In the end it was an easy decision: the mat that could fit into my checked luggage was the one that traveled to Mexico with me last week. I could fold and stuff the Jade Yoga mat into the suitcase, but not the Black Pro Manduka, so my blue Jade mat went to Haramara.
Here is my mat (covered with sweat and dust), next to a signpost and a friend’s crutches. My girlfriend twisted her ankle on a rocky trail, and was unable to practice asanas. Instead she enjoyed our 2‑hour meditation sessions each afternoon.
And yes, this all-rubber mat deformed in the >90 degree heat, but I stepped off the mat onto the wooden yoga pavilion floor whenever that happened.
My sweaty legs or feet sometimes stuck to the open cells of the mat during transitions, but not too often; it was an acceptable a hassle.
I spent many wonderful hours on this mat last week, reveling in every second of the Mexico yoga retreat. Namaste to our amazing yoga teacher! And namaste to this trusty, dusty (now clean) mat.