There’s no denying that a quality yoga mat is important for getting the most out any yoga routine; however, choosing the right one can be a challenging endeavor. Nonetheless, a quality mat can serve more than one purpose; it can be used for yoga and can also serve a hygienic purpose. Yes, rolling out your mat in hotels rooms or questionable yoga studios can help you avoid germs. In this article, we go over some of the popular yoga mat choices amongst hardcore yoga enthusiast and those who practice yoga occasionally.

PICKING THE RIGHT YOGA MAT FOR YOU

When it comes to the types of yoga mats available, there is no shortage to choose from; there is literally something out there for everyone. Here are a few that you may want to consider:

JADE FUSION MAT

The Jade Fusion mat is an amalgamation of quality padding, grip, and eco-friendly construction. The mat is made from premium natural rubber, and best of all, it contains no PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which means that your trusted mat is completely biodegradable. And to their credit, Jade Fusion was the first company to offer non-toxic mats, endearing them to throngs of environmentally conscious yoga practitioners.

Now that we have some background on Jade Fusion yoga mats, let’s talk build quality; these mats are comprised of thick padding that supports bones and joints. Also, the texture of this mat offers great grip in nearly all conditions. So you won’t have to worry about slipping while perfecting your “downward dog” and other yoga moves. The downside, however, is that the mat is one of the heaviest in its category and the general design allows moisture to be easily absorbed. Here are few specifications for those who may be considering the Jade Fusion mat:

  • Weight: 8.5 lbs. (3.85 kg)
  • Materials: All-natural rubber and man-made materials
  • Thickness: 5/16″
  • Length: 68
  • Cost: $135

LIFEORME MAT

This yoga mat, with a peculiar name, is thinner and lighter than many of its contemporaries; however, that may be a good thing if you need to haul your mat around town. This mat shares many of the same attributes as the Jade Fusion mat in that if offer superior grip, supportive padding, and PVC-free construction. The most discernible difference between the two is that the Liforme mat is considerably lighter. The downside for this mat includes it’s cost and also the fact that it easily absorbs sweat, oils, and dirt. Here are a few specifications for those interested in this high-quality mat:

  • Weight: 5.5lbs (2.49 kg)
  • Materials: All-natural rubber and man-made materials
  • Thickness: 3/16″
  • Length: 72.8″
  • Cost: $140

THE B MAT

The B Mat is a premium yoga mat that is constructed from natural and synthetic rubber, providing a sturdy surface for nearly any yoga position. Also, the build of this mat makes it a great choice for dry and wet conditions, alike. One of the best things about this mat is its weight, meaning you don’t have to worry about straining your back on your way to yoga practice. Lastly, the B mat doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, sealants, or finishes, and it provides exceptional support courtesy of its ample padding. With regard to its downside, the B Mat easily collects dirt due to its design, and it is also very stiff. As usual, here are some specification for those considering the B Mat:

  • Weight: 5 lbs. (2.27 kg)
  • Materials: All-natural rubber and man-made materials
  • Thickness: 1/4″
  • Length: 71″
  • Cost: $94

If you have gotten this far in the article, you’re probably impressed with the list of mats that have been detailed so far. There are many to choose from, all with a variety of price points to suit nearly any budget. But you’re encouraged to continue reading as there are many more options left to consider.

HUGGER MUGGER PARA RUBBER MAT

The Hugger Mugger Para Rubber mat is made from a blend of proprietary materials and natural rubber. Like the other mats mentioned in this article, the mat has an excellent grip surface and an abundance of padding. In fact, when it comes to padding, the Hugger Mugger as more than other mats in its category. The downside of the Hugger Mugger mat includes a strong rubber odor. The specification for this mat include

  • Weight: 6 lbs. (2.72 kg)
  • Materials: All-natural rubber proprietary materials
  • Thickness: 1/4″
  • Length: Not listed
  • Cost: $85

PRANA INDIGENA NATURAL YOGA MAT

Made from natural, non-Amazon rubber, the PrAna Indigena Natural Yoga Mat is ideal for taller individuals in that it rolls out to an impressive 78 inches. In addition, it offers a premium, non-slip grip that makes it idea for the savasana or any number of yoga exercises. If there is a downside to this mat, it is the odor. Unfortunately, the PrAna Indigena Natural Yoga Mat has a strong rubber smell that can linger around for months. As far as downsides go, this mat is relatively heavy and has a strong rubber odor, and the general design of the mat causes it to soak up a lot of sweat. Here on some the mat’s specifications:

  • Weight: 6 lbs. (2.72 kg)
  • Material: Natural, non-Amazon rubber
  • Thickness: 1/8″
  • Length: 78″
  • Cost: $105

If you’re still reading this article, you must really be looking for the yoga mat of your dreams. If so, continue reading, because this article is brimming with options that you probably haven’t even considered.

TRANQUIL YOGI OASIS YOGA MAT

The Tranquil Yogi Oasis Yoga mat offers superior grip in wet and dry condition, and similar other mats in its class, the Tranquil Yogi Oasis mat delivers when it comes to padding, providing excellent protection to bones and joints. It also holds the distinction of being one of the most eco-friendly mats currently available. In saying that, there are a few cons worth noting; the Tranquil Yogi Oasis Yoga mat is heavy and is also one the more expensive mats on this list. The specifications for this mat include

  • Weight: 8 lbs. (3.63 kg)
  • Material: Rubber, vegetable oil, and calcium powder
  • Thickness: 1/4″
  • Length: 72″
  • Cost: $100

MANDUKA EKO YOGA MAT

The Manduka Eko yoga mat is made from a mix of all-natural tree rubber, polyester and, lastly, cotton. The mat’s claim to fame is that it does not contain any toxic chemicals and offers varying densities, going from rigid and firm to downright soft and spongy. It’s worth noting that the natural rubber allows the mat to provide exceptionally good grip whey dry. As great as this mat might be, there are some downsides including lack of full support and can become slippery if it is exposed to too much moisture. Here are the specifications for the Manduka Eko yoga mat:

  • Weight: 7 lbs. (3.17 kg)
  • Materials: Natural rubber, polyester, and cotton
  • Thickness: 3/16″
  • Length: 71″
  • Cost: $88

JADE HARMONY MAT

Saved for last on this list, the Jade Harmony Yoga mat is quite easily the most popular mat amongst yoga practitioners. This mat is light weight, well-priced, and is made with non-toxic chemicals. The only downside for this mat is that it captures dirt, oil, and sweat easily. Here are the specification for this high-quality, budget-friendly mat:

  • Weight: 4.5 lbs. (2.04 kg)
  • Materials: Natural rubber and proprietary blend
  • Thickness: 3/16″
  • Length: 68″
  • Cost: $80

Having provided an extensive list of mats to choose from, the primary take away is that there is literally something for everybody. Whether you’re an advanced yoga practitioner or starting yoga for the first time, there are mats that can propel your yoga experience to new heights or serve as an excellent starter for the newcomer. Of course, there are also budget-friendly options for those who want to enjoy their yoga experience without breaking the bank. Ideally, you should settle on one that fits your needs and budget. As with all things, however, do your research before making a purchasing decision.