While most yoga positions mats will set you back between $15 and $30, the manduka yoga mat costs a staggering $70 to $90. Even the lighter manduka yoga mat costs between $60 and $80. What is it about the manduka yoga mats that make them so expensive as compared to other yoga mats?

The Manduka website’s “Frequently Asked Questions” page reveals that they consider themselves a superior product because their mats are designed to last “a lifetime or two.” They do not use latex in their mats but they do use a small amount of PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

A review on Amazon.com notes that unlike most yoga mats, the manduka yoga mat has a top and a bottom side. The top side keeps the Yogi from slipping and sliding, the bottom side stays flat against the surface of the floor beneath and doesn’t bunch up during exercise.

Customer reviews agree that the mat is extremely durable and thick enough to provide cushioning for the hands, feet, knees, and elbows. The extra thickness makes it ideal for those who practice ashtanga yoga asanas.

Is the Manduka Yoga Mat Worth the Extra Money?

The manduka yoga mat has been referred to as the “Mercedes” of yoga mats and is sometimes called the “instructor’s mat” in reference to its longevity. But is a Mercedes right for you?

You’ll probably want to evaluate just how serious you are about yoga. If you are a serious yogi who works on the asanas (postures) daily or almost daily, this mat is probably a good choice for you despite its high cost. In the long run, it is going to be cheaper for you to buy one durable mat than to buy twenty mats that give out in a few months.

If your practice of yoga and deep relaxation is more casual, however, limited to a couple of times a week or a few times a month, you may want to think twice about shelling out almost a hundred dollars for a manduka yoga mat. You’ll probably be able to get by just fine with a less expensive mat, since you will be placing less wear and tear on it.

Before you decide to spend the money on a manduka yoga mat, you’ll probably want to actually see—and if possible, work out on—one. Check with local sporting goods stores, health club gyms, and your yoga studio to see if they have one available for you to look at.