Gaiam Essentials Yoga Mat
Its low price comes at the cost of durability and overall quality. A frequent source of regret.
Consolidated from 5 independent outlets
Where the cited sources landed, as we read them
2 of 4 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.
Cheap cork-rubber blend cracks after ~6 months of use; reviewers note rapid loss of grip.
Flagged 26 July 2026
Pros & cons
- ✓ Cushioned surface
- ✓ Affordable price point
- ✓ Extra cushioning for comfort
- ✓ Comfortable cushioning
- ✗ Lacks durability
- ✗ Tends to wear out quickly
- ✗ Cracks after 6 months
- ✗ Rapid loss of grip
- ✗ Less durable than premium models
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found. 3 outlets wouldn't let us check their links. We quote no words from these sources, so each row shows only where we placed it.
Evidence 3 articles and 2 community sources
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #9 of 13 on our yoga mats tier list, in D tier. That placement draws on 5 independent outlets.
Lacks durability. Tends to wear out quickly. Cracks after 6 months. Rapid loss of grip. Less durable than premium models.
Ranked nearby in Yoga Mats
S tier #1 Manduka Pro Mat
A tier #4 Liforme Original Yoga Mat
B tier #5 1 of 8 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Liforme Classic
B tier #6 Gaiam Premium 5 mm
B tier #7 Manduka GRP Adapt Yoga Mat
C tier #8 Manduka Pro Light
D tier #10 2 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Manduka eKO SuperLite Travel Mat
D tier #11 1 of 6 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Jade Travel Mat
F tier #12 6 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Aeromat
F tier #13 4 of 5 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.