I’m getting ready for another trip to Austin, to complete the second module of my Level 3 Comprehensive teacher training. In honor of that, I wanted to share five great mats you can take on the road. These trend in the style of yoga mats rather than traditional Pilates studio mats which, while providing great support, are not easy to take on the road. (And, let’s be honest, they’re not affordable for many people.) If you’re looking to take your practice with you on your next business trip or vacation, check out the list below for inspiration.
Note: these are not affiliate links. They are purely my own recommendations!
Best Studio-Style Mat
Balanced Body Aeromat
$52.00, www.pilates.com/shop
While this mat is on the thick side for travel, it’s incredibly lightweight, and offers superior comfort, especially for rolling exercises. If your joints need more support or you want to get as close to a studio feel as possible, this is the mat for you. It rolls up nicely and travels well in a car. Also, while it’s not my preferred workout mat for camping, it makes an excellent bed roll for underneath a sleeping bag!
Best for Glamping
Manduka Pro Yoga Mat
$138.00, www.manduka.com
The Manduka Pro is not actually a travel mat. In fact, Manduka makes an ultra-thin travel mat, but I do not recommend it for Pilates. While the Pro is dense and heavy, that’s what makes it perfect for practicing at your campsite. As someone who has practiced on beaches, in the mountains, and the forest, I can tell you that the Manduka Pro is great for uneven or rocky surfaces. It’s also durable like no other mat I’ve encountered, and easy to clean. While it’s not practical to take backpacking, if you’re planning a low-key weekend at a campground, this is your best bet.
Best for Your Carry-On
Blogilates Foldable Yoga Mat
$19.99, Target
I love this foldable mat because it manages the tricky task of compressing into a nice square while still maintaining a bit of structure. That’s the challenge I’ve found with ultra-thin, foldable mats: they’re super portable, but when it comes time to use them, they don’t stay in place all that well. But the Blogilates design team has managed to make a foldable mat that still feels like a comfy practice surface once you’ve unfolded it!
Best for the Environment
JadeYoga Travel Yoga Mat
$69.95, www.jadeyoga.com
This was my go-to travel mat for years, and it will always have a place in my heart. While I personally feel that rubber provides a little too much friction for my Pilates workouts, you might love it. This mat is durable, and if you prefer a lot of grip, this has you covered! Like the Manduka mat, it will also last for years, which is one of my litmus tests for ecofriendliness.
Best All-Around
Popflex Active Vegan Suede Yoga Mat
$59.00, www.popflexactive.com
I love this mat because it’s thin and lightweight, but not too thin. I still get a nice sense of cushion and support when I work out on it. While this is not specifically marketed as a travel mat, I always take it along with me when visiting family or going on a road trip. It takes up less space than the first two mats on the list, is lighter, and comes in a fantastic array of patterns. While I don’t like the term “vegan suede” (it’s greenwashing . . . vegan suede is plastic, which relies on fossil fuels), I do enjoy the comfort and grip.
Are you the type to take your mat on the road to guarantee a workout wherever you are? Or are you more the type to take a chance on the local studios in the area? Let me know in the comments!