Manduka eKO Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat – one of the best yoga mats by Manduka

Highest quality and eco-friendly, one of the best yoga mats by Manduka

7lbs
71” x 26” x 3/16″
Made from non-Amazon harvested, natural tree rubber
Most durable, eco-friendly mat on the market
Developed over 3 years by yoga teachers
Designed to provide the ultimate combination of cushion and grip
No PVC or toxic plasticizers

Description

The Manduka eKO yoga mat is a perfect choice for those who want a high-performance, durable yoga mat and are passionate about protecting our planet. The top surface is an innovative, proprietary closed-cell natural rubber. The sea-grass texture finish and superior cushioning are kind to your body and the environment. This natural rubber mat uses a toxic-free softening process and is completely free of foaming agents and plasticizers found in other mats. The eKO represents a bright future for eco-friendly yoga mats – it leaves behind no footprint in landfills, but will definitely make a lasting impression in the studio.

Tri Layer Technology for optimal combination of grip, durability and slip-resistance.
Grip & Durability (Top Layer): ‘Sea Grass’ surface texture is naturally grippy; the closed-cell surface keeps out moisture (sweat) from seeping into the mat and breeding bacteria for better durability.
Dual Function Cushion (Bottom Layer): Thicker, open-cell bottom layer provides lightweight cushion. It can also be reversed to function as the top surface for more traction.
Just flip over for a sweatier practice!
Stretch-resistant Scrim (Center): Made from biodegradable cotton and recycled silk blend; Binds top/bottom layer together with heating process, eliminating need for toxic glues.
Natural & Biodegradable: Made from biodegradable, non-Amazon harvested tree rubber with non-toxic foaming agents and non-AZO dyes.

Yoga Mat Review

As with all Manduka Products, this mat is definitely a high-quality performer. The material is superb, and the fact that it’s completely biodegradable brings more comfort to our practice. Manduka makes the best yoga mats on the planet, and this yoga mat is no exception. We put it into an intermediate category since it is not as long lasting as it’s more expensive brothers and the thickness is a little less than some people are accustomed for. Otherwise, this is an amazing yoga mat, that is attractive, good looking and most importantly high performing. There were absolutely no issue with stability, cushioning and bunching up during our tests.

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Last updated by Ronald Bigley at May 15, 2012.

{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }

natasha: Rating

Great mat, very sticky and stable, does not move on a floor at all.no smell neither
la la land: Rating

I bought this mat from my yoga studio and liked the ecofriendly quality as well as the light weight compared to the other mats. However, this mat is so slippery that my hands and feet slide everywhere, even when the studio is not too hot. This weekend was so hot, I practiced on the wooden studio floor because I was afraid of injuring myself due to the mat turning into a slip and slide. I tried washing it at the recommendation of my instructor to no avail. Still slipping everywhere….I hate this mat and am looking to buy another one.
SeekerFromIndia: Rating

I really liked the mat when it arrived – but on opening I saw a 2 inch long deep gash on the smooth side of it – the rubber had not filled properly on that spot. I’m inclined to think it was a quality issue on that particular mat. There are some spots where the rubber seems to have not filled smoothly which I think is how you can make things with natural rubber? – Really dont know. But the deep one made me return the mat, since I thought it might tear at that point given it is only 3mm thick. But I really liked the mat’s look and feel. I’m going to buy the 5mm version since it might not be affected by the irregular filling scenario.
G.L.: Rating

My friend bought this mat in lava and it smelled very little. I bought it in the green color and it STINKS to high heaven. I left it in my car and my car now smells like it. I can’t seem to get the smell out of this mat. The smell is also really distracting during yoga. Its a good mat and I like the color but the smell is NOT worth it.
nolagirl: Rating

I purchased the thicker 5mm eKO mat by Manduka and I love it. I then purchased the light 3mm eKO mat to take to classes and I was very disappointed. I expected the mat to perform similar to the purple lite Manduka. Unfortunately, it didn’t provide any support for my knees during poses. It is thinner than most “average” mats and actually provides less support. I was really disappointed. Lately, I’ve been using a studio mat under the 3mm eKO mat but I find it extremely frustrating and cumbersome. I’ve broken down and purchased another mat, the purple Manduka mat to take to class. I totally feel like I’ve wasted $40 on this purchase. I highly recommend the 5mm mat or the purple (lite) mat by Manduka, but not this one. It definitely missed the mark compared to other Manduka products. I gave it two stars because I don’t slip….
Beth Cholette: Rating

Prior to obtaining the Manduka eKO Lite, I practiced for years on a thin, inexpensive yoga mat that I had received as part of a kit. I always thought that I had no need of a pricey yoga mat; my old mat was a familiar friend, and it suited me fine. But from the moment I rolled out my new eKO Lite, I knew I had been wrong.

First of all, the eKO Lite, although about the same thickness as my old mat (1/8″) had a much weightier feel; despite having been rolled up in a box for shipment, it immediately lay completely flat, virtually hugging the floor, with absolutely no lumps or buckling of any kind. Several other reviewers have mentioned that this mat has an odor; this is something that Manduka discusses on their web site, as it is related to the natural products which are used to create the mat. And yes, my mat did have a fairly strong, natural rubber scent when I first received it. However, I didn’t find this scent to be particularly unpleasant, and it didn’t stop me from using the mat the day after I received it. Furthermore, as instructed by Manduka, I left my mat unrolled for a few weeks, and now, after owning it for about a month, I can barely discern any smell at all.

Now, on to the most important issue: practicing with the eKO Lite! I am so impressed by the degree to which the surface of this mat grips my hands and feet during asanas–although I had thought my old mat was fine, the difference is astounding. Furthermore, my former mat tended to shift around under my feet a bit while performing certain standing postures, such as the warrior poses, but the eKO Lite does not–as mentioned above, it gripes my feet AND the floor, so I stay in place and the mat does too. I am not sure why others mentioned problems with sliding on this mat, as I have not had this issue at all, although I admit, I am not much of a sweater (perhaps those who sweat profusely would be happier with Manduka’s original Black mat, which is much thicker and supposedly good for this purpose; I haven’t tried it myself).

Finally, in terms of aesthetics: my eKO Lite is green (my favorite color!), and the Moss truly is a pretty shade, yet another thing to like about my new mat. The only (minor) downside about this mat is the size. I realize that because it is the eKO “Lite,” it is designed to be the smaller, thinner, lighter, more travel-friendly version of Manduka’s original eKO mat, which comes in at 71″ x 26″ and 7 lbs. (the eKO Lite weighs only 3.5 lbs.). Still, for this price, I still would’ve liked to have have seen a slightly larger than standard-sized mat, even if it was only to add a single extra inch all around. I should also note that at 1/8″ thick, this is not a particularly cushy mat–that is fine with me, but if you like a thicker mat, you may want to go with the original eKO, which is 3/16″.

Overall, however, I am extremely happy with my Manduka eKO Lite mat–it has definitely made practicing yoga even more pleasurable! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommended trying the eKO Lite (or the eKO if you need more cushioning) to anyone wanting a high quality, high performance, and attractive mat that’s environmentally friendly too.
Amanda Kirk: Rating

This mat serves the purpose of being much lighter & easier to pack than the heavy black mat, but the price one pays is extreme thinness. There is no way around this – if it were thicker to provide more cushioning, it would weigh too much to pack – so I can’t fault this mat for providing little support & stability, but just be forewarned that it is hard to get used to after practicing Ashtanga on the black mat for years.
Urban Wifey: Rating

I practice Anusara yoga. I was previously using a cheap, thin basic mat where I was comstantly slipping and sliding- particularly in standing postures like Warrior I, Triangle and even Lunge.

I didn’t want to pay 70+ for a mat and other reviews indicated that the thickness, smell etc. might be a problem but I took the risk to see for myself. I’m so pleased!

I don’t slip; I don’t find the smell to be particulary offensive or overwhelming; and since I was previously practicing on a very thin mat I don’t find the thickness to be a problem at all.
Sweetie1017: Rating

I got the Manduka eKO Lite for two reasons: (1) it’s environment-friendly, and (2) I need a good-if-not-great mat for travel. For the first part, I just have to believe the guys at Manduka. Indeed, this yoga mat is light enough and thin enough that I can easily stash it in my mat bag along with a towel and other essentials.

When I first received the mat, I liked the exterior, because the sheen and the “zebra” stripes look pretty cool. The smell was not great, so I did air it out and washed it as well. The first time I used it was on top of a black studio mat, during an Ashtanga class. I found that the rubber was more sticky than the black studio mat, but I felt that it was too thin to be used alone on a wooden surface. When I started sweating, it didn’t really lose grip, but the sweat drops were “absorbed” and made visible blotches on the mat. I could really see which parts come in contact most with sweat, so I used a towel on it as I usually do.

I am just worried that I could not bring ONLY this mat along when I travel and practice in other places. Hopefully, there will be studio mats available to place this one on.
Ian Cush: Rating

The Manduka mat is a great lightweight yet durable mat, which has a very nice texture. It is made from sustainable and biodegradable natural rubber, a great mat for you and the environment.
laura: Rating

This yoga mat is excellent. I like it a lot better than standard yoga mats. It’s green, has good traction, is comfortable and nice-looking, and it’s not a thick mat. It’s really nice, and is worth the money. I am very happy with this purchase.
nyartgrrl: Rating

Manduka eKO 3mmYoga Mat

The yoga mat is exactly as described in the catalog. When you get it you will need to unroll it and let it breathe for a week at least. The rubber smell is very powerful. After it breathes, it is quite good and works very well. Not a lot of cushioning (if you need/want that) but a very good, non-slip surface for pilates or yoga.
Ahimsa: Rating

I absolutely love this mat. I’ve been doing yoga for almost 15 years now and have used just about everything one can use as a mat- Gaiam travel yoga mat, thin and thick Gaiam PVC mats (which to me are like sponges soaking up bacteria and germs), Mexican blankets, towels, etc. This is definitely the nicest one I’ve used. The reason for the 3 star rating is that it is so thin. It seems a bit hard on the knees. I purchased the 5mm one instead. However, even with the thinness of the mat, I’d rather use this one than any other yoga mat I have tried. It feels really good under the feet. So, I recommend this mat for people who are used to very thin mats (otherwise, spend the extra $15 and get the 5mm). :0)
Michael D. Russell: Rating

i like the idea of being eco friendly but for me this mat is too thin. also it’s texture is too slippery for hot yoga in my opinion.

mike
Burleigh Grimes: Rating

I was so glad to get this new mat–it’s light and easy to transport (because it’s thin you can roll OR fold it into a suitcase). The smell is strong but goes away– you can lay it outside for an hour or 2 to reduce it significantly. Best not to leave it rolled up at first, but let it breathe and the smell goes away. I got the sand color and it’s a nice gold… It does wrinkle a little bit in practice, but it’s worth it for the lightness and the low enviro-impact.
S. Crawford: Rating

I bought this mat because I needed more padding for my joints than my current one was giving. The padding is sufficient, though someone with actual joint issues would definitely need the 5mm. It’s also light enough to carry around.

The smell was not a problem for me at all. I left it out for only one day and the smell was already reduced, but then again I kind of like that natural rubber smell – I know I am in the minority.

According to the Manduka website you are NOT supposed to leave this mat out in the sun or expose it to any sort of extreme weather. It is made so that it will easily bio-degrade and these things will encourage the mat to deteriorate faster. I don’t recommend leaving this in your car, trunk, out on your balcony, etc.

The only issue I have with this mat, is that even if I am sweating a little bit, my hands tend to slip. I understand that this will eventually correct itself, but I don’t see it as being a major issue.
seed saver: Rating

I bought this to keep in my office and carry with me. Lightweight for that purpose. Not much cushion to it. I prefer the heavier mats for regular use but it works for a quick workout at the office. Not as sticky as the other mats, IMO. I have the 5mm eKO mat at home (love it) and use the Black mat Pro at my trainer’s (its even better!). I do like the Manduka products and its a big plus that they are non-toxic.
Robert Arnold: Rating

I had a cheap $20 mat for yoga that started to fall apart. In particular the wear points of successive downward dogs, etc. I decided to spend a bit more and get this mat. The smell of rubber is quite strong but not too bad. The biggest problem is that the surface is too slippery. Even at the start of my workout before I begin to sweat I cannot maintain a downward dog because my hands slowly slide. Frustrating that I wasted my money. I may have to go back to a cheaper mat. I have tried washing it but no difference.
Christine: Rating

My old mat was getting very slippery so I asked my teacher for a recommendation. I told her I wanted something good but didn’t want to spend a ton of money. She said she uses and LOVES the Manduka Eko Lite. I had actually done my first handstand on her mat the previous week and I was impressed by the grip. She said the mat would be a little slippery for about 8-10 sessions but would be much better after that. Today my hands finally stopped slipping in downward dog and I’m in love with this mat. The only thing is that it may be a little thin for some people but I use my old mat underneath for extra padding. I would definitely recommend this mat!
Skippetty: Rating

I’ve practised on the Black & Purple Lite mats and this mat is right up there with the rest of them. The Black mat’s too heavy for me as I travel frequently, and I find even the Purple Lite too heavy for shorter trips like hauling to & from the yoga studio. This Eko Lite’s great for transporting/ travelling but still retains its heavy feel.

After a week of practice I can safely say it doesn’t buckle like the other thin 3mm mats do. It sometimes looks as if the mat is uneven and doesn’t sit flat on the floor smoothly, but when you’re practicing you don’t even feel it – it feels like a flat and solid mat. I practice in a heated room and after warming up, you do need a towel or yogitoes coz it gets slippery when wet (like most other rubber/ PVC mats too). But it grips well when doing a regular not-too-sweaty practice.

While researching this mat I couldn’t find more close-up shots of what it looks like up-close, so I’ve taken some pictures here: http://skippettystreet.blogspot.com/2008/08/eko-lite-where-have-you-been-all-my.html

Overall, a highly recommended product, especially if weight is a consideration.
sam: Rating

I purchased the light green mat. The color is beautiful. I use it about twice a week for yoga, and you can definitely tell where you place your hands and feet most often because it gets kind of a scuffed look. I was telling my yoga instructor that I wasn’t sure this mat was going to last more than a year or so, and she told me Manduka has a lifetime guarantee, so if that’s the case then this was well worth the purchase. Even if I can’t get a replacement when this wears out I’d still be happy with this mat. The smell is initially kind of off-putting, but I washed the mat and hung it over a chair to dry. After a week or two the smell went away. Overall I’m happy with this mat. It was the best eco-friendly one that was affordable.
M. Frazer: Rating

I love my Manduka. From the superior craftsmanship to the catchy colors, Manduka just knows how to build a good quality mat. THe eKO Lite is a wonderful mat if you enjoy being close to the core, or floor as it were. It’s perfect for hot yoga with a towel, and awesome in basic and more traditional yoga practices as well.. provided you aren’t looking for a ton of cush. Overall, my mat has held up to my abuse, which is impressive.
Ed Gavin: Rating

So far we are fairly happy with our new mat. It grips nicely and has a nice cushioning effect. Our only comment is that the natural rubber is a bit smelly, so the mat was consigned to the garage for a week or so lose it’s scent.
T. Perez: Rating

I love this mat! I have had mine for over a year and practice Ashtanga on it regularly and it has yet to start to shred or come apart (my Jade mats started to shred within 6 months). I read some reviewers did not like the thickness of it. That is one of the many things I love about this mat! It is great for traveling and there is not too much cushion for jumps.

A couple of small negatives. When I first got this mat, it off gassed a lot and for a long time, which was a drag as I smelled of rubber after practice. The surface of the mat is different on each side. On the side that I assume is intended to be face up there is a wave pattern. It took forever for the coating to wear off on this side despite washing it etc, and it was therefore slippery for a while. The other side, however, was plenty sticky, and I practiced on that side until the coating wore off the top.
RFK: Rating

I have the Manduka thick black mat. It is the greatest but it is hard to transport and it’s not eco-friendly. All of the other thin mats I’ve used buckle. I’ve used a lot of mats and have done yoga for a long time. This is an amazing transportable mat and it’s eco-friendly. After 3 days leaving it unrolled, the smell on my blue mat is FINE. The quality and sustainability of this product should make it a no-brainer. I love it. If I didn’t already own a non-eko black mat (that will survive me- and my kids), I would get the 5 mm eKO mat.

GREAT job, Manduka! Yogis- buy this mat. You’ll love it.