How Do I Choose A Travel Yoga Mat
Getting the right travel yoga mat can improve your practice, no matter how experienced or new you are to it. As yoga continues to develop in popularity worldwide, more and more people practice it while traveling. A travel yoga mat is essential for people who want to keep up their practice while away. There are so numerous choices on the market that it can take time to choose the right one. This article will help you choose the best travel yoga mat for your needs to keep enjoying yoga health benefits while traveling.
Consider Your Travel Needs
When picking out a travel yoga mat, consider how often and where you’ll practice. You’ll want a light and easy mat to pack, if you travel. When shopping formats, look for ones you can fold up or roll up tightly to fit in your luggage or on. If you practice outside or elsewhere, you’ll need a strong mat that can handle different surfaces. Some mats are made to last longer and are extra strong, so they don’t get worn down while you’re traveling.
Thickness And Cushioning
How comfortable you are while practicing yoga can depend on how thick the mat is. Thicker mats are best for people with sore knees or wrists because they support your joints more. However, they can also be heavier and more challenging to carry. If you want a mat that is easy to take with you, choose one that is thinner but still gives you enough support for your practice. Look for mats about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick for comfort and portability.
Material Matters
Different materials are used to make yoga mats, each with pros and cons. PVC mats last long and are easy to grip but bad for the environment. Rubber mats are good for the environment and give you a good grip, but they can be heavy.
TPE mats are better for the environment than PVC mats because they last longer and grip better. Other eco-friendly and non-slip mats are made of natural fibers like jute or cork. However, they might not last as long as other materials. When picking a travel yoga mat, consider what material best fits your needs and values.
Grip And Traction
It is essential to have a yoga mat that is easy to grip, especially when practicing in a tough place. Look for mats with a textured surface or extra grip features to keep from slipping. Some mats have a surface that doesn’t slip but gets stickier when wet. This makes them great for hot yoga or other sweaty practices. Think about how much grip you’ll need based on how often you practice and where you’ll be practicing.
Size And Portability
The size of the yoga mat you bring with you is also essential. If the mat is too big, it might be hard to pack, and if it is too small, you might need more room to practice. To make them easy to carry, look for small and light mats. Some mats fold up and can be rolled up tightly. When choosing the size and portability of your travel yoga mat, consider how much room you have in your bags and how you’ll carry it.
Eco Friendliness
Look for a travel yoga mat made from materials that are good for the environment if you care about that. Many mats are created from recycled or biodegradable materials, so they don’t hurt the environment as much. Some companies sell mats made from eco-friendly materials like natural rubber or cork. It would help if you thought about how the materials in your mat affect the environment and pick one that fits your beliefs.
Price And Value
When picking a yoga mat to take with you, consider the price and value. You might want to buy the cheapest mat, but you should also consider how well it works and how long it will last. The longer a mat lasts and the better it grips, the more it may be worth the extra money. Consider how often you’ll use it and how much you’re willing to spend on a good one that fits your needs.
Maintenance And Care
It will last longer if you take good care of and maintain your travel yoga mat. Use a mild cleaner to clean your mat often and let it dry completely before you fold or roll it up. It may break down if you leave your mat in direct sunlight or hot or cold weather. Do not let mold or mildew grow on your mat when it is not in use. Could you keep it in a cool dry place? Taking care of your mat will last many years of practice and travel.
3 Best Travel Yoga Mats in 2024
1. Navaris Foldable Yoga Mat for Travel
Are you looking for a lightweight, cushioned yoga mat for on-the-go practice? Look no further than the Naviris Foldable Yoga Mat. PVC foldable yoga mats weigh 900g / 2lbs, making them convenient to carry in a yoga mat bag or luggage. The mat has a non-slip texture on both sides and 1/8 inch of padding to keep you in position during practice.
For yoga enthusiasts who are always on the move, the Navaris Foldable Yoga Mat is a must-have. Its collapsible design allows for easy packing in baggage or carry-on bags. Perfect for yoga, stretching, abs, fitness, Pilates, and gymnastics, this mat’s memory form function enhances relaxation during your workout.
2. Yogo Ultra Folding Yoga Mat
Consider efficiently transporting the eco-friendly Yogo Ultra Folding Yoga Mat on your travels. Its extra-wide and long shape gives you plenty of area to stretch out and relax in a hotel room, beach, or park. Use the straps to fold it like a newspaper and throw it in your bag or luggage to pack up. There is no need to carry a heavy mat or locate a studio.
The Yogo Ultra Folding Yoga Mat is eco-friendly and portable. It replaces harmful PVC plastics with vegan tree rubber and protects the environment. With its innovative origami folding design, only the top contacts your body, not the unclean bottom, for better hygiene. The natural rubber grip grounds you mentally and physically.
3. PLYOPIC 3-in-1 Travel Yoga Mat
Prepare to elevate your yoga practice with the Plyopic 3-in-1 Travel Yoga Mat, a multifunctional mat and towel that offers a clean, non-slip surface for your practice on the road. For any yogi traveling for business or pleasure, the Plyopic mat is vital. The non-slip 1.5mm rubber base holds the floor and won’t curl or slide during practice, while its sweat-grip technology and soft grip coating provide traction while you sweat.
SGS-certified, ecologically friendly materials make the Plyopic 3-in-1 Travel Yoga Mat durable. Its soft grip covering is healthy and soothing on the skin, making it ideal for yoga. The lightweight, portable Plyopic mat rolls up and connects to your backpack, luggage, or day pack or is slung over your shoulder using the carry strap. The Plyopic 3-in-1 Travel Yoga Mat lets you practice yoga every day on the road.
Conclusion
Picking the right travel yoga mat is essential to keeping up your practice while away. Think about what you’ll need for your trip like how often you’ll utilize your mat and where you’ll practice. Find a mat that is not too heavy, lasts a long time and is simple to store. Consider how thick and cushioned the mat is and what it is made of.
Pick a mat with good grip and traction, especially if practicing in a tough place. Consider the mat size and portability, as well as how eco friendly it is. Finally consider the mat price and value. Spend your money on a good mat that fits your requirements and values. Those who pick the right travel yoga mat, can keep doing yoga while they’re away.