5 Reasons to Buy a Travel Yoga Mat

5 Reasons to Buy a Travel Yoga Mat

A travel yoga mat is one of those things you don’t realise you need - until you're halfway across the world and stretching on a hotel towel or a battered borrowed mat, wondering why you didn’t pack one. Whether you’re jetting off for a retreat, heading into a full-on teacher training, or just want to keep your practice going on holiday, a great travel yoga mat helps you stay grounded wherever you go. From foldable designs that slot into hand luggage to grippy, eco-conscious options that thrive in tropical heat, here are five reasons why a travel mat could be your most brilliant summer purchase ever.

1. Practice anywhere, anytime

A good travel yoga mat gives you the freedom to practice wherever you are. Unlike a regular mat, travel mats are typically thinner and lighter, making them ideal for spontaneous flows and quick morning stretches without the bulk. It folds or rolls into your carry-on or backpack, instantly creating a familiar, grounding space whether you are in a beachside shala, a hotel room, on your friend’s balcony, or waiting out a flight delay in the airport lounge.

• Recommended product:
  • Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Mat – super light, foldable, and sustainably made.
  • Yogisha Travel Yoga Mat – a nice basic mat for a good price, made from everlasting PVC

2. Maintain your grip, no matter the climate

Many summer yoga experiences involve heat - whether it’s the sun overhead or a packed indoor class in warmer climates. A slippery mat can turn your Downward Dog into a comedy sketch in these situations. That's why choosing a travel yoga mat made from naturally grippy materials is worth it.

Top picks from Yogisha:

• Jade Yoga Voyager: Thin, grippy, and ideal for humid climates.
• Liforme Travel Mat: Premium, with alignment markers, great grip, and includes its own carry case.

3. Lightweight, foldable and built for travel

The best travel yoga mats are made for movement. If you’re hopping between cities or heading to a remote retreat, weight and size matter. Most travel mats weigh around 1kg or less and fold up flat, so you won’t need to sacrifice luggage space or haul around a bulky roll.

• Try this: Jade Yoga Voyager – folds small, weighs only 680g, and fits in most backpacks.

4. More hygienic than studio mats

Let’s be honest: shared mats in yoga studios, gyms, or retreat centres are a bit of a gamble. While most places clean them, it’s still not quite the same as having your own. A travel yoga mat is a great way to make sure your practice space is always fresh, familiar, and free of mystery footprints. Plus, during teacher trainings or retreats, you’ll likely be using your mat a lot, sometimes for hours a day. Bringing your own ensures you have a surface you trust, and that it’s always ready for savasana (and not covered in someone else’s Warrior residue).

• Add to cart: Manduka Mat Renew Spray – a plant-based, effective way to clean your mat on the go.

5. Your secret weapon for teacher trainings and retreats

A good travel mat isn’t just for holidays - it’s a must-have for intensive teacher trainings or retreats where your mat becomes your home base. You’ll want something reliable, durable, and easy to clean. Look for mats with eco-friendly materials, antimicrobial properties, and long-lasting grip. Your future yogi self will thank you.

• Lightweight alternative: Not ready to commit to a full mat? Try a yoga towel – While technically not a mat, it’s designed to go on top of one, whether in a studio or at your retreat. It grips well to the floor or another mat, absorbs sweat, and can even be used solo in a pinch (especially on grass or sand). It’s a clever space-saving alternative for the super-light travel yogis out there.

Ready for your summer yoga journey?

A travel yoga mat might be the most underrated item in your summer travel kit. It keeps you consistent, helps you stay grounded in new places, and turns any corner of the world into your personal shala.

Need help choosing the best one for your travels? Come test them out in our Amsterdam store – or send us a message and we’ll help you find your perfect fit.

Written by Gemma Fottles: www.gemmafottles.com