Anna Maxwell Testing the Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat | Photo Kelsey Takeuchi Mountain Weekly News
The Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat is phenomenally designed and is a great fit for any yogi looking for optimal grip and comfort. In the past, I have used standard vinyl yoga mats and the difference in grip and comfort in hot, sweaty environments has proved exponential.
2 in 1 (Mat + Towel Combo)
In the past I have participated in my fair share of hot yoga classes. I will typically lay down a towel on top of my mat and often find myself readjusting the towel as it bunches up and slides around. This ultimately takes away from my flow and concentration and degrades the overall experience.
I am happy to say, these problems have been solved by YDL’s two in one design. Yoga Design Lab’s Combo Mat is designed to function as both a towel and mat – making it perfect for hot yoga and other sweaty sessions. By bonding an absorbent microfiber towel to a rubber base, YDL offers a two-in-one product that allows for a more focused and worry-free session. The mat seems to instantly absorb any sweat or moisture from my hands and feet, which has transformed my sessions.
Materials and Sustainability
Yoga Design Lab’s Combo Mat is built with the earth in mind. When comparing the materials used in the manufacturing process of various mats, I was impressed with the eco-conscious design of YDL’s combo mat. The microfiber top layer uses recycled plastics while the rubber base layer is built with sustainable non-Amazonian tree rubber. YDL does not use any toxins or silicone in the mat’s construction, and the appealing designs are all painted with water-based inks.
While sustainable materials are much-appreciated and more often than not demanded by practicing yogis, a mat must also meet sustainability standards when it comes to durability and life-span (a mat built from 100% recycled materials that falls apart within a week serves no one for very long). On this front, YDL has covered its bases. This mat held up throughout my sessions this past month, and survived multiple cycles through the wash. I am beyond impressed with the mats construction and lifespan!
Traction
Yoga Design Lab’s Combo Mat is built with moisture in mind. In fact, it’s grippier when wet – for enhanced stability, YDL advises users to spritz water on the mat before use. The mat grips surfaces on both sides, and allows for a worry-free experience which is exactly what any practice deserves.
Size + Weight
Yoga Design Lab’s Combo Mat measures 70 inches in length and 24 inches across, giving the user plenty of space to spend time in a variety of poses and positions. YDL offers two different thicknesses – 5.5 mm, weighing in at 7.1 Ibs, and 3.5 mm weighing in at 4.9 Ibs. I tested the 3.5 mm and was impressed with the cushioning it offered my spine and knees. I will often practice yoga at trailheads after a morning run, and felt there was sufficient material to protect me from the rough surfaces of the ground.
YDL also supplies users with a carrying strap, allowing for ease of transport.
Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat + Towel Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 2-in-1 (Mat + Towel Combo)
- Materials and sustainability
- Traction
- Size + weight
- Carrying strap for ease of transport
- Durable construction and lifespan
Cons:
- Relatively high price point
- Mat may require spritzing with water
- May be heavier than some mats
Overall Impression
Ringing in at $105.00, the Yoga Design Lab’s Combo Mat ($95.00) is not the cheapest option on the market. However, both its superb performance in hot environments and its sustainable construction make it a wise purchase. Not only is the buyer receiving a product that offers exceptional grip and stability, but he/she can also be assured that this product is meant to last. The Yoga Design Lab’s Combo Mat is perfect for any yogi looking for an eco-conscious, washable mat that is built for intense practice.
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