10 Best Hot Yoga Mats 2025 in the United States

The Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat is designed to cater to various fitness activities such as yoga, Pilates, and floor exercises. Made from NBR foam, the material is known for its softness, providing excellent cushioning and support. With a thickness of 2/5 inches, it offers significant padding which is beneficial for beginners or those needing extra comfort during workouts.

The mat's dimensions are 72 inches in length and 24 inches in width, making it suitable for most users. The included easy-cinch carrier strap enhances its portability, allowing users to transport it conveniently to and from classes or home workouts. However, the thickness and material might make it slightly bulkier compared to thinner mats, which could be a consideration for those prioritizing ultra-lightweight portability.

The NBR foam material is durable but may be prone to wear and tear with heavy use over time. Additionally, the mat needs to be hand-washed, which may not be as convenient as machine-washable options. The texture is comfortable for a variety of poses but may not offer the best grip for more intense or high-sweat sessions. The Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat is a good choice for beginners or those seeking extra padding and comfort, though it may not be the best option for those looking for ultra-portable or high-grip mats.

The Gruper Yoga Mat is an eco-friendly option made from Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE), which makes it safer and softer than traditional PVC and EVA mats. The mat's material is suitable for various exercises including Yoga, Pilates, and other fitness workouts. One of its standout features is the non-slip texture on both sides, which enhances grip and ensures stability during use, critical for hot yoga sessions. Additionally, the double-layer structure helps prevent tearing and deformation, contributing to its durability.

The mat comes in three size options: standard (72 x 24 inches), thickened (72 x 24 inches with 8mm thickness), and large (72 x 32 inches with 8mm thickness), making it versatile for different user preferences. Each mat weighs between 2.6lb to 4.0lb, which generally makes it easy to carry. However, users are advised to only hand wash the mat and avoid using washing machines or dryers. It's also designed primarily for barefoot exercises, so using it with shoes or allowing pets on it might cause damage.

A free carrying strap and storage bag add to its portability, making it convenient to transport to the gym or any location. While the mat’s eco-friendly material and high grip are strong points, its cleaning instructions might be seen as a hassle by some users. The Gruper Yoga Mat appears to be a strong contender for those seeking a reliable, eco-friendly mat for hot yoga and other exercises.

The Gaiam Yoga Mat in Jade Salutation is a great option if you're into hot yoga or other floor workouts. Made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), it is both durable and lightweight, which is a plus for those who need a mat that they can easily carry around. The mat is extra thick at 6mm, offering good cushioning and support for your joints during intense yoga sessions.

For people who like variety, its reversible design provides two different textures and looks, aiming to keep you motivated. The textured, sticky surface ensures you won’t slip, which is essential during hot yoga sessions where sweat can make things slippery. Measuring 68 inches long and 24 inches wide, it offers ample space for most users. However, it can emit a strong, harmless odor initially, so you'll need to air it out for a couple of days before using it.

Cleaning is relatively straightforward – just spot clean with a yoga mat wash or mild detergent. One downside is that it can become brittle and fade if left in the sun for too long, so storing it properly is important. Portability is decent as it weighs just 3.5 pounds, making it easy to carry to and from the studio. The mat comes with a free downloadable yoga class, which is a nice bonus for beginners. With a high customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, many users find it a reliable choice for various yoga practices.