 This Product
Yoloha Unity Cork | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  | |  | |
| Price | $159 List | Check Price at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $98 List | $67 List $62.99 at Amazon | $25 List $16.21 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A firm and grounding mat made possible by combining eco-friendly rubber and cork | This mat is a favorite for unmatched joint-friendly comfort, trustworthy stability for your most challenging practice, and unbelievable durability | Highly versatile, this comfortable and grippy mat is grippy for sweaty flows, stable for inversion practice, and cushiony on the joints for restorative stretching | At half the weight of most rubber mats, this grippy, portable mat is perfect for any yogi seeking high-quality cushioning at a bargain price | This lightweight and foldable mat tucks into a tote or backpack for yoga at the park, beach, or while on a hike |
| Rating Categories | Yoloha Unity Cork | Manduka PRO | Lululemon The Mat | Iuga Eco Friendly N... | Primasole Foldable |
| Comfort and Support (35%) | |||||
| Grip (30%) | |||||
| Materials (20%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Yoloha Unity Cork | Manduka PRO | Lululemon The Mat | Iuga Eco Friendly N... | Primasole Foldable |
| Materials | Foam and cork | PVC certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX | 55% natural rubber, 23% synthetic rubber, 15% polyurethane, 5% polyester, 2% nylon | Polyurethane, Rubber | Polyvinyl chloride |
| Measured Weight | 6.1 lbs | 7.5 lbs | 5.9 lbs | 2.1 lbs | 1.9 lbs |
| Thickness | 6 mm | 6.5 mm | 5 mm | 5 mm | 4 mm |
| Length | 72" | 71" | 71" | 72" | 68" |
| Width | 26" | 26" | 26" | 26" | 24" |
The Yoloha Unity is available in three sizes to suit your wingspan: 72 x 26, 80 x 26, and 84 x 30 inches. It comes in a variety of colorful artwork and is made with recyclable materials sourced and manufactured 100% from the USA. The company partners with EcoCart to ensure each order is 100% carbon neutral.
Finding the proper support for your balance practice can be difficult; the Yoloha Unity offers a design inspired by surfboards, maximizing fine-grained grip texture and compact material for stability.
This 6.5mm yoga mat differs from most mats on the market in that it splits its layers between the functions of stability and cushion. The top 3mm of cork and rubber offer a surprisingly solid surface when you first step on it. The grippy cork provides a solid base, perfect for gripping your palms for a handstand or balancing on one leg without your foot wobbling in too much cushion. It provides a firm surface where you can evenly ground your feet, preventing muscle aches and skeletal strain caused by foot supination, where your weight rolls to the outer edge of your foot.
Underfoot, the second layer is 3.5mm of soft foam, which slightly softens impact on joints. So, while the Yoloha Unity is 6.5mm total, it is more fairly considered in the 3mm range of padding comfort. When we tested the density of this foam, we noticed that it was highly compressible under pressure. When your bones press down, this mat makes firm contact with the floor, and you will likely need to pad sensitive joints. Many testers who value stability found this mat comfortable, but you may prefer something with more cushion if you have susceptible knees and elbows.
Another thing to consider is the texture of the skin-to-mat contact. Some testers found that the grippy top layer of the Unity could be abrasive when sliding through transitions, like sliding the toes over wet sand. A few people experienced friction rubs on their legs and feet from the grainy texture. A yoga mat with less texture may be more suitable if you have a rigorous flow with sliding transitions. An insightful question is, "Do you step your feet or slide over your toes in sun salutations?" Your feet and hands will know the surface that best walks the line between comfort and stability for your body. Different yogis prefer different levels of traction, and this mat offers a dependable, positive grip no matter how sweaty you become.
While the Yoloha Unity may not be soft enough for sensitive bones, the firmness is excellent for softer ground. Whether you are practicing on carpet, grass, or sand, the structure of this mat continues to offer a solid base. This mat is a favorite for those who love the minimalist feel of the ground but with a smidge of cushion to soften the landing.
The founder of Yoloha recognized the benefits of using cork as a non-slip surface by crafting surfboards in his garage. He realized that if cork makes a wave-worthy, non-slip surface on a surfboard, then cork would handle waves of sweat with no problem and be an excellent material for a yoga mat. Cork yoga mats have become popular, but the Unity is slightly different because of the grippy and extra firm construction of the conglomerate. The 3mm cork-rubber conglomerate top layer offers a texture that grabs back, while the soft foam 3.5mmr bottom layer provides moderate cushion.
Our testers found the surface of the Unity to be slippery and rough when dry. If the mat is completely dry, you must apply significant downward pressure through your arms in poses like down dog, or you will likely slip forward. Yohola recommends adding a drizzle of water to get your grip started before you sweat. Spritzing the mat makes all the difference — it has a wonderful effect of softening the sandy texture and making the surface remarkably grippy at the same time.
The foundation of the Unity is dense, so it will not roll or buckle during Sun Salutations. For the most part, this mat will not budge on any surface because of its density. However, the soft rubber on the underside of the mat can be a little slick, causing the yoga mat to slide occasionally on smooth tile or wood floors.
The Unity is one of the most environmentally sustainable mats we tested, made of eco-friendly recycled cork and rubber. Yoloha sources the materials and does the manufacturing in the US, contributing to its eco-friendliness if you live state-side. The mat has no PVCs, latex, or plasticizers and is a good choice if you value the durability of natural materials. The company only ships yoga mats in recycled paper and cardboard and has partnered with EcoCart to neutralize the carbon emissions from every step of manufacturing to arrival at your door.
During the unboxing, our testers hypothesized that the conglomerate top layer would fall apart, but to our surprise, it held up through rigorous tests, rough surfaces, and even kitty claws. Not one piece of cork or rubber became dislodged during testing. In fact, after testing the Unity multiple times weekly for months, it still looks great. One tester observed her cats using it as a scratch pad with no success scuffing up the surface. Over time, the top may show tracks from the hands and feet. The Unity may not have the lifespan of high-quality rubber mats, but it could hold up to several years of daily practice with care.
Yoloha recommends rolling the Unity Cork in one direction with the cork facing outward. Otherwise, it will bend out of shape or crease if stored sloppily. One way to increase the durability of this mat is to keep it out of direct sun exposure and avoid leaving it in a hot car. Some user reviews complained about the mat cracking over time.
During our testing for this metric, we looked at how easy it is to keep a mat looking and smelling clean. The Yoloha Unity has an antimicrobial surface, which helps keep any post-hot yoga stink at bay.
After a particularly sweaty practice, you may find that the porous cork and rubber take a little while to dry, so it is best to unroll your mat when you get home from yoga class to ensure it dries thoroughly. That said, the surface is antimicrobial, so it likely won't smell if you leave it rolled up too long occasionally.
Yoloha recommends purchasing their cleaning spray, which has certified organic tea tree and lemon essential oils, filtered water, and vinegar. They also have a restorative spray that helps keep your mat smelling delicious with certified organic eucalyptus and lavender essential oils, filtered water, and witch hazel. It is crucial to lay the mat flat to dry, as the cork and rubber combination is quite porous, and this will help it maintain its shape and prevent cracking.
The Unity is six pounds, standard for a thick and durable yoga mat. It rolls up pretty tight, just over five inches in diameter, and stays rolled, so it is easy to transport to and from practice on a bike, on foot, or while riding a bus.
How much energy and effort do you put in trying not to slip while practicing? If you want confidence in your wet grip and extra-firm stability, then the Unity Cork is a grounding base where you can focus on your movements. It offers an incredible grip in a hot and sweaty room, especially if you spritz it with water at the beginning of practice. The soft foam bottom and firm top layer make this mat versatile for different practice surfaces. Whether on the grass at the park, on a rock slab on a climbing trip, or in a yoga studio, it is comfortable and supportive. It is relatively durable as well, and much of the high cost goes into sustainable materials and carbon offsets. If you're looking for a long-lasting, versatile yoga mat with impeccable grip, the Unity Cork is a grounding base for sweaty practice.
