This morning, in a high spirit of exploration, I did my practice on carpeted floor without a mat. What a difference! I had to recruit muscles to keep my feet pressed into the mat, and my dog and warrior poses were shorter because I was working with less friction. I think I’ll keep doing this a couple times a month at least because there seemed to be something important for me to learn here.
One thing to keep in mind when purchasing “eco-friendly” mats. Unless the material is produced right next to the factory and the factory is right next to your house, they are NOT eco-friendly. They have oodles of embodied energy and you’re being sold a marketing ploy.
“But at least it’s made from biodegradable material. It’s a step in the right direction.”
No. It’s just a smaller step in the wrong direction.
[quote=David;23320]One thing to keep in mind when purchasing “eco-friendly” mats. Unless the material is produced right next to the factory and the factory is right next to your house, they are NOT eco-friendly. They have oodles of embodied energy and you’re being sold a marketing ploy.
“But at least it’s made from biodegradable material. It’s a step in the right direction.”
No. It’s just a smaller step in the wrong direction.[/quote]
these types of conversations sure do benefit from both expanding and focusing–my thanks to david and techne for delivering some of the focus.
*nichole
I found a great small company out of Mass. called Lotuspadyoga. Totally eco-friendly made of TPE and very reasonable. $35 - $70
I know they are pricy but Manduka mats are so so great! They stick, they are eco-friendly and they last so long! You will pay more but it will alst longer!
I love my Manduka mats - I have a black mat and a travel mat from them.
However, if I were to buy a mat now, I would get the prAna Revolution Mat. It’s super supportive, eco-friendly, wide, long - here, this video explains it nicely and is a fun watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvwkIADjoMA
I am looking for the best yoga mat in the UK or somewhere nearby in Europe for bikram yoga and I was recommended Manduka Yoga Mats from Allergy Liberation. Has anyone tried Manduka for Bikram ?
Definitely the Manduka black mat. I got mine 4 years ago when it was called ulti-mat. Use it almost everyday and its still new.
emilyjackson I find that what works best for hot yoga is to put a skidless by yogitoes on top of your mat.
I think Gaiam has good stuff, also they have good deals. ttp://savesave.net/?p=273
I’ve gone through two Prana Eco mats (the kitty wrecked the first one) and its been great. Just wish they made it in a 74 or 80 inch version since I’m taller than the mat.
One key aspect of mat care - keep it rolled and away from cats!
kiran look at the prana revolution. its 30" x 78". I checked it out after katrina’s reply and I’ m getting one as soon as prana new collection comes out (feb 1). Its only going to be available to buy from prana at that time. I love my black mat but always felt it was not wide enough.
Hello Everyone: I have enjoyed reading your reviews and found them very helpful. After reading your reviews, I purchased a new Black Pro Manduka yoga mat and its carrying case (designed to carry the Black Pro).
This mat is huge and heavy and I struggle with putting the mat into and taking it out of the bag. This may sound silly, but can ANYONE please give me suggestions as to how I can roll the mat in/out of the bag with ease? I don’t want to be the last person leaving the yoga studio! :lol:
Thank you.
What do you all think of the PrAna Revolution Yoga Mat?
I looked at the Black Mat you’ve all been discussing as I am looking for a thicker mat on which I can kneel and have less knee pain. The Black Mat sounds great, but considering the weight and how cumbersome it seems to be according to reviews on Amazon, I was guided to the above mat, which is a little easier to tote around. I’m willing to sacrifice a little thickness for ease of transport.
Anyone here tried this mat and like it? I am not concerned too much with slipping, so that’s not a huge factor for me.
Thanks!
how is the revolution less cumbersome? its 30" wide 
Not as thick or heavy.
Well the prana revolution is about 9 lbs and the manduka is 7 lbs for the standard and 8.5 lbs for the extra long.
I’m thinking of getting a revolution regardless. I want the mat space 
I’m also considering the the Jade harmony xw that is 27" X 74" at about 5 lbs. But the comments so far seem to be that they biodegrade on you 
Hi Rainbow
I have surprised that you have purchased one mat cost $72 for your information their is no special mat for yoga its business now a days if you have any nature made mat or cotton mat which feel comfortable its sufficient for yoga ,mat is for only yogi kriya not for sleeping but take care for Sirshe asana use soft extra cotton make bed sheet
Om Jai Maha avatar Babaji*
---- Maruchi
The Prana Revolution mat is listed at 8.2lbs for shipping - which I did not look at until you mentioned it was heavier than the black mat, jlg!
I don’t know how but I got the impression it was lighter and easier to handle from the reviews I read. I had better read more carefully.
Samarjit, you are right, it is business now. We really don’t need to buy a mat, it just makes it more convenient for us to have one if we feel the need for it I think.
I know I like having the convenience of a mat I can just roll up and take it where I want to go, and I plan to get one that will last me many years and still be environment friendly. 
For now, I’m using my cheapo thin one I got for $11.