OutdoorGearLab Releases Results for the Latest Yoga Mat Review

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Dec. 5, 2016 - PRLog -- The leading gear review website, OutdoorGearLab, has just published results for the Top Yoga mats of 2017. Ten of the most sought after models on the market were selected to be assessed, scored and awarded accordingly. The review team consisted of both long-time practitioners as well as certified yoga teachers. Over the course of 100 hours, the team of yogis stretched and sweated in the studio, as well as at home, to scrutinize the merits and vulnerabilities of each design. In one test, the exact same pose sequence was executed on every mat in order to determine how the models varied in their grip and comfort. Additionally, reviewers put their nose in the books, geeking out about the different materials used for each product and sifting through the facts behind marketing slogans such as "environmentally friendly". When all was said and done, the products were scored and comparatively charted across categories including dry and wet traction, portability, durability, and ease of use.

The winners are as follows:

Editors' Choice - Manduka eKO

The eKO earned the coveted Editors' Choice award for being an all-around favorite product to practice on. It's stable, invitingly comfy and not too heavy. Due to its closed-cell surface, absorption is decreased (keeping the funk out) and durability is increased. It features Dry Traction technology which makes for a sticky experience, where hands and feet stay right where you place them. Overall, reviewers feel that "If you're looking for a great all-around mat that can handle a vigorous Vinyasa class but still be comfortable enough for a Yin one after, this is the mat for you."

Top Pick for Hot Yoga - Aurorae Synergy

The Synergy takes home the Top Pick for Hot Yoga award for being highly absorbent, pragmatic and adaptable to sweaty environments. It features a microfiber towel bonded to a PER (Polymer Environmental Resin) bottom that you can wash in-between uses to fight the funk and keep it fresh. It's durable, stable and to the contrary of most products tested, the traction actually increases with raised room temperature. Reviewers were pleased to find, "We didn't even realize how much we've been wanting something like this until we tried it for the first time."

Best Buy - Prana E.C.O.

The E.C.O. won the Best Buy award for its blend of exceptional performance and bargain price. It balances comfort and portability in a lightweight package. This design features great traction due to its closed-cell design which deters sweat and bacteria from passing the top layer and taking root within. To top it off, this mat "is made from TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) in a 'toxic free manufacturing process,' and is PVC free, chloride free, latex free, and uses non-toxic materials in its production." And if that isn't enough, it's recyclable too!

Based out of Cheyenne, Wyoming, OutdoorGearLab, LLC offers intuitive and informative in-depth gear comparison reviews to aid outdoor enthusiasts in their gear purchasing choices. The website offers side-by-side comparative charts which break down products based on specific measures. Skilled teams of testers and reviewers implement rigorous, creative methods to test products over these measures and then award top performers accordingly. Categories cover a range of activities such as hiking, climbing, backpacking, cycling, and running. Check out outdoorgearlab.com to explore this fast growing resource.