What To Consider When Choosing A Yoga Mat Bag –
Material – this is one of the most important considerations when choosing a yoga mat bag.
Is the yoga mat bag moisture and weather resistant? Can it protect your valuables from humidity and dirt?
The best yoga mat bag will essentially protect your items from all these factors while maintaining its quality and strength.
Durability – since it contains your valuable belongings including your set of clothes, keys, phone, credit cards etc.
it is important to choose a durable bag that does not break easily even with all these things forced into your yoga bag. The best yoga mat bag will protect your belongings even with longer-term wear and tear.
Size and capacity – the size you opt for will depend on the type of yoga you’re performing.
If you’re doing yoga with equipment or props then you would definitely need a bigger yoga bag.
There are other yoga bags that may appear smaller in size but have a bigger holding capacity which makes it very convenient to carry around. You may decide to purchase a bag that can hold a variety of mat sizes and thicknesses, should you decide to buy a new mat. There should be extra spaces like small compartments or pockets on the bag for all of your essentials like a fresh set of clothes, deodorant, gym towel, money and cards, phone and more.
Straps – your yoga mat bag straps should be sturdy otherwise what’s the use. The best yoga mat bag will conveniently carry everything to yoga and after yoga classes.The length of the straps should be adjusted according to which height you are most comfortable with. The yoga bag straps should provide some cushioning or padding to make carrying your bag more comfortable. This allows extra support when your bag is heavier than usual and you need to carry it around for some time. If you prefer to attend yoga class before work then you can opt to buy a multipurpose bag which will allow you to go to work looking professional. If you have a lot of things planned like going shopping or attending meetings, a multipurpose yoga mat bag will do well. If your yoga venue is near your home then you can opt for a bag simply made for yoga mats alone.
Multipurpose bag? – If you prefer to attend yoga class before work then you can opt to buy a multipurpose bag which will allow you to go to work looking professional. If you have a lot of things planned like going shopping or attending meetings, a multipurpose yoga mat bag will do well. If your yoga venue is near your home then you can opt for a bag simply made for yoga mats alone.
Style – this consideration includes the design and the colour of the yoga mat bag. The style should, of course, match your personality and individuality. In the case that you need to bring your yoga mat bag to work the style should not distract or affect your professional impression.
Exchange or Return Policy – it is a quality of a trustworthy and reputable bag company to have an exchange or return policy. Most companies also have a replacement guarantee for bags that are defective.
Types of Yoga Mat Bags –
Yoga Mat Duffle Bag
This bag encloses your things completely making it the most common type of yoga mat bag for everyday use.
It comes in various design shapes including cylindrical or rectangular. The traditional way to carry your yoga mat bag is one strap which can be worn on one shoulder or across the chest for convenience and comfort.
Yoga Mat Harness or Carrier
Another simple and clean style of yoga mat bag, finding great popularity among the minimalist crowd.
The yoga mat harness can be worn in two ways (across the chest or on one shoulder), making it a great choice for those who only wish to carry a few items or don’t need to use it during the rest of the day.
Yoga Mat Tote Bag
Some yogi friends who use a yoga mat tote bag swear by it. From what I’ve read and seen, this is the easiest to say that this is one of the stylish yoga mat carriers out there. Tote bags are versatile and portable making them a clever choice for yogis.
Yoga Mat Mesh Bag
Mesh materials are commonly used in the gym for providing good ventilation which maintains your belongings odor-free and away from the sticky moisture and dirt of your sweaty used clothes.
You will read numerous good reviews about this particular style of yoga mat bags made with mesh.
Yoga Mat Backpack
Backpacks are one of the most popular due to the convenience and comfort allowed when carrying them around. Yoga mat backpacks are one of the common types being used by yogis who have to go to many places in one day like going to lunch or even travelling longer distances, interstate or overseas.
Try these quality yoga mat bags to take you from the studio to brunch and beyond…
Large Yoga Mat Bag with Pockets by YogaAddict
This bag is available in a variety of colors (yellow, red, purple and pink). Made of 100% polyester, it is very durable and so easy to clean. If you are always on the go and usually prefer one bag for all events to get through to the day then this Large Yoga Mat Bag with Pockets by YogaAddict is the best choice for you as you can fit all your essentials here like your yoga mat, clothing, towel, straps, wallet, keys etc. Additionally, this is known for its simple, convenient and durable design which is great when you are always rushing around. This Yoga mat bag is 28 inches long which fits almost any length of the mat.
Pros
- Zippered, which secures your belongings well inside the bag without worrying about spilling or dirtying
- Lightweight and convenient, good if you’re heading home from your yoga class or the other way around
- The zippered pocket outside the bag is very useful in keeping my earphones and other stuff in place.
- There are pockets inside too which are webbed which is great to contain my socks or cards
- It has a ventilation opening which is great to keep my things away from much odor as much as possible
- The adjustable straps fit your height easily and make it very convenient to carry it around. You can even unclip the straps and tuck it inside a bigger bag.
Cons
- May not be useful for long commutes or when you’re coming from work
- Cylindrical duffel bags may have limited space for other essentials
- Longer mats may not fit in
Manduka Go Play Adjustable Yoga Mat Sling
This is a really fashionable bag for your yoga mat, and not only that, it is also multi-purpose. Meaning it can fit all your important stuff without looking bulky since it looks low profile as designed. The buckles can be easily released if you want plus they are very durable. It also comes with a warranty.
Pros
- It has two large buckles dissipating the notion that sling carriers are confusing to use.
- Simple and functional, this type of yoga mat carrier is as basic as it gets
- Everything is adjustable thus it easily accommodates any yoga mat size, It doesn’t matter if the yoga mat is long or short, the Manduka Manduka Go Play Yoga Mat Sling secures your mat wherever you go and no matter what you do!
Cons
- As obvious as it seems, it does not have enough space for your extra set of clothes and things such as my keys, phone, and cards. I did solve the extra set of clothes problem by rolling them with my mat though, but it takes a lot of time and it’s unhygienic.
- No compartments for my yoga blocks and other stuff
- I cannot bring it to work
Yoga Mat Tote Bag by Peace Yoga
The reason why this tote bag was created by Peace Yoga is that yoga is supposed to be peaceful and without all the clutter. So does your mat carrier should be. Lightweight yet durable, the Yoga Mat Tote Bag by Peace Yoga is also a very good choice because it functions for every type of purpose. Its main pocket is zippered making it a secure place for all your essentials even if you’re out doing yoga.
Pros
- As mentioned earlier, the yoga mat tote bag is very stylish as it can come in different designs and this mat tote bag is the best example. The Yoga Mat Tote Bag by Peace Yoga comes in four different colors. The designs are yoga themed and can be stylish as much as you want.
- It is made not only to secure and allow you to carry your yoga mat but also other yoga props and extras.
- Tote bags are known for being spacious and their inner compartments all zipped in one bag. Secure, safe and away from dust, dirt, water, and sunlight (not to mention nosy people). It is big enough to keep mats no matter how thick and it also allows you to keep several sets of clothes.
- This is a great all-around bag! Perfect for those who want to go to yoga classes before work or after work. It also saves you from the dilemma of having to carry a lot of bags.
- My friend’s favorite is the two adjustable straps which are not a common feature of a regular tote bag.
- There are Velcro strips which securely closes the straps.
Cons
- May not be able to carry heavier and thicker mats
Gaiam Yoga Mat Tote Bag
The Yoga mat tote bag by Gaiam are made of cotton which is lined with nylon to prevent moisture from building up. It has magnetic straps which makes it quicker for you to get your essentials especially if you are a person on the go. The external compartment is zippered as well as the inside pocket to keep your things securely.
Pros
- It has a simple yet stylish design that most reviews claim to like.
- The Gaiam Yoga Mat Tote Bag is hard-wearing and effective in holding your things together. It is totally made of cotton making it environmentally-friendly and its interiors have nylon lining. The lining is nylon to prevent the moisture from building up and to avoid the reek of sweat and growth of germs on your yoga mat and essentials.
- The design is chic and simple
- I really like how any length of yoga mat can be fitted inside this bag.
- It has several compartments for your things like yoga equipment, keys, phone and etc. It includes two zippered pockets outside too. The main compartment is not zippered but it has got this magnetic snap that shuts easily.
- The shoulder straps are very easy to carry
Cons
- However, yoga mats which are over 28 inches wide wouldn’t fit this bag
- The main compartment is not zippered, so if the magnetic snap gets damaged, your things might fall out
- Can be small for your other essentials
Lole Yoga and Pilates Mat Bag
This mesh bag has adjustable straps that are very convenient to carry around anywhere and anytime! It also features an outer pocket to keep extra essentials away from your sweaty mat and clothes. The mesh bag from Lole is well ventilated keeping your yoga mat fresh and free from moisture.
Pros
- You can store all your essentials in an outer pocket which is zippered.
- The mat can be kept cylindrical mesh bag which allows air circulation to flow well.
- The strap is adjustable which is great for whatever purpose you want and how you want to wear it.
- Very durable, this yoga bag is made of nylon which allows cleaning a piece of cake.
- It has a cute design and it comes in different colors too.
Cons
- It has limited spaces and compartments. Not very good for those who go from one place to another
- It’s a bit too expensive with not so much features
Aurorae Yoga Multi-Purpose Crossbody Sling Back Pack
This sling backpack for your yoga mat is extremely durable and great even if you go on hiking or biking and even traveling. Made of heavy-duty polyester, the Aurorae Yoga Multi-Purpose Crossbody Sling Back Pack will surely put your yoga mat in place and separate from your essentials.
Pros
- Very durable, it is made of robust polyester. I have one which is almost one year old now and it still serves its purpose. It holds my yoga mat pretty well.
- Gotta love the straps, they’re very wide, heard-wearing, double-enforced and adjustable with a buckle that can be easily locked. The strap even has a pocket for your phone!
- It has a liner for your post-workout clothes also known as a wet liner so you won’t have to worry about your sweaty and smelly clothes contaminating your stuff.
- This bag is very spacious with two additional and equally spacious zippered pockets where I put my clothing and essentials such as work shoes and etc. An additional water bottle holder is one of the great features of the Aurorae Yoga Multi-Purpose Crossbody Sling Back Pack
- It comes in a variety of colors: green, purple, blue, black, grey and red. It also is available in colored stripes. Talk about style!
- Well-built as a multi-purpose bag, the Aurorae Yoga Multi-Purpose Crossbody Sling Back Pack can also be carried to school, the beach and the gym or anywhere you want to go.
Cons
- However, it only has limited capacity to carry a yoga mat under 5 pounds and nothing more.
- I actually had a problem with the zipper which I just fixed. I noticed that the zipper pull may detach after long use (or is it how I pull it)
Yoga Mat Patterned Canvas Duffle Bag by Kindfolk
The Kindfolk Yoga Mat Duffle Bag is made from patterned canvas is an eye-catching durable piece that covers every aspect when it comes to yoga mat travel essentials.
Pros
- Made of durable patterned canvas this bag is water resistant and stain protected while still being lightweight. We love that they offer a range of stylish fabrics with an extremely functional design.
- Size is no challenge, this bag will hold a yoga mat up to 26″ wide with ease!
- Compact and portable, the Kindfolk Duffle has room for two yoga blogs, straps, a towel and a change of clothes too.
- This bag is very spacious with a handy additional zip pockets for your keys, phone and watch or jewellery.
- It comes in a four stylish fabric prints from stand out to under-stated, a definite eye-catcher sure to show your personal flair for fashion. The fabric design choices are; Celestial, Parade, Karma or Bravo (the elephant print Parade is shown).
- The Kind Folk Duffle Yoga Mat bag is a great choice for daily use and rates highly in style, space, durability and value for money.
Cons
- Unfortunately there was not mention of an internal pocket zipper which is always handy for some valuables you might not want to leave in the outside pocket.
- An extra long external strap would help this bag transition from yoga to the gym or pilates class but it will still do well with the two comfortable should straps it has.