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Gaiam Essentials 6mm vs Manduka PRO Travel Yoga Mat Comparison

Gaiam Essentials 6mm Yoga MatManduka PRO Travel Yoga Mat
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Gaiam Essentials 6mm

The Gaiam Essentials is the budget end of Gaiam's own line, a plain 6mm PVC mat with the same textured sticky surface as the pricier Premium and none of the printed styling. At 72 by 24 inches it runs 4 inches longer than Gaiam's standard 68 inch cut, and its 3.5 pounds make it heavy for a budget mat, though it does ship with a cinch carrier strap. It still carries Gaiam's lifetime guarantee, which is unusual at this price, and like the rest of their PVC mats it needs two or three days of airing out before the first session.

MSRP: $22.13
Check price at AmazonOfficial website

Manduka PRO Travel

The Manduka PRO Travel is the PRO built for a suitcase: 2mm of the same dense German-made PVC, foldable rather than rolled, at 2.9 pounds. It gives up cushioning for packability, keeping the closed-cell surface, the dot-pattern grip underside and the PRO series lifetime guarantee. Like every PRO, it needs a break-in period before the surface grips reliably.

MSRP: $74.00
Check price at AmazonOfficial website

Size Comparison

72"

Gaiam Essentials 6mm

24"
71"

Manduka PRO Travel

24"

Specifications

Gaiam Essentials 6mm
Manduka PRO Travel

MSRP
$22.13Check price at Amazon
MSRP
$74.00Check price at Amazon
Length
72" (183 cm)
Length
71" (180 cm)
Width
24" (61 cm)
Width
24" (61 cm)
Thickness

6 mm

Thickness

2 mm

Weight
3.5 lbs (1.59 kg)
Weight
2.9 lbs (1.3 kg)

Material
PVC
Material
PVC
Made in
-
Made in
Germany
Warranty
Lifetime
Warranty
Lifetime

Which Mat is Right for You?

Choosing the perfect yoga mat depends on your needs, preferences, and how you plan to use it. In this guide, we’ll compare the Gaiam Essentials 6mm and Manduka PRO Travel yoga mats, focusing on their key features, price, size, weight, and suitability for different users.

Price Comparison

Starting with price, the Gaiam Essentials 6mm yoga mat is significantly less expensive with a suggested retail price of $22.13, while the Manduka PRO Travel yoga mat retails for $74.00. That's a substantial price difference of $51.87.

Size Comparison

When comparing the sizes of two yoga mats, such as the Gaiam Essentials 6mm and the Manduka PRO Travel, it's essential to consider both the length and width of each mat, as well as their suitability for different types of practice. The Gaiam Essentials 6mm measures 72 inches long by 24 inches wide, while the Manduka PRO Travel measures 71 inches long by 24 inches wide. Both mats are categorized as standard mats, making them ideal for most users and standard yoga sessions.

Weight Comparison

Weight is a key factor in choosing the right yoga mat, especially depending on where and how you plan to use it. The Gaiam Essentials 6mm yoga mat is slightly heavier than the Manduka PRO Travel by a difference of 0.6 pounds. The Gaiam Essentials 6mm weighs 3.5 pounds, while the Manduka PRO Travel weighs 2.9 pounds. Both mats are perfect for portability and frequent travel, making them a solid choice for anyone seeking an easy-to-carry mat for travel and on-the-go yoga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gaiam Essentials 6mm or the Manduka PRO Travel cheaper?
The Gaiam Essentials 6mm is cheaper at $22.13, compared to $74.00 for the Manduka PRO Travel — a difference of $51.87.
Which is lighter, the Gaiam Essentials 6mm or the Manduka PRO Travel?
The Manduka PRO Travel is lighter at 2.9 lbs, versus 3.5 lbs for the Gaiam Essentials 6mm.
Which is thicker, the Gaiam Essentials 6mm or the Manduka PRO Travel?
The Gaiam Essentials 6mm is thicker at 6 mm, versus 2 mm for the Manduka PRO Travel.
Is the Gaiam Essentials 6mm or the Manduka PRO Travel longer?
The Gaiam Essentials 6mm is longer at 72″, versus 71″ for the Manduka PRO Travel.
What are the Gaiam Essentials 6mm and Manduka PRO Travel yoga mats made of?
Both mats are made of PVC.

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