Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat VS Yogi Bare Paws Natural Rubber Extreme Grip: which one is better for grip?

Want to buy one of the best yoga mats out now? Both the Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat vs Yogi Bare Paws Natural Rubber Extreme Grip have a lot to offer in terms of grip, stability, comfort and versatility. Confused about which one to choose? Picking the best yoga mat doesn’t have to be tricky. We’ve compared the two for you. 

These brands are both bestsellers and have been designed with no hidden nasties, but have very different price points and features. The Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat is not only a bargain buy, but it’s durable and machine washable. Plus, there are plenty of bright and bold colours to choose from. In contrast, the Yogi Bare Paws Natural Rubber Extreme Grip is almost triple the price and only has limited shades. It has been designed with sustainability and the environment strongly in mind, and it won’t absorb bacteria as easily, as it’s made with closed-cell PU.

In this Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat vs Yogi Bare Paws Natural Rubber Extreme Grip review, we'll look at the best and worst aspects of both yoga mats to help you make the right choice. 

Quick comparison

Material: Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat: High-grade PVC VS Yogi Bare Paws Natural Rubber Extreme Grip: Natural rubber and PU

Weight: Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat: 1.2kg VS Yogi Bare Paws Natural Rubber Extreme Grip: 2.5kg

What’s special about the Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat?

The first thing that really appeals when it comes to the Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat is the texture and colourful design. At such a great price, and with more than 10 different colours to choose from, you could even match your yoga mat to your workout gear each time. It makes getting into yoga easy. Bright and bold, these shades really put a smile on your face. In fact, it could be just the boost you need to complete a workout when all you want to do is slump on the sofa instead.

Another special feature of the Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat, which definitely sets it apart from a lot of other yoga mats of the same price, is that the team at Yogamatters really considers the materials they use when it comes to their mats. This pick is free from latex, so ideal if you have an allergy. But that’s not all. The mat doesn’t contain phthalates, so it’s non-toxic – essential if you are rolling about all over it! Plus, it doesn’t contain any DOP, which is considered to be a carcinogen.

But perhaps one of the best features of this yoga mat is that it’s so easy to keep clean – ideal if you are regularly sharing your mat with other family members or often carry it out and about. It’s machine washable at 40ºC, as long as you don’t use it on a spin cycle. You can then leave it to dry naturally. This can make all the difference when putting your mind at rest regarding hygiene.

What’s special about the Yogi Bare Paws Natural Rubber Extreme Grip?

Sleek, super smooth and just that extra bit wider than standard yoga mats, the Yogi Bare Paws Natural Rubber Extreme Grip feels really special to use. The mat has an intricate and beautiful Aztec-style design laser etched on to one side. Not only does this look stunning, but it includes a horizontal and vertical line across the centre of the mat, which is really helpful when it comes to positioning yourself correctly. This works well for both beginners and experienced yogis who want to try out more complicated moves and need a little extra guidance.

Not only that, but it’s been designed with the environment in mind. It’s biodegradable, made with fully sustainable materials, is 100% vegan and even the packaging used is all recyclable. It's made with natural rubber and PU, and there’s no off-putting chemical smell when first unravelled. While it might not be one of the best thick yoga mats, it still offers plenty of support.

But perhaps the best bit about this yoga mat is the fact that not only will it simply not move when placed on the floor (whether carpet, grass or concrete), but your hands and feet won’t slip at all, even when wet. This makes it great for more dynamic activities where you may sweat heavily or really need to stay balanced when moving around.

What is the main difference between them?

The main difference between the Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat and Yogi Bare Paws Natural Rubber Extreme Grip is the grip they offer when using them during a workout. Yogamatters is really honest and open about how the mat is unsuitable for use when wet – there is even a note on the label, warning about it. The mat itself has quite a “tacky” feel, meaning feet make a noise as they move around it. I felt my hands and feet gripped quite well, although Yogamatters also claims on the label that grip will improve more and more over time. To be honest, I don’t think I noticed much improvement and I still slipped slightly when trying anything more dynamic. 

In contrast, for the extra money you are spending on the Yogi Bare Paws Natural Rubber Extreme Grip, you are also getting a lot of extra grip. Despite not having any grooves on the mat, my hands and feet really didn’t slip. This is the same even if you sweat heavily, too, making this pick great for Hot Yoga. It really does offer extreme grip and perform well. Plus, the water dries really quickly afterwards, so you can put it away after use without too much delay.

Plus, as the Yogi Bare Paws Natural Rubber Extreme Grip mat is heavy (at 2.5kg, it’s not great for carrying around too much), it does mean that once the mat is unrolled it doesn’t roll up at the ends at all. But, saying that, if you want to take your mat with you on a yoga retreat, then the Yogamatters option is a lot lighter.

So, which one will you pick?

Should I buy the Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat or Yogi Bare Paws Natural Rubber Extreme Grip?

When it comes to choosing between the Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat and the Yogi Bare Paws Natural Rubber Extreme Grip, which one you pick in the end will probably be down to budget. Both brands have tried to ensure there are no nasty toxins in the mats or any negative environmental impacts, but it really does come down to the more you pay, the better the experience this time. 

While its grip isn’t quite as solid as the competition, the Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat is lightweight and rolls up easily and tightly after use, which makes storage easy. It’s quite dense, which means it can help lessen impact on joints. At 4.5mm, it’s great for standing poses, as you still have enough connection to the floor, and if you have a latex allergy, then it’s the perfect pick.

However, if you have the money to spend, then the best option is the Yogi Bare Paws Natural Rubber Extreme Grip, especially if you are planning on getting hot and sweaty. It simply won’t move, even when wet, which means you can really push yourself when trying high-impact exercises or more dynamic moves. This means it will probably last you longer, so is worth the extra investment now to help benefit the future.