Not long ago I found myself stuffing a suitcase for an overseas business trip. As usual, I contemplated cramming a yoga mat in as well (since business trips suck without a little yoga), but given luggage limitations I went for the next best thing and tossed my new Manduka eQua Plus yoga towel into the bag. While the eQua Plus towel provides a perfect top layer for your favorite yoga mat, I’ve found that it also substitutes perfectly well as a mat replacement when I just need a clean, non-slip surface in my hotel room or the beach or wherever I feel like practicing yoga.  Just add a little water or sweat and the thing rocks!

While I also own the original eQua towel, which is also awesome, the eQua Plus towel is slightly different in that it is woven with natural fibers extracted from recycled coconut shells. The yarn is infused with activated carbon which spreads and evaporates moisture and provides improved odor management by eliminating bacteria.  Of course the Manduka website does a much better job explaining what’s so cool about the coconut fibers in the towel:

Cocona technology utilizes recycled coconut shells that would have otherwise gone to landfills. Through a patented process, the coconut shells are converted into activated carbon particles which are then infused into the microfiber. The benefits of the coconut carbon will last the lifetime of the towel. The active carbon renews itself when washed and the benefits will endure or improve over the lifetime of the towel.

Recyclable, durable and long-lasting, we consider the product to be an eco-conscious choice when the towel is used to its fullest potential. Its versatility eliminates the need for other fitness towels that wear out quickly. While the material will survive countless uses & washes, it can also be repurposed as a multifunctional cleaning cloth if its life as a fitness accessory comes to an end.

Easily packing to the size of a small t-shirt and perfect as a yoga mat replacement for those times when the mat just won’t fit, I highly recommend that you don’t leave home without the eQua Plus!