Yogi Peace Club – Malara Rise x YPC Yoga Mat + Strap

A generous and comfortable mat that is visually stunning. The top layer hosts a solid grip, as does the natural rubber base to keep the mat in place when practising. Easy to clean, I appreciate the accompanying carry strap to ensure the mat stays fresh when being stored or transported. The mat feels supportive underneath the joints and very durable in general. No doubt it is an essential investment piece for the dedicated yoga student or teacher. In collaboration with a local Australian artist, this mat offers a sense of community and solidarity. Helping to keep plastic out of landfill (and the ocean!) the top layer is of high quality and functionality, made from recycled plastic and using water-based inks. I also love that the strap is also made from recycled plastic and that all materials used in the packaging are safe for the planet, with zero plastic on delivery.

The best thing about this yoga mat is that it’s actually grippy and non-slip. This means if you don’t have a very active practice or don’t work up a sweat, your hands will feel steady and secure. This is the number one element I look for in a yoga mat and am surprised at how effective using post-consumer recycled plastic bottles are to make the non-slip top! I love how Yogi Peace Club have considered the impact of their business and product on the planet, on their customers and the people involved in the production. Their commitment to improvement is evident in the way they seek feedback and are constantly looking for ways to do things better.

With a divinely uplifting, energetic floral pattern, this mat is so beautiful to look at and adds such joy to my practise! The mat surface is beautifully smooth, though if you did need more grip in a hot vinyasa flow, you could easily flip it and the underneath provides all the grip you could possibly need. I really appreciate the high quality and sustainability of the materials which make up this mat – from the natural rubber base, to the sustainability of the top being made from recycled plastic bottles and the bonding occurring without glue and with heat instead. Exceptionally high quality and highly recommended.