How To Travel With A Yoga Mat

Best For Advanced Yogis: Manduka Pro Travel Yoga Mat

Courtesy of Manduka

Similar to the brands 1.5-millimeter eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat, this one is just a bit thicker with extra padding. The mat is made with the brands Performance Grip technology which uses hygienic, closed cell construction and helps you hold that flying pigeon pose even longer. Sanitizing the mat is sometimes the tough part of a yogis job but the Pro Travel Yoga Mat makes cleaning so much easier with the closed-cell construction.

Why I Practice Yoga While Traveling

Long ago, I discovered that yoga made me feel good but it took awhile to realize that it extended to travel. Yoga is both a physical workout and a meditation, two things that are great for you no matter where you are. I started doing yoga while traveling on a business trip it wasnt vacation so I wanted to stick to my healthy routine and stay somewhat fit. When I realized what a help it was both physically and mentally, I added it to my leisure travel, too.

Yoga helps me sleep better, clear my head, and physically stretch my body after a cramped flight or a long day of walking. I do energizing practices when Im fighting jetlag to stay awake and restorative practives when Im too excited to end my day. Many days, 15 minutes is enough, though other days Ill practice for a full hour so I have plenty of opportunity to stretch, focus on my breathing, and quiet my mind.

Joining local classes and special events can also be a ton of fun. Why limit yourself to traditional tourist activities when you can add in yoga at rooftops, breweries, museums, and other fun spaces?

Some people build time into their vacations to read a book or sleep in past breakfast. My husband likes time for guilty pleasures like watching a movie. I just happen to carve out some time for yoga.

Buy A Quality Sleeping Pad

Sleeping on the floor can be a pain in the neck, especially if you have any kind of back or neck issues. To avoid all these problems, invest in a quality sleeping pad that will make your nights a lot more comfortable.

There are many types of sleeping pads to choose from and they come in different price ranges. Make sure to read reviews before buying a sleeping pad to get an idea of what is best for your needs. When it comes to choosing the right size, make sure to measure your mattress and add about inches extra on each side.

Remember to pack your sleeping pad in case you have to leave quickly during an emergency situation. If you are traveling with your sleeping pad, keep in mind that some airlines do not allow them as luggage. Finally, be sure to store your sleeping pad properly so it doesnt take up too much space when not in use.

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Checking Your Yoga Mat

You can also check your yoga mat and pick it up at baggage claim at the end of the trip. If you have a yoga mat bag, throw an address tag on it and youre good to.

Unfortunately, unless you get free checked bags, this is a costly way to transport it. Because of this, most people will want a mat that they pack inside of a suitcase theyre bringing anyway.

While Ive put my regular mat inside of a 62 checked suitcase, it will not fit in a carry on unless you smush and damage your mat. Youll need a specialty travel yoga mat if you intend to fold it up and pack it in a carry on!

Luckily, Ive done the trial and error for you and found an awesome foldable yoga mat for travel. It folds compactly and fits inside my personal item, carry-on, or any other suitcase.

Stickiness & Mat Comfort

Travel mats dont tend to be that comfortable because an ultralight mat cant be weighed down with padding. You can always use a folded towel or blanket to add cushioning as needed while you travel.

Of course, its also important that the mat surface feel nice to the touch and provides the appropriate level of stickiness for the type of yoga you practice.

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Wrap It In A Blanket Or Towel When Not In Use

Wondering if you can use a yoga mat as a sleeping pad? The answer is yes! Simply wrap it in a blanket or towel when not in use to avoid any unwanted marks on the surface.

If using a yoga mat as a sleeping pad, be sure to wash it regularly and keep it clean to avoid any odor or bacteria build-up. A sleeping mat is an essential piece of equipment for people who practice yoga, but its also useful for other activities like camping and hiking.

Make sure to store your yoga mat in a dry place when not in use so that it lasts longer.

Traveling With The Mat

If you are wanting to carry a normal or heavy duty mat, I would suggest not attempting to shove it into your suitcase. Firstly, they are usually pretty heavy and you dont want to be worried about travel weight restrictions. Secondly, they can take up a lot of space.

I simply bring mine with me as a carry-on. You can choose to use a yoga mat bag, but I just use a simple strap. I find that there is no question about what it is when I pass through security and I have never had a problem carrying it on board with me, domestically and internationally.

Of course, if you are using a foldable travel mat, you can easily pack it in your suitcase or carry-on bag. They are light and hardly take up any extra space. It really just depends on your yoga mat and travel needs.

I personally love carrying mine on with me because I can enjoy some deep stretches before or between flights. This is especially handy on long international travel days. I dont care about getting funny looks at the airport. My body is 10x happier at my final destination if I have practiced yoga.

It really is up to the individual yoga student and what your travel plans are. It doesnt have to be hard! Plus, if you really dont want to travel with a mat, you dont have to. I find that most studios around the world will let you rent them on site and some hotels will have one or two in their gym. Up to you if you want to risk the chance.

Namaste < 3

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What Yoga Mats Are The Easiest To Travel With

When it comes to traveling, I generally caution against people being travel-specific items. There is a lot of marketing out there to make people feel like they have inferior gear and push them towards buying a second version of something they already own. Do this too many times and you will quickly find yourself buying way too much stuff for the sake of traveling.

That said, a travel yoga mat is one of those items that might be worth investing in. If you find that your current yoga mat isnt easy to bring on a plane and that it keeps you from actually practicing yoga more often than not, getting a proper travel yoga mat may help you maintain your self-care routine when you are on the road.

I dont personally own a travel mat, but here are some of the travel yoga mats that I see recommended the most in my circles:

• Best Budget Travel Yoga Mat: Gaiam folding travel yoga mat
• Best Overall Travel Yoga Mat: Manduka EKO Superlite yoga travel mat
• Best All-In-One Travel Yoga Mat: YOGO Ultralight travel yoga mat w/ straps

Mandukas EKO Superlite travel yoga mat is super thin and folds up for easy storage in your carry-on bag

What Do I Recommend

Well instead of saying what I recommend I will say what I do when I travel.

When I travel on international flights, I place my mat in a simple fabric yoga mat bag and place that in my luggage which is to be checked in. You are generally allowed more weight in checked-in luggage on international flights, so it makes sense to add your mat there.

When I travel on domestic flights , I use my travel mat and fold it into a square and place it in my laptop backpack.

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Returns & Refund Policy

Sometimes it’s OK for yogis to change our minds

We hope you love our products, but If you are not entirely 100% happy simply send it back – no questions asked!

Returns

• You have 14 days to return an item from the day you received it.
• You must return your item in the same condition that you received it, with original packaging and labels.
• The item will also need to have a receipt or a proof of purchase.
• You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item.
• Returns shipping costs are non-refundable.
• Information about how to send item back will be provided when you contact us using email below.
• We will refund all payments received from you, including cost of delivery.
• When we have received the item and your return is approved, we will issue the refund to the original payment method.
• You will receive the refund in a few days, depending on your card issuers policies.

Need to returns something?

Buying Guide To Yoga Mats

Image Credits: unsplash

Whether you are getting started or have been practicing yoga for years, you need a perfect yoga mat. However, before buying a yoga mat, there are various things to consider to prevent accidents and injuries. Hence, we have compiled a guide to learn how to pick the right one. Keep reading this article to find it out.

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Honorable Mention: Lululemon Un Mat

Lululemon doesnt only sell yoga apparel they also dabble in accessories. They created the Un Mat to compete in the portable yoga mat market. The Un Mat is comparable in size to the Manduka super thin and super light weight . Comes with a different texture on each side allowing you to choose your preferred grip. Can be rolled or folded. Made with polyurethane and natural rubber.

Potential downside:

• Not enough padding? 1/16 may not be enough cushion
• Too Expensive? 2nd most expensive mat reviewed

The Best Travel Yoga Mat 202: 6 Compact Lightweight & Affordable Travel Mats

Taking your practice on the road with you can be key to surviving long flights, bus rides, and road trips.

Muscles get tight after walking across Paris or sitting still for 8 hours on the red eye.

Tempers flare due to jet lag and our diets are off kilter.

Maintaining your personal yoga practice while on vacation can make all the difference.

Choosing the best travel yoga mat for your needs will make those hotel room chaturangas even easier.

This post is a complete guide to the best travel yoga mats on the market .

In a hurry? Skip to the easy comparison chart.

Want all the details? Read through to the end!

QUICK NOTE: This post contains affiliate links and Sol Salute may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you.

In this post:

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Navaris Foldable Yoga Mat For Travel

• FOLDABLE: The Navaris yoga mat in blue is foldable so you can easily take it with you when you travel or even if you want to do your yoga sessions outdoors, such as in the park or on the beach.
• NON SLIP SURFACE: Due to the skidless texture on both sides, the gymnastics mat is non-slip, follows the body’s shape during exercise and provides you with great comfort in your movements and postures.
• DETAILS: The portable yoga mat measures 68″ x 24″ when unfolded and is 1/8″ thick. With a packing size of only 12.2″ x 10.2″ x 2.4″ , the mat takes up little space in your suitcase.
• NAMASTE: At 68″ long and just 1/8″ thick, the mat is suitable for all levels of practice. Yoga, stretching, abs, fitness, Pilates or gymnastics, anything is possible!
• LIGHTWEIGHT: Weighing just 2 lbs , it is easy to transport. You can also roll it up and fit it easily in a carry on or tote bag.

Primasole Folding Yoga Travel Pilates Mat 1/4 Thick Easy To Carry For Yoga Pilates Fintess Workout Jungle Green Color Fitness Pilates Pss91nh050a

• Primasole is the famousAmazon.com LimiteBrand. The primasole folding yoga mat is 1/4 Inch thick, making it very light, and it folds to a compact size of 10 Inch x 12 Inch.
• It is made with an embossed, cushioned, and comfortable PVC material that will not rip when pulled.
• Size 68 Inch long x 24 Inch wide x 1/4 Inch thick
• It has excellent wear resistance and durability, so it will last a long time.Ideal for core strength, posture, balance and flexibility exercises.
• Weight Approximately 2 pounds Material PVC

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What Do The Yoga Nomads Use

We just started traveling with the YOGO Ultralight Travel Mat and are head over heals with it! Its by far the stickiest travel mat we reviewed and love the origami folding design. Although its super thin, it feels like it has more padding than the Manduka.

We used to travel with the Manduka eKO SuperLite which is an excellent travel mat! It traveled with us for 20+ months with almost daily use and it held up perfectly, its still super sticky, and as always its very packable! Disclaimer: there is one downside, it is very thin and kneeling for a long time does start to hurt.

2018 update: We recently picked up the Voyager yoga mat by Jade and are loving it so far! We havent test it extensively on the road yet, but so far its performing great. Folds or rolls, great colors, and very sticky

*Now that you have your travel yoga mat time to check out the best carry-on sized backpacks for travel

Brandons personal bias I LOVE Manduka

How They Give Back

In addition to their commitment to environmentalism in their production, Liforme also gives a part of its profits to Friends of the Earth, Yoga Gives Back, and the RSPCA.

Yoga Design Lab Travel Yoga Mat, 0.8 kg , 1 mm thick

When Yoga Design Lab contacted us about their eco-friendly, foldable travel yoga mat, we were immediately drawn in by their story. Owner Chad started the company while on holiday in Bali, after seeing a sea of boring single-coloured mats at the Yoga Barn. He created his own line of mats, with a silky-soft texture and gorgeous prints, using recycled materials. The mats are also machine washable, so whats not to love?

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Diy Yoga Mat Bag Crochet

Here is another fun yoga mat casing that is crocheted. If you are a yogi, you can spare a little of your time to create a wonderful experience for yourself. This beautiful piece takes a lot of time to create but you can risk it if you want something really amazing as this. About 45 minutes can do the trick.

Tips For A Stickier Mat

Since Jane and I dont really practice in hot studios, we sprinkle a little water at the top and foot of the mat before practice, which turns it from slick to sticky. Weve also heard that after a few washes this mat gets much stickier. Jane will be folding this up and carrying it in her suitcase, so well update you in a few months!

As far a comfort goes, the silky, fluffy texture of this mat is so different from most yoga mats, it makes just lying on it a pleasure. The mat is a little thicker than most travel mats but obviously wont provide the cushioning of a non-travel mat.

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Best Yoga Mat For Travel Of 2022

Disclaimer:

Top 5 Best Travel Yoga Mats

Brandon22

Looking to take your yoga practice on the road?

Luckily, were not the only people who want to travel with a yoga mat so there are several decent options for the nomadic yogis among us.

Like usual, I spent way too much time evaluating which travel yoga mat would make my packing list . Weve been traveling nearly full-time for the last 4.5+ years and counting. Without a travel yoga mat, we might have gone insane

What I was looking for in a travel yoga mat?

• Lightweight and packable
• Sticky enough
• Foldable

This guide was designed to make choosing the right yoga mat a breeze!

At the end, I will share which mat we chose. However depending on your specific needs, all of these mats would work great.

Pin me quick! Then keep reading

Alright lets start with an overview of the travel yoga mat market

Contents

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