Jade has certainly become a standard bearer in the yoga mat space, and their product is the result of an extensive effort starting in 2000 to develop a new mat that wasn’t slippery like most PVC-based mats in the market at the time. Harmony is the world’s first natural rubber mat, and the effort certainly comes through. This mat grips, it has cushion and resilience and it's made from natural materials that make it sustainable and non-toxic. Jade also happens to be strongly mission-oriented -planting a tree for every mat sold.
Manduka’s Pro Yoga Mat is the luxury car of the yoga mat world. It’s hefty, and with added length and width and ultra-density, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a mat that’s more comfortable and performance-oriented. It’s also built to last, and when well-maintained you’ll have the Manduka for the long-haul. There isn’t a huge amount of grip, so if using this for hot yoga you’ll likely need to pair with a yoga towel.
Hugger Mugger carries a fun line of all sorts of yoga products, including props and clothes in colorful patterns. Their Para Mat comes in a non-slip rubber material similar to Jade’s Harmony Mat, with the added bonus of a clean, textured design and eco-friendly construction. It does smell distinctly rubbery when opened, so you may want to consider airing it out before taking it to class.
Lululemon, every mom’s favorite destination for spandex, also sells a mat made from their patented Luvea™ rubber that's natural, sustainably-sourced, and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. While designed for non-slippage, you might find that as you sweat you’ll start to slide around on the mat. If you’re regularly going to hot classes, we recommend adding a towel or looking for a different product.
Alo’s Warrior Mat is kind of a beast and built to last. With an unusual polyurethane leather top-layer and a bottom made of 100 per cent natural rubber, it weighs in at a full six pounds and has a stripped-down design that makes it a gold standard for hard-core yogis who need a no-fuss mat that holds up, especially when wet.
At under $10, Yoga Outlet’s Everyday Mat is nothing if not a bargain, and it maintains a solid grip and stickiness to avoid slipping. It’s a great pick that you won’t feel too guilty about beating up in class or using outside. The downside is it’s a bit thin as cheap mats tend to be, so if you find your wrists and knees are sore you might want to consider an upgrade.
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