6 of the Best Yoga Mats for Every Yogi
Like any piece of athletic gear, yoga mats can make or break a practice. Your mat will be the only thing separating you from the floor and when you’re holding an extra-long posture, you’ll be grateful that you’ve got a good one. While the ultimate test is how you feel on a particular mat, some are definitely better than others. Here is a rundown on some of the best yoga mats out there.
Lululemon The Mat
This mat is a great addition to any permanent collection. It features a moisture absorbing polyurethane top layer, an antimicrobial additive to prevent mold and mildew, and is super cushiony which means no sore hands, even after an hour’s worth of sun salutations. Both sides of the mat have different textures meant to accommodate different types of practices. It’s also easy to care for, just wipe down with soap and water and you’re good to go.
Manduka Black Mat PRO
The Big Kahuna of yoga mats, Manduka’s Black Mat PRO is a serious piece of equipment fit for a serious practice. Its density is pretty much unparalleled which means that your practice, no matter how long or how sweaty, is going to be an extremely comfortable one. The only real negative about this mat is that it’s on the heavy side (7 lbs) and can be too thick to fit into standard sized mat bags. Otherwise, it’s a great option for those looking to get the best that money can buy. The lifetime guarantee is pretty nice as well.
Jade Harmony Professional Yoga Mat
Constructed with open cell natural rubber, the Harmony is a popular option for those who want to ensure that their practice is as environmentally sound as possible. The mat is made only from materials that come from renewable resources and for each one purchased, JadeYoga will plant a tree. In addition to being eco-friendly, it performs extraordinarily well under all sorts of yoga conditions. Excellent grip and substantial cushioning make for a consistently good practice and it’s well made so it’ll last you a long time.
Halfmoon Studio Mat
This studio staple is a no-fuss, easy to maintain, basic mat that offers good grip and comfort for a very reasonable price. It’s offered in a range of colours and is easy to pack and transport, making it a great travel companion for yogis on the go. It’s also a great option for those who are new to yoga and want to get a quality mat without having to shell out too much money.
Southwest Magic Carpet Yoga Mat
Okay so this mat may be pretty standard as far as performance goes but its design is incredible and all but guarantees that you’ll have a very happy practice indeed. Each mat is hand painted using a sustainable printing method and the inks are permanent, meaning they won’t fade or bleed out. That being said, the company recommends only using the mat for ‘dry’ yoga practices so keep that in mind if you’re a hardcore hot yoga fan.
Manduka eKO SuperLite Travel Mat
Another offering from Manduka but this one is geared towards yogis with wanderlust. It’s super thin, weighs only 2 lbs, and can be folded into just about any suitcase or backpack. It also boasts a superior grip on most surfaces which means that whether you practice on your hotel room carpet or a smooth marble floor, you can be confident that you (and your mat) won’t be going anywhere.
Own a piece of gear that you're dying to review? Read our submissions page and let's get it up on the interwebz!
