Yoga mats are an essential part of practicing yoga. They provide comfort and stability while you practice your poses. However, finding the perfect yoga mat bag can be challenging.
There are many different types of yoga mat bags out there, each offering its own unique features. Some offer extra padding, others are designed to protect your mat from damage, and some even have built-in pockets for storing your yoga accessories.
In this article, we will review the top 6 best yoga mat bags on the market today. These are the ones that we personally use and recommend.
Best Yoga Mat Bags Reviewed
1. Large Yoga Mat Bag with Pockets by YogaAddict
This bag is available in various 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, yoga towel, straps, wallet, keys, etc. Additionally, this is known for its simple, convenient, and durable design, which is great when 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 handy 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 strap fits your height easily and makes it very convenient to carry it around. You can even unclip the straps and tuck them inside a bigger bag.
Cons
- It may not be helpful 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
2. Manduka Go Play 3.0 Yoga Mat Sling
This is a fashionable bag for your yoga mat, and not only that, but it is also multipurpose. Meaning it can fit all your essential 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 primary 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 3.0 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.
3. Aurorae Yoga Multi-Purpose Crossbody Sling Back Pack
This sling backpack for your yoga mat is extremely durable and great even if you go 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.
- Must 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. 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 is a multipurpose 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 had a problem with the zipper, which I just fixed. I noticed that the zipper pull might detach after extended use (or how I pull it).
Things To Consider When Choosing A Yoga Mat Bag
Material
This is one of the most important things to look into when looking for the best yoga mat bag. Is the yoga mat bag water and weather-resistant? Can it protect your valuables from humidity and moisture? How about when the rain pours so hard or when you accidentally dropped it in the mud? The best yoga mat bag can protect your stuff from all these factors.
Durability
Since it contains your valuable belongings, including your set of clothes, keys, phone, credit cards, etc. It is vital to choose a durable one that does not break easily even with all these things stuffed into your yoga bag. The best yoga mat bag would still keep your things intact despite the long-term wear and tear.
Size and capacity
Choosing the size would also depend on the type of yoga you’re doing. If you’re doing yoga with equipment, then you would need a bigger yoga bag. Other yoga bags may look smaller in size but have a bigger holding capacity, making them very convenient to carry around. You can opt to purchase a bag that can hold different mat sizes if you decide to buy a new mat. There should be an additional room like small compartments or pockets on the bag for your essentials like a fresh set of clothes, towel, money, etc.
Straps
We all know that straps should be sturdy; otherwise, what’s the use? The best yoga mat bag should allow you to carry everything from yoga or after yoga classes. Of course, these should be adjustable. The length of the straps should be adjusted according to which height you are most comfortable with. The straps should have padding that will make carrying around your mat bag comfortable. This allows extra support when your bag is heavier than usual, and you need to carry it around for some time.
Multipurpose or not?
This depends on your preferences. If you prefer to have a yoga class before work, you can opt to buy a multipurpose bag that will allow you to work looking professional. If you have many things planned, like going shopping or traveling, a multipurpose yoga mat bag will do well. If your yoga venue is near your residence, you can opt for a bag made for yoga mats.
Style
This includes the design and the color of the yoga mat bag. The style should, of course, match your personality; however, when you bring your yoga mat bag to work, the style should not negatively affect your appearance and 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 defective bags.
Types of Yoga Mat Bags to Choose From
Yoga Mat Duffle Bag
This is the most common yoga mat bag as this encloses the bag wholly. It comes in any design, be it cylindrical or rectangular. This is the most traditional way to carry your yoga mat bag, which has one strap which can be worn on one shoulder or across the chest over the shoulder.
Yoga Mat One-sling or Two-sling Harness or Carrier
This is one of the most straightforward yoga mat bags popular among minimalists. Can be worn in two ways (across the chest or on one shoulder), the yoga mat harness is a good choice for those who only carry a few things around or those who don’t have much to go during the day.
Yoga Mat Tote Bag
I haven’t used this type of yoga mat bag, but I have read reviews about it, and I know some yogist friends who use a yoga mat tote bag. 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.
Yoga Mat Mesh Bag
Mesh bags are long used in the gym to provide good ventilation, which keeps your belongings odor-free and away from the icky moisture and dirt of your sweaty used clothes. I have considered getting one since I have read numerous good reviews about this particular yoga mat mesh bag.
Yoga Mat Backpack
Backpacks are one of my favorites because of the convenience of carrying them around. Yoga mat backpacks are common types used by yogists who have to go to many places in one day, like going to a picnic or even traveling.
In conclusion, a yoga mat bag is a necessary accessory for any yoga practitioner. Not only does it protect your mat from dirt and dust, but it can also keep you organized and help you transport your mat easily. When choosing a yoga mat bag, be sure to consider the size of your mat, the type of closure system, and the overall style and design. With so many options available on the market, there is sure to be a bag that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Also, if you are looking for yoga knee pads? If you are like most people, you probably spend hours looking for the right pair of shoes, the right shirt, or the right accessory. But what about the most important part of your body- your knees? Do you really need to buy yoga knee pads? The answer is yes! Knees are one of the most vulnerable areas of the body, and they can easily be injured during yoga.