If you’re taking a flight to a destination, whether it be a city or if you want to hop on the red-eye. Bali You can squeeze in a sunrise between meetings or even squeeze in a morning flow. MilanThe best travel mats are unsung heroes. wellness-minded traveler‘s carry-on. Lightweight, foldable, and purpose-built for life on the move, these mats strike the perfect balance between portability and performance—offering plenty of grip and support without the bulk.
In a world of hotel hardwood floors, breezy beach decks, and bustling airport terminals might all become your impromptu studio, having the right mat isn’t just convenient—it’s essential. Today’s travel mats feature innovative antimicrobial materials and rubber sourced sustainably. They are designed to keep pace with your practice no matter what time zone you find yourself in.
This list has been compiled after consulting yoga instructors, frequent flyers, and other travelers. We also tested the mats in different continents. If you’re a frequent flyer, a yoga instructor or just wishing to try out yogis mats on your next trip, this list is for you. casual practitioner You can also use a devoted globetrotting yogi, these mats will help you flow freely—wherever your journey takes you.
FAQ:
What distinguishes a travel-sized yoga mat from a regular one?
Travel yoga mats are specifically designed to be lightweight, thin, and compact—making them easy to pack in a suitcase or even fold into a backpack. Unlike traditional mats that can be heavy or bulky, travel mats usually weigh less than 2.5 lbs. and are usually 1–2 mm thick. Although they offer less padding, they are perfect for use on the go where portability and convenience is important.
Travel yoga mats: Can they still support and grip enough for regular practice?
Many high-quality travel mats provide excellent grip even when wet or sweaty. Some models, while thinner than standard mats are made of natural rubber or microfiber to enhance traction. If you need extra support, you can layer your travel mat over a studio mat or carpet. Choose a mat made of materials that emphasize non-slip performance.
How do I clean my travel mat and maintain it?
It’s easy to clean a travel mat while on the go. Use a dampened cloth or a spray bottle containing a mat-safe, gentle cleaner. Check the label to see if your travel mat can be machine washed. Most of them dry quickly because they are made from thin materials. To avoid odors or bacteria buildup, always let your mat air out after use—especially in humid climates.
Weight: 1.5 lb.
Thickness: 1.5 mm
What could be improved? No complaints—it’s the best travel yoga mat I’ve tried!
The mat is very thin but it doesn’t hurt the knees. Cushion is firm enough for light exercises. The mat is one of lightest available and can be easily packed in a bag, duffel or tote. The mat was so easy for me to travel with that I didn’t have to bring a bag, but only needed one to carry the rest of my luggage. book. After a hot yoga session, I definitely found myself slipping and sliding. But that was just due to the nature of my workout. —Charlie Hobbs, associate editor
Weight: 3.5 lb.
Thickness: 2 mm
What could be improved? It can be a bit too thin for headstands to feel comfortable and hard on your knees. When holding longer poses, I recommend doubling the mat beneath you.
This is the travel-friendly version Alo’s popular Warrior Mat. The grip is great, even during a hot yoga session. This mat is great for pilates mat exercises, vinyasa classes that are faster-paced, and standing poses. I have also used it in 90-minute Hatha classes that require longer poses. It’s easily packable for air travel—I’ll be taking it with me on my next flight. The all-black design is sleek and stylish. —Hannah ToweyAssociate editor, transportation news
Weight: 1.8 lb.
Thickness: 2 mm
What could be improved? The thinness of the cushion means that it is not suitable for people who need more support.
Yoga on the go is something I love, but it’s always been a hassle to pack. The Gaiam yoga mat folds up into a square making it easy to pack—a real game changer for travel. The mat has a stable grip, so I use it on my hardwood flooring and balcony. I also quickly packed it up for beach days and used it to meditate at sunrise and sunset along the coast. It fit in my beach bag and tote perfectly—the mat’s foldability, flatness, and lightness all catered to its ease for travel. It will certainly fit in any checked baggage, carry-on and standard-sized back pack. It is very easy to clean the mat at home with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Make sure you dry the mat flat. —Jessica Chapel, Find a writer
Weight: 1.5 lb.
Thickness: 1.5 mm
What could be improved? The ultra-thin profile makes it easy to carry, but may be hard on the knees or wrists when held for long periods.
The Jade Voyager Mat was my companion on Oahu where I spent an entire week practicing vinyasa in the mornings at Fort DeRussy Beach. At just 1.5 lb., it’s about as portable as travel mats come—folding down neatly into my daypack with room to spare. Natural rubber’s surface gripped well, even when it was only 1.5 mm thick. This is a minimalist dream, and it’s perfect for yogis that prioritize packingability over plushness. The only downside is that you can feel each pebble, crack and divot beneath you. On smoother surfaces, it’s great, but your knees can feel the difference on rougher surfaces. — P.W.
Manduka
Eko Superlite yoga mat
Weight: 2 lb.
Thickness: 1.5 mm
What could be improved? The mat’s grippiness—which I liked—makes it a little hard to clean and the texture diminishes once you sweat.
The eKO Superlite mat is made of natural rubber, which means it won’t slip on wood or tile floors. I took the mat to the gym in a bag, then packed it into a carry on for a trip upstate. Superlite does not come with travel accessories. However, you can easily pack it because it comes in either a roll, or folded. The mat came in handy during a 30 minute strength training session, for planks, as well as some yoga stretches such as downward dog. The Superlite feels thick and substantial, despite being a lightweight mat. —Alexandra Sanidad, research director
Weight: 2 lb.
Thickness: 12 mm
What could be improved? The bag is not included in the purchase.
Stakt designed a full system here—if you’re buying the mat, you’ll want to buy the bundle, which comes with a lovely carrying case sized to fit the folded up mat, but also anything else you might need for a class. There is an elastic water-bottle pocket, an outer zip pocket to hold keys and a wallet, as well as enough space inside for a change of clothing if you have just come from work. It’s easy to carry if you have the right bag. I’ve used it on the subway, by foot and to go to yoga classes. Stakt’s texture is its defining quality—rather than rolling up, like a traditional yoga mat, it folds up like an accordion, meaning it’s a stiffer material than you may be used to. It has a nice, thick surface, which I like when using it in a yoga studio or my apartment without carpet. —Madison Flager, associate commerce director
Liforme
Classic travel yoga mat
Weight: 3.5 lb.
Thickness: 2 mm
What could be improved? The 3.5-pound mat is heavier than many travel mats. However, it is perfect for road trips and short-haul flight.
I rolled out the Liforme Black & Gold travel goga mat during a trip to Key West, on one of those early mornings when the air feels thick with salt and silence. It is a bit heavier than a typical travel mat but the 2mm thickness was a game changer on uneven ground. GripForMe’s surface material remained stable underfoot while the AlignForMe markings served as a subtle guide. Visually, it’s a stunner—matte primary colors paired with deeper tones of the same family that feel more like art than gear. It’s a beautiful piece of gear that delivers serious performance. —P.W.
42 Birds
The Robin Cork mat
Weight: 1.9 lb.
Thickness: 5 mm
What could be improved? The mat is lightweight and perfect for everyday use. However, if you want a mat that can be folded up to fit into a suitcase, you will have to sacrifice some cushion.
This is my first cork yoga mat, and I can honestly say that I will never go back to rubber again. I’m looking for a mat which is both grippy and cushioned enough for my knees. The grip of the cork mat actually increases with sweat (in contrast to rubber mats which become slippery when sweaty). Cork is naturally antimicrobial, which means it’s resistant to mold, mildew and bad odors. It’s super easy to clean—just spray it down and wipe it occasionally, the same way you would any other mat. 42 Birds uses cork harvested sustainably from Mediterranean oak trees, which makes the mat eco-friendly. It also has a texture that feels more natural under your feet. Although this mat can’t be packed in a bag, I have used it to travel around New York City and it’s a lot lighter than the heavier rubber mats I had previously owned. The mat is easy to pack in your car and carry on the train. It comes with a cotton sling that makes it easy to sling. —H.T.
Weight: 2.6 lb.
Thickness: 6 mm
What could be improved? It’s not a shoe for intense exercise.
This mat was used primarily for core and yoga workouts. It works well for yoga on my flat wooden floor. However, it did not grip very well when I tried to do more difficult exercises that required rapid movements. It’s thin and light but not so thin you feel the ground beneath you. I love the carrying accessories—a bag and a strap—that make it convenient to carry to and from classes. It’s big enough to check in for out-of-town travel but would be a little squished if you were to carry it in a bag. weekenderYou can also bring a carry on. —Jamie Spain, travel bookings editor
Weight: 2.87 lb.
Thickness: 1.5 mm
What could be improved? It’s one the heaviest ones on our list.
The Lululemon Travel Mat is a companion to contributors. Kaitlyn McInnis On a trip to India. Although the mat is thinner than an average yoga mat the FSC certified material gives it a strong grip. This mat also folds into a carryon without creases. McInnis said it was the best way to start his morning. “Being able pull out and do a short stretch session really sets up for a more flexible, less painful day.” The mat is designed for low-impact exercises and yoga. It can also be used with other accessories. the Towel For more support during intense classes.
This article was updated to include new information since the original publication date.
