy and grounding. Made of non-Amazon harvested rubber , the mat gave off a fairly pungent odor in the beginning, and a week after opening it still smelled faintly. Manduka mats have displayed solid durability before: Ingrid owned the eKO Lite Yoga Mat 4mm for about four years; it held up well, save for some fraying at the edges and ultimately succumbing to her cat’s decision to use it as a litter box.

This is not a comprehensive list of all the mats we’ve considered. It includes models we’ve tested that are still available.

The Aurorae Yoga Classic Thick Yoga Mat , made of polymer environmental resin (PER) foam, had divided results. The hatha instructor was generally impressed with its cushiony padding and stickiness and particularly liked the included rosin bag, which helped him get his grip when his hands got sweaty. Our hot-yoga instructor agreed that the rosin helped, but only to a point—toward the end of class, she resorted to layering up with her yoga towel.

The rubber B Mat Everyday 4mm (no longer widely available) we tested had a grippy surface with a subtle texture that felt nice and locked our hands and feet in place, but it was almost too much of a good thing: Pivoting between poses (such as a high lunge to Warrior 2) proved tricky because our feet stuck. The company now offers 10mm and 2mm versions of this mat, which we haven’t tested.

The Clever Yoga Starter Mat is made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) foam and is a cushy ¼ inch thick and 72 by 25¼ inches. Though spacious and lightweight, it lacks a satisfying heft. We slipped a bit on the surface, particularly when it was damp, and despite the rippled texture on the back of the mat, it didn’t stay in place on the floor quite as well as others we tried. It also curled at the ends a bit when unrolled and had the same tendency as the Toplus Yoga Mat Classic ¼-Inch to unspool when rolled up and stored standing or flat.

Gaiam’s Premium 2-Color Yoga Mat and Reversible Yoga Mat are similar: Both are 6 millimeters thick and more squishy and soft than supportive. Each has a textured, softly nubby surface that lets fingers and toes grip easily. The stickiness is there, though at times it feels like literal stickiness—as if a faint coating of something were on the mat (though it’s most likely just the PVC material). These mats are fine for the price, particularly if you prefer a softer, textured surface to a slick, no-slip top layer.

HalfMoon Yoga’s Mighty Mat had fans among readers who commented on a previous version of this guide, so we gave it a go. Both yoga instructors were only mildly impressed by it, finding the mat difficult to unroll and the surface just okay for practice.

We tested the Hugger Mugger Para Mat , which did well in a previous review, when we learned that a new XLXW version measuring 28 inches wide and 78 inches long was launching. Though our yogis enjoyed practicing on the extremely grippy, luxuriously thick (¼ inch or 6.2 millimeters) natural-rubber mat, they found it very heavy to haul around (nearly 10 pounds) and extremely pungent (our hot-yoga instructor described it as smelling like a tire factory, which even bothered her neighbor in class).

The Kulae tpECOmat Ultra mat is made of a TPE material with an extra-plush 8-millimeter (5/16-inch) thickness. The hatha instructor and Amy were big fans of the lightweight yet densely cushioned material, which Amy particularly enjoyed in restorative yoga practice during long-held floor poses. Our hot yoga instructor found it slippery and commented that the material stretched a bit underfoot. Its thickness makes this mat a bit unwieldy to carry when rolled up, despite its 4-pound weight.

The Liforme Yoga Mat has a dual-layered polyurethane and rubber makeup and helpful alignment markings (so you know where to place hands and feet)—and a high price. (The Liforme’s price is almost double that of our similarly fabricated top pick .) Both of our yoga-instructor testers really liked the mat for its stickiness in both hatha and hot yoga, its relatively lightweight construction, and the handy bag it comes in. They really had no complaints, though they pointed out that its thickness of less than 4.8 millimeters (3/16 inch) might not offer enough cushion for some people. Still, for all its “great presentation,” neither tester said they would pay the sticker price.

The Maiya Yoga Mat is generously sized (73 by 25½ inches) and latex free with a slightly textured surface. At 5 millimeters thick, it feels plush and supportive, but in our testing it was slippery. On one of our first days of use, we weren’t able to hold a downward dog without our hands sliding distractingly. (Damp hands slid even more.) The company’s website says grip will improve over time, which may be true—we just haven’t gotten there yet. The mat comes in three pretty prints, and Maiya mats are, according to the company’s website, “the only Indian-American created luxury, designer performance yoga mats.” At $148, they are meant to be a long-term investment, and the company is focused on ethical and environmentally friendly business practices.

The Manduka Pro and the thinner ProLite polyurethane mats have legions of fans who praise them for their durability, which the company backs with a lifetime guarantee. The lingering problem in our testers’ minds: The surface requires extensive breaking in before it’s sticky. The company recognizes this issue and suggests giving these mats a scrub with salt and water “to speed things up a little” while breaking them in.

Nuprava’s The Unity Mat , a reversible, dual-layer mat, is natural rubber on one side and microfiber suede on the other. Meant to absorb sweat during hot yoga practices, the microfiber suede is soft, and it held our hands and feet pretty well. When we reversed the mat, the rubber felt fine, but the mat slid and shifted. At 2 millimeters thick, it’s a hair thicker (0.4 millimeters) than our travel choice; it also weighs 3.3 pounds and is machine washable.

The natural rubber Rumi Sun Yoga Mat takes an interesting approach to grip: The mat has a cotton-fiber-blend fabric mesh set into its surface, which provides some texture. We ultimately found the mat to be almost too rough. Its surface provided a decent amount of grip during both dry and sweaty conditions, but this is not a sticky mat (we experienced some slipping). The Sun Yoga Mat is noticeably dense and at 4.3 mm thick (0.7 mm and 1.9 mm thinner than the Lululemon and Yoga Accessories mats we recommend, respectively) it feels less cushioned than our picks. There was a strong rubber odor when we first unrolled this mat, which stuck around for several days.

Our testers found the Sugamat , made of recycled wetsuits, too coarse for comfort.

The Toplus Yoga Mat Classic ¼-Inch is another cushiony ¼-incher made of a TPE material. Though cushiony and comfortable for floor poses, it didn’t roll out quite flat for us and felt like it stretched a bit during certain poses like Warrior 2. It has an almost sueded texture and a fairly grippy surface, and though it’s exceptionally light, it doesn’t feel substantial. In our experience, when we rolled it for storage, it tended to unspool just enough to be bothersome.

The dual-layer Yoga Design Lab Combo Yoga Mat is a towel-fused rubber mat that’s designed specifically for hot yoga—you can even machine-wash it. However, both yoga instructors struggled with its lack of stickiness when dry and wet.

Yoga Hustle’s The Mat , made of natural rubber with a polyurethane top layer similar to that of our top pick , is 2 inches longer and 3 inches wider. But it’s slightly thinner (4.5 millimeters) and about $40 more expensive. It didn’t stand out as markedly better, though the oversize dimensions gave us a bit more room.

Travel mats

Gaiam makes two nearly identical versions of its PVC travel mat, the Foldable 2mm and the On-The-Go (currently unavailable), the latter of which has integrated carrying straps. Both fold down nicely, and the straps seemed like a good idea—until we realized they were affixed to the mat and got in the way of practice. Our hot yoga instructor complained about the PVC being very slick and “actually had to stop using [the mat] 20 minutes in.”

Lululemon’s The Lightweight Mat 5mm  has the same smooth but grippy texture that our yoga instructors loved on the brand’s The Mat 5mm . At just 1.5 millimeters it’s significantly thinner, which makes it much lighter to carry but also far less cushioned. Unfortunately, it can’t be folded easily—its rolled length of 26 inches is too long to fit inside most backpacks or carry-on suitcases.

The Khataland YoFoMat is bulky (it takes up twice the space of similar mats), cheap feeling (even though it isn’t cheap), and slick to the touch. Neither yoga instructor wanted to test it, and Amy agreed it wasn’t worth their time.

The natural rubber Manduka eKO SuperLite got great reviews from our instructors for its portability. Weighing just 2 pounds, it’s nearly as light as the JadeYoga Voyager, but it doesn’t fold down quite as compactly. Unfortunately, our yogis didn’t agree on the quality of its traction—it satisfied our hatha instructor but had the hot-yoga instructor complaining about slippage from the get-go.

The microfiber top surface of the Toplus 1/16 Inch Travel Yoga Mat has a nice feel, and the mat comes in a tidy plastic sleeve for storage. But our hatha instructor was not impressed with the traction; and though our hot yoga instructor thought it was decent on her trial run, she preferred the JadeYoga Voyager.

We also considered YogaPaws , a set of padded gloves and socks that could easily be the most portable mat-replacement option for traveling yogis. Unfortunately, neither yoga instructor nor Amy much liked practicing in them. Even the thinner version feels thick under your hands and feet, and the socks have a tendency to shift around as you practice.

This article was edited by Tacy Vence and Kalee Thompson.

Meet your guides

Ingrid Skjong

Ingrid Skjong is a supervising editor on the appliance team, focusing on the likes of ranges, refrigerators, dryers, and dishwashers. She previously covered fitness for Wirecutter and has been an editor and writer at various lifestyle magazines. She is an avid runner and lives in New York City.

Amy Roberts

Amy Roberts is a certified personal trainer (NASM-CPT), a running coach (USATF Level 1), and a regionally competitive runner. She also served as a staff writer for the Good Housekeeping Institute for nearly five years, working closely with the engineers and other scientists to interpret product test results.

Further reading

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Picks of 2021

by Wirecutter Staff

These useful things were the most-purchased Wirecutter picks in 2021.

How to Breathe New Life Into Your Old Yoga Mat

by Amy Roberts

Yoga mats are rarely recycled. Repurposing an old mat is one way to keep it out of the waste stream for longer.

How to Clean a Yoga Mat

by Ingrid Skjong

Here’s how to keep your mat fresh, clean, and primed for your practice.

After a Mat, These Cork Blocks Are the Yoga Props Worth Investing In

by Sri Rain Stewart

After testing nine sets of top-rated yoga blocks in all manner of poses, we’ve determined that Manduka Cork Yoga Blocks are the ones to get.

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• Light and Portable:  The Jade Travel Yoga Mat folds up to fit easily into your luggage, allowing you to take your practice with you everywhere!
• Great for yogis on the go , and for those who like closer contact with the ground, along with a little cushion ! 
• Incredible grip from open cell natural rubber
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Jade is everything you want in a yoga mat – cool colors, incredible grip, great comfort and eco-friendly. Jade mats are made in a sustainable manner with natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, a renewable resource. Unlike other mats, Jade mats contain no PVC, EVA or other synthetic rubber, and are made in the United States in compliance with all US environmental, labor and consumer protection laws. And, through our partnership with Trees for the Future, JADE PLANTS A TREE FOR EVERY MAT SOLD – with over TWO MILLION trees planted so far.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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25. Zebra Fitness

26. Silence Studio - Lgovsky percussion

27. Retunsky Yoga Studio

28. ashvinam yoga & ayurveda.

29. Buddhist Center Ripa

30. Orange Fitness

• Casa Picassa Anticafe
• Centre of Ayurveda and Yoga Kerala
• Ayurveda Lanka
• VITASPORT Wellness Club
• Pozvol Sebe