The 11 BEST Travel Yoga Mats To Buy
Here are the ten best travel yoga mats to keep you happy and healthy. Whether you are a dedicated yoga practitioner or dabble in yoga from time to time, you may already know what a struggle it is to travel with a yoga mat. Yoga mats are bulky and tough to roll into the perfect tube shape every time. They also are deceptively heavy!
That’s not a good argument to leave the yoga mat at home, though. Travel is tough on the body as long flights, public transport, and road trips often leave the body stiff. To top it off, sleep and diet are also in flux. A little yoga practice can make all the difference when on a trip.
Let’s cut right to the chase. We wanted to test and try the best travel yoga mats out there to see which ones would make traveling a breeze! This guide to the best travel yoga mats will help you make a more informed purchasing choice.
The Best Travel Yoga Mats
No matter what specific weight, style, material, or grip you’re going for, our guide will walk you through all the options at various price points. If you’re heading off to a yoga teacher training in India, a retreat in Bali, or just a long weekend at grandma’s house, we got you covered on the best travel yoga mats out there. Here are the best yoga mats for travel in no particular order.
Yoga Mat | Features | Price |
---|---|---|
eKO Lite Travel Yoga Mat | Natural Rubber, Flexible, Lightweight, Excellent grip | $68 (Shop) |
Mikkoa Travel Mat | Lightweight, Eco Friendly, Unique and Colorful Designs, Foldable | $89 (Shop) |
Gaiam Foldable Travel Yoga Mat | PVC but free of DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and DNOP phthalates | $29 (Shop) |
Jade Yoga Travel Mat | Thick, High-quality material, Environmental Mission, Made in the USA | $65 (Shop) |
YOGO Eco Travel Mat | Ultralight yoga mat, Comes with Carrying Strap, Sticky/grippy texture | $62 (Shop) |
Jade Yoga Voyager Mat | Lightweight yoga mat, Relatively affordable, Reliable Grip | $39 (Shop) |
Yoga Design Lab Mat | Fun, Mat/Towel, Lightweight, Machine washable, Charitable Action, Cork | $80 (Shop) |
Liforme Travel Yoga Mat | Alignment Markers, High-quality Mat, Soft texture | $125 (Shop) |
Tapas Travel Yoga Mat | Foldable, Lightweight, Sticky, Latex-free, Durable, Inexpensive | $22 (Shop) |
June and Juniper Mat | Foldable, Reversible, Lightweight, Machine washable | $59 (Shop) |
prAna Nomad Travel Mat | Dual-density, PVC-free, Chloride-free & Latex-free | $79 (Shop) |
Manduka EKO Superlite 1.5MM Travel Yoga Mat
Weight: 2.2 lbs. | Thickness: 1.5mm | Material: Natural Rubber
Pros
- Excellent Grip
- Foldable
- Excellent Quality
- Sustainable Materials
Cons
- A Little Thin For Soft Knees
In our testing, Manduka makes the overall best travel yoga mat. The Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat weighs 2.2 lbs and, with a thickness of 1.5 mm, provides adequate cushioning. What stands out the most with the yoga mat is its impressive grip, quality, and flexibility.
When moving to your next destination, the mat folds or rolls into a small shape without damage. The ability to fold the mat allows it to fit inside a suitcase or backpack. You can practically fold it into any shape you desire. All in all, it’s a tremendous foldable yoga mat with tremendous grip.
Like many travel yoga mats, it does not offer much padding for the knees or other joints. This is a problem when practicing on concrete or tiled floors, but it’s adequate on soft surfaces like wood, carpet, and natural surfaces.
Lastly, it’s important to note that this mat is not for long-term travel and everyday yoga practice. I practiced ashtanga yoga on this mat for six months before the grip started wearing down, which created too much friction for my fingers and toes.
Manduka EKO Lite Yoga Mat
Mikkoa Foldable Travel Yoga Mat
Weight: 2lbs. | Thickness: 1.5mm | Material: Natural rubber bottom with vegan microfibre suede top
Pros
- Fun & Plentiful Designs
- Lightweight
- Excellent Quality
- Sustainable Materials
- Machine Washable
Cons
- May be too thin for some yogis
- Pricey
Looking for a yoga mat that is lightweight, compact, and eco-friendly? Look no further than the Mikkoa Foldable Travel Yoga Mat that you can take with you everywhere you go! This mat is designed to be folded and slid easily into backpack, tote bag, or easily into a carry on suitcase.
This yoga mat features a high-performance surface that gets grippier with a hint of water or sweat, unlike traditional yoga mats that become more slippery with moisture. It is also eco-friendly, with no harsh chemicals, PVC, TPE, silicones, or phthalates. The natural rubber base layer provides excellent floor support, while the moisture-wicking microfiber surface soaks up sweat.
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 after a hot yoga class or if you have been traveling for longer than a week and want to give it a wash!
MikkoaYoga Mat
Gaiam Foldable Travel Yoga Mat
Weight: 1.8 lbs. | Thickness: 2mm | Material: PVC free of DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and DNOP phthalates
Pros
- Compact
- Foldable Style
- Lightweight
- Variety Of Designs
- Affordable
Cons
- Almost Too Sticky
- Damage By Sun
- Vinyl odor
Gaiam makes the best budget travel yoga mat on this list. The Gaiam Foldable Travel Yoga Mat was created with travel in mind and is the best foldable yoga mat on this list. Yes, it is a foldable mat, not a rollable mat. So this mat will be super happy in your suitcase or duffle bag! The mat folds into a 10-inch by 12-inch rectangle, perfect for tossing in the tote bag and heading to the beach or the nearest airport!
It’s also hard to beat the price tag. Around $25 with a lifetime guarantee makes it a phenomenal find. The most common complaint about this mat is the lack of cushioning. Most people find it a perfect beach mat because of its sticky grip and lightweight functionality. Just make sure your mat ends up in the shade!
Also, since it is PVC, you’ll likely notice a strong vinyl odor during the first use of the mat. Airing and letting it hang outside will help the smell fade faster. However, this mat cannot be stored or used for too long in the sun. The sunlight will damage the material and can render the mat brittle.
The lifetime guarantee is awesome! But it doesn’t cover normal wear and tear nor misuse of the yoga mat. It only covers manufacturing defects in materials and craft. Given its delicate nature, it will likely break down sooner rather than later.
Gaiam Foldable Travel Yoga Mat
Jade Yoga Travel Mat
Weight: 3.5lbs | Thickness: 3.2mm | Material: Natural Tree Rubber
Pros
- Thick
- High-quality material
- Environmental mission
- Made in the USA
- Natural Materials
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Not Folding Yoga Mat
- Hard to clean
- Cannot be exposed to the sun
It is the best travel yoga mat for extra cushioning. Another excellent thing yoga mat is this one from Jade Yoga. Although Jade Yoga claims that you can fold their travel mat, it’s pretty tricky. It has a thickness of 3.2mm and terrific support for the knees, but the thickness makes anything other than rolling the mat a considerable struggle.
Also, traveling with a 3.5-pound mat is pretty heavy. If you’re throwing it in the back of your car for a road trip, you’ll be one happy camper! But if you’re a solo backpacker with nothing but an Osprey on your back, then you might find the weight physically taxing.
It is a durable mat sourced from top-quality natural materials. However, the Jade Yoga Travel Mat is a bit high maintenance for most travelers. You can’t clean these mats with just a regular mat spray. They recommend using a mixture of water, white vinegar, and dishwashing soap. It’s also crucial that this mat does not see the sun. Therefore, practicing yoga outdoors in the sun is a no-go, as is storing this mat in the back of your car where sunlight can filter through.
I do love the sustainable environmental mission of Jade Yoga, where they plant a tree for every yoga mat purchased. They also make all their mats in the USA, an added perk for those wary of other countries’ manufacturing standards and ethical practices.
It is available in two sizes, 68-inch and 74-inch, which is excellent if you seek a specifically sized yoga mat! Given its thickness, the plush cushioning and additional support to the joints make this mat shine!
Jade Yoga Travel Mat
YOGO Ultralight Eco Travel Mat
Weight: 2.2lbs | Thickness: 1.6mm | Material: Natural Tree Rubber
Pros
- Easy Maintenance
- Carrying Strap Included
- Foldable
- Excellent Grip
- Sustainable Materials
Cons
- Lack Padding
- Not The Lightest
The YOGO Ultralight Travel Yoga Mat is exceptional and makes for a great travel yoga mat. This one comes with an attached carrying strap that keeps the yoga mat in a newspaper shape. Along with being foldable, lightweight, and eco-friendly with its natural tree rubber material, the YOGO Ultralight Travel Yoga Mat is a great find.
The YOGO Ultralight Travel Mat is easy to clean, thanks to the design. We all know how tricky it can be to get down on your hands and knees and spot clean mats with sensitive materials. You can wash this mat in the shower! The material doesn’t absorb water, so you rinse it and hang it up to dry. The mat has built-in loops for an extra easy hanging experience. Innovative thinking, YOGO.
Known for being exceptionally sticky and grippy, the texture of this mat is similar to kitchen drawer liners! You won’t be slipping around during your asana practice on this mat, no matter which hot and humid country you practice yoga in! YOGO plants a tree for every mat purchased, taking a page from Jade Yoga. I love this portable travel yoga mat.
YOGO Ultralight Eco Travel Mat
Jade Yoga Voyager Mat
Weight: 1.5lbs | Thickness: 1.6mm | Material: Natural Tree Rubber
Pros
- Foldable
- Lightweight
- Grippy
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Lacks Padding
The Jade Voyager has been compared time and time again with the Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat. They are made of the same material and have the same thickness. But Jade Yoga worked magic and cut the weight significantly, shooting down from 3.5 pounds to the Voyager’s 1.5 pounds.
The Jade Yoga Travel Mat and the Jade Yoga Voyager Mat have a high grip and stickiness, making transitioning through a Vinyasa flow a pleasant experience. We all know what it feels like to slip and slide on a mat!
The most common complaint is going to be the thinness of the mat. While it’s lovely to fold up your mat into about the size of a yoga block and chuck it in your backpack, it is painful to hold kneeling asanas for too long. Suppose I don’t have an extra mat to place under the Voyager. In that case, I usually will grab a hotel towel or even my thick scarf to put under my knees during poses like ustrasana, or camel pose.
It’s worth noting that the Jade Yoga Voyager Mat only comes in a 68-inch size, unlike the Jade Yoga Travel Mat, which comes in both a 68-inch and a 74-inch size. Of course, it also is made in the USA, and a tree gets planted for every Voyager mat purchased.
Jade Yoga Voyager Mat
Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat
Weight: 1.8lbs | Thickness: 1mm | Material: Natural Tree Rubber and Recycled Microfiber
Pros
- Excellent Prints
- Combination Mat/Towel
- Lightweight
- Carrying Strap
- Machine washable
Cons
- Expensive
- Gets Dirty
- Grip Is Okay
Yoga Design Lab has crafted a fantastic yoga mat that is the best machine-washable yoga mat out there. With its nearly unparalleled thickness of just one millimeter, you may be shocked at how comfortable this mat is. It’s a yoga mat and towel in one! Ideal for hot yoga practices, the Yoga Design Lab Mat is lightweight, foldable, and includes a handy carrying strap. All in all, it’s a tremendous foldable yoga mat for travel.
You will probably fall in love with all the fun designs of the Yoga Design Lab Mats, just as I did. They were all designed in Bali! Practicing yoga while looking down at such beautiful mandalas and geometric designs is fun. Also, I’m impressed that their mats are from a blend of natural tree rubber and microfibers made from recycled bottles. And their ink is all water-based.
Did you ever think the day would come when you could put your yoga mat in the machine? With the Yoga Design Lab Mat, your dreams became a reality! They even promise that the designs won’t fade with washing. And you can take your mat into the sun without fear of sun damage! One last positive note is that $1 will support boys’ and girls’ youth yoga programs for every mat purchased.
The downside to the Yoga Design Lab Mat is that there is almost no cushioning. Expect it to feel like practicing on a thin towel that doesn’t slip on hard surfaces. This mat is as thin as a credit card! It must also be washed frequently because moisture, sweat, and dirt adhere to the mat quickly. As it has a soft texture, you may find that this mat doesn’t have a grip or stick like familiar yoga mats.
Yoga Design Lab Mat
Liforme Travel Yoga Mat
Weight: 4.63lbs | Thickness: 1.8mm | Material: Natural Tree Rubber & Polyurethane
Pros
- Alignment Markers
- Exceptional Quality
- Very Comfortable
- Daily Practice Mat
- Planet-friendly
Cons
- High Price
- Cannot fold
- Heavy
The Liforme Travel Yoga Mat has alignment in mind. It has a unique alignment marker system embedded in the mat, which helps with perfect hand and foot placement. Sometimes, it can be annoying when you’re not positive if your heels align correctly in Warrior, right? This mat takes all doubt away!
The mat’s surface is smooth, similar to the prAna mat texture. It also provides excellent grip while having a soft surface. It is much heavier than most travel mats, coming in at a whopping 4.63 pounds! Given its weight and material, it’s impossible to fold this mat.
Liforme includes a yoga mat bag with all purchases, adding to its portability. Liforme is proud that their mats are more extended and broader than others, coming in at 70.8″ long x 25.6.”
Despite being hard to heft around, I love that this mat is truly planet-friendly! It is free of PVC and made with only non-toxic materials. What’s extra fabulous is that this mat is biodegradable! It will decompose within three to five years in a landfill.
Liforme Travel Yoga Mat
Hugger Mugger Tapas Travel Yoga Mat
Weight: 1.4lbs | Thickness: 1.6mm | Material: PER / Polymer Environmental Resin
Pros
- Lightweight
- Reliable Grip
- Latex-free
- Easy to clean
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Lacks Cushioning Thin
Hugger Mugger Tapas Travel Yoga Mat is a highly sticky and grippy mat. They achieved this surface without using any polyurethane, utilizing only environmental resin, which is fantastic! For those who have latex allergies and need to avoid natural rubber mats, this Tapas Travel mat solves those allergy worries as it is 100% latex and rubber-free.
I like to think of my Hugger Mugger Tapas Travel Yoga Mat as my adventure companion. I love how tightly it folds down and how durable the material is. I can practice yoga on a craggy mountainside without feeling like I might rip a hole in this mat! The material is truly unique. It’s also easy to wash, necessitating only warm water and dish soap solution.
However, like other travel mats, it doesn’t have a lot of cushions, so it’s best to bring an extra mat or towel to place under the knees during asanas that require more support and cushioning.
Hugger Mugger Tapas Travel Yoga Mat
June and Juniper Travel Yoga Mat
Weight: 2.8lbs | Thickness: 1.5mm | Material: Natural Tree Rubber and Microfibers
Pros
- Foldable
- Reversible
- Included Accessories
Cons
- Lacks Padding
- Heavier
June and Juniper Travel Yoga Mats are renowned for being hand-painted and designed by artists. They have beautiful, unique designs that add something extra to your yoga practice. Let’s up the zen factor, shall we? My favorite feature about the June and Juniper Travel Yoga Mats is that they are two-sided; one natural rubber side has excellent grip, and one microfiber side is softer and feels more like a yoga towel. The microfiber is porous, highly absorbent, and has excellent moisture-wicking properties.
So it functions more like a quick-drying towel than a regular towel that stays wet with sweat for hours. You can also machine wash your June and Juniper Travel Yoga Mat – another reason to love these mats.
For extra fun and functionality, mats come with a strap to carry the mat, which doubles as a yoga strap! You don’t need to cart around an extra prop, and this strap works like a charm.
I’ve said it on repeat, but this is another thin and lightweight mat, so expect to need extra cushioning for kneeling asanas. However, June and Juniper go above and beyond and provide all buyers with a knee cushion.
June and Juniper Travel Yoga Mat
prAna Nomad Travel Mat
Weight: 3lbs | Thickness: 3mm | Material: Thermoplastic Elastomer
Pros
- Dual-Density
- 2-sided textured surface
- Excellent Quality
- Great Padding
Cons
- Heavier Than Most Travel Mats
The prAna Nomad travel yoga mat has quite literally stolen my heart. While I might not be using the word ‘literally’ in a grammatically correct sense here, I’m absolutely and completely head over heels for my Nomad.
While it’s not the lightest mat on the market, it has an excellent grip. The prAna nomad has a two-sided textured surface giving yogis excellent grip on hard surfaces. Whether you want to do a vinyasa or a yin yoga session, there is dual density to utilize for your dream yoga practice.
The prAna Nomad has an antimicrobial additive, which prevents your mat from being susceptible to mildew. It’s also super easy to clean, with just warm soapy water all that’s needed. My mat makes me feel like I have two mats in one! It is a go-to mat for world travel since it’s easy to clean, foldable, eco-friendly, and super grippy.
prAna Nomad Travel Mat
What to Consider When Buying a Travel Yoga Mat
Material and Texture
Choosing the material and texture of your mat is key to a successful yoga asana practice. The different materials create varying levels of grip. Given the climate you’re going to, you may need a mat to keep you in place while sweating in the humidity. However, you may find that the extra grippy mats are annoying, as they can “lock” you in place, making transitions harder.
The mats above come from natural tree rubber, but some unique mats use microfiber, polymer environmental resin, or polyurethane. These materials have different upsides and downsides, so choose the material and texture that best suits your needs and yoga practice.
Thickness
I felt a little bit like a woman on repeat, but you have to be aware of the weight and thickness when buying travel yoga mats. Some of the mats I mentioned above have the thickness of a credit card! Can you imagine doing a Cat/Cow pose on a hardwood floor for two minutes? Ouch!
While other travel yoga mats are thicker, it usually restricts foldability, drastically decreasing portability. If you can, try a 1.5mm mat and see how it feels to practice it on different surfaces. Anything below 2mm is too thin for my delicate knees, so I’ve always had to snag an extra mat underneath it when I pop into studios while traveling.
Durability
Not all mats are created equal. Lucky for you, the list above is filled with the best travel yoga mats out there. However, you want to ensure that the mat is durable enough for the type of travel you have in mind. Be mindful that some travel yoga mats degrade in UV light (sunlight). Are you heading to the beaches of Thailand?
That means beach yoga is a big no-no. Or are you planning a luxurious trip with a giant suitcase and staying in glitzy hotels? Then go for the more lightweight travel yoga mats so you can practice in the comfort of the carpet!
If you’re taking nothing but a backpack and doing some extreme adventuring, I find it’s best to pick a mat that has a guarantee policy. It protects you if your mat breaks down in the humidity or rips on a rock on the cliffside. Who knows what will happen to a yogi-on-the-go!
Accessories for Yoga Lovers
Handful Leggings
Leggings are great on any women’s travel clothing list as they are lightweight and pack up super small.
Handful makes some of my favorite leggings ever! They specialize in compression leggings and come in various colors and lengths. Their leggings are weighty and quickly take you from the mat and even into the great outdoors. (Use code TWP15 for 15% off!)
Yogavated Bras and Leggings/Shorts
This should go without saying, but any woman should be practicing yoga in a sports bra. Of course, it’s entirely up to you, but you’ll want something light, nonconstricting, moisture-wicking, and will hold your ladies in place when moving.
My favorite new sports bras are from Yogavated! They are so incredibly comfortable and supportive, perfect for days out.
Wide Leg Jumper
I love my jumper as it is loose and goes right over my yoga gear when I am done working out. It’s also stylish enough to wear out on a nice summer day. I took it with me to Greece on our last trip!
Yoga Travel Bag
A travel bag is essential for your yoga mat. When traveling, you constantly move in and out of airplanes, taxi cabs, and whatever else. You don’t want all that dust and dirt on your yoga mat, so get a travel bag!
Yoga Mat Cleaner
A small bottle of mat cleaner will maintain the life of your yoga mat. However, you can achieve the same result with vinegar water.
Yoga Travel Towel
Towels are great for hot yoga. They absorb any sweat you produce and prevent you from slipping on them. I have a travel yoga towel, but a good travel towel will achieve the same thing.
Resistance Bands
Traveling with a pair of resistance bands is great for staying in shape on the road. They are small, pack light, and great for stretching and arm and leg workouts.
Knee Pads
If you have sensitive knees, investing in some knee pads could improve your yoga days!
Great reviews! Going to consider the prana mat.