When I ventured to try the locally designed 42 Birds yoga mats, I knew I’d be inherently biased against the natural-looking beauties. As a certified yoga instructor and avid practitioner, I spend much time on my trusty, orange sticky mat daily. With so many transformative and energetic moments expended on our mats, it’s easy to get attached to them; trying a new one can feel like a betrayal. But, this sister-brother-owned brand took me by surprise.
The Cape Coral brand’s mats are made of cork on one side and toxin-free, fully recyclable foam or natural rubber on the other. The woodsy material—a biodegradable alternative to the synthetic materials in most commercial mats—is not only sustainably sourced (hand-harvested from oak trees without felling them) but also highly functional.
I expected the surface to be slightly bumpy, like a grainy wine cork. Instead, it’s smooth and extra grippy, especially during more active (read: sweaty) sessions (hot yoga fans, rejoice). Unlike traditional mats that get slippery when wet, 42 Birds’ gear gets grippier as the moisture activates the natural resins in the cork, making the surface slightly tacky. Meanwhile, the material’s porous nature helps it dry quickly, preventing the build-up of mold and mildew and ensuing funky smells.
I start with 42 Birds’ The Robin mat, which has a rubber underside, providing excellent padding. Often, when practicing the fluid Vinyasa yoga, I have to stop and reach for support during kneeling positions, like cat-cow or modified low lunge variations. The pauses always feel like an interruption to my flow. But, The Robin is soft and provides cushion throughout my practice—even at a lightweight 5 millimeters thick (there’s also the firmer Woodpecker version made only of cork and the plusher Imperial Eagle). Plus, each mat comes with a strap that works double-duty as a carrier and extender—great for positions where you need extra support.
In a world where many of us are trying to be more eco-friendly, 42 Birds hits the mark with a mat that makes you feel good about your choices and performs well. Each practice on this mat has turned out to be a pleasant surprise, enhancing my flow and, as a seasoned yogi, freshening up my routine in a way I didn’t think possible.
Courtesy 42 Birds
42 birds robin yoga mat in tan
The cork in 42 Birds’ sustainably driven mats ensures they get grippier with moisture, so you don’t have to worry about sliding around during extra-sweaty sessions.