The Sundried Jute Yoga Mat is a compact, inexpensive and robust travel option but might feel a little rough for some tastes.

It’s such a simple product, and yet, the variation between good and bad can completely alter the effectiveness (or at the very least, enjoyment) of your workouts. I’m talking about exercise mats – one of the simplest staples of any home gym. But if you get one that keeps rolling up or is simply just uncomfortable against your skin, that’s hardly going to be conducive of an optimal workout. So, should you switch out your old mat for a Sundried Jute Yoga Mat? Here’s my opinion.

Men’s Fitness verdict

Its tough, easily portable, and kind to your wallet as well as the environment. But it’s severely lacking in the sensory department.
Pros
  • Light and easy to transport  
  • Eco-friendly material
Cons
  • Feels thin and un-supportive  
  • Texture feels rough against bare skin

How we test exercise mats

Our testers put these exercise mats through their paces in a range of workouts, from HIIT sessions to yoga, to bring you the best of the best. In particular, testers were looking to see how grippy the mats were, how comfortable they were to exercise on and how easy they were to transport on the go. Bonus points were also awarded for durability, design options and value for money.

Sundried’s wallet- and environmentally-friendly yoga mat is made from jute, a natural fiber often used to make carpets, rugs and ropes.  

Made from a strong and durable fiber like jute, you know you’re getting a mat that won’t rip or fray, no matter how much you throw it around gym floors or stuff it in gym bags between sessions.  

Sundried Jute Yoga Mat design features

Despite its generous 6mm cushioning, the mat doesn’t feel especially plush or soft. This is mostly down to the grainy textured surface, which takes some getting used to. However, it rolls up effortlessly and packs away neatly, held in place by inclusive straps linked by a longer shoulder strap for easy transportation.  

Design-wise, the interwoven sand and blue fabric looks rustic and a bit hipster, and the coarse, grainy texture ensures your sweaty hands and feet don’t lose grip. But it doesn’t take long before the material can start to feels too rough, especially on bare elbows in a plank position and on sensitive knees when stretching.  

Its price makes the Sundried Jute mat is an ideal choice for beginners or those looking for a rugged yet portable option that will stand up to plenty of wear and tear. At 180 x 61cm, it’s a fairly standard size, making it compact and portable – but it might not be suitable for larger guys of those wanting plenty of coverage for more expansive exercises.

What other exercise mats should I consider?

Compared to Sundried’s offering, the Body Power Never Quit Fitness Mat feels like you’re laying on a bed of clouds. Its 10mm nitrile butadiene rubber construction feels luxurious to the touch and cushions you wonderfully. It’s also easily portable and as an unexpected sweetener, it’s also the cheapest exercise mat I’ve tested. How’s that for a winner?

Of course, you don’t *have* to buy the Body power mat. I mean, it’s not the most aesthetic thing you’ll ever see. The Lululemon (Big) Mat, however, now that’s a different story. As well as being easier on the eyes, it’s also longer than the Body Power mat and is reversible. You also get extra tech like antimicrobial fabric to keep smells and nastiness at bay.