This Gaiam Dry Grip yoga mat review covers the Performance Dry-Grip: a 5 mm PVC mat with a moisture-wicking topcoat made for sweaty classes, backed by a lifetime guarantee.
The Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip 5mm ranks #1 in our best yoga mat guide and makes the top 5 of 2 more.
Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip 5mm Review: The Short Answer
Our verdict
FitScore 68.9/100
Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip 5mm
Buy it if you want one light, fairly priced mat for most styles of yoga, including warm classes. Skip it if you are tall, need maximum grip in a soaking hot room or want alignment marks.
- PVC with a moisture-wicking topcoat, 5 mm
- 68 x 24 in, 4.25 lb
- Lifetime guarantee, latex-free
Best Usage
- Hot yoga and sweaty vinyasa flows
- Yoga and stretching at home
- Low-impact cardio at home
Best For
- People whose hands sweat in class
- People with a latex allergy
- Buyers keeping one mat for years
Not For
- Users over 6 ft
- Buyers who need a gym floor mat
- Users who prefer training outdoors
Key Specs
- Material: PVC with a moisture-wicking topcoat
- Thickness: 5 mm
- Size: 68 x 24 in
- Weight: 4.25 lb
- Warranty: Lifetime
Pros
- Lifetime guarantee
- Topcoat wicks moisture for grip
- Firm 5 mm support
Cons
- Short 68 in length
- Narrow 24 in width
- Less grippy when fully dry
Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip 5mm Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip 5mm | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Studio mat | A full-size studio mat for home and class. |
| Material | PVC with a moisture-wicking topcoat | PVC with a moisture-wicking topcoat that takes up sweat from hands and feet. |
| Thickness | 5 mm | 5 mm: enough cushion for knees, firm enough for standing balances. |
| Size (length × width) | 68 × 24 in | A standard 68 by 24 inch surface; taller users may want a longer mat. |
| Weight | 4.25 lb | Light enough to carry to a class. |
| Latex | Latex-free | No natural rubber, so it suits people with a latex allergy. |
| Alignment marks | No | A plain surface with no printed guides. |
| Strap or bag | Not included | Sold without a strap or bag. |
| Folds | No | Rolls only. |
| Warranty | Lifetime | A lifetime mat guarantee from the maker. |
Check Amazon for current pricing and availability.
Check the warranty terms before you order: the FTC explains how to read a product warranty.
The CDC recommends muscle-strengthening activity at least twice a week for adults, and a regular yoga practice can count toward it. Harvard Health Publishing describes the physical and mental benefits of a regular yoga practice.
Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip 5mm FitScore
FitScore rates each yoga mat on its published specs, weighted for one buying intent (how we score). This review uses the weights of our best yoga mat guide, where the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip 5mm ranks #1 with the same score. Performance (35%) counts most, then durability and comfort (20% each), practicality and affordability (10% each) and features (5%). Most buyers want grip first, then durability and cushion, with portability, materials and price behind.
FitScore for Most Yoga Practices
How this FitScore was calculated
This FitScore combines 6 category scores using the weights of the buying intent above.
- Durability (82.26): a lifetime guarantee, a pvc with a moisture-wicking topcoat build and the brand reliability score.
- Performance (77): pvc with a moisture-wicking topcoat surface, a sealed top and grip that improves with moisture.
- Comfort (74): 5 mm of cushion, a light build and firm support for balances.
- Features (30): pvc with a moisture-wicking topcoat, no named certification, latex-free and no alignment marks.
- Practicality (22): 4.25 lb, rolls (does not fold), no strap or bag and a surface that needs regular washing.
- Affordability (70): a mid-range affordability score for its class.
Grip and the Topcoat
The Dry-Grip is a PVC mat with a topcoat that wicks moisture, so a sweaty palm stays drier than on plain PVC, which slides as soon as it gets damp.
Owners say it takes up moisture quickly and use it for warm and hot classes.
Testers found the grip good when dry but only fair once the mat is really wet, so people who sweat a lot may still want a towel.
Bottom line: a real step up from plain PVC for sweaty hands.
Cushion and Stability
At 5 mm it sits in the middle of the range: enough for knees in low lunges, firm enough that tree pose and warrior poses stay steady.
Testers found the cushion comfortable on joints and firm, without shifting on the floor.
Bottom line: balanced cushion for most practices.
Durability and Care
Gaiam covers the mat with a lifetime guarantee. Clean it with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner made for it; the maker warns against some sprays on this topcoat.
Some owners report the topcoat wearing after long use, and testers found it prone to staining.
Bottom line: well covered, but the topcoat shows wear.
Size and Weight
At 68 by 24 inches it is a standard size, and at 4.25 lb it is easy to carry to class. It has no strap, so plan one if you commute.
Owners describe it as light and easy to transport, though cleaning the textured top takes a little care.
Bottom line: easy to carry, short for tall users.
Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip 5mm vs Rivals
Here is how the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip 5mm compares with three other yoga mats from our best yoga mat guide, using the same FitScore weights.
| Comparehead to head | THIS REVIEW | Alternative 1 | Alternative 2 | Alternative 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | PVC with a moisture-wicking topcoat | Polyurethane over natural rubber | Polyurethane over natural rubber | PVC |
| Thickness | 5 mm | 5 mm | 4.2 mm | 6 mm |
| Size (length × width) | 68 × 24 in | 71 × 26 in | 72.8 × 26.8 in | 71 × 26 in |
| Weight | 4.25 lb | 5.5 lb | 5.5 lb | 7.5 lb |
| Latex | Latex-free | Contains natural rubber latex | Contains natural rubber latex | Latex-free |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Not stated | Not stated | Lifetime |
| Check Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Alternatives to the Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip 5mm
Stronger grip: Choose the Manduka GRP Adapt 5mm if you want a polyurethane over natural rubber surface that grips harder when you sweat and a 71 x 26 in surface. It ranks #2 in our best yoga mat guide.
Alignment marks: Choose the Liforme Original if you want printed alignment marks for hands and feet and a 72.8 x 26.8 in surface. It ranks #3 in our best yoga mat guide.
More cushion: Choose the Manduka PRO 6mm if you want 6 mm of cushion against 5 mm and a 71 x 26 in surface. It ranks #4 in our best yoga mat guide.
Final Verdict
The Gaiam Dry-Grip is a light 5 mm PVC mat with a moisture-wicking topcoat and a lifetime guarantee. Its balance of grip, cushion and price is the draw; the trade-offs are a standard length and a topcoat that loses some grip when soaked. If you would rather have a polyurethane over natural rubber surface that grips harder when you sweat, the Manduka GRP Adapt 5mm is the closer fit.
Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip 5mm FAQ
It ranks in 3 of our yoga mat guides: #1 in best yoga mat, #2 in best yoga mat for beginners, #3 in best hot yoga mat. With the weights of our best yoga mat guide it scores 68.9 out of 100, with performance 77, durability 82.26, comfort 74, practicality 22, features 30.
It is 5 mm thick and weighs 4.25 lb.
It measures 68 x 24 in, against about 68 x 24 in for a standard mat.
No, it is latex-free.
Owners use it for warm and hot classes because the topcoat takes up sweat; in a very hot, very sweaty class a towel still helps.
Some owners find it less grippy when hands are completely dry; it grips best once hands are a little warm.
Wipe it with a damp cloth and a gentle mat cleaner after sweaty sessions, let it dry flat and avoid harsh sprays on the topcoat.
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