The Best Travel Yoga Mats in 2022, According to Experts

If you’re motivated enough to maintain a fitness routine while traveling, having a good yoga mat is key. Consider it your foundation for taking on any type of workout, no matter what kind of environment you are in. Thanks to the rise of virtual classes, you could be on a beach in Turks & Caicos or a hotel room in Tokyo and have access to the best studios in New York City. With decent Wifi and a good yoga mat, anything is possible.

But much like the athleisure category overall, yoga mats have undergone major technical and aesthetic advances over the past decade; you can find something that aligns with the chakras, mats with built-in infrared technologies, and fashionable mats designed for coordinating outfit moments. Our favorite is the Adidas by Stella McCartney Yoga Mat, which gets top marks on multiple metrics and is a favorite of many stylish yogis on the move. However, we talked to industry A-listers, and they gave us plenty more options to love.

Ahead are our top picks, tested and recommended by experts within the fitness community.

Table of Contents

Tips for Buying a Travel Yoga Mat

Prioritize portability

Weight and thickness are the biggest factors to consider. Ideally, you should opt for a yoga mat that is under 4 pounds and 6 millimeters so it’s light enough to carry and it doesn’t occupy too much space. Having a yoga strap is also extremely useful (per our top pick, the Adidas by Stella McCartney Yoga Mat).

Consider your intended use

Look for features that support whatever kind of workout you’re planning on doing. If you’re inclined to do slow-paced flows, stretching, or meditation, something like the Bala Play Mat is a good option. Or, if you need something that will stay in place for a more active workout where you’re hopping around, Lululemon’s Reversible Mat or Alo Yoga’s Warrior Mat may be your best bet.

Check for warranties

Provide yourself with peace of mind and check the warranty period in case your mat doesn’t live up to your expectations. All options on this list have been tested and recommended by experts, but if you find the top layer peeling away or get a dud product for whatever reason, it’s good to know what kind of insurance policy you have. The standard is generally a year, but some companies offer lifetime warranties.

Choose a durable material

Polyurethane and rubber are renowned for durability, so look for mats with these materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you break in a yoga mat?

According to CorePower Yoga’s Washington, it takes time to really break in a yoga mat. Her trick to speed up the process? “Sprinkle coarse sea salt on the mat and let it sit or scrub in a circular motion—like you would wax a surfboard. After 24 hours, wipe the salt off with a damp cloth. Repeat 2-3 times with fresh salt as needed. Works like a charm.”

How do you pack a yoga mat?

It depends on the fabric. Some mats are designed to fold, but generally, you should try to roll them up as tightly and evenly as you can.

How Do You Clean a Yoga Mat?

You can use soap or mix equal parts water and white vinegar and rub the mat down. There are also spray solutions available if you don’t want to do a DIY mix.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Amy Louise Bailey spoke to multiple instructors from leading yoga studios, along with renowned wellness pioneers, and entrepreneurs from leading fitness-focused organizations to curate a list of the best yoga mats available.

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