I purchased this mat after completing my yoga training with Peter Sterios, the original founder of the manduka mat company. Other reviews I read stated that manduka mats had a weird odor so I was a bit reluctant to purchase. However, I really wanted a high quality mat that I could leave in my studio since I teach 4 classes per week and wanted the cushioning and protection that thicker mats provide. Several key points about this mat. 1) the odor was really bad at first so I left it outside on a covered porch for a couple of days to air out over a chair. The odor remained but was a bit less offensive. However, after several weeks in my studio, i no longer notice the smell, so it did in fact go away thankfully! 2) I like the surface of the mat, it's a bit textured and not "sticky" but it works well for me and I don't seem to slide as much in down dog. 3) love the green color! 3) it's a little heavy to use as a travel mat so I keep it in my studio and use a lighter one for travel.