A high-quality yoga mat can make all the difference, providing the necessary grip, comfort, and durability to support your practice and prevent injuries. Practicing yoga is an enriching experience, offering numerous mental and physical benefits. However, having the right yoga mat is crucial to fully immersing oneself in the practice and reaping its advantages.
The grip of a yoga mat is essential for maintaining proper form and balance during various poses and transitions. A slippery mat can lead to frustration and potential injuries, hindering your ability to engage in the practice fully. Conversely, comfort is vital to sustaining your yoga routine without experiencing unnecessary aches and pains.
A mat that is too thin or lacks proper cushioning can cause discomfort, particularly during floor-based poses or extended sessions, For those dealing with back pain, specific yoga routines, and poses can be incredibly beneficial, and using a comfortable mat is essential. If you’re seeking relief, consider exploring our guide on Yoga for Back Pain Relief: Gentle Poses to Soothe and Strengthen.
Durability is another crucial factor to consider when selecting a yoga mat. A well-made mat should withstand repeated use, exposure to sweat, and the occasional cleaning, ensuring that your investment lasts for years.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top yoga mats that excel in grip, comfort, and durability, helping you find the perfect companion for your yoga journey.
What to Look for in a Yoga Mat.
When choosing a yoga mat, it’s essential to understand the different materials and features that contribute to its performance. Here are some key factors to consider:
Materials:
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): One of the most common materials used in yoga mats, PVC is known for its durability and affordability. However, it can be less eco-friendly and may have a strong odour.
- Rubber: Mats made from natural or synthetic rubber are known for their excellent grip and resilience. They tend to be more expensive but are also more environmentally friendly.
- Cork: Cork yoga mats are eco-friendly and offer excellent traction, making them ideal for hot yoga or sweaty practices. They are also antimicrobial and self-cleaning.
- TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer): TPE mats are lightweight, durable, and often eco-friendly. They provide good grip and cushioning.
Thickness and Density:
The thickness and density of a yoga mat can significantly impact its comfort and stability. Thicker mats (around 5mm or more) offer extra cushioning for joints, while thinner mats (around 3mm) provide better stability and grip. The density of the material also plays a role in determining the mat’s firmness and cushioning.
Texture and Surface:
The texture and surface of a yoga mat can significantly affect its grip and traction. Some mats have a smooth surface, while others feature textured or ribbed patterns to prevent slipping during sweaty practices.
Types of Yoga Mats:
Different types of yoga mats cater to various styles and preferences:
– Hot Yoga Mats: These mats are designed to provide excellent grip and moisture-wicking capabilities for hot yoga practices.
– Travel Mats: Lightweight and foldable, travel mats are convenient for on-the-go yogis.
– Restorative Yoga Mats: Thicker and more cushioned, these mats offer extra support for restorative and yin yoga practices.
Top Yoga Mats for Grip
1) IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat
With a thickness of 5mm and made from sustainably harvested tree rubber, the IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat excels at providing an exceptional grip during practice. While relatively lightweight at 2.5 pounds, it doesn’t sacrifice stickiness. In our tests, this was one of the grippiest mats we encountered, performing admirably even when wet from sweat during hot yoga sessions.
The mat takes some time to lay flat out of the box. While marketed as odourless, we did detect a lingering rubbery smell, especially in poses close to the mat. But for yogis seeking a highly portable yet ultra-grippy option, especially for hot practices, the IUGA could be an excellent choice. It even includes a carrying strap for easy transport.
2) Jade Yoga Harmony Mat
Jade Yoga’s Harmony mat is our top recommendation for hot yoga enthusiasts. Constructed from naturally sourced tree rubber, the mat’s moisture-wicking properties ensure it gets grippier and sweatier your practice becomes. We found the 4.7mm thickness offered an ideal blend of cushioning and firm grounding for yoga flows.
At just under 5 pounds, the Harmony isn’t the lightest option but rolls up tightly into a portable size. It also lays flat quickly right out of the box. While there is a lingering rubber smell, the mat is available in multiple lengths to suit practitioners of different heights. Additionally, Jade Yoga supports reforestation efforts by planting a tree for each yoga mat purchased.
For yogis looking to invest in a supremely grippy mat built to last, Manduka’s PRO model deserves strong consideration. While it requires a break-in period, we were impressed by the traction it provided right out of the box compared to Manduka’s other mats.
The thick 6mm PRO is available in a standard and extended-length version, though the latter weighs 8.8 pounds. At this premium price point, we wish Manduka included a carrying strap. The weight and lack of portability features contributed to a relatively low score in those areas in our testing. But for pure grip in the studio or home, the Manduka PRO delivers.
Top Yoga Mats for Comfort
4) Liforme Original Yoga Mat.
More than just supremely comfortable, Liforme’s Original Yoga Mat is among the most innovative mats on the market. It features an alignment guide system etched into the polyurethane top layer to help ensure proper form, making it an excellent option for home practitioners without an instructor’s guidance.
During our tests, the 4.2mm thickness provided the perfect cushioning without feeling overly squishy or unstable. The PVC-free mat also showed exceptional grip capabilities in wet and dry conditions. While it does stain easily, the mat dries quickly after a sweaty session.
At $150, the Liforme is costly. However, the larger-than-average size, unmatched alignment technology, and inclusion of a carrying bag help justify the premium price tag. We found it comparable in performance to our Best Overall pick, the Alo Yoga Warrior Mat while adding unique functionality.
5) YogaAccessories 1/4-Inch Thick High-Density Yoga Mat.
For those seeking a cushiony yet stable mat ideal for more athletic yoga styles like power yoga, the YogaAccessories 1/4-Inch mat could be the perfect pick. It is 6.3mm (1/4 inch) thick and provides ample cushioning without feeling overly squishy or unstable during your practice.
We were impressed by this double-sided, non-slip mat’s grip, preventing any sliding even during sweaty planks and vinyasas. The mat is latex and phthalate-free with no chemical or rubbery odours. It’s also easy to clean and has multiple colour options.
While lightweight at 3.4 pounds, the mat doesn’t include a carrying strap, which could make it slightly less portable. However, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Overall, it offers an excellent blend of cushion, stability, and traction at an affordable price.
Manduka’s “Yoga Mat” is a quality yet primary option from the well-known brand. It features a centre alignment stripe to help guide your practice and is reversible with different colours on each side.
At 5mm thick, it provided decent cushioning, though it was a bit firmer and less plush than some other comfort-focused mats. The same goes for grip – it offered solid traction but could have better-in-class stickiness.
One standout was the portability. Despite not including a carrying strap, the Manduka Yoga Mat is lightweight at just 2.5 pounds. It’s also easy to roll up, though it only stays rolled solo. Multiple colour combinations are available, as are bundled deals, including Manduka’s mat cleaner.
Conclusion
Choosing the right yoga mat is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs, preferences, and practice style. Whether you prioritize grip, comfort, durability, or a combination of all three, there is a yoga mat out there that can enhance your yoga experience.