Yoloha Unity Cork Review

The Yoloha Unity Yoga Mat is available in three different sizes, 72 by 26, 80 by 26, and 84 by 30 inches. Its antimicrobial surface ensures a clean mat, no matter what type of yoga you are engaging in, while the cork-rubber combination offers incredible traction in both dry and wet circumstances. Read on to see how the Unity Mat performs during our testing.

Performance Comparison

Comfort and Support

Finding the balance between squishiness for comfort and firmness for support can be difficult, but the Yoloha walks this line almost perfectly.

This 6.5-millimeter yoga mat is 3.5 millimeters of soft foam bottom for comfort and 3 millimeters of cork and rubber for stability. The top layer provides a nice solid base, perfect for most poses that require balance. Even with the firm top, the Unity is still quite comfortable on your joints.

While a thick, firm mat often offers ample support, it can be difficult to fold over if you need any additional cushion. Most people find this mat comfortable, but if you have particularly sensitive knees and elbows, you may want something softer, so having a towel with you is a good idea. Testers with a significant curve in their lower backs found that this mat put too much pressure on that area during an extended Shavasana. Again, this is a problem easily remedied by a rolled-up towel.

While Yoloha may not be soft enough for those with sensitive boney bits, the firmness is great for softer ground. Whether you are practicing on carpet, grass, or sand, the structure of this mat holds true, providing a very versatile experience.

Grip

The founder of Yoloha recognized the benefits of using cork as a non-slip surface by crafting surfboards in his garage. He realized that if cork could be used as a non-slip surface on a surfboard, then it would make great material for a yoga mat. Cork yoga mats have grown in popularity over the gears, but the Yoloha Unity Cork is slightly different. The 3-millimeter cork-rubber conglomerate top layer offers a small amount of texture that grabs back, while the soft foam 3.5-millimeter bottom layer allows for a small amount of give, which helps the yoga mat form around your hands.

The Yohola website states that the mat performs best with a drizzle of water, however, the rubber component provides excellent grip, even if you forget to spritz it with water beforehand.

Unfortunately, the Yoloha requires a break-in period, but like your favorite pair of boots or jeans, it's totally worth it. During this period, it's very important to apply significant downward pressure, or you will likely find yourself slipping forward.

The Unity provides some of the best wet-grip we've seen. The textured rubber and cork mix absorbs moisture, so you don't end up with a slippery puddle in the middle of your mat during hot yoga. We do notice that the soft rubber on the underside of the mat can be a little slippery, causing the mat to slide around on the ground if a point or two of contact meanders off the mat. Overall, the Unity is superior in its non-slip qualities, especially when wet, creating a safe area to practice.

Materials

The Yoloha is made of eco-friendly recycled cork and rubber. It's also made in the US, contributing to its eco-friendliness if you live state-side. It is also void of any PVCs, latex, or plasticizers.

During the unboxing, our testers were convinced the conglomerate top layer would fall apart, but to our surprise, it held up very nicely. Not one piece of cork or rubber became dislodged during testing. In fact, after testing the Yoloha Unity Cork multiple times weekly for months, it still looks brand new.

After a particularly sweaty practice, you may find that the porous cork and rubber take a little while to dry, so it is best to unroll your mat when you get home from yoga class to ensure it dries fully. That being said, its surface is antimicrobial, so it doesn't smell if you leave it rolled up for too long.

Ease of Use

While the nature of a yoga mat is uncomplicated, some have features that make them more enjoyable to use than others. During our Ease of Use testing, we pay attention to how easy it is to keep the mat looking and smelling clean. The Unity Cork has an antimicrobial surface, which helps keep any post-hot yoga stink at bay. Yoloha recommends that you purchase their cleaning spray, which is a combination of certified organic tea tree and lemon essential oils, filtered water, and vinegar. They also have a restorative spray that helps keep your mat smelling delicious with certified organic eucalyptus and lavender essential oils, filtered water, and witch hazel. It is important to lay the mat flat to dry, as the cork and rubber combination is quite porous.

A couple more contributors to the user-friendliness of yoga mats are their portability and versatility. The Yoloha Unity is six pounds which is pretty standard for a thick and durable yoga mat. It rolls up pretty tight, about five inches in diameter, and it stays rolled up making it easy to transport to and from practice on a bike, on foot, or while riding a bus. The weight helps the mat lie flat on the ground, even when stored rolled for extended periods.

It is offered in three sizes: 72 by 26 inches, 80 by 26 inches, and 84 by 30 inches. We tested then the 72 by 26, which offers plenty of room for the average yogi.

Should You Buy the Yoloha Unity Cork

The Unity Cork is no drop in the bucket but if you're looking for a high quality mat, it's well worth the money. It offers incredible grip, wet or dry, which only gets better with time. The soft foam bottom layer paired with the firm cork and rubber top layer makes this mat a very versatile one. It is comfortable and supportive whether you're practicing on grass or in a yoga studio. It is also durable and antimicrobial, ensuring that you'll get plenty of time with your investment. If you're looking for a long-lasting, versatile yoga mat with impeccable grip, the Unity Cork is a great option.

What Other Yoga Mats Should You Consider?