Choosing the Best Yoga Mat Bag: Price and Budget

What are you looking for in a yoga mat bag or carrier?

If you simply want to roll your mat and toss it over your shoulder on the way to class, a yoga harness or sling is likely the most inexpensive option. Prices range from $8-15. Traditional, drawstring yoga mat bags offer the same convenience with a little extra protection and durability. You can find basic nylon mat bags online for as little as $10 and washable cotton yoga totes, with extra room and a few more features, in the $40-60 range. And if you need a more versatile option, with room for your props or a change of clothes, consider a yoga duffel bag. Designed with either extra space or a compartment to hold your mat, yoga duffels will typically cost between $45 and $100.

If you practice regularly and have spent the money on a quality mat, make sure to choose the yoga mat bag that best suits your needs and protects your investment.

Choosing the Best Yoga Mat Bag: Materials & Eco Friendly Yoga

Given the popularity of the yoga movement, it’s not surprising that the selection of yoga products has grown significantly over the past few years. Look at yoga mat bags, as an example. Not too long ago, mat bags were a standard, no-frills accessory. Simply a means of carrying your yoga mat to the studio and back home. Today, though, yoga mat bags are available in a wide array of shapes, sizes, styles, and colors.

If it’s time to replace your tired, worn-out mat bag, consider your options. And the material that best suits your individual needs. Bags are made from a variety of different materials, including:

Nylon or Canvas. Many standard, entry-level mat bags are made of either nylon or canvas. Easy-to-clean and affordable, nylon and canvas are also among the most durable and can last for years.

Cotton. Cotton yoga mat bags are the most common on the market and for good reason. Cotton is durable, holds up to daily wear-and-tear, and is extremely lightweight. Cotton bags are also fairly waterproof, which makes a difference after a few sweaty sessions in the studio, and many are machine-washable.

Natural Fibers or Recycled Products. Eco-friendly yoga mat bags have become a popular choice in recent years. Hemp and jute mat bags, for example, are made from natural fibers, but are still relatively durable and inexpensive. And you might also consider a recycled paper mat bag. Lightweight and very environmentally-friendly, many bags made from recycled materials may not hold up quite as well over the long run.

So take your time and shop around. With such a wide selection and easy access, you’ll likely be able to find a yoga mat bag with just the right combination of durability, washability, and convenience.

Choosing the Best Yoga Mat Bag: Explore Your Options

Your yoga mat bag is more than just an accessory. The right mat bag can protect your mat from the wear and tear of daily practice. But it’s also about convenience. Maybe you walk to the studio and just want a simple way to throw your mat over your shoulder and go. Or you’ve started a new restorative yoga class and need a bigger bag to hold your yoga blocks and gear.

Though there are plenty of styles on the market, most yoga mat bags fall into one of three categories:

Harnesses and Slings. A sling consists of a nylon strap that you can attach to your mat, while a yoga mat harness offers a wraparound sleeve for added protection. Both typically feature a cushioned shoulder strap, are extremely lightweight, and an ideal option if you walk or bike to class.

Traditional Mat Bags. Yoga mat bags are available in a variety of different materials, including nylon, canvas, and even recycled paper. With a drawstring enclosure and shoulder strap, you’ll appreciate the portability and convenience of a good mat bag. And while most are long enough to accommodate a standard 24” mat, larger sizes are also relatively easy to find.

Yoga Duffel Bags. But what if you want more from your mat bag? A yoga duffel bag can be a great alternative when you need extra room for your car keys, water bottle, a good book, or a few yoga props. Most feature either side or bottom compartments to stash your mat, extra pockets and pouches, and a shoulder strap for added convenience.

Whichever type of yoga mat bag you choose, you’ll likely find the right combination of protection, convenience, and portability to suit your specific needs and lifestyle.

Choosing the Best Yoga Mat Bag

So you love your yoga mat. It prevents you from sliding during your most demanding poses and offers the comfort and cushion you crave for your practice. You roll it out with pride at the studio, clean it regularly, and would never leave it lying around. It’s there with you through thick and thin. Like a good friend.

Do you feel the same connection to your yoga mat bag?

Okay, so it’s not the most important decision you’ll ever make. But if you haven’t shopped for a new yoga mat bag in a while, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the selection and styles on the market. Mat bags are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be more functional than you’d imagined. Whether you’re looking for a simple bag to hold your trusted mat or versatile yoga duffel for your gear and car keys, make sure to shop around. You’ll likely find the ideal solution for your every need.

In coming posts, we’ll take a look at a few different types of yoga mat bags, explore various styles and materials, and help you decide which mat bag works best for you.