Mat Weight

Mat weight is one of the most practical specifications for practitioners who commute to studios or travel with their mat. Weight varies significantly by material and thickness — from under 500g for ultra-light travel mats to over 3kg for premium thick rubber mats.

Weight by Material

Natural rubber (5-6mm): 2.0-3.0kg (4.5-6.5 lbs) — heaviest category PVC (6mm): 1.5-2.0kg (3.5-4.5 lbs) — moderately heavy Cork/rubber hybrid: 2.0-2.5kg (4.5-5.5 lbs) — heavy TPE (6mm): 1.0-1.5kg (2.2-3.3 lbs) — lighter Travel mats (1-2mm): 0.5-1.0kg (1.1-2.2 lbs) — lightest standard mats

Who Should Prioritize Light Weight

• Practitioners who commute to studios by foot, bike, or public transit
• Frequent travelers who carry the mat in checked luggage
• Anyone with shoulder, neck, or back conditions aggravated by carrying weight
• Yogis who attend multiple classes per week away from home

Who Can Accept Heavier Mats

• Home practitioners who never transport their mat
• Those who drive to the studio and carry the mat only from car to door
• Practitioners who prioritize performance over portability

The Carry Strap Factor

Even heavy mats become more manageable with a good carry strap or mat bag. A 2.5kg mat in a backpack-style carrier distributes weight across both shoulders, making the commute much more comfortable than carrying by hand.