42 Birds is a small company owned by a brother and sister based in the USA!
“Guys, I’ll jump straight to the highlight: The cork surface of this mat ensures that I don’t slip around during any of my yoga poses. Even when I’m hot and sweaty (which is usually the case in yoga, and even more so now that I’m pregnant)!! My hands just stay in place during my downward dog, and my feet don’t stretch the mat weirdly during warrior one – all of this means I can actually stay in the poses longer, more comfortably, and with more precise form. I’ve only used it about three times a week for two months now, always barefoot, but I suspect it will hold up as long as I take care of it.
I personally own two other brands of yoga mats (one cheap, one more expensive than this one) and have tried countless others over the past 10 years of regular practice, but never one made of cork until now. I have slipped and slid on ALL of them when I have not used a yoga towel. Other advantages of this cork mat: not too squishy, not too thin, 4mm foam padding that is comparable to most other mats, At only 8.6 kg, it is super light and easy to transport thanks to the included cotton strapand the sustainably harvested cork (which may not be as sustainable in cheaper cork mats) looks really damn pretty.
The main feature that is not so perfect: it does not lie completely flat on the ground as the cork retains the bend from being stored rolled up and you should not bend it in the opposite direction as the cork could break. However, this did not bother me or affect my practice in any way. You also pay more for this than for the brand that rhymes with Ryanbut for me it’s absolutely worth the money.” —Natalie Brown
Get it from 42 Birds for $74 (also available in extra-long and 6mm thick versions).
