Okay, so I just got the Yogo in the mail. I had the Gaiam travel mat for a few days now. Here are my observations: The Gaiam is not as sticky as the Yogo mat. I'd say the Yogo is easily twice as sticky as the Gaiam, if not a little more so. And by sticky, I mean good sticky. I think they are similar thickness to each other, but maybe the Gaiam is a touch thicker, however I think the material of the Yogo might be a little more comfortable to use. Thickness IS important, but it is not the only metric of what makes a cushion to be cushiony. The materials and how they react to pressure are a big part of a mat's function. It is true that the Yogo folds up to less width, but the depth is doubled in that shape, so the width issue is relative to depth. The Gaiam is 12x10x1, so if you folded it again it would be very similar to the Yogo dimension. While these two mats actually take up similar volume, the Yogo is more manageable because it can be folded into a newspaper shape. And it is more flexible so it will conform to contents of luggage when it is being squished with a compression strap. I tried folding the Gaiam once more into the shape of the Yogo, but it is so much more tough and does not stay in that shape. i considered getting some straps to hold it that way, but it is awkward, and would crease the mat. My Yogo Mat is actually more like 12×4.5×2… not 12x5x2, which means it takes a little less space than advertised. Even though the Gaiam is really technically not much smaller than the Yogo, I think the Yogo is much more efficient in the way that it consume space, and it is more manageable., and seems more comfortable to use. If you want to lay it flat like the gaiam, you can, but it's advantage is to fold it up again into its intended shape for small bags. I highly recommend the Yogo mat. Everything about it screams quality, and I agree it is the best travel mat there is, but I wanted to cover some of the missing aspects of this comparison that nobody else on the internet would cover. I think the Gaiam would be a reasonable mat for travel (for the price), but it is less sticky and the hands slide, and it is not always adequate for very constrained luggage space. If you were checking luggage, you probably have space for the Gaiam. If you're doing carryon and traveling for a month at a time, get the Best you can. That is the Yogo.
g0tr00t –
Excellent, excellent, excellent!
If you are looking for an incredible yoga mat, look no further. Seriously. I have been doing yoga for about 3 years now and have had various mats through that time. Most if not all would always require me to use a knee pad to avoid that pain. A few months back, I bought a cloth top yoga bag, it was huge! I take with me to every yoga class and it is perfect!Well, now I am going on vacation and will not be able to bring the yoga mat that I bought and love. I found this, read some reviews and thought I’d give it a shot with Amazons excellent return policy, how could I lose.I have used this mat about 5 times now and will be putting it through its paces. So far, this thing is incredibly sticky, I DO NOT have to get the top wet (like my cloth one) to stick to it. It just works! I do not need any padding for my knees in various positions. As thin as it is, it is PERFECT to avoid ANY pain in my knees. I take it to work with me in my laptop bag and knock out a quick 45 minute yoga session during lunch in my gym at work. I NO LONGER have to touch the stinky mats that this whole building uses, yuck!As far as weight, I barely notice carrying it. My laptop is heavier. I wish I could give this product 6 stars. I am so glad I found it.As good as this mat is, I am even considering replacing my larger one with this one. Its that good! My next tests will be taking it to the beach and see how well it does with sand and then getting a rinse.Pros:- Sticky, I don’t slip on the mat- Doesn’t move- Doesn’t slip on the floor- Perfect size for me (5′ 9″) – I bought the long one.- Small size (when rolled up)- Fits in my laptop bag- Not heavy at all, will be perfect for travelling- Great for taking on my bike- Folds up so the side I use for yoga NEVER touches the ground (EXCELLENT IDEA).Cons:- Stinks, I washed and aired it out. (not a show stopper)You can see in the pictures the size. Its half the size of my laptop. You can also see it next to my foot (size 10 shoe).Taking it to the beach is next, we’ll see how well it handles sand.
Pearce Reviews –
Awesome little mat that I couldn’t recommend enough
I bought this one about a year ago here on Amazon. It’s been traveled with fairly extensively since! It’s grippy, light weight, washes off easily, and folds up easily and nicely so that the clean part stays on the outside (to keep your backpack clean)! It’s actually quite durable and I’m impressed with it’s how grippy it as as I’ll only slide a bit if very sweaty – despite that I rarely clean it if being honest.. I’ve used in in tight spaces between hotel beds and outdoors on patios, etc. I used my jade or manduka mat when home, but occasionally I’ll use this one simply because I like how I can feel the ground underneath better. It’s just the right amount of padding. I love this thing. Oh, and the folds do NOT lay completely flat when you lay it down (which I was hesitant about), but it’s been no issue whatsoever and I actually like having the center line sometimes! Also, I say it’s comfortable because it is for a travel mat – but if you’re looking for an every day mat, this is less comfortable than a daily mat choice would be. Since it’s not thick, it is great for balancing poses home or traveling! Enjoy.Adding in: I’m a registered yoga teacher as well and practice daily pretty consistently – so this sucker gets used!
Guinn McRoger –
Yogo Travel Mat Vs. Gaiam Travel Mat – Which should you choose?
Okay, so I just got the Yogo in the mail. I had the Gaiam travel mat for a few days now. Here are my observations: The Gaiam is not as sticky as the Yogo mat. I’d say the Yogo is easily twice as sticky as the Gaiam, if not a little more so. And by sticky, I mean good sticky. I think they are similar thickness to each other, but maybe the Gaiam is a touch thicker, however I think the material of the Yogo might be a little more comfortable to use. Thickness IS important, but it is not the only metric of what makes a cushion to be cushiony. The materials and how they react to pressure are a big part of a mat’s function. It is true that the Yogo folds up to less width, but the depth is doubled in that shape, so the width issue is relative to depth. The Gaiam is 12x10x1, so if you folded it again it would be very similar to the Yogo dimension. While these two mats actually take up similar volume, the Yogo is more manageable because it can be folded into a newspaper shape. And it is more flexible so it will conform to contents of luggage when it is being squished with a compression strap. I tried folding the Gaiam once more into the shape of the Yogo, but it is so much more tough and does not stay in that shape. i considered getting some straps to hold it that way, but it is awkward, and would crease the mat. My Yogo Mat is actually more like 12×4.5×2… not 12x5x2, which means it takes a little less space than advertised. Even though the Gaiam is really technically not much smaller than the Yogo, I think the Yogo is much more efficient in the way that it consume space, and it is more manageable., and seems more comfortable to use. If you want to lay it flat like the gaiam, you can, but it’s advantage is to fold it up again into its intended shape for small bags. I highly recommend the Yogo mat. Everything about it screams quality, and I agree it is the best travel mat there is, but I wanted to cover some of the missing aspects of this comparison that nobody else on the internet would cover. I think the Gaiam would be a reasonable mat for travel (for the price), but it is less sticky and the hands slide, and it is not always adequate for very constrained luggage space. If you were checking luggage, you probably have space for the Gaiam. If you’re doing carryon and traveling for a month at a time, get the Best you can. That is the Yogo.
Amazon Customer –
Very compact with a great fold – easily fits into a tote bag/rucksack/bike bag.Comfortable & grippy and good for stability.Not as padded as a 6mm mat (obviously) but better for balancing.Was concerned by previous comments that the rubber smell would be off-putting, or that the straps would get in the way: in use, I don’t notice either of them.Bought as a travel mat, but it has now replaced my old thicker mat.
Amazon Customer –
I read tons of reviews before picking this travel yoga mat and I am glad I did! I love it. Used it for a week on the beach, and now using it as cover for my local studio’s mat. It’s super easy to fold and transport and light. Th rubber smell goes after two/three practices, I have not found it to be slippery (contrarily to what described in other reviews). Highly recommended!!
Tessa –
Finally a mat that is made to be folded not rolled as one of my pet peeves is permanently rolled up ends and squashed yoga mats.At first I wasn’t sure about the attached straps but they were not in my way as the mat is long enough for me despite my height and at least this way I can’t lose them.If I have something bad to say it would be that I would like a greater choice of colours as I’m more of a bright-colour person although the green feels calming and grounding.The mat has good grip and I haven’t had a problem with my knees with it which is surprising as it isn’t the thickest of mats.I haven’t tried to rinse it in the shower yet but that’s definitely a bonus.
Berlinette –
Lieferung vor Weihnachten ohne Verzögerung! Die Matte war ein Geschenk für meinen Freund. Zu Hause nimmt er weiterhin die klassische Yogamatte her, da diese natürlich komfortabler ist als die faltbare Reisematte. Diese tut unterwegs jedoch ihren Dienst und er ist sehr zufrieden. Extralang war die richtige Größe (unbedingt beachten! Kurz ist schon kurz!)
Miss S A Allen –
I have had one of these yoga mats for 2 years and i love it. It’s light weight , easy to pack or Carry , it’s stylish and incredibly well made. I teach and run yoga retreats so need something practical but mainly once I arrive I need a mat that does what my mat at home does and this mat delivers in a big way. It’s non slip , grippy and stays put. I always put it on top of another mat if it’s a hard surface as it’s obviously very thin. It’s fine on grass or carpet on it’s own.I’ve purchased this one as a gift for my friend who helps me on retreats and I feel like I have gifted her something she will love.