Yoga has a large following in the United States, with approximately one-third of all Americans participating in the practice at some point. While its roots as an ancient Indian tradition can be traced back more than 5,000 years, an increasing number of modern-day Americans are attracted to yoga due to its ability to improve strength, balance, and flexibility while helping them manage stress.
Another reason yoga has experienced an explosion in popularity in the western world is its relative simplicity. Yoga can be performed practically anywhere, with the only equipment required being a yoga mat.
These mats provide extra cushioning for the joints and a sticky, moisture-absorbing surface that improves grip for your hands and feet, allowing practitioners to get the most out of each yoga session.
To find the best yoga mat, look for products that provide excellent grip, a large and cushioned surface area, and moisture-wicking or antibacterial properties.
1. The Root Board
While not technically a yoga mat, The Root Board is an indispensable piece of equipment for any serious yoga practitioner. Designed by Yogis and yoga instructors, the portable bamboo yoga board provides a solid, stable base for your yoga mat no matter where you are.
The board is composed entirely of responsibly-harvested bamboo. It has been designed with the mobile yoga practitioner in mind, featuring an easy-to-assemble two-piece design and two easy-carry handles.
The 12” thick board is made with three layers of bamboo in a transverse pattern, providing incredible strength and durability. It is also easy to clean, with minimal maintenance required.
For $199, The Root Board can serve as a mobile yoga studio for years. Its strong construction and UV coating mean it can withstand the rigors of outdoor yoga, while its easy-to-carry design allows you to have an effective yoga practice on-the-go.
2. Alo Yoga Warrior Mat
One of the best yoga mats on the market is the Alo Yoga Warrior Mat, starting at $128. Alo’s top yoga mat, each Warrior Mat is rigorously tested for quality and offers everything you want from a top-notch yoga mat.
The mat provides plenty of cushion with its 100% rubber base and an outstanding grip surface with a 100% polyurethane leather top layer. The top layer is designed to wick moisture, and the entire oversized surface is coated with anti-odor material.
The Warrior Mat is also eco-friendly and made with ethically sourced, premium, all-natural rubber. It contains no formaldehyde and is non-toxic and PVC-free. The entire mat weighs just 8 lbs. It is available in 10 unique color options.
3. LuLuLemon The Reversible
Another great option for yoga enthusiasts is the LuLulemon Reversible Mat. Weighing 5.24 lbs. and standing just five millimeters tall, this lightweight mat is a fantastic choice for traveling yoga practitioners or those who prefer thinner mats to thicker mats.
One side of the mat is composed of a cushioned natural rubber base that absorbs moisture, provides a textured surface for grip, and is intended for low-intensity practices with minimal sweating. The other side is made of polyurethane and is designed to help you get a grip during higher-intensity practices like hot yoga.
Both layers of the mat include an antimicrobial additive to prevent mold and mildew. It is also easy to care for, with only a clean damp cloth required to clean the mat. With a price of just $88, the Warrior Mat is a fairly-priced and versatile addition to any gym bag.
4. Jade Yoga Harmony Mat
Jade Yoga’s most popular mat, the $84.95 Harmony Mat, is another option that provides excellent value to shoppers. Particularly attractive to taller yoga practitioners, the Harmony Mat is just 3/16” thick and is available in three different length configurations.
The eco-friendly Harmony Mat is constructed with natural, sustainable rubber tapped from rubber trees, providing an excellent cushion and grip. It contains no PVC, EVA, or synthetic rubber and is made entirely in the United States.
While the Jade Yoga Harmony Mat is a great choice for its features alone, consumers will also be investing in a few worthwhile causes. Through Jade Yoga’s partnership with Trees for the Future, a tree will be planted for each mat that is sold. And while the mat comes in 12 color options, 3 of them are associated with an automatic donation:
- Teal: $5 for ovarian cancer causes
- Saffron: $5 for autism causes
- Pink: $5 for breast cancer causes
If you’re looking for a high-quality yoga mat that helps the world as much as it helps your yoga practice, the Jade Yoga Harmony Mat is the choice for you.
5. Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Mat
A great option for hot yoga fans and budget-minded shoppers is the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Mat. Starting at just $69.98, the Dry-Grip Mat is one of the most affordable high-end yoga mats on the market without sacrificing quality.
With a top layer designed to wick away moisture and enhance your grip during hot yoga classes, the Dry-Grip Mat is the perfect solution for high-intensity yoga sessions. The lightweight and durable mat is also designed to protect your joints, with 5 millimeters of premium force-absorbing cushion.
The rubber, latex, and 6P-free mat comes with a lifetime guarantee, so whether you’re an experienced Yogi or just starting out, you can rest assured that you’ll never need to buy a yoga mat again.
6. Manduka Pro Yoga Mat
Approximately 1% of the population suffers from a latex allergy, including 17% of healthcare workers. For these people, many of their yoga mat options contain some latex, making them unsuitable for use. Exposure to latex in people with a latex allergy can cause anaphylactic shock and death, so these people need to choose a latex-free yoga mat.
The Manduka Pro Yoga Mat, starting at $129, is one of their best choices. The most recommended mat among yoga teachers, its extra-dense cushioning material is designed to provide superior stability and support while protecting your joints. The mat’s latex-free, closed-cell material wicks moisture while preventing the growth of bacteria.
Another important feature of the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat is its proprietary anti-slip bottom surface. Composed of a unique dot pattern, the surface provides a superior mat grip, allowing you to stay steady in even the most precarious poses. The mat is also an excellent choice for Vinyasa Flow practitioners since its textured top layer allows you to easily transition between poses without sticking to the mat.
7. CopyCat Yoga Mat
Yoga is a complex practice, and it can be confusing if you don’t have access to an instructor. The CopyCat Yoga Mat solves this problem by providing pre-positioned hand and foot outlines, allowing you to learn key standing poses without an instructor. The mat even includes pose illustrations to clarify any positioning questions.
The mat is non-toxic, eco-friendly, latex-free, and made with Phthalate-free foam. The ink used for the outlines and illustrations is non-toxic, and all materials are SGS certified and tested. It is self-adjustable and suitable for both adults and children.
The CopyCat Yoga Mat is ultra-lightweight at just three pounds, making it a perfect addition to the beginner’s gym bag. It is also extra-long at 72 inches and extra-thick at ¼ of an inch, providing an ultra-cushioned surface for even the tallest Yogi.
Enjoy More Comfortable Yoga Sessions with the Right Mat
By choosing the right yoga mat, you can ensure that you get the most out of each yoga session. By keeping yourself comfortable and maximizing your grip, you can focus on your poses, allowing you to have a more productive session.
