Jade Yoga Travel Long Natural Rubber Yoga Mat 74" 3mm

I wanted a mat that I could travel with but was still long enough for a tall person. This one seems to be doing the trick quite nicely. Good grip, light and the new mat smell dissipated quickly plus it rolls tightly enough to fit into larger luggage (checked luggage that is... not carry on). I would suggest washing the mat prior to first use. I felt a little bit of a residue (not unpleasant) on my hands and feet but noticed it far less after even just the first use/rinse. Due to the light weight of the mat - I also found that rinsing it in the shower and hanging it over the rod offered a nice 'fresh mat' the next day - but wipes might be even easier when traveling (less mess, dry time and maybe even a nice scent).

So, I read the reviews. The good, the bad and the ugly. I received my Jade Yoga mat. It is thinner than the traditional mat. Definitely heavier in spite of that. Does have a new tire smell. However, I used my mat both by itself and over my old mat. I liked it both ways for different reasons. By itself I feel steadier, more grounded and closer to the earth. On top of my old mat I get the extra cushioning my knees appreciate. I roll both mats together and carry them in my yoga mat bag. Strap over my shoulder, I walk three blocks to my practice. Yes, it is heavy. But, come on, I do yoga. I feel pretty strong. I handed my husband the bag so I could carry my dog up the steps. He said, "Geez, what's in here?" So, I guess it is heavy if you don't expect it. The smell of new tires never bothered me much and I only notice it when my face is on the mat. My old mat is ten years old. I ran it through the washer a couple of times but it stayed slippery. I saw a couple of new mats at the studio and they were Jade Yoga mats. The grip felt good so I went home and researched prices. Yogaoutlet.com had the best price with a first time customer discount and free shipping. I am so happy with my mat. Truly slip proof. A little too much sometimes, but I'm stepping up my practice. For instance, if I jump from Downward Dog to forward fold, I stub a toe if I don't clear the mat. Now I jump a little higher. In Downward Dog, my hands and feet don't continue to slip apart while I hold the pose. And my…