This mat has much potential but still needs work to match its promise. It’s not very comfortable, and I found it challenging to break in the surface doesn’t have enough grip for my liking even though there are no lumps or bumps on it. If you’re only looking for casual use, this is probably good enough, but if you aspire towards something more serious, look elsewhere.
The name of the Manduka eKO SuperLite Yoga Mat is apt. The mat is compact and lightweight, fitting neatly into any travel bag. Whether you’re a regular yogi or want to keep healthy while traveling, this mat may be a good option.
Aesthetics & Materials
The mat is available in various colors—we’ve seen quite a few options cycle out in the last few months, so keep an eye out if you don’t see one you like. We went for kin, which is essentially a pink-hued carpet. Are you surprised we didn’t go with black? For this one, we had to go out of our comfort zone.
Each mat is constructed entirely of natural tree rubber. This product is also 99 percent latex-free, with no PVC, hazardous plasticizers, or dangerous colors. If you care about the environment, you’ll want to skip the other mats and get this one since it’s eco-friendly. Mother Nature, you’re welcome.
Because each mat is produced to order, Manduka makes it clear to its clients that each mat should weigh roughly 2.2 lbs, although tiny variations of up to 0.5 kg are conceivable. If you’re concerned about the weight of your travel bag, consider this; nevertheless, it’s not a significant quantity to be concerned about.
Components
“Gee, this looks exactly like the typical yoga mat I already possess!” you’ll undoubtedly think when you get the mat in the mail. EXCEPT it’s fragile. This is fantastic since it can be folded into a compact square to fit into any travel bag or rolled up to connect to your backpack (if your pack has compression straps or some external carrying system). We’ve tested both, and, like with the Aer Travel Pack 2, we usually put it in our compression strap system. However, it all comes down to how much space you have within your pack. The folding mechanism takes up a little more space than we’d like, but it’s fantastic, given that most mats don’t fold down this compact.
If you want to store the mat folded while traveling, we don’t recommend doing so for too long since your carpet may acquire crease lines over time, as ours has.
Because the mat is composed of thinner materials, the quantity of cushioning provided suffers. We didn’t mind, but if you’re intending on doing floor workouts on the mat, keep in mind that the mat won’t offer much support if it’s put on hard surfaces. During use, we discovered that placing the rug on a carpeted hotel floor or grass was more pleasant.
The bottom and top of the mat have a sticky-like texture. The mat’s underside has a grip-like texture to keep it from sliding around while you’re using it, while the top has a sticky feel to keep your feet securely placed.
It’s the friendly type of stick, the kind that a gymnast uses after a floor performance. It’s ideal for sweaty settings, such as nailing yoga postures in a hot yoga studio or performing pilates in the desert. Put another way; you’ll be safe everywhere you go with this mat. However, due to its high quality, you’ll want to clean the carpet after each usage. We believe a moist towel works just well, as Manduka suggests.
Because the mat picks up shoe prints readily, we suggest wrapping it up and keeping it someplace while you’re not using it. That being said, if you have a little puppy, we recommend that you do not allow them to run on top of the mat! This may result in minor scratches from their cute puppy paws appearing all over your carpet, which isn’t so pretty.
If you forget anything, Manduka has included a little tag in the corner of the mat to remind you how to clean it and keep it out of direct sunlight. We haven’t seen any sun discoloration in ours yet, but we’ll let you know if we do! For the time being, we recommend sticking to the no direct sun rule.
Even though we believe this mat will last a long time, Manduka has a LiveOn program where they will properly recycle your old carpet when it’s time to exchange it in for something new. You may send in your old yoga mat (of any brand) when you buy a new one, and they’ll take care of the rest! The old mat will then be transformed into materials for new clothes and accessories at The Renewal Workshop. Their zero-waste technique is one of our favorites, and it will keep us going back for more!
We are even more convinced of Manduka’s dedication to sustainability after speaking with an employee anonymously. “Manduka implements fair labor policies in our production sites for our items and clothes,” a customer service representative said. We place a premium on environmental stewardship, fair labor policies, non-toxic production, and emission-free facilities, all of which are reflected in our manufacturing methods.” All of these are fantastic attributes and things we look for in a business, therefore Manduka gets another thumbs up!
Testing and Durability
Except for a few scrapes, the Manduka eKO SuperLite Yoga Mat has performed well for us. We like the color we picked since any dirt or scuffs that appear over time are less evident on the blended hue than on a solid color. We’ve used the mat on a few occasions and discovered it could be used for more than just fitness gear; it’s also a terrific beach companion since it’s incredibly comfy to sit on while soaking up the sun. This goes against Manduka’s recommendation of not keeping it in direct sunshine, but if you leave it in the sun for a few hours or cover it with a microfiber towel like a Packtowl, you won’t see much of a color change. In addition, we like living on the edge.
We’ve also discovered that the mat is a terrific addition to yoga class, even if you aren’t traveling. It may also be used as a mat topper for added traction. So if you don’t already have a standard yoga mat, don’t worry; you’ve come to the right place! We’ve used this solo many times, and it’s still fantastic! Remember that there will be much less cushioning than on a typical mat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Manduka mat worth it?
A: Manduka mats are one of the most expensive and highest qualities on the market, but you may be able to find a cheaper option with similar qualities.
How do you clean Manduka Eko Superlite?
A: You should use a damp cloth to wipe the mat down with soap and water, then dry it off.
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