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Whether you’re hopping on a red-eye to Bali or squeezing in a sunrise flow between meetings in Milan, the best travel yoga mats are the unsung heroes of the 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.
Associate editor Hannah Towey testing out yoga mats in Norwalk, Connecticut
Hannah Towey
In a world where hotel-room 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. From sustainably sourced rubber to innovative antimicrobial fabrics, today’s travel yoga mats are thoughtfully engineered to keep up with your practice, no matter the timezone.
We’ve sifted through dozens of options, consulted frequent flyers and yoga instructors alike, and tested mats across continents to bring you this curated list of the best travel yoga mats. Whether you’re a casual practitioner or a devoted globetrotting yogi, these mats will help you flow freely—wherever your journey takes you.
FAQ:
What makes a travel yoga mat different from a regular yoga mat?
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 regular mats, which can be bulky or heavy, travel mats typically weigh under 2.5 lb. and are usually 1–2 mm thick. While they may offer less cushioning, they’re ideal for on-the-go use where portability is key.
Can travel yoga mats still provide enough grip and support for regular practice?
Yes, many high-quality travel yoga mats offer excellent grip, even in sweaty or humid conditions. While they’re thinner than standard mats, some models are made from natural rubber or microfiber that enhances traction. If you need extra support, you can layer your travel mat over a studio mat or carpet. The key is choosing a mat with materials that prioritize non-slip performance and durability.
How do I clean and maintain my travel yoga mat while traveling?
Cleaning a travel yoga mat on the road is simple: wipe it down with a damp cloth or use a spray bottle with a gentle, mat-safe cleaner. Some travel mats are machine washable (check the label), and most dry quickly due to their thin material. To avoid odors or bacteria buildup, always let your mat air out after use—especially in humid climates.
Weight: 2 lb.
Thickness: 1.5 mm
What could be improved: The foldable design can wobble slightly on uneven surfaces, so it’s best used on flat, firm ground for optimal stability.
I unrolled the Mikkoa travel yoga mat during a misty sunrise session just off the coast in Bar Harbor, Maine. The microfiber top only got grippier as I moved through sun salutations, and at 2 lb., it was light enough to carry along the beach or the trek back to the hotel without breaking a sweat. With just 1.5 mm of thickness, its cushioning is minimal, but the natural rubber base anchored me solidly on damp wooden planks. Bonus: It’s fully machine washable, which came in handy after a sandy session later that week. Stylish, practical, and surprisingly durable, this yoga mat is a great option for travelers. It’s worth noting, though, that this pick is best used on flat ground; the foldable design can feel a little uneven on grass or bumpy terrain. —Paris Wilson, commerce writer
Weight: 1.5 lb.
Thickness: 1.5 mm
What could be improved: No complaints—it’s the best travel yoga mat I’ve tried!
This mat is laser thin, but doesn’t feel bad on the knees. The cushion is supportive enough to do light workouts on. The slimness is the selling point, it makes the mat one of the lightest on the markets and easy enough to pack in a tote bag or duffel comfortably. Truthfully, it was so easy to travel with I didn’t even need to bring it in a tote, but needed one to carry my book. After a session of hot yoga I was definitely slipping and sliding, but that’s just because of the nature of the workout. —Charlie Hobbs, associate editor
Weight: 3.5 lb.
Thickness: 2 mm
What could be improved: It’s slightly too thin for comfortable headstands and can be tough on the knees. I suggest doubling up the mat underneath you when holding longer poses.
This is a travel-friendly version of Alo’s popular Warrior Mat. The grip is fantastic, even in a hot yoga class. I prefer this mat for standing poses, quicker-paced vinyasa classes, or pilates mat workouts. I’ve also used it during 90-minute Hatha yoga classes, which require holding poses for longer periods of time. It’s easily packable for air travel—I’ll be taking it with me on my next flight. Plus, the all black design is super sleek. —Hannah Towey, associate editor, transportation and travel news
Weight: 1.8 lb.
Thickness: 2 mm
What could be improved: Given its thinness, it doesn’t offer the best support for those who might need more cushion.
I’ve always loved yoga on-the-go, but always have way too much to carry. The Gaiam yoga mat folds up into a square making it easy to pack—a real game changer for travel. It has a stabilizing grip so I’ve used it on my hardwood floor and balcony at home. I’ve also swiftly packed it with me for beach days, and used it for prime time: coastal sunrise and sunset meditation. It fit in my beach bag and tote perfectly—the mat’s foldability, flatness, and lightness all catered to its ease for travel. It surely will fit in any checked luggage, carry-on, and standard-sized backpack, too. At home, the mat is super easy store and to spot clean with a damp cloth, cold water, and mild detergent. Just make sure to dry it flat. —Jessica Chapel, commerce writer
Weight: 1.5 lb.
Thickness: 1.5 mm
What could be improved: Ultra-thin profile is great for portability, but can be tough on knees or wrists during longer holds.
I brought the Jade Voyager Mat with me to Oahu, where I spent a week indulging in morning vinyasa on the breezy shores of 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. Despite its barely-there 1.5 mm thickness, the natural rubber surface offered excellent grip, even on humid tiles and slick sand. It’s a minimalist’s dream and is perfect for yogis who prioritize packability over plushness. That said, you do feel every pebble and crack beneath you. Great on smoother ground, but on a rougher surface, your knees will notice the difference. — 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.
One of my favorite things about the eKO Superlite is that it’s made from harvested natural rubber so it doesn’t slide on tile or wood floors. I used the mat at home, took it with me in a tote to the gym, and traveled with it packed in a carry-on for a road trip upstate. The Superlite doesn’t come with any traveling accessories, but since you have the option of carrying it in a roll or folding it, it’s a cinch to pack. I used the mat during a 30-minute strength training routine, planks, and to do a few yoga stretches like downward dog. I especially like the feel of the Superlite’s thickness, which seems substantial despite this being a lightweight mat. —Alexandra Sanidad, research director
Weight: 2 lb.
Thickness: 12 mm
What could be improved: It’s not super practical when purchased without the bag.
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’s an elastic water bottle pocket, an exterior zip pocket for keys and a small wallet, and enough interior room to store a change of clothes if you’re coming from work or another activity. I’ve taken it to yoga classes via the subway and on foot, and it’s very convenient to carry when you have the right bag. 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. This gives it a nice thickness, though, that I appreciate when using it on a hard yoga studio floor and in my own non-carpeted apartment. —Madison Flager, associate commerce director
Liforme
Classic travel yoga mat
Weight: 3.5 lb.
Thickness: 2 mm
What could be improved: At 3.5 lb., it’s heavier than most travel mats, but it’s ideal for road trips or short-haul flights.
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’s on the heavier side for a travel mat, but the 2 mm thickness made a world of difference on the uneven ground. The GripForMe surface material remained rock-steady underfoot, and the AlignForMe markings provided a subtle guide for staying balanced. Visually, it’s a stunner—matte primary colors paired with deeper tones of the same family that feel more like art than gear. If you can handle the weight, it delivers both beauty and serious performance. —P.W.
42 Birds
The Robin Cork yoga mat
Weight: 1.9 lb.
Thickness: 5 mm
What could be improved: This is a perfect lightweight mat for daily use, but if you’re looking for a packable mat to fold up into a suitcase then you’ll have to sacrifice more cushion.
This was my first cork mat and I have to say, I’m never going back to rubber after this. I need a mat that is grippy for balance poses and moderately cushioned for my knees. During sweaty sessions, the cork’s grip actually improves with moisture (the opposite of rubber mats, which get slippery with sweat). Cork has natural antimicrobial properties, so it resists mold, mildew, and bad smells. It’s super easy to clean—just spray it down and wipe it occasionally, the same way you would any other mat. Plus, 42 Birds sustainably harvests the cork from oak trees in the Mediterranean, meaning the mat’s material is eco-friendly and the texture feels much less synthetic underneath your feet. While this mat isn’t necessarily packable in a suitcase, I’ve carried it all over New York City in a tote bag and love how lightweight it is compared to heavier rubber mats I’ve owned in the past. It’s easy to throw in the car for road trips and take with you on the train, and it comes with a cotton strap, making it easy to sling over your shoulder. —H.T.
Weight: 2.6 lb.
Thickness: 6 mm
What could be improved: It doesn’t have a ton of grip; intense workouts are out of the question.
While testing, I mostly did yoga and core workouts with this mat. I have a really flat wood floor, so it works great for yoga, but it didn’t have a ton of grip when I was doing harder exercises that required quick movements. It’s pretty thin and light, but not too thin that you will feel the ground under you. I love the carrying accessories—a bag and a strap—that make it convenient to carry to and from classes. For out of town travel, it’s large enough to fit in a checked bag but it’d be pretty squished in a tote, weekender, or a carry-on. —Jamie Spain, travel bookings editor
Weight: 2.87 lb.
Thickness: 1.5 mm
What could be improved: It’s one of the heaviest on our list.
The Lululemon Travel Mat accompanied contributor Kaitlyn McInnis on a trip to India. While the mat is much thinner than the average yoga mat, the FSC certified rubber gives it a stronger grip and leaves the mat crease-free after being folded into a carry-on. It was the perfect start to McInnis’s morning: “Being able to pull it out and do a quick stretch session really sets me up for a more limber, less painful day.” The mat alone is made for low-impact workouts and yoga, but can be paired with the Towel for more support in intense classes.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
