This mat is excellent. At first it was a little slippery, but if you read the instructions and wash it and leave it in the sun, it comes alive. Recommend it to anyone who is tired of leaving little mat pieces on the floor.

after a few months it started to disintegrate. Now I have to put it in the land fill.

I was torn between this lighter version and the heavier version. I am very pleased with my final choice of the lighter Manduka mat. It is wide enough and thick enough in comparison to your average mat without being too heavy to tote to the gym. It was delivered extremely fast so fast that I checked to make sure I didn't order expedited delivery! Yes, it was VERY stinky and a little slick. I tried washing it in the house but it wasn't helping with the smell. My solution was to leave it outside for about 2 weeks on my porch table. Our winters are mild so it wasn't getting too cold or getting too much sun. I would flip it periodically and wipe it down. We had a few rainy nights that was just perfect to get rid of the residue. After 2 weeks, the smell was gone. I tried once to use it sooner and it was an hour of torture - way too stinky to use. I prefer to use the bottom side of the mat - it has a better grip with the little circles on my hands. I haven't had any problems slipping until just recently when I had an instructor who insisted the room temperature be at about 100!!! I was sweating enough to slip for the first time ever. I had a thin hand towel with me that I placed on the mat under my hands. It was the perfect solution and no more slipping!

Honestly, the best mat ever and not too bulky! I bought one in 2003 and just now replacing it - lasted for 5 years!

I've been teaching for 1 1/2 years and this is my favorite mat so far. Four years ago I began with a Nike mat that I purchased at a sporting goods store. I appreciated the light weight and the measure marks; however when I kneeled I could feel the floor through it. My second mat was the black Manduka; I got very strong hauling that one around! The Purple Travel Manduka has been the best for me in terms of weight and density; I even took it to Bali and then to Chicago last year with no problem. I am now considering the eKO mat if it is not any heavier than the purple mat.