In continuing with our yoga-related surf products, a staff writer currently on a 12 month journey to see the world reviews the portable yoga-aid  product Yoga Paws Mini Mats by YogaPaws/Yoga-Syz. With a tag line (see below) touting this product as ideal for travel, our budding yogi-surfer takes it to the limit.

Tag Line: A revolutionary mini mat design provides solid support, extra padding, and peace of mind. Fitting in your purse, pocket, or travel bag. Going somewhere? No need to lug that mat around with you anymore cause these things are ideal for TRAVEL!

Without readily available surf during this trip, I was thoroughly decided in ensuring my paddling muscles and surf flexibility stayed with me. I have heard from other long-term travelers how difficult it was to return to surfing after 3,6, and12 months … so it was resolved that prior to my year-long travel, I was to regularly practice yoga on the road.

Trying to contort yourself while in your airplane or bus seat can be painful and quite annoying to other passengers. So, HOW to improve flexibility and prevent insanity while landlocked away from surfing? This is where some serious internet research and product reviews helps out … in comes the Yoga Paws.

The Good: Yoga Paws are basically fitted gloves for the palms of your hand, and the balls of your feet … although the company proudly advertises them as mini mats, they are far from being mats at all. Made from a polyester and nylon blend for the glove and foot sock, and yoga-mat material for cushioning and slip resistance, the paws hold their promise in portability. Fitting in a mesh bag about the size of a mouse pad, they fit nicely and flatly in almost any travel bag or purse.

I bought two pairs of Yoga Paws, one for me and another pair for my travel companion/husband, who reluctantly agreed to the universal sizing chart claiming one size fits most. I was able to utilize the compact and portable Yoga Paws with relative ease on most surfaces such as ceramic tile and wood. The yoga paws are constructed well with yoga mat material on the outside and lined supple terry cloth on the palm/ball side for sweat absorption. Lycra and Velcro secure the gloves to your hands and feet.

The paws perform well by gripping the floor while remaining flexible and light with both simple and complex yoga poses. The perforations in the yoga mat material located on the palms and soles of the paws allow minimal air flow to your hands and feet, providing air flow that minimizes the sweat-factor. Overall, they worked well. Yoga paws were very reliable during impromptu and space challenged yoga sessions.

I loved that I could easily pack Yoga Paws into my bag, as opposed to strapping on a yoga mat onto my already overloaded backpack. The portability was great and the whole set came packaged in a light weight mesh pouch to keep the Yoga Paws together when not in use. I added a strong, light weight yoga belt to travel with the set, in hopes of stretching my limits. It has only stretched my imagination of things to come so far, but I am still hopeful.

The Bad: On the other hand, my husband’s use of yoga paws was short-lived as his hands and feet stressed the one size fits most yoga paws into submission by the second month. The Yoga Paws designers seem to have sized their product for smaller people, and need to change their sizing to accommodate varying sizes, as the tightness of the paws at times caused discomfort and pinching. In addition, the stretched yoga-mat material began to peel off the glove within a few weeks.

Sweatiness is also a factor in using Yoga Paws. Yes, sweat! My husband’s paws were stretched due to the small sizes available, and the sweating caused the mat material to slowly peel off after only two months of use.

For R&D people reading this, he would have benefited from a terry cloth sweat band-type material on the backside of the glove for quick brow swipes. Yes, he is the sweat monger, but this is common among most yoga practitioners … and when you’re traveling, towels are a luxury to carry around! Sweat aside, after-yoga sessions, the sweaty paws are a snap to hand wash and dry … practically quick-dry and convenient to hang, because of the velcro snaps!

The Verdict: These are great little yoga products, especially for the traveling surfer looking to continue their yoga practice … compact, lightweight and easy to use. Aside from the few minor issues with sizing and material imperfections (the website now displays updated designs and updated materials!), they are well worth the money. A great gift for your surfing yogis!

[article originally featured as "‘12 Days of Xmas’ #10: Yoga Paws Mini Mats"]