10 Best Meditation Cushions of 2023

Design

 

Yoga mat carrying bags are available as the following –  

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• Yoga backpacks

• Duffel Bags

• Bucket or gym bags

• Mat Carriers or slings

• Tote bags

 

Duffel bags and sling carriers are the two most popular styles among yoga mat bags. Each design varies in cost and has pros and cons. Larger designs are best for hand or shoulder carry and they hold a LOT of equipment. But slings are more than enough for only a yoga mat. Avoid large totes and duffel bags if you bike and choose a backpack or mat carrier you can wear across the body.

 

Takeaway: Identify your needs before you pick a yoga mat bag style/design.

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Materials

 

A majority of the yoga mat bags are made from cotton canvas, polyester, and nylon. We also encountered a few mat carriers made of sustainable fabrics like hemp, jute, and cork. Cotton canvas is the best material if you want a durable, easy to clean, and breathable bag. Polyester is more rugged, weather-resistant, and lightweight. But it’s not eco-friendly or breathable and a moist yoga mat will stink up the insides. Either way, look for air vents on one or both sides if you opt for compact, zippered yoga mat carriers.

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Takeaway: Buy a well-ventilated bag made of durable and easy to clean materials.

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Storage Capacity

 

Some yogis love the comfort of a cross-body sling. Others want their entire prop collection in a grab-n-go tote. But large or sleek, whatever your calling may be, a yoga mat bag should have ample space. Take stock of what you need to carry and choose a bag with sufficient storage capacity. The most important thing to consider is the width of your mat and how thick it is when rolled up tight. Keep some wiggle room. Extra storage won’t hurt but rolling up a mat super-tight to fit it in a bag can be frustrating.

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Takeaway: Ensure the bags height and depth are greater than your yoga gear.

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Comfort

 

When it comes to mat carrying bags, the style, dimensions and shoulder strap play a crucial role in carry comfort. A spacious yoga mat bag isn’t that great if the carry strap doesn’t distribute weight evenly to release tension in the shoulder. If you pick a large yoga mat bag, ensure that the shoulder straps are wide. For sling-style carriers, check if the shoulder strap is padded and adjustable. Yoga mat bags for biking should ideally be adjustable and left-right switchable.

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Takeaway: Pick yoga mat bags with wide, padded, and adjustable shoulder straps.

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Pockets

 

Pockets are desirable if they help you stay organized. Most people need at least one inner pocket for personal items and an outer pocket for easy access. Zipper pockets are more secure but less convenient than flap or Velcro pockets. Seven zippered pockets may sound great but they add to the cost. Moreover, poor quality zippers are notorious for abandoning you at opportune moments. On the flip side, open pockets provide easy access but may spill out your items on-the-go.

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Takeaway: Pick yoga mat carriers with sufficient inner and outer zipper pockets.

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Extra Features

 

Adjustable straps, wet pockets, water bottle holders, multi-functional compartments, expandable pockets, and key rings are desirable design elements when it comes to yoga mat carriers. There are some ingenious designs but extra features often come with an uptick in price. Look out for additional features when you pick a yoga mat bag, but only if you plan to use them.

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Takeaway: Don’t skimp on features you need or splurge on ones you’ll never use.