Best Outdoor Yoga Mat For Travel In 2023
If you want to stay fit and flexible on your travels, yoga is a great option. But finding a yoga mat that’s both light and durable can be a challenge. These are our top picks for best outdoor yoga mats for traveling.
It can be tough finding a yoga mat that strikes the perfect balance between durable and portable. Travel yoga mats are sometimes too thin and lightweight for outdoor use, and outdoor mats can be super thick and clunky to travel with. If you’re a digital nomad or traveling full time, picking the right yoga mat can make all the difference.
Luckily, some mats find the happy medium between being easy to travel with and tough enough for outdoor yoga. Below are the best outdoor yoga mats for people that love to do their yoga in the fresh air.
Read more:
Best Outdoor Yoga Mats
Carry Onwards Travel Yoga Mat
Unsurprisingly, Lululemon makes one of the best travel mats for outdoor use. Their Carry Onwards Travel Yoga Mat is light and malleable, allowing it to fold into a small rectangle that you can fit in your suitcase or your backpack.
It’s lightweight, but the natural rubber material is sturdy, so it will last through years of intense use.
The mat has one side lined with rubber grips, so you won’t slide around on whatever surface you decide to do yoga. The other side is super soft but not slippery, so you can feel comfortable while digging deep into your warrior poses.
Pros
- Natural rubber
- Good surface grip
- Comfortable
- No slippage
- Foldable
- Lightweight (3 pounds)
Cons
- Expensive
- Thin (2 mm)
Jade Yoga Travel Mat
The Jade Travel Yoga Mat combines portability and durability for the outdoor yogi on the move. It’s thick enough to keep you comfortable and supported, even if you do yoga on a concrete surface.
It’s lightweight and rolls up tightly, making for an easy item to put in your suitcase or walk long distances with. The mat is natural rubber, so it offers decent cushioning while also allowing you to feel the ground and experience what yoga is like outdoors.
It comes in four earthy colors and is one of the longer mats on the list, perfect for all the tall yogis out there!
Jade Yoga also plants a tree for every yoga mat sold – and have planted over 2 million trees around the world so far.
Pros
- Moderate thickness (3mm)
- Lightweight (3 pounds)
- Excellent grip
- No slippage
- Natural rubber
Cons
- Gets dirty easily
- Expensive
Eko Superlite Travel Yoga Mat
Not only is the Eko Superlite Travel Yoga Mat stylish and lightweight, but it’s one of the more affordable travel mats. If you want a beautifully patterned mat to take on the go, this is the mat for you.
It comes in three solid colors and two delightful designs. And it checks all the boxes for a traveling yogi. It’s also a very long mat, so it’s great for taller people.
It rolls up into a slender bundle, and yogis rave about the incredible grip. So no matter how slippery the floor is or how sweaty your palms get, this is the ultimate travel yoga mat for indoor and outdoor workouts.
Pros
- Impeccable grip
- Affordable
- Lovely patterns and colors
- Compact when rolled
- Lightweight (2 pounds)
Cons
- Thin (1.5 mm)Yoloha Aura Cork Yoga Mat
Yoloha Aura Cork Yoga Mat
The Yoloha Aura Cork Yoga Mat is the best mat for someone that likes to feel one with nature and connected to their environment when they do their poses. It’s very thick, so you won’t feel the hard or uneven surface underneath if you practice on grass or rocky dirt.
It’s comfortable and supportive, but some say it can be slippery. So if you’re somebody who gets super sweaty, it may not be the best option for you.
One of the best things about this mat is the gorgeous designs you can choose from. And for those that prefer cork over rubber or leather, this is the best choice. Check out the store to see the whole range of beautiful Yoloha yoga mats.
Pros
- Natural cork
- Thick (6mm)
- Lightweight (3 pounds)
- Beautiful designs
- Comfortable
Cons
- Sometimes slippery
- Expensive
Thalassa Artistry Yoga Mat
The bright Thalassa Artistry Yoga Mat is one of the best outdoor yoga mats with beautiful artwork that will leave you feeling inspired for your workout. This mat has a fascinating feel to it, with a suede top and impressive flexibility.
It can lay flat on uneven surfaces and has the pliability of a super thick towel. It rolls up into a super tight and compact bundle that you can sling over your shoulder and not have to worry about it.
It’s also longer and wider than most yoga mats, so it’s ideal for yogis that like to spread out a lot or shift around during their sessions.
Pros
- Flexible
- Lightweight (4 pounds)
- Artistic design
- Compact when rolled
- Well-cushioned
- Long and wide
- Absorbent
Cons
- Thin (1.7mm)
- Expensive
Yogo Ultralight Folding Yoga Mat
This Yogo Ultralight Folding Yoga Mat lives up to its name, weighing less than 3 pounds and allowing the user to fold it into a neat little rectangle or roll it up into a compact bundle.
For people who want to bring their mat on airplanes or their bicycles, this is one of the easiest mats to carry around.
While it isn’t as thick as many other outdoor mats, it has a durable design featuring a rubber and cotton blend. As long as you don’t lay your mat down on a pile of rocks, you should be able to comfortably do your sun salutations in the actual sun!
Pros
- Super lightweight (2.5 pounds)
- Durable cotton and rubber blend
- Easily foldable and rollable
- Attached straps for carrying
Cons
- Thin (1.5mm)
- Moderate grip
Manduka Pro Yoga Mat
The Manduka Pro Yoga Mat is one of the most recommended mats by yogis and yoga instructors. It’s super thick and cushioned, making it ideal for outdoor use even on the most uncomfortable surface.
It has a closed-cell design that wicks away moisture and bacteria, making it easy to clean and care for. However, it can be a bit slippery if you sweat a lot. This bold-colored mat comes in a standard length and extra-long, so you can buy the mat that suits your yoga needs.
It’s made from premium PVC that’s durable and long-lasting no matter where you take it or where you do your yoga.
Pros
- Premium PVC
- Moisture-wicking
- Cushioned and comfortable
- Ten color options
Cons
- Thick (6mm)
- Heavy (7.5 pounds)
Alo Yoga Warrior Mat
The Alo Yoga Warrior Mat is one of the best outdoor yoga mats for travel, thanks to its sleek design and lightweight feel. It comes in ten different colors, so you can express yourself and match your workout clothes. It uses reliable polyurethane leather and rubber.
The top layer of leather is excellent for sweaty palms, and the rubber bottom side is textured for fantastic grip and stability.
The double-layered yoga mat is thick so it can protect you from the elements underneath your mat. While the mat rolls up well, it’s rather heavy compared to other mats on this list.
Pros
- Thick (5mm)
- No slippage
- Comfortable
- Excellent grip
Cons
- Not foldable
- Expensive
- Heavy (8 pounds)
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Yoga Mats
Here are some frequently asked questions so you can choose the perfect mat for your needs.
What should I consider when choosing an outdoor yoga mat?
There are many elements to consider when picking the perfect mat for you. When weighing your options, pay attention to the following:
- Length
- Weight
- Material
- Price
You should think about how often you’ll be carrying your mat around with you, the feeling of the material, budget constraints, and how tall you are.
What makes outdoor yoga mats different?
Yoga mats designed for outdoor use are typically thick, with one side designated for the ground. They have to use a durable material, otherwise, they may be subject to excessive wear and tear after a short time, making them a waste of money.
People do yoga on many surfaces, from grass to dirt to hardwood to outdoor tiles. While you can choose a mat specific to your surface type, most outdoor mats can handle all of these situations because of their durable design.
What makes travel yoga mats different?
The main aspect of a travel mat is its ability to fold up and become compact. These mats also tend to be lighter than traditional yoga mats, making them perfect for yogis on the move.
Travel yoga mats are designed to be lightweight and compact when you roll or fold them. Some ditch the less flexible rubber and cork materials for a softer cloth-like material, so you can pack it up like a blanket or towel.
If you plan to travel often and bring your yoga mat with you, it makes life a lot easier when you can fit it in your carry-on.
Final Note – Best Outdoor Yoga Mats
Rather than struggle to fit your massive mat in your carry-on or waste money on an indoor mat that can’t handle outdoor surfaces, choose one that can meet all of your needs. For yogis that love exercising in the fresh air wherever they go, these are the best outdoor yoga mats.
Ditch the ten-pound mat that doesn’t fit in any of your bags and switch to one of these comfortable and compact outdoor yoga mats for travel!
