Gaiam, BalanceFrom, Manduka yoga mats and so forth are in one detailed comparison. Which one will become a winner of the race for the best yoga mat 2022?
Contents
Introduction
Do most yoga mats come in the same look? Yes, they almost do.
Well, there are numerous things which make each them different though. And these factors help you to find out the best yoga mat and somehow define your practice and lifestyle as well.
Yoga mat reviews – Best choices for 2022
The race for the best yoga mat 2022 gets started with the 5 top-rated options. So now, game on!
1. Gaiam Yoga Mat
The first recommendation is from Gaiam who does never make their customers disappointed due to numerous options to choose. And this yoga mat is not an exception when it comes with more than 40 different pattern designs.
Gaiam mat measures 24” L x 68” W and weighs 3.35 lbs. Its extra thickness of 6mm provides more cushioning for your joints to follow the fitness routine.
Also, we consider this as a reliable non-slip yoga mat. The textured surface gives an additional traction and prevents slipping during exercise.
In terms of material, the mat is from non-toxic PVC for better stickiness. However, if you concern about the environment problem, this material seems not to work well.
Gaiam Yoga Mat
Pros
- Numerous options of pattern
- Lightweight
- Extra thickness
- Non-slip textured surface
- Durable material
Cons
- No eco-friendliness
2. Amazon Yoga Mat
If the Gaiam 6mm yoga mat cushions your body well with its great thickness, this Amazon star can do that work even better.
The mat gets its dimension of 24” W x 74” L and thickness of 12mm (1/2 inch). Especially, it is approximately 2 lbs. heavy only.
Moreover, Amazon chooses foam as the material to make this mat. A combination of high thickness and foam can add both shock absorption and comfort.
But the material brings a downside, too. Honestly, this type of material is not as durable as PVC for sure.
Amazon Yoga Mat
Pros
- Lightweight
- Shock-absorption
- Comfort
- Excellent thickness
- Idea length for tall yogis
Cons
- Low durability
3. BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat
Another suggestion for 1/2-inch yoga mat is the BalanceFrom GoYoga. With the measure of 71″ L x 24″ W, it becomes one of the most ideal choice for tall practitioners. Not only that, its foam-made premium thickness of 0.5 inches (12mm) will surely help to protect your body even on the hard ground.
Additionally, the mat gets textured on both sides. Thus, you can feel better stickiness which is helpful for switching and holding poses on the mat.
In each set of products, there is an additional yoga mat strap for free. Despite not avoiding things like dust, it somehow gives an ease of carrying. Furthermore, the brand offers a 2-year term of warranty with this mat.
BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long-term warranty
- Double-side texture
- High thickness
- Extra length
Cons
- Low durability
4. Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat
Manduka PROlite is not the best thick yoga mat. It works well as the best non-slip yoga mat instead.
Like other products in our yoga mat reviews, the Manduka PROlite one measures 71 x 24 inches for length and width. In term of thickness, this mat is only 4.7mm thick. But we believe that it is still an acceptable rating.
Material is of great importance contributing to the high performance of this Manduka highlight. The STANDARD 100 certificated PVC gives the mat an excellent durability, stickiness, and traction as well. PVC under the closed-cell technology effectively wicks all moisture like sweat sticking on the mat.
Thanks to great points mentioned above, the lifetime of each Manduka yoga mat can last 10 years on average.
Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat
Pros
- Lightweight
- Extra length
- Durability
- More traction
- Non-slip texture
- Moisture absorption
Cons
- Thinness
5. Everyday Essentials Yoga Mat
You buy the Everyday yoga mat and you get a mat strap along with a knee pad for free. Well, it is such an economic option. Because of affordability and accessories included, we list this mat as the best yoga mat for beginners then.
Since the Everyday mat is 71″ long 24″ wide, it can meet requirement of practitioners with almost body shapes and sizes.
When it comes to thickness, the mat gets around 0.5 inch. In general, this thickness level can ensure an adequate comfort.
Also, the mat comes with double sided non-slip surfaces which are an indispensable part of every mat for yoga. These surfaces are a result of the moisture resistant technology, so we can experience an ease of clean.
Everyday Essentials Yoga Mat
Pros
- Lightweight
- Extra length
- Double non-slip surface
- Moisture resistance technology
Cons
- Foam material
Buying guide
Thickness, material, texture, stickiness, and eco-friendliness are five in numerous elements to consider when looking for the best yoga mat. Now, let’s take a look at them.
Thickness
In fact, a too thick or too thin yoga mat is a bad idea. The thick yoga mat may weaken the strong connection to the ground that you feel in the tree pose. On the other hand, the thin one probably causes you to bang your knees against the floor with crescent lunges.
On the market, the yoga mat thickness ranges from 1/16 to 1/4 inch while a standard mat normally measures 1/8 inch. But some people tend to prefer the thinnest mats due to their super lightweight and portability.
Material
Undoubtedly, the material is of great importance deciding how the mat is sticky, eco-friendly, and spongy. Besides, the better the material is, the higher durability the mat can get over time.
Most of the best yoga mat brands, nowadays, make their products of PVC (another name of vinyl). Not only that, for the earth-friendly solution, numerous other materials such as recycled rubber and organic cotton also become a part of the manufacture.
If you suffer from an allergy to latex, the natural rubber is not a healthy choice. In case that the true stickiness is really your priority, we highly recommend the PVC.
Texture
The texture can decide how much traction your yoga mat can offer. So, it works in a role of barriers to prevent you from slipping and sliding on the mat. Moreover, the texture is one of the key components to add more comfort.
Although we consider PVC mat as the most favorite choice, this material slightly loses its advantage when it comes to texture. As the tradeoff, a rubber, jute, or cotton mat featuring the raised pattern seems to be more protective with additional grip.
Stickiness
When switching or holding yoga poses for seconds, you need stickiness of the mat. In terms of this element, the PVC can bring the highest stickiness for the yoga mat. However, you should wash the mat regularly with the right cleaner. There is no doubt that the mat is only sticky when it is clean.
Eco-friendliness
For every yogi, the non-violence does really make sense. It is the reason why using eco-friendly products is always of prime importance to them. Based on this belief, the natural or recycled rubber mat has an advantage.
Conclusion
To sum up, each yoga mat of the list has its advantages and disadvantages. Despite that fact, for us, the best yoga mat overall should be the one from Gaiam. Its wide range of options for pattern designs is so impressive. Not only that, the mat gets a great thickness as well as premium PVC material.
