I bought this item because it was recommended as a base for use with a "laptop" Thomann TCA Travel Cajon. This is certainly not suitable as the cajon will slide off your lap, whichever way up you use it.
One side of the mat is textured, the other is shiny and it's the shiny surface that has no grip.
So forget using it for that purpose. But it is not marketed that way on the product page, it was only Thomann's suggestion. So I think that needs to be changed.
The item itself seems very durable and I'd be happy to use it in the way it. was intended.