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From slings to duffles to backpacks, we have the top picks for yogis.
We updated this article in September 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
Schlepping your yoga mat to class is less than ideal—we all know they tend to be clunky and can get heavy after a few blocks. Who wants to worry about an unruly yoga mat rolling around the backseat of your car or balancing one and all of your work items on the train, especially if you’re also packing accessories like a yoga towel, block, water bottle and your usual phone, wallet, and keys? Plus, most gym bags don’t have enough room to squeeze in a mat or strap to tie it onto the sides. Enter: yoga mat bags.
While stress is an unavoidable part of life, yoga helps us become more resilient. “Yoga simulates stress by physically challenging our bodies and asking us to breathe steadily through the challenge,” explains Wendy Cope, registered yoga teacher (RYT 500) with YogaAlliance and southeast regional group fitness manager for Crunch Fitness. “As a result of this practice, we can become less reactive to the stresses of our environment.”
Since yoga helps reduce stress, the last thing a yogi wants is anything getting in the way of their practice. Yoga mat bags are the perfect solution to finding your flow, both in class and to and from. The best varieties are not only stylish, but spacious as well, with enough space to carry your mat and other workout necessities. Think: pockets for a change of clothes, room for blocks and straps, and more. “No matter what kind of bag you carry, the most important part of yoga is that you show up as you are,” Cope says.
Yoga mat bags come in unique styles, designs, and colors to perfectly reflect your yogi personality, and ensure you won’t have a mix up in the locker room and take the wrong yoga mat bag home. From slings to duffle bags to backpacks, here are some of the best yoga mat bags out there based on real-life reviewers and experts who love theirs.
We consulted Cope, Kenta Seki, celebrity health and fitness coach, and certified yoga instructor, and Emilie Porter-Rand, registered yoga teacher (RYT 500) and instructor for YogaSix, countless customer reviews, and conducted our own research to find the best yoga mat bags available.
This 100% canvas yoga mat bag comes in 32 different eye-catching designs and colors. At 26 inches long, it can fit the longest rolled up mats. It also features a full-zipper closure for easy storage and has two compartments for keeping your valuables safe. “I live five minutes from my studio, so I often walk there,” says Porter-Rand. “If you’re not carrying much, this one is great! I love that it has two pockets, one for my phone and wallet, and a larger one for my keys and sunglasses.”
For a class that might require you to freshen up a bit afterwards, “you might consider a bag that holds essentials while your mat hangs in a sling underneath,” Cope recommends. “This roomy, waterproof tote by ESVAN comes in a whole host of patterns and colors, includes a water bottle holder, and enough room for yoga props, a towel, and a change of clothes.” Did we forget to mention it’s super cute and can be used for more than just your trips to and from yoga class?
This lightweight yoga mat bag isn’t just pretty to look at; it’s highly functional, too. It can perfectly fit your yoga mat and features adjustable straps, so you can comfortably carry it over your shoulder or across your body. There’s also a separate side compartment for your water bottle, keys, wallet, and whatever else you need to tote to class.
You can literally plop your yoga mat into this deep bag as you’re running out the door to class. Because it's storage area is deep, this yoga mat bag can carry a variety of other gear, including blocks, straps, weights, resistance bands, a water bottle, and much more. Choose from four color combinations, including gray, purple, turquoise, green, and blue. “I really love the look of this yoga mat bag, the color and design are exactly as shown,” writes one Amazon user. “It is the perfect size for my yoga mat and towels for hot yoga; you could probably fit two yoga mats inside, it has a lot of room. I also love having the extra pockets, especially the zipper pocket for items I don't want visible.”
“For the minimalist, maybe a yoga strap that doubles as a yoga mat carrier is all you need,” Cope says. “This one by ODODOS features a carabiner to secure a water bottle or an optional pouch.” Simply secure the strap around your mat, and swing it over your shoulder before you head to class! The straps are soft, thick and comfortable, and they include eyelets to easily attach pouches, keys, and more with the aid of a carabiner.
This Sweaty Betty gym bag has a ton of compartments and pockets allowing you to easily store all your gym essentials like your water bottle, a towel, a change of clothes, makeup, and more. It even has a separate compartment for shoes or dirty clothes! Yogis will love this gym bag because not only is it extremely stylish and versatile, it also has straps at the bottom to hold your yoga mat securely in place, freeing your bag up for other knick knacks. One customer writes, “It’s fab, I can fit everything into it including my laptop for the office. It looks like a regular large tote but fits my yoga mat too.”
Securely carry and fasten your yoga mat in this beautifully detailed bag by Gaiam with a full-length zip and an adjustable over-the-shoulder strap. We love that it has a side pocket to store anything from your wallet to keys, as well as a second compartment specifically designed for smartphones. An Amazon reviewer says she’s been using this bag for over three years and still loves it. “I carry a heavy weight yoga mat in it and bring it to class two to three times per week, so I would say it is quite durable,” she wrote. “I have received several compliments on it over the years and a fellow yogi liked it so much, she purchased one for herself!”
This product is a “premium backpack option that also conveniently straps your mat to the bottom,” explains Seki. The sleek, neoprene design is both aesthetically pleasing and functional with a laptop sleeve and removable pouch inside, and bungee straps at the bottom for your mat. Plus, what's more comfortable than throwing on a backpack?
This extra-large bag is perfect to carry your mat, blocks, towel, water, and more. It’s easy to clean (just drop it in the washing machine), and made from high-quality canvas for long-term, comfortable use. Plus, it comes with a yoga mat strap for days you're feeling more minimal. One reviewer says, “I’ve been using this for a couple months now and as a yoga instructor this is perfect for what I need. It holds my mat, towel, block, strap, socks, wallet, keys, phone, water bottle, and portable speaker for the class I teach before my yoga class and has room to spare. The straps are nice and wide so it doesn't dig into my shoulder.”
“If your yoga journey requires only a mat and a few items like keys, phone, and an ID, a cylindrical bag with a simple strap and an easily accessible pocket like this one from Manduka may do the trick,” notes Cope. Plus, if you’re an avid yogi, you know that after a while, your yoga mat can smell a little funky. This yoga mat bag is made with a mesh design that travels along the side, making it one of the most breathable options on our list.
“A thick, oversized mat, like one you might enjoy for a high-intensity practice, demands a large bag,” explains Cope. “This quilted patterned duffle style by Kindfolk fits the bill while giving back. For every bag purchased, $1 is donated towards empowering women and girls worldwide.” this bag is best for yoga mats that are up to 26 inches wide, this yoga duffle can hold two blocks, a strap, and a towel.
For an easy yoga mat carrier that you can just strap on and go, this commuter-style sling allows you to buckle your yoga mat securely. The hand’s free design also includes a small pocket for storing the necessities, and Seki enjoys this option because it’s “super compact” and perfect for “storing your mat and basic essentials.” Overall, it’s perfect for a yoga minimalist who needs something quick and easy.
This breathable bag offers a regular size for a standard yoga mat and a larger size for thicker or wider yoga mats, so you never have to struggle to close your bag again. Each bag comes with a buckle closure, large pockets for extras, adjustable straps, and oxford material for a durable hold. One reviewer says, “This is a great bag. It’s light and roomy, but doesn’t feel like it has too much extraneous material. I can fit towels and water in the side pocket. It looks simple and is, but it doesn’t look or feel cheap, despite the welcome price tag.”
Made from high-quality canvas, this will be your new go-to yoga mat bag for anywhere travel. The bag features wider and longer straps for a more comfortable hold, plus two pockets to carry everything you need pre and post yoga. This bag “fits a ton of things, looks good, and is super lightweight and easy to wash,” explains Seki.
“This bag lasts forever—I’ve used it for years. The clasps are adjustable and long enough to tuck a yoga mat under the flap,” Porter-Rand says. “It’s pricey, but they come with a lifetime warranty and offer repairs. Timbuk2 uses sustainable manufacturing and raw materials, which is important to me.” Bonus: The spacious, messenger style bag comes in multiple sizes and colors (it’s customizable, too!) and includes multiple internal and external pockets.
This multi-functional bag is perfect for carrying your yoga mat, towel, wallet, and more to and from yoga class. The material is thick, durable, and quick to dry and printed with vibrant and eye-catching embroidery designs. One reviewer says, “This is the first yoga bag I am in love with. As a yogi and a yoga teacher, I’ve had many and for one reason or another I ended up not liking them. This one is a keeper.”
Yoga mat bags come in all shapes, sizes, and designs, but the best ones are those that not only help you easily get to and from class, but work with your lifestyle and preferences. Here’s a few expert-backed tips to keep in mind while searching for the best yoga mat bag for you.
✔️Consider size. “Size matters! Consider what you need to lug back and forth to yoga class,” explains Porter-Rand. You might want to bring yoga blocks, straps, a water bottle, or even a change of clothes along with your mat. Cope also recommends checking the diameter of your rolled up mat against the size of whatever bag you’re considering—“because there's nothing more frustrating than trying to squeeze a big mat into a bag that's too small,” especially after a relaxing class.
✔️Look for storage. In addition to size, having enough storage pockets and compartments to help keep you organized and stress free is a must. “Yoga bags should ideally have at least one compartment to store your belongings, and be spacious and secure enough to contain the essentials: your phone, wallet, keys, and maybe even a water bottle and towel,” Seki explains.
✔️Choose the right material. Yoga mat bags should be durable and easy to clean, according to Seki and Porter-Rand. “Stink ghosts are real! If you’re doing hot yoga, look for a yoga bag that is machine washable,” Porter-Rand notes. “Also, full water bottles and thick yoga mats can get pretty heavy. Choose something with a thick strap and durable construction.”