The Lululemon The Reversible (Un) Mat Is Travel-Friendly

We purchased the Lululemon The Reversible (Un) Mat so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. Keep reading for our full product review.

The right yoga mat can make all the difference in your practice. It keeps you from touching the exercise room floor, protects your body and bones from hard surfaces, and keeps you supported throughout your routine. And if you’re traveling to yoga retreats or classes often, something slim and portable is needed, too. Lululemon’s The Reversible (Un) Mat attempts to check these boxes. I tested out the yoga mat to see if it is worth the purchase.

Comfort: Too thin on its own

Some yogis like a lot of padding for comfort, while others prefer a thinner mat for stability. While it depends on your personal preference, I found this mat uncomfortable to use on its own. It’s only 1.5 millimeters—about the thickness of a penny—with no cushioning. I found that it hurt my wrists and knees in positions like Cat-Cow, and it was impossible to perform any exercises that put pressure on my spine (like during Happy Baby or while spinal rocking).

I appreciated the thin mat when performing standing exercises that required a strong connection to the ground. Compared to thicker mats I’ve used, it was easier to stabilize myself during positions like Tree Pose. And during Warrior Poses, I found myself connecting to the ground more fully.

If you prefer a thicker mat and more cushioning, using this as a topper for another mat (the ones studios provide, for example), provides a comfortable barrier. This can make it a good choice when you want something easy to transport (as I’ll discuss soon) but don’t want to use the yoga mats that have been used by others. You could also top with a yoga towel for both cushioning and absorbency during hot yoga sessions. And it’s great on top of soft surfaces that don’t need much cushioning, like grass or sand. 

The underside of the mat has a rubber, slip-proof texture that prevents it from moving around during use. I found that it gripped the floor very well. I’m not sure why “reversible” is in the title, though—performing any exercises on the underside of the yoga mat was too rough on my skin, and it took away some of its gripping ability. It’s certainly possible to use both sides, though I wouldn’t recommend it.

One positive is this yoga mat’s size. It’s 71 inches long and 26 inches wide, so it’s large enough for most people. I could fully lay down on the mat and perform all exercises, but those closer to 6 feet may find their feet stick off the end.

Durability: Made to last

Lululemon is known for their high-quality products, especially the wide range of leggings, and this mat is no exception. Although the mat is extremely thin, the polyurethane top layer makes it feel strong and substantial. It even has a microbial additive that prevents it from developing mold or mildew. I like this because it means it will stay cleaner for longer.

To keep it in good shape, the manufacturer recommends washing it with soap and water after each use. And if your new mat already has a strange smell, don’t worry. Mine smelled slightly fishy, but the packaging says this will fade over time (be sure to air it out prior to use to help get rid of it faster). 

Portability: Easy to pack and travel with

The main draw of this yoga mat is its ease of portability. Because it’s so thin, it wraps up small—small enough to throw into a bag or in your checked baggage. It doesn’t come with a strap, though, so there is nothing to secure it. While it stays rolled up fairly well, it can come undone. However, because it is lightweight and thin, I found it was easy enough to hold in my hands or stow in a bag, as mentioned.

Price: Expensive

Lululemon is a higher-end fitness brand, and the price of this yoga mat reflects that. It sells for $68 (the plain black color sells for $58) which is more expensive than some other yoga mats on the market (though less expensive than others). While I feel it’s a bit overpriced, it has the brand name behind it and is made with quality materials.

Lululemon The Reversible (Un) Mat vs. BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat

While I found the Lululemon mat to be great for travel, the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat I also tested was more comfortable for my everyday exercise. It’s about the same size as the Lululemon mat, but it’s super plush at 1/2-inch thick. It’s also much less expensive—only around $15 compared to nearly $70. 

However, it’s worth noting that some Verywell editors prefer the Lululemon over the budget-friendly competitor due to its stability. The BalanceFrom GoYoga mat also tends to stretch and squeak—not ideal during classes. Ultimately, it comes down to what you’re looking for in a mat.