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 
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.
samarjit! I would say that the yoga mat also depends on the type of yoga you do. I wouldn’t see myself doing something active like ashtanga on a cotton mat.