I have tried many puzzle accessories and have not had good luck with them. I have 7 cats so keeping them away from the pieces is imperative. I tried an expensive table that closed but the leg broke off the first time the dogs ran into it. Then I tried a portable caddy that zipped shut but the cushion ends were rounded and the puzzle wouldn't lay flat. So I had a friend build my own closable box which we lined with felt. When I would try and move pieces I had put together, they would stick to the felt and fall apart. I decided to try one more time and this mat is it! It is well-made with flat stitching around the edges. It is stiff enough that you can pick it up enough to turn it when you need to get to that other part you can't reach. I have not tried carrying it from one place to another, so can't speak to that. It is smooth so I can easily slide pieces around. I would recommend this product and am thinking about getting the medium size one for when I do smaller puzzles. Now if I can just get the pieces to stop sticking to me in the hot weather, I'll be all set!