Yoga Mats and Carrying Harnesses Compared

You can spend under five dollars on a functional yoga mat, or spend eight times more on one with printed posture guides.

The main decision isn't whether premium mats are nice, but whether features like alignment markings and extra foam thickness justify paying a substantial markup for routine floor work.

The sub-$10 floor mat face-off

At $4.50, the Circuit Yoga Mat - Pink costs 88.7% less than the Celsius Performance 5mm Yoga Mat Midnight, yet it includes black carrying straps and a textured non-slip surface straight out of the box.

Target's Anko Yoga Mat sits at the exact same $4.50 price point and delivers a 4mm thick pad measuring 173cm by 61cm, making both of these entry-level options exceptional value if you just need standard floor grip.

If your joints demand extra shock absorption, Kmart's 5mm Yoga Mat - Pink adds an extra millimeter of foam for $9.00, which is still 77.5% cheaper than the top-tier Celsius model.

What your money buys at $40

The Celsius Performance mat demands $39.99, but it earns its price tag for dedicated yogis through functional design details rather than mere brand prestige.

It combines a 5mm cushioned depth with printed centre alignment marks that guide foot and hand placement during balance poses, alongside latex-free and phthalate-free material construction.

Meanwhile, options like the JD Yoga Mat at $18.80 offer a full 183cm by 61cm footprint, but lack the technical pose guidance built into the Celsius.

Carrying solutions and straps

Before grabbing an expensive accessory, double-check what your chosen mat includes. The Circuit mat comes with built-in travel straps for $4.50, and the Celsius includes a handy carry cord.

If you already own a thick mat that lacks a strap, the BAHE Yoga Mat Harness offers quick-release vegan leather loops for $19.99.

However, buying a harness separately costs more than double the price of buying a complete budget mat outfit like the Circuit.