Travel yoga mats: how thin, how light, and how to travel with one
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- 1.5 mm natural rubber foldable travel mat. Best for: Frequent flyers who want the lightest grippy mat. See options on Amazon
- Foldable travel mat with a moisture-absorbing top. Best for: Sweaty practices and hot climates. See options on Amazon
- 2 mm thin yoga mat. Best for: A travel mat that doubles as a layer over gym mats. See options on Amazon
- Woven cotton travel yoga rug. Best for: Beach, grass and outdoor practice. See options on Amazon
What makes a mat a travel yoga mat
Gaiam's mat guide says 2 mm is the ideal thickness for a mat you want to travel with, about 1/16 inch, and that these mats fold easily. Standard mats are 3 to 4 mm or more. Some travel mats are thinner still: Manduka's eKO Superlite is 1.5 mm, measures 71 by 24 inches and weighs 2.2 lbs, according to the maker.
Travel mats do two jobs. They give you a clean, grippy surface on a hotel carpet, rental floor or park lawn, and they can be laid over a studio or gym mat. Gaiam and Manduka both describe layering a thin mat over a studio mat for hygiene or extra grip. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests bringing your own yoga mat rather than using a shared one at the gym.
Folding vs rolling, and the surfaces available
| Type | Packs | Grip | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin natural rubber | Folds flat | Textured, grippy | Contains latex; may feel slick if you sweat a lot |
| Moisture-absorbing top | Folds flat | Manduka says its GRP Adapt travel mat grips in wet and dry conditions | Absorbs sweat, so it needs more drying time |
| Thin dense mat (2 mm) | Folds | Steady, floor-like feel | Slightly heavier |
| Woven cotton rug | Folds; Manduka says its rug is machine washable | Works on sand, grass and uneven ground | Little grip on smooth floors |
| Foam foldable mat (panels) | Folds into a block | Varies | Bulkier, with seams under hands |
A foldable travel yoga mat lies flat in a suitcase alongside clothes. A rolled thin mat takes less effort to unroll flat but needs a strap or bag. Manduka offers some of its travel mats in a 79 inch long size if you are tall.
Grip and comfort on the road
Manduka says its eKO Superlite has a textured top for grip but may feel slick if you sweat a lot, and suggests pairing it with a grip towel. A towel also adds a layer between you and a hotel floor. See our yoga towel guide.
Cushion is the trade-off. At 1.5 to 2 mm, kneeling poses will feel the floor. Fold the hotel towel or a light blanket under your knees, or pack a small yoga knee pad. If you practice mostly at home, a thicker mat is a better main mat; see our yoga mat guide.
Traveling with a yoga mat: practical tips
- Pack it flat. Fold a thin mat and lay it at the bottom of your suitcase, or along the back panel of a carry-on.
- Check your airline. Carry-on rules for a rolled mat vary by airline, so check yours before you fly. A folded mat inside your bag avoids the question.
- Keep it dry. Manduka says to make sure its natural rubber travel mat is completely dry before rolling it, and not to soak or submerge it.
- Keep it out of heat. Manduka advises keeping its rubber travel mat out of hot cars, away from heat and out of direct sunlight.
- Wipe it after use. Use a damp cloth and let it air dry before packing.
Practicing safely away from home
The NIH's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says yoga is generally safe for healthy people when done properly, but sprains and strains, mostly of the knee or lower leg, are the most common injuries. A thin mat on a slippery floor is a fall risk: test the mat on the surface first, and choose a rug or carpet area if the floor is polished. Keep to poses you know when practicing alone, since NCCIH notes that learning alone without supervision has been linked to higher risk.
What to look for when you buy
1.5 mm natural rubber foldable travel mat
Best for: Frequent flyers who want the lightest grippy mat
Manduka's eKO Superlite is 1.5 mm and 2.2 lbs, folds for travel, and can be layered over studio mats.
Watch out: Natural rubber is not for people with latex sensitivities, and the maker says it may feel slick if you sweat a lot.
See options on AmazonFoldable travel mat with a moisture-absorbing top
Best for: Sweaty practices and hot climates
Manduka says its GRP Adapt travel mat has a moisture-absorbent surface that grips in wet and dry conditions.
Watch out: Absorbent surfaces hold sweat, so they need airing out before you pack them.
See options on Amazon2 mm thin yoga mat
Best for: A travel mat that doubles as a layer over gym mats
Gaiam calls 2 mm the ideal thickness for a mat you travel with, and says it suits layering over gym or studio mats.
Watch out: Very little cushion for knees; add a folded towel.
See options on AmazonWoven cotton travel yoga rug
Best for: Beach, grass and outdoor practice
Manduka says its woven cotton travel rug adapts to sand, grass and uneven ground and is machine washable.
Watch out: Less grip on smooth indoor floors.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How thick is a travel yoga mat?
- Usually 1.5 to 2 mm. Gaiam calls 2 mm the ideal thickness for travel, about 1/16 inch.
- Can you fold a yoga mat for travel?
- Thin travel mats are designed to fold. Thicker standard mats are made to be rolled rather than folded.
- Is a travel yoga mat good enough for everyday use?
- It works, but it has little cushion. Many people keep a thicker mat at home and use a travel mat on the road or over studio mats.
- How do I keep a travel yoga mat clean?
- Wipe it with a damp cloth after use and let it dry fully before folding. Do not soak a natural rubber mat.
Sources
- Superlite Travel Yoga Mat 1.5mm (eKO) (manduka.com), Manduka (maker)
- Travel Yoga Mats, Bags, Carriers and Accessories (manduka.com), Manduka (maker)
- Yoga Mat Guide (gaiam.com), Gaiam (maker)
- Yoga: What You Need To Know (nccih.nih.gov), NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- How to prevent common skin infections at the gym (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology