Yoga mats are an essential accessory for any yogi’s practice. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to decide which mat is right for you and your needs.
Two of the most popular yoga mat brands right now are Toki Mats and Gathre. Both offer high-quality mats made from natural materials, but there are some key differences between the two.
Keep reading for an in-depth comparison of Toki mats and Gathre mats including the pros, cons, features, and FAQs to help you determine which one is the best fit.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Features | Toki Mats | Gathre Mats |
| Materials | 100% natural tree rubber | Natural rubber bottom, absorbent polyester fabric top |
| Textures | Open-cell texture on both sides | Waffle-like texture on bottom, fabric on top |
| Grip | Excellent from open-cell design | Good from texture and fabric |
| Cushioning | 1/8″ or 1/4″ thickness provides excellent cushioning | Fabric top provides soft cushioning |
| Customization | Variety of colors and lengths | Fully customizable fabrics, colors, monogramming |
| Eco-Friendly | Sustainably sourced rubber, carbon neutral manufacturing | Natural materials, tree planted for each purchase |
| Price | $$ ($68 – $150) | $$$ ($95 – $198) |
| Best For | Yogis who want a basic natural rubber mat | Yogis who want a customizable mat |
Overview Of Toki Mats
Toki Mats were founded in 2015 by yogis looking for a high-performance mat made with natural rubber. Toki mats are made from all-natural tree rubber tapped sustainably from rubber trees in Thailand. The mats are manufactured carbon-neutral in a Fair Trade environment.
Toki Mats come in a variety of lengths from 68”-85” and thicknesses ranging from 1/8” for travel mats up to 1/4″ for studio mats. They have an open-cell design that provides cushioning and grip.
The mats have a natural rubber smell at first but this fades over time. Toki Mats come in vivid colors like midnight blue, terra red, and leaf green that brighten up your yoga practice.
Pros
- Made from sustainable, all-natural tree rubber
- Cushioned open-cell design provides grip
- Variety of lengths and thicknesses
- Vibrant colors
- Carbon-neutral manufacturing
Potential Cons
- Natural rubber smell takes time to fade
- Only one texture option (open-cell)
- Limited style options besides colors
Overview Of Gathre Mats
Gathre launched in 2017 based on the idea of creating a customizable mat. Gathre mats are made from natural rubber and fabrics. You can customize the colors, length, thickness, fabric patterns, and monogram to design your perfect yoga mat.
Gathre mats come in standard (68”), extra-long (74”) and 72″ options. Thickness ranges from 1/8” for travel to 1/4” for studio mats.
The mats feature a waffle texture on the bottom for grip and absorbent fabric on top in a variety of patterns. Gathre plants a tree for every mat purchased.
Pros
- Fully customizable colors, fabrics, monograms
- Natural rubber + fabric construction
- Multiple sizes and thicknesses
- Texture provides grip
- Eco-friendly company plants trees
Potential Cons
- Rubber smell at first like Toki mats
- Custom options increase cost
- Textured side could scratch if used upside down
Also Read: Comparison Between nuLOOM And Ruggable Rugs
Comparison Of Key Features
Let’s go a bit deeper on how Toki and Gathre stack up across some key performance factors:
Materials
- Toki Mats are made completely from all-natural tree rubber. They contain no synthetic latex or harsh chemicals. The open-cell texture provides cushioning and grip.
- Gathre uses natural tree rubber on the bottom paired with an absorbent polyester fabric on the top. This gives you grip as well as a soft surface for standing postures. The fabric is antimicrobial to inhibit bacterial growth.
Grip
- The open-cell texture of Toki Mats provides excellent grip, even during hot yoga or intense practices. The rubber grabs your hands and feet without being too sticky or slippery.
- Gathre’s waffle-like texture on the bottom paired with the fabric top offers great grip from any side. The textured rubber side should be placed down for optimal traction.
Cushioning
- Available in 1/8” or 1/4” thicknesses, Toki Mats provide excellent cushioning for knees and joints without being overly squishy. The open-cell rubber evenly distributes weight.
- Gathre mats are also available in 1/8” or 1/4” thicknesses. The fabric top provides a softer surface than rubber alone while the texture underneath offers cushioning.
Eco-Friendliness
- Toki Mats utilizes rubber tapped sustainably from trees without chemicals. Manufacturing is carbon neutral and Fair Trade certified.
- Gathre sources natural rubber and uses OEKO-TEX certified fabric made without harmful chemicals. They plant a tree for every mat sold and use sustainable materials.
Customization
- Toki offers a variety of vibrant mat colors and lengths to choose from but no custom fabrics or monograms.
- Gathre is highly customizable with different colors, fabrics, sizes, monogramming, and thickness. This lets you design a mat specific to your taste.
Price
- Toki Mats cost between $68 for a travel size and $150 for a thick studio mat. Simple color options keep costs lower.
- A basic Gathre mat starts at $95 but custom fabrics, monogramming, and thicker mats can cost up to $198. The custom options come at a premium.
Also Read: Comparison Between Rugs.com And Rugs USA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Toki mats are made from all-natural rubber tapped from renewable rubber trees. They do not contain latex, toxic chemicals, or dyes that could cause reactions. The minimal ingredient list makes them safe for most people.
Gathre mats are not machine washable since the fabrics could fray and rubber contract. Gathre recommends spot cleaning your mat gently with soap and water. Do not submerge the whole mat. You can also use yoga mat spray cleaners.
Toki mats come in 1/8” thick for travel and 1/4″ thick for studio mats. The 1/4” provides ample cushioning for knees and joints without being overly squishy or unstable. The 1/8″ travel mat folds up easily while still offering decent support.
It’s best to store Toki mats by hanging them vertically or rolling them out horizontally. Avoid bunching them tightly to prevent the rubber from creasing. Store in a dry area out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. The mats naturally resist mildew and bacteria growth.
Also Read: Comparison Between Alo Yoga Mats and Manduka Mats
The Verdict
So when it comes down to deciding between Toki and Gathre mats, which one reigns supreme?
For the eco-conscious yogi on a budget who wants a high-quality natural rubber mat in fun colors, Toki is the winner. The sustainable materials, range of sizes/thicknesses, excellent grip, and affordable price make it a great choice for most needs.
For the yogi who loves customization and wants a fabric surface with stylish patterns, Gathre takes the lead. You can tailor every aspect – from length to fabric to monogram. The blend of fabric and rubber offers advantages for both grip and softness during practice. Just be prepared to pay a premium.
Ultimately there is no “best” mat between Toki and Gathre – only the mat that fits your priorities. Both brands make excellent mats from sustainable materials so you can’t go wrong. See which features matter most to you and let your personal practice guide you to the perfect mat.
Watch this review video of Gathre Mats!
When choosing between Toki and Gathre yoga mats, consider factors like:
- Materials: natural tree rubber (Toki) Vs. rubber + fabric (Gathre)
- Customization: limited colors (Toki) Vs. highly customizable (Gathre)
- Grip: open-cell texture (Toki) Vs. waffle bottom (Gathre)
- Cushioning: open-cell rubber (Toki) Vs. fabric top (Gathre)
- Eco-friendly: both use natural materials and offset carbon
- Price: $$ (Toki) Vs. $$$ (Gathre)
Both Toki and Gathre make quality yoga mats with ethical and sustainable sourcing. Pick the one that best fits your practice preferences and budget. Have fun designing your perfect mat to elevate your yoga practice!