6 Best Travel Yoga Mats in 2023

As someone who exercises ceaselessly and is at all times on-the-move, I’ve discovered that not all workout equipment is well-suited for travel, especially with regards to yoga mats. Through the years, I’ve tested out a lot of travel mats during trips internationally—and those that stood out all shared similar features (equivalent to a compact design, easy-to-clean surfaces, and light-weight structure).

But don’t just take my word for it: To provide help to discover an important travel yoga mat on your next trip, SELF consulted experts and pulled together an inventory of the most effective options available. Whether you desire to sustain together with your practice on vacation or stretch all of it out while on the road, considered one of these mats can provide help to achieve those goals.

Methods to select a travel yoga mat

First things first: When you’ll be bringing it on the go, it needs to be easy to haul: “Relating to a travel mat, it needs to be grippy, lightweight, and portable enough to slot in my carry-on bag,” Jake Panasevich, a registered yoga instructor based in Philadelphia, tells SELF.

As for yoga mat material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a preferred alternative for travelers due to its grip—but many yogis prefer natural rubber, which offers a bit more cushion. And for an easier-to-clean mat (a significant plus while you’re on a visit), search for a closed-cell design, meaning the fabric is nonporous, Sarah Larson Levey, a registered yoga instructor and cofounder of Y7 Studio in NYC, previously told SELF.

While standard yoga mats are generally not less than three millimeters (mm) thick, something thinner is right for folding, rolling, and squeezing into travel bags, Morgan Rodríguez, a registered yoga instructor and founding father of Grounding Down, tells SELF. You need to also consider overall weight: Most options range from two to seven kilos, but a super travel mat will are available a bit of lighter—say, between two and 4 kilos. That said, minimalist mats might not be well-suited for all yogis: A thicker mat with more cushion might feel far more comfortable for individuals with sensitive knees or joint pain, Annie Moves, a registered yoga instructor at Alo Moves, previously told SELF.

Other features may help keep your mat ultra-portable, too. As an illustration, strap bands keep it folded or rolled up during expeditions, replacing bulky mat bags.

The most effective travel yoga mats

Below, you’ll find yogi- and expert-recommended picks, in addition to a few of my favorite mats. All of those options are under 4 kilos, lower than two millimeters thick, and super easy to pack.