Kona T Mat — Triathlon Transition Mat | Neoprene | 29" x 21.5"
- From Kona Tri Apparel
- Make your race transitions FASTER and EASIER with the Kona T Mat - Triathlon Transition Mat
- Smooth comfortable surface that's easy on the feet and it stays grounded thanks to its grippy, slightly padded neoprene bottom.
- Better than a towel, it's easy to clean, stays dry, and rolls up neatly into your bag.
- Dimensions: 29" x 21.5"
- Colors: Blue, Red, Pink, Orange, and Yellow
Make your race transitions FASTER and EASIER with the Kona T Mat - Triathlon Transition Mat. Find your gear faster with a very colorful neoprene Kona T mat that allows you to better position your race gear in a neat, organized fashion. Better than a towel, it's easy to clean, stays dry, and rolls up neatly into your bag.
Kona T Mat: Common Questions
What is the Kona T Mat and what does it do?
The Kona T Mat is a neoprene triathlon transition mat measuring 29 inches by 21.5 inches. It lays flat in your transition area to give you a defined, colorful zone where you organize your gear — helmet, cycling shoes, running shoes, sunglasses, nutrition, race belt — so you can find and move through everything quickly under race pressure. The smooth top surface is comfortable on bare feet coming out of the swim, and the grippy neoprene bottom holds the mat in place on pavement, grass, or gravel transition surfaces without sliding when you step onto it. When the race is over, it rolls up neatly and fits in your gear bag.
Why is a dedicated transition mat better than just using a towel?
A towel absorbs water from your wet feet and gear, gets heavy, bunches and shifts when you step on it, and takes up significant space in your transition bag when wet. The Kona T Mat's neoprene construction repels water rather than absorbing it — your feet land on a surface that stays dry and stable regardless of how wet you are coming out of the swim. Neoprene also cleans easily with a rinse and dries quickly, so the mat is race-ready again for your next event without washing or waiting. The bright colors (Blue, Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow) serve a practical purpose: they make your transition spot visually distinct in a crowded transition area, which saves critical seconds spent scanning rows of identical setups for your rack position.
Are transition mats allowed in triathlon races?
Yes — transition mats are permitted in the vast majority of triathlons sanctioned by USA Triathlon and other governing bodies. Most race rules specify that all gear must stay within your designated transition space, and a mat helps enforce that discipline by giving you a clear boundary. Some races specify size restrictions for transition area setups, so it is worth confirming your specific race's rules if you are concerned. At 29 by 21.5 inches, the Kona T Mat is sized to fit comfortably within standard transition rack allocations without encroaching on adjacent athletes' spaces. First-timers sometimes skip the mat — experienced triathletes almost universally use one.
How do I set up the Kona T Mat in transition?
Lay the mat flat under your bike rack with the neoprene grippy side down. Position your cycling shoes at the front edge where you will step onto the mat after racking your bike, and your running shoes behind them for T2. Place your helmet upside down at the back of the mat with your sunglasses inside it, your race belt coiled on top, and any nutrition you plan to grab in an easy-to-reach spot. The colorful mat surface lets you spot your gear at a glance when you run through transition. In T1 after the swim, you step onto the mat, put on your helmet and glasses, grab your bike, and go. In T2, you rack the bike, swap shoes, clip on your race belt, and run. The mat keeps every step of that sequence organized and predictable.
What colors is the Kona T Mat available in?
The Kona T Mat is available in Blue, Red, Pink, Orange, and Yellow. The color choice is more practical than decorative — a bright, distinctive mat color that stands out from your neighbors' setups helps you locate your transition spot faster under the mental stress of race day, when adrenaline and exertion can make identical-looking rack rows blur together. Blue is the classic standout in most transition areas. Yellow is the most visible under direct sunlight. Pink and Orange are easy to spot in both crowded and sparse transition setups. Choose the color that will contrast most sharply with the pavement or grass at your typical race venue.
How do I clean and store the Kona T Mat after a race?
Rinse the mat with fresh water after each use to remove dirt, sunscreen, and any residue from the transition surface. Neoprene does not absorb water the way fabric does, so a simple rinse and shake is sufficient after most races. For heavier cleaning, wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap, rinse thoroughly, and allow to air dry before storing. Do not machine wash or put in a dryer — heat degrades neoprene over time and can cause delamination. To store, roll the mat loosely with the smooth side out to prevent creasing at the edges, and slip it into your gear bag. Stored this way it remains ready for the next race without any prep time. The Kona T Mat ships from Kona Tri Apparel's Webb City, Missouri fulfillment center.