Can you bring a yoga mat on a plane?

Most traditional yoga mats are too big to fit in carry-on luggage but the industry has given rise to travel-specific foldable yoga mats that can condense down to the size of a book. These can easily fit in your carry-on luggage or go in your checked bag.

How do I choose a travel yoga mat?

When choosing a travel yoga mat you will need to first look at its size, weight and how small it can be folded and packed. Then you should look at the brands eco-credentials, the material and durability, and its grip.

The 10 Best Travel Yoga Mats - A Detailed Buyer's Guide [2023]

Q: What is the thinnest yoga mat?

The Yoga Design Lab Yoga Mat is 1 millimeter thick and weighs just 2.4 pounds, making it perfect for stashing away in your carry-on. With its very own carry strap, you could even roll or fold it for portability and throw it in the wash when you are done.

Q: What is the best travel yoga mat?

The Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat is made from material that is sustainable, biodegradable, and incredibly durable, so it supports both your principles and your practice.

If you practice yoga, you know that nothing feels quite as spiritually enlightening as rolling out your mat on the beach, at the top of a mountain, or overlooking the ocean. For a yogi who likes to get around, a good travel yoga mat is a must-have essential for your next adventure.

Check out some of the best travel yoga mats on the market to help you enjoy a true spiritual break this season.

Table of contents

What To Look for in a Yoga Mat for Travel?
The 10 Best Yoga Mats for Travel
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

What To Look for in a Yoga Mat for Travel?
The 10 Best Yoga Mats for Travel
Final Thoughts

What To Look for in a Yoga Mat for Travel?

Weight

Your travel yoga mat will need to be light enough to be able to take virtually anywhere with you. It should be light as a feather, yet still strong enough to avoid rips or tears on any surface. Most travel mats weigh just a few pounds, so anything more than that will no doubt be bulky and better left at home.

Portability and Foldability

Yoga Mat Portability — You should be able to roll or fold up your travel yoga mat. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

Another essential element of your travel yoga mat will be how easy it is to fold and up store. Full-size mats that can be rolled or folded up small enough to pack into your carry-on bag or suitcase are exactly what you need. Some come with carrying bags, and some with their own built-in handles.

Bottom Line: Whatever type you go for, make sure it will fit in your luggage with plenty of room to spare.

Comfort and Thickness

Yoga Mat Thickness — The thinner the yoga mat, the more portable it is. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

The thickness of your yoga mat is relative to exactly how comfortable it will be. Too thin and your knees and elbows will scrape along the floor, too thick and it won’t be portable. After all, it’s a yoga mat you want, not a mattress. Just the odd fraction of an inch thicker than the others will add comfort but also extra unwanted bulk when it comes to folding or rolling.

Grip and Stickiness

Yoga Mat Grip — Your mat needs to have good grip to prevent you from sliding. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

The amount of grip, or “stickiness” your travel yoga mat offers is the difference between a successful session and a potential injury. Your mat needs to be sticky to prevent you from sliding all over the place. It will also help you to maintain your alignment as you transition between poses and help you hold positions longer.

Material and Durability

You want your yoga mat to be as easy to clean as possible. Most modern-day travel yoga mats consist of a rubber bottom layer, with a thin microfiber top. These materials are often made more grippy with sweat to prevent you from slipping and are often moisture-wicking and eco-friendly to boot.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly

Your yoga mat should, of course, be made from ecologically-friendly materials. It should also come from a company that is also committed to sustainability and zero-waste production techniques. This can include the use of nontoxic chemicals used in production or the finished product and mats that do not contain PVC/EVA/heavy metals or any synthetic materials.

Never compromise your own ethics and don’t be afraid to ask about additional efforts made by the brand.

The 10 Best Yoga Mats for Travel

1. Best for Mindful Adventures on a Budget

BEST OVERALL: Gaiam Yoga Mat

Measuring 24 x 68 inches, this mat is perfect for people of all heights. It also has good traction that won't slide on the floor or make you slip.

Gaiam Folding Travel Yoga Mat

Measuring an impressive 68 x 24 inches x 2 millimeters when fully open, this travel yoga mat can fold up into a bag the size of a 10 x 12-inch square. Compact enough to fit into the smallest of carry-ons or weekender bags, this is a great yoga mat for travel.

Made from rubber, the Gaiam Folding Travel Mat also features perforated lines for easy folding, as well as helping with body alignment and positioning during your practice. It has exceptional stickiness and the unique, nonslip texture provides very stable footing for the ultimate performance every time.

Brought to you by a well-respected yoga and wellness brand that provides quality wellness products and accessories, this compact, cute, and incredibly useful travel yoga mat will be perfect for your next adventure.

What We Like

Folds up small to fit in your carry-on

What We Don’t Like

Picks up hair easily

2. A Luxury Mat for Next Level Practice

UPGRADE PICK: YOGA DESIGN LAB

This mat also functions as a towel, which is perfect for working out away from home or for doing hot yoga sessions. It also has a carrying strap to be hands-free.

Yoga Design Lab Yoga Mat | 2-in-1 Luxury Mat+Towel

Just the right size for all body types, this travel yoga mat measures up at 70 x 24 inches x 1.5 millimeters, and weighs just 2.4 pounds, making it perfect for stashing away in your carry-on. With its very own carry strap, you could even roll or fold it for portability and throw it in the wash when you are done.

Made from luxurious and absorbent suede microfiber made from recycled plastic bottles and a natural tree rubber base, you get a supersoft travel mat with a fantastically sticky base.

Designed to withstand all types of yoga practice including Ashtanga, Vinyasa, power, hatha, Bikram, and even hot yoga, as well as other fitness programs including Pilates or barre, this mat guarantees slip-free exercise that grips better the more you sweat.

What We Like

Made from 15 plastic bottles and sustainable materials

What We Don’t Like

Thickness is only really suitable for use on soft floors

3. A Super-light but Efficient Yoga Mat

Manduka EKO Superlite

This mat is lightweight and won't slip. It's made of rubber material, so you won't stick either, making it a comfortable mat for yoga and Pilates. It's also easy to handwash.

Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat

Weighing in at a little over 2 pounds, this natural rubber grip travel yoga mat can be easily rolled to take anywhere with you. Made from material that is sustainable, biodegradable, and incredibly durable, the Manduke eKO Superlite Travel Mat is designed to support both your principles and your practice.

The natural rubber surface offers plenty of grips, even with light perspiration, and the closed-cell surface has been constructed to prevent sweat, dirt, and bacteria from absorbing into the mat’s surface and core, making cleaning super easy.

Developed over 3 years by experienced yoga teachers who were looking for a mat that offered portability as well as high performance and environmentally-friendly credentials, the eKO Superlite is a superb travel mat. Made without any PVC, toxic plasticizers, or harmful dyes, this is a 100% natural yoga mat that you can take anywhere with you.

What We Like

Provides lots of grip

What We Don’t Like

Has a strong smell at first and requires airing out

4. Natural Rubber Travel Mat From the Yoga Specialists at Jade

Jade Travel Yoga Mat

This mat is made of eco-friendly material that is certified non-toxic, so it's safe for prolonged contact with your bare skin. It's also easy to keep clean and sanitized between uses.

Jade Travel Yoga Mat

Available in a selection of supercool colors, and made from open cell natural rubber, the Jade Travel Yoga Mat provides optimum grip and support for all kinds of yoga and wellness positions. This foldable travel mat is lightweight enough to carry around with you, while still providing all the benefits of a full-size yoga mat.

Made from natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, and without any PVCs or synthetic materials, this mat offers incredible grip and durability. It is also incredibly comfortable with a light cushioning, making it great for yogis on the go.

Perhaps best loved for its superior stickiness, this mat is also slightly longer than the rest and will help to support you through a wide variety of positions. Strong yet small enough to roll up tightly to take with you, this is a fantastic mat for taking on your next vacation.

What We Like

Great for taller people

What We Don’t Like

Exposure to sunlight will damage the mat

5. Folds up Small and Slips Into Its Own Carry Case

Travel Yoga Mat

This mat will absorb humidity, so you don't have to worry about slipping or falling. That's also helped by the mat's material, which is anti-slip and offers traction on the floor.

TOPLUS Foldable Travel Yoga Mat

Ideal for taking on your next adventure, the Toplus Foldable Travel Yoga Mat can fold up super small to easily fit into your carry-on bag. Use this yoga mat on its own when practicing, or as a cover on top of public yoga mats for your own peace of mind.

With a natural suede backing, the more sweat that is absorbed by the mat, the better the nonslip capability becomes. The rubber top layer can be easily cleaned and will dry quickly so it can be folded or rolled, ready for the next part of your journey.

Complete with its very own lightweight carrying case, this mat will help to improve your balance and posture. Weighing just 2.5 pounds, this is a foldable travel yoga mat that is worth more than its very affordable price tag.

6. Origami Folding Design Keeps Your Mat Super Clean and Hygienic

Yogo Ultralight Folding Yoga Mat

With 2 carrying straps, this mat is easy to roll up and carry. You can keep it clean by rinsing it and wiping it down between uses and letting it dry quickly.

Ultralight Travel Yoga Mat

Designed with convenience in mind, the Ultralight Travel Yoga Mat can fold up into a tiny rectangle, making it easy to take anywhere with you. You can stow it in your suitcase or carry-on, or simply carry it as a separate item using the specially designed travel strap. The integrated straps also stay attached, making it easy to rinse quickly in the shower and dry.

Unlike other mats, the Ultralight has a folding origami design, meaning that the top remains cleaner and more hygienic as it never makes contact with the bottom. With a slim rubber profile, this is a highly-portable travel yoga mat that offers excellent sticky traction. The super-grippy mat is made from an award-winning material made from renewable, eco-friendly natural rubber. The cotton mesh will also stop the mat from stretching.

Purchasing one of these mats allows you to continue to invest in not just your own spirituality and well-being, but also benefits the environment as a whole. For every mat sold, YOGO plants a tree in Africa as part of a sustainable agriculture program.

7. Ultra-thin Yet Super Comfortable Foldable Yoga Mat

152 Reviews

Yogi Bare Teddy Yoga Mat

This mat offers you anti-slip traction that will keep it in place on the floor, even during rigorous sessions. There is also a microfiber surface that is soft and absorbent.

Yogi Bare Travel Yoga Mat

This nonslip yoga mat is just the right size for travel, and the portable design is lightweight enough to roll or fold up into any suitcase, carry-on, or backpack.

Perfect for taking on your next vacation or retreat, this mat measures 24 x 72 inches and is just 2 millimeters thin. The soft fabric surface gives great grip without becoming sticky and it becomes even more grippy as it gets wet, making it perfect for those who like to practice hot yoga.

With a microfiber moisture-activated top layer and a supportive and nonslip natural rubber base, this high-quality yoga mat will not peel, flake, or fade like so many of the cheaper plastic ones do, making this an excellent investment. The special waterproof layer forms a hygienic barrier to help keep bacteria at bay, and your mat is machine washable so it is easy to keep clean.

8. Ultimate Yoga Mat for Aficionados With Deep Pockets

Liforme Original Yoga Mat

This mat is thick and cushioned, so you won't be uncomfortable standing or doing difficult yoga poses on it. It's also sweat-resistant, which makes it more hygienic and easier to clean.

Liforme Yoga Mat

This may be one of the most expensive travel yoga mats on the market, but it is also one of the best your money can buy. Complete with the ground-breaking Liforme “GripForMe” material, this mat offers an unparalleled grip while practicing that even stays grippy when it gets “sweaty-wet,” making it essential equipment for any yogi on vacation.

Made from a selection of “body kind” materials, this mat will help to improve your posture, as well as keep your principles in good order. PVC-free, the mat is biodegradable in 1 to 5 years, and the nontoxic materials keep the mat clean and hygienic.

Longer, wider, and thicker than most travel yoga mats on the market, you will get plenty of comfort and space with the Liforme Yoga mat. Measuring 72.8 x 26.8 x 0.16 inches, this is a top-quality yoga travel mat that is perfect for serious yogis on the go.

9. A Multi-purpose Mat for Well-being on the Go

DISCOUNT: 7%

174 Reviews

June & Juniper Travel Yoga Mat

Since this mat is thin, when rolled up, it doesn't take up much room. It's also made of durable material that won't rip or wear down, even with daily use.

June & Juniper Foldable Lightweight Travel Yoga Mat

This ultra-thin, multi-purpose travel mat is a versatile, high-performance accessory that should be considered by every yoga lover looking for something strong yet portable. Made with nearly 6 feet of premium quality, moisture-wicking microfiber, this yoga mat can fold small enough to fit in your carry-on or travel bag. Complete with a matching knee pad and carrier, this mat has everything you need for your next vacation.

Made from a thin, breathable material, the highly-absorbent microfiber means that you can also use this as a sweat mat during pilates or hot yoga. With a super-comfortable feel and a black natural rubber side that offers an exceptional grip, you can use this mat anywhere.

Perfect for yoga lovers and fitness fanatics alike, this travel yoga mat should definitely be a part of your vacation travel kit.

10. Travel Around the World With This Folding Travel Mat

Khataland YoFoMat

This mat is completely latex-free, making it a hypoallergenic option. It's foldable and compact, so it won't take up much room between uses. It even comes with a traveling case.

Khataland YoFoMat

Made from specially formulated YoFoMat material, this travel mat folds down to the size of a book, making it super easy to slip into your handbag or carry-on. Measuring up at 72 x 24 x 1/6 inches, this is a long, thick travel mat that is suited to most body types.

The mat converts into a meditation mat or sitting mat and comes complete with touch-felt folding lines that act as coordinates for natural body alignment. The high-performance, latex-free material is easy to clean, and unlike other yoga mats, the unique ergonomic folding design means the floor side of the mat never touches the main body.

Made from nonallergenic, nontoxic materials and designed with sustainability in mind, this mat is also latex-free and has been SGS tested to be free of 16 phthalates. Keep your body supple, your spirit aligned, and your conscience clear with this superb, eco-friendly travel yoga mat from Khataland.

Final Thoughts

Keep your inner self well-aligned on your next vacation by slipping your portable yoga mat into your luggage. Only you know which kind of mat works best for your practice, but any kind of mat is better than none at all, or one that is too big to take with you.

Choose the best size, style, and even material to suit your needs, and prepare to take your well-being to another level on your next vacation.