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Best Yoga Mat Bags Reviewed
What we liked about most of these yoga mat bags out there is that there are many styles and designs to match your personal style, and they are very easy to care for.
Plus, many offer innovative features like side pockets and comfortable straps so that all of your necessary gear can travel right along with you! In this guide, we have selected some of our favorite styles of yoga mat bags so that you can arrive at your next yoga class in style!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
A yoga mat bag is a great way to reflect your personal style and feel good about yourself.
So, we wanted to make sure that we selected yoga mat bags that was unique and exciting! When it came to the styling of each option, there were a few things that we looked for in each and every product.
Patterns: A great pattern is a perfect way to get a lot of compliments at your next class. Each brand typically has a unique pattern that you can’t find anywhere else. Some of our favorite unique patterns for yoga mat bags included paisley, polka dots, stripes, and elephants. Elephants are an important symbol in the yoga world because it symbolizes sedating the ego and conquering obstacles. If you walk into your next class with a bag with elephants, your instructor will be very pleased!
Colors: Color options are another great way to express your personal style. Keep in mind, however, that there aren’t a lot of neon and bright colors when it comes to yoga mat bags. We found that almost all the styles out there on the market use a base of muted earth tones such as gray, black, maroon, olive green, and purple for their designs. If you want something that has colors that pop just a little bit more, polyester of nylon yoga mat bags typically offer users colors that are a little more bright and happy.
Features
A few well-designed extra features to your yoga mat bag will make your life just that much easier!
While we wanted to ensure that it could be able to tote your mat easily, we also looked for small and simple features to the base yoga mat bag that would allow you to also pack up some of your necessities to keep them all securely in one place. We have made a list of some of our favorite additional features.
Pockets: We love pockets! The addition of pockets on the interior, as well as the exterior, is a great way to carry a few extra items that you may need to access later. An interior zippered pocket is a perfect place to discreetly store your wallet, phone, and keys during your class.
We also liked yoga mat bags with a larger cargo pocket. This style of pocket will make your design just a little more bulky than slimmer options. However, it is a great way to pack a bottle of water and a tasty energy bar.
Vents: Hot yoga means sweaty yoga, and this means your gear will get pretty sweaty as well. When you lock up your gear in a zippered container with no circulation, bacteria is bound to grow. Plus, it means that your yoga mat bag will smell pretty ripe rather quickly. However, if you select a yoga mat bag that has vents or an open top container, this will keep air flowing through.
Adjustable straps: There are quite a few ways that you can carry your yoga mat bag. If it comes with an adjustable strap, it means that you can adjust the length to suit your needs. Some users like to wear these designs of yoga mat bags over one shoulder, while some like to wear them as a messenger bag.
Materials
What a yoga mat bag is made from will tell you a lot about how they will hold up over time.
The type of material that is used will also indicate how often you will need to wash it, and how heavy it will be. Yoga mat bags are typically broken down into two categories: cotton canvas and nylon. Below, we will talk about the advantages of using each type of material and weigh the pros with the cons so you can make an informed decision as to what material will best fit your yoga needs.
Cotton canvas: Users like this type of material for their yoga mat bag because it is incredibly soft. Cotton canvas is a little heavier than its polyester counterpart, but it is a lot more durable. This type of material usually comes in a lot more designs and color choices as well. One thing that users really liked about this type of material is that you can just toss it into the washing machine and hang it up to air dry when it starts to smell a little ripe.
This type of material is one of the most durable materials when it comes to yoga mat bags. This means that you can load it up over and over again and it will remain just as strong as day one. One of the downsides, however, is that is isn’t considered to be water-resistant, and it also isn’t very breathable.
Polyester: One of the reasons users love polyester is because they are incredibly lightweight. If you hold up one of these yoga mat bags without any gear inside, it may feel like you aren’t holding anything at all! Polyester isn’t a very breathable material, however. The good news is that all of the polyester designs that we found had some type of air vents or open top to promote airflow. This means you can load it up with sweaty gear without worrying about bacteria growing.
When you think of polyester, imagine your old gym bag or bookbag. It has a slick and lightweight feel, and it isn’t very soft. It is also water resistant and wicks away moisture. This means that your sweaty mat won’t absorb into your yoga mat bag which means that you will have to wash it less. Which is great, because most polyester designs are spot clean or hand washes only!
Size
The size was another important thing that we considered because you want to make sure all of your gear fits!
The standard size of your average yoga mat measures to be about 24 inches wide and is typically ⅛ inch thick.
Thicker mats exist out there, but many yogis tend to avoid them. The reason is that they create too much distance between your hands and the floor. This can result in becoming a little wobbly when engaging in some of the more difficult poses, especially if you aren't equipped with the right gear.
Below, we have broken down some of the standard sizes out there on the market and the reason you would want to select each design.
Under 25 inches: The 25-inch designs are made to fit your standard, run of the mill yoga mat, and that’s it! They usually still come with a few extra pockets on the outside for some of your smaller necessities, but they are made to be pretty small. These slimmer designs are perfect for those that don’t want to carry big bulky yoga mat bags to their yoga classes. They are also ideal if you still like to carry your traditional gym bag in addition to your yoga mat bag.
It is worth noting that you may struggle a little bit stuffing your mat back inside. If your mat measures in at 24 inches wide, a 25-inch mat bag only gives you ½ of an inch of wiggle room.
Over 25 inches: Designs that are over 25 inches can either carry your standard size 24-inch mat, or it can be used to tote along some of your other necessities. Users typically like to add an extra towel, a strap, or even a block in these extra large designs.
Of course, these options are a lot bigger and bulkier than your slimmer options. If you still need to carry around a gym bag with a change of clothes and shoes for the day, this design may make you feel a little over-encumbered.
Durability
When we talk about durability, we are talking about how easy your yoga mat bag will be to care for, as well as how well the strap will hold up over time.
Just like a traditional gym bag, these designs will get a little funky after a while. Your mat is often a breeding ground for sweat and bacteria, especially after a hot yoga class! You can’t be expected to wait for your mat to dry before you pack it away, so we wanted to make sure that we selected designs that were easy to care for.
Plus, we also kept an eye on what the previous user had to say about the durability of the strap- because that is one of the most important parts!
Washability: Almost all of the cotton canvas designs that we selected for our list were designs that you could toss into the washing machine. To ensure that the colors in the fabric will not fade, as well as ensure it doesn’t shrink (because that would be a real problem), we suggest that you never use hot water. Whether it is cotton canvas or polyester, both of these materials shrink as the heat rises. This means that you should also skip tossing it into the dryer at all costs. After washing your yoga mat bag in cool water with gentle detergent, hang it up in a well-ventilated area to dry.
Strap durability: If the strap breaks on you, it’s just a yoga case instead of a yoga mat bag. The way we determined the durability of the strap was to read what previous users had to say about how well it wore. If there were an overwhelming number of users that felt that their strap broke with just light use, we would move on to the next design. Another way to tell if a lot of thought and care went into the strap was to select adjustable designs. When you have more power to where the strap falls on your body, it will last you longer because it is under less tension.
Top Yoga Mat Carriers, Bags and Totes
1. Kindfolk
The reason we placed this yoga mat bag from Kindfolk at the top of our list is that it is made from soft, stylish materials that are lightweight and comfortable. It comes with a lot of convenient pockets and zippers to place all of your important gear.
This yoga mat bag measures to be 26 inches wide, which is 2 inches wider than your standard mat. Even if you have the standard 24-inch design, it simply means that you can cram more gear such as straps or even blocks into the edges. It also has a large front pocket that is the perfect size for cell phones, car keys, or your wallet.
What makes this yoga mat bag special is that it is available in very unique color options and designs that you will only find with this brand. Designs include a black and white elephant design, as well as a few paisley designs in rich earth tones. Users really like the very soft canvas material that is durable enough to throw into the trunk of your car, and it is also very easy to toss into the washing machine as well.
This is a perfect yoga mat bag for those that are looking for something that is large enough to fit all of the gear you need for your next class. Plus, it is made from a comfortable fabric that is lightweight and easy to wash when it starts to smell a little ripe!
2. Gaiam
Everyone that has gone shopping for gear for a new class is familiar with the Gaiam brand. This minimalist yoga mat bag is perfect for carrying one singular rolled up mat without much room for anything else. The slimmer design is perfect for those that do not want to carry a yoga mat carrier that is big and bulky (which is great for traveling), but the addition of a cargo pocket along the side will allow you to carry your important belongings such as your phone and car keys.
This yoga mat bag measures to be 25 inches long and 5 inches wide, which is slightly longer than your average sized options. From what we have read about the size, most standard sizes will fit a little snug, which means you will not have extra room for any extra gear in the main compartment. However, the addition of the large cargo pocket is great for all of your essentials like your wallet, car keys, and cell phone.
It is made from high quality and durable cotton that is lightweight and easy to toss into the washing machine when it smells a little ripe. It also has a very thick and adjustable strap so that you can control how you wish to carry it. Colors are a little bit limited with this option and include rich earth tones that include gray, purple, green, and black.
If you are looking for a yoga mat carrier that is compact and durable that will not take up that much room when you travel, we liked this design because it fits that bill perfectly. Plus, it comes from a brand that you can trust!
3. ELENTURE
Looking for something that has a ton of colors and designs that match your personal style? If that’s the case, look no farther with this design from ELENTURE. There are so many fun colors and designs to select from that you are bound to find a yoga mat bag that you will simply fall in love with. Plus, it is large enough to fit most size gear, and it has a few extra pockets to stuff an after class granola bar!
This yoga mat bag measures to be about 26 inches wide, which is just a little bit wider than your standard size. If your mat measures to be a ½ inch thick or more, you may run into a little bit of trouble stuffing it into this case. It does offer two extra pockets on the front and the rear. The front pocket has a zipper enclosure, and the rear pocket is a little thicker with a cargo flap that is large enough to hold a water bottle.
What we immediately noticed about this design is that there are a ton of colors and unique designs that you can select from. While it has many of the standard colors such as black, blue, purple, and green, it also has patterns such as paisley, floral, polka dots, and elephants.
If you have a very distinct style and want something that will truly reflect your inner yogi, this is the brand that will get you there. Don’t worry, it doesn’t sacrifice style over function- it is made from high-quality canvas with an adjustable strap that is incredibly durable and easy to care for.
4. YogaAddict
If you love your traditional polyester gym bag because it is incredibly lightweight and durable, you will want to check out this yoga mat bag from YogaAddict. It is a little bulkier than some of the other designs that we have seen thus far, which means that you will have no problems carrying a little bit of extra gear such as towels, blocks, and straps in the main compartment, and a large zippered pocket along the front is perfect for all of your smaller miscellaneous necessities.
This yoga mat bag measures to be 28 inches long, which is perfect for a mat and a towel or a change of clothes. The one thing that we noticed that was unique about this style is that it has metal coated vents along the bottom. These vents are designed to give you the freedom to shove some pretty smelly and sweaty gear back into your yoga mat carrier without worrying about mold and bacteria growing.
The zippered pocket along the front sticks out and makes for a thicker silhouette, but it simply means that you can cram from of your necessities into this sleek yoga mat bag. It is constructed from 100 percent nylon which is a great material because it is very lightweight and breathable, and it is also easy to toss into the washing machine when it is ready to be clean. The adjustable shoulder strap allows users to hang it off of one shoulder like a bag, or loosen it all the way to wear it across the back.
Color options and design are slightly more limited with this design, and it is only offered in colors that include black, red, blue, gray, and purple. This is a great design choice for those that find all of their gear is pretty smelly and sweaty at the end of a class, and need something that will allow their gear to breathe on the way home.
5. Ewedoos
This yoga mat bag from Ewedoos is just a little different. Many of the traditional options are fully enclosed, but this yoga mat carrier is more like a tote. You won’t be able to toss this design around like fully enclosed designs, but you won’t have to worry about your gear not fitting inside. Many users struggle to get thicker rolled up gear nestled inside many tubular designs, but this tote form makes packing things up inside a lot easier!
The open top design of this yoga mat tote bag allows mats that measure over ½ an inch, and it is also big enough to fit extra gear like blocks and straps. There are two open side pockets that are big enough to securely hold your wallet, keys, phone, and even a bottle of water. And there is even a hidden zippered interior pocket as well.
There are quite a few styles to choose from, and they are all bound to get you a ton of compliments at your next class. Styles include a large paisley print in deep earth tones, black and white floral, basic black with black and white trim, or striped design. It is made from very durable cotton canvas that is lightweight as well as easy to wash.
If you aren’t quite sure if any of the closed zippered yoga tote bags will be big enough for all of your gear, this option from Ewedoos is a safe bet. The open top allows you to cram in more gear and promotes superior circulation to prevent bacteria from growing.
6. RIMSports
So, you like the idea of a closed off zippered compartment for your mat, but you wish it just had more pockets for all of your extra gear? If that’s the case, you will love this yoga mat carrier from RIMSports. It has a form-fitting zippered compartment for your mat (to keep it tightly rolled up) and the base has a built-in bag for towels, blocks, and straps. The silhouette looks a little peculiar, but it gets the job done!
If you have a lot of gear that you need to lug to class, this yoga mat bag is one of your better options. Users really appreciate the bag at the base of the unit that is large enough to fit a lot of extra gear such as a water bottle and a change of clothes. Plus, it sports a zippered pocket on the interior that conceals important items like your keys and your cell phone.
While it offers unmatched space for all of your gear, it isn’t without a downside. The one thing that all users wished for this design is that it came in more color options. The only color option offered is a very muted olive green. If you don’t like the color green, you are out of luck!
For those that need more space for extra gear and are willing to carry something that has a peculiar shape that looks more like a guitar case, this yoga mat bag from RIMSports is one of your best choices. We just hope you like the color green!
7. BalanceFrom GoYoga
If you have a mat that is ¼ or ½ an inch thick, this yoga mat bag from BalanceFrom GoYoga is a perfect choice. It has a central compartment that is much thicker than many of the slimmer designs that we have seen out there on the market. It is made from durable materials that are easy to care for, and it has a few extra pockets to store some of your smaller miscellaneous items.
This yoga mat bag measures to be 25 inches long, which is just slightly larger than many of your standard sizes. This means you can fit your ½ thick 24-inch mat in the central compartment, but there will not be a whole lot of room for anything else. However, it sports a large cargo pocket at the base that is big enough for keys, wallets, phones, or even a bottle of water.
It is made from 100 percent organic cotton canvas that is lightweight and easy to wash. It comes in a wide variety of color options that include styles such as white, black, blue, purple, and green. Each color design has a unique print of a tree on the front of the yoga mat carrier. Plus, it has an adjustable strap to alter how you wish to carry it.
If you are looking for a yoga mat bag that is simple and basic but is large enough to fit your thicker gear, we feel that this option from BalanceFrom GoYoga is one of your better choices.
8. Jambala
Need to carry a lot of gear to class while helping to save the elephants? You’re in luck! This yoga mat bag has an open central pocket that securely holds a lot of gear, and 1 percent of all sales go towards saving the elephants (the Big Life Foundation). An open central pocket that is designed more like a bag means you have the option of cramming more gear inside, but limits the ways in which you can carry it.
The great thing about the central open pocket is that it comes with a strap that holds you mat securely in place to prevent it from unrolling. This means that you will also have the option of packing a towel, strap, or a change of clothes right into the central compartment. It also has a large outside pocket as well a ton of interior pockets designed to hold phones, wallets, car keys, or your shaker bottle with a protein shake for after your workout.
This yoga mat bag is made from water-resistant polyester that wicks away water and will prevent bacteria from growing when packing away used and sweaty gear at the end of your class. One thing that users really liked about this design is that the adjustable strap is long enough so that you can wear it a myriad of ways. Color options include light gray with sunshine yellow accents or basic black with gray accents.
Users really liked all of the little hidden compartments on the inside that are designed to hold and organize all of your miscellaneous gear, and the large open central compartment with a security strap is perfect even if your own a very thick mat.
9. Lotuscrafts
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to this yoga mat bag from Lotuscrafts. What we liked most about this yoga mat bag is that it is made from high-quality materials that are incredibly durable and easy to care for, and it is quite a bit larger so you can fit longer and thicker mats into the central compartment without much of a struggle.
This yoga mat bag measures to be about 28 inches long, which is a few inches longer than your average size. Plus, is a tad wider than most as well so even the thicker options will be easier to load up. It sports an adjustable shoulder strap so you can alternate the ways that you carry it to find a way that is most comfortable for you.
It comes in a few unique color options that include a few shades of gray, maroon, blue, and purple. Each yoga mat carrier is accented with a white shoulder strap with a black buckle, and the Lotuscrafts logo printed on the front in white letters.
For those that are looking for a yoga mat bag that is simple and easy to load up, and has a simple silhouette that makes it easy to sling it across your back and head to class, this is one of your better options in our opinion.
10. Masaya
If you have trouble finding a yoga mat bag that will store your super thick mat, this option from Masaya is worth a look. It has a much larger central pocket that can hold almost any size and shape mat, and its unique styling means you will have a much easier job loading and unloading your gear.
The most important thing to note about this yoga mat bag is that it is made to fit any and all designs, no matter how long they are or how thick they are. It measures 28 inches long and an impressive 8 inches wide (most standard designs are only about 5-6 inches wide). Plus, loading them up in simple and easy. Instead of zipping it closed, this yoga mat bag uses a drawstring at the top to cinch it closed rather than a finicky zipper.
The downside to this yoga mat bag is that it is not offered in very many colors. In fact, it is only available in black. Users do really like the added “Namaste” that is printed in block white letters along the front that gives it a very unique look that is bound to generate quite a few compliments at your next class!
If you rock the Cadillac of mats that are just too big and thick for many of the standard size yoga mat bags out there on the market, this design is definitely worth a look! While it doesn’t have the added benefit of additional pockets for all of your miscellaneous gear, you won’t need to worry if it will be big enough for your very thick mat.
Sources
- , Ganesha: The Elephant Headed Price, Blog
- , What Size Yoga Mat Is Standard?, Blog]