For stainless steel TIG, I’d put optical clarity pretty high on the list. When you’re working on a tight joint, being able to see the puddle clearly makes things a lot easier.

Saw a whole travel gear article last month that basically said bands beat mats for hostels every time. They kept talking about the space thing, like you can just toss a band in a corner when done. Makes total sense after hearing your yoga mat story lol. Those thin little strips of rubber really don't care if your roomie needs to get by.