The best yoga mat for travel this summer
Your suitcase is already packed and you’re certainly not giving up your yoga routine just because you’re going on holiday. Which yoga mat is suitable for summer holiday yoga? A mat that can lie on the beach without immediately falling apart into a thousand pieces, or that still has grip when you’re sweating like an otter in tropical heat?
Let’s be honest: not every mat is built for outdoor life. Sand, seawater, extreme heat and UV rays are challenges your home mat probably never has to deal with. Time for some advice that really helps you choose the perfect travel companion.
Why regular mats aren’t suitable for holidays
Natural rubber mats are fantastic for your daily practice at home, but on the beach they become your worst enemy. Sand sticks to them as if it’s magnetic and you’ll never get it completely off. Worse still: repeated exposure to seawater and the constant wet-dry cycles make natural rubber age faster. Your mat loses flexibility and becomes dry, causing the grip to disappear.
Your beach body workout then suddenly becomes a slippery affair.
PVC: the unexpected hero of your beach yoga mat
Here comes the plot twist: PVC mats are actually perfect for beach use. They’re UV-resistant, withstand high temperatures, and you can simply rinse sand off in the sea or shake it off. No stress, no fuss.
A mat like the KURMA Fold-N-Flow is a smart investment for your summer beach practice. This PVC mat combines durability with ease of maintenance – exactly what you need when you’re stretching between the palm trees.
Benefits of PVC for beach yoga:
- Sand rinses away easily
- UV radiation doesn’t bother the mat
- Temperature fluctuations are no problem
- Seawater doesn’t damage the material
Lightweight options for the active traveller
If you’re on the move a lot, you don’t want to lug around a brick. Then light travel mats are your best friend. The Manduka eKO SuperLite weighs just 1 kilogram and is only 1.5 mm thick. Perfect for your backpack, and the closed-cell surface doesn’t absorb moisture. Hygienic and handy.
For intensive sessions, always add a yoga towel for extra grip. Problem solved.
Heat-resistant yoga mat choices
Extreme heat makes mats deform or lose their grip. A heat-resistant yoga mat like the KURMA Core Grip Lite holds up, regardless of whether you’re doing yoga in the scorching sun of Thailand or on the hot sand of the Canary Islands.
This affordable PVC mat offers good grip and cushioning, both at home and on the road. Multifunctional, as every good piece of travel gear should be.
Natural rubber: for the traditionalists
Still love the traditional feel of natural rubber? Then you can still enjoy yoga goods like the Flowin’Motion natural rubber mat. Just make sure you avoid sand and salt water. This mat is perfect for hotel rooms, local yoga studios, or shady spots in the park.
The high-quality grip and durability make it worthwhile, as long as you treat it as it deserves.
Tips for your summer holiday yoga mat
For beach use:
- Always choose PVC over natural rubber
- Check if the mat is UV-resistant
- Ensure easy cleaning options
For general travel use:
- Consider a lightweight, thin travel mat
- Quick drying time is essential in humid climates
- A yoga towel provides extra grip when perspiring
Maintenance during your trip:
- Always clean your mat after use
- Remove salt, sand and dirt immediately
- Let the mat dry completely before rolling it up
- Store it in a cool, dry place
Finding the perfect match
Are you mainly going to the beach? Then a durable PVC mat like the Fold-N-Flow is a no-brainer. Are you more of a backpacker who wants to do yoga in hostels and studios? Then a light natural rubber travel yogamat might suit your journey better.
The most important thing is that your mat handles the conditions you encounter. Good grip, durability and easy maintenance are the three pillars you need to look out for.
Your holiday yoga is about finding balance, not stressing about your equipment. Choose wisely, pack your mat, and go enjoy those downward dogs at sunset. Your body will thank you, and your Instagram followers probably will too.
