Are you tired of carrying your yoga mat around in your arms? Or maybe you just want to add some style and convenience to your workout. Yoga mat bags are a great investment if you travel to a yoga class, prefer doing yoga outside, or just want some extra storage space for your yoga materials.
We've saved you time and effort by curating a well-researched list of the top 10 best yoga mat bags out there. Our top pick is Lululemon's The Yoga Mat Bag. This durable bag has a conveniently foldable water bottle pocket and an efficient, full-body zipper. Check out the rest of this article for the rest of our list and a guide reviewed by a yoga instructor on how to buy the best yoga mat carrier.
Quick List - Top Yoga Mat Bags
Karin is a certified yoga instructor and HR director in addition to running a successful Instagram account about fashion, lifestyle, and more. She describes herself as "a Boho Girl living in a Yogi World".
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There are a few things to consider when shopping for your new yoga mat bag. We recommend thinking about the size of your mat, the material it's made of, and other important factors. Here are some tips on how you can make your search for the best yoga mat bag a little easier.
Standard yoga mat thickness is around one-eighth of an inch, but thicker mats can be up to one quarter or even one-half of an inch. The thickness of your mat will affect what its diameter is rolled up, but most yoga mat bags are designed to house mats with a rolled-up diameter of six inches.
Given that you might need more space if you prefer thicker or longer mats (or aren't the most graceful when rolling up mats), we recommend a yoga mat bag that offers an extra inch or two of wiggle room. This will make it easier to pack a towel or extra change of clothes if needed, and also allows some space if you don’t wind your mat up tightly enough.
It’s a good idea to go for bags that offer enough space for seven inches in diameter or greater. To be on the safe side, try measuring your yoga mat at home and keeping those dimensions in mind as you search for your new yoga mat bag.
185 centimeters long by 68 centimeters wide (about 73 by 27 inches) is my current yoga mat dimensions. It's slightly longer and wider than the standard yoga mat. This is an important step to being able to find the right yoga mat bag for you!
The length and number of your bag’s straps will have a great impact on how comfortably you can carry it. Your yoga mat bag can become quite heavy, especially if you want to store extra items inside like your water or a few snacks. We recommend bags with adjustable straps. It’s always a bonus if they have a pad on the straps for extra comfort.
If you aren’t a fan of slinging your mat over your shoulder, there are a few bags with extra straps on the top or side, which allow you to carry your yoga mat bag horizontally or even vertically.
It’s also a good idea to consider how you’ll be carrying your yoga mat bag. If you don’t mind slinging it over your shoulder or across your body, a single-strapped bag will probably be fine for you. However, if you find that shoulder straps are painful, there are yoga mats with double straps that can be carried on your back like a backpack.
I love an adjustable and removable bag strap, or a yoga mat strap (rather than a bag) that can double as a yoga strap to use during class. It's good to have tools that are versatile as well as comfortable.
Investing in a yoga mat bag with a breathable material like plain weave canvas, cotton, or mesh will keep it from smelling stale or sweaty as time goes on. Some yoga mat bags are even washable, allowing you to use them longer without a stale smell building up in the fabric.
If you prefer doing yoga outside or intend to ride your bike or walk to a class, it might also be a good idea to consider a bag with the outside made of materials like nylon or polyester; these are water-resistant and don’t stain easily.
Almost any type of material that is washable is preferred, so think twice if there is one with any leather or suede. While these are pretty, keep in mind that your yoga mat could be sweaty or damp when you put it back in your bag. Something with a waxed interior that can be wiped off is the most sanitary option.
Some yoga mat bags are designed to carry only your mat. These will probably be lighter and less bulky, so they’re a great choice if you aren’t taking your mat too far from home or want to travel light. However, you’ll have to carry extra bags if you plan to pack a change of clothes, water, and any other accessories you want to bring along.
All-purpose yoga mats are bulkier because they have extra partitions. They will also be heavier to carry around. Still, if you like to be prepared for anything, an all-purpose yoga mat bag will let you pack your keys, your phone, a snack or two, and anything else you might want to take with you on your journey towards healthier living.
I prefer a simple design that can match a variety of yoga outfits! If you invest in a more expensive mat, you can buy a couple of cheaper mat bags to change up your style.
Keep in mind that, above all else, you want a sturdy material that can be easily cleaned or stored in the back of your car, or even in the sun.
Some yoga mat bags come with extra features, such as hidden zippered compartments for your valuables, separate straps in case you want to carry your mat by itself, and other tools for your yoga practice like blocks or yoga straps. Some yoga mat bags are even designed to double as a backpack, duffel bag, or even as a diaper bag.
While it’s great to have features like these if you like to carry everything around with you, they can make washing your yoga mat bag a more delicate process.
Still, depending on how extensively you use your bag, extra features might be a good choice. If you plan on taking your bag with you to work and practicing your yoga afterward, you’ll probably want a bag with lots of extra features. If you only practice at home or at a nearby gym, simple bags might be better for your needs.
A strap that doubles as a yoga strap that you can use for your yoga practice or a bag that completely zips up (rather than leaving the top open), can be helpful. You can also store a small wallet or add a carabiner for keys if your carrying tool is a bag.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lululemon The Yoga Mat Bag|Color: Black | ![]() | Sturdy, Full-Body Zippered Bag With Clever Features | |
2 | Gaiam Top-Loaded Yoga Mat Bag|Color: Chakra | ![]() | This Drawstring Bag Makes Packing a Breeze | |
3 | Gaiam Full-Zip Cargo Yoga Mat Bag|Color: Niagra | ![]() | An Excellent Choice for Extra-Long Mats | |
4 | Gaiam Yoga Mat Tote Bag|Color: Tree of Life | ![]() | Unique Magnetic Snaps Make for Easy Access | |
5 | Kindfolk Yoga Mat Duffle Bag|Color: Celestial | ![]() | Humanitarian and Perfect for Large, Thick Mats | |
6 | ELENTURE Yoga Mat Bag Full Zip|Color: Arrowhead | ![]() | Tons of Patterns to Choose From | |
7 | Meru The Original Yoga Smart-Bag|Color: Hemp | ![]() | Has a Built-In Airflow System That Keeps Things Fresh | |
8 | YogaAddict Yoga Mat Tote Bag "Supreme"|Color: Sky-blue, 30 in. long | ![]() | The Yoga Mat Bag That Can Carry Everything | |
9 | YogaAddict Large Yoga Mat Bag|Color: Grey snow | ![]() | Large, Water-Resistant Bag for Your Outdoor Sessions | |
10 | Irmana Yoga Carrier Backpack|Color: Black | ![]() | A Multipurpose Yoga Mat Bag With Three Straps |
Lululemon's Yoga Mat Bag boasts a sturdy, water-repellant body with a fold-out water bottle pocket and a full-body zipper for easy packing. The bag is durable and fairly spacious and could be a great pick if your mat is also from Lululemon. While the material can't be washed, it can be spot cleaned quite efficiently.
Some customers have complained that this bag doesn't fit thick or extra-large mats, even if they were made by Lululemon. If your yoga mat is larger than the standard size, this may not be the product for you.
Otherwise, customers are pleased with it. Standard-sized mat owners have reported that their mats fit with plenty of room to spare and that the material is durable and feels good to the touch. Given the reliability of this brand and the high quality of the bag's make, we readily recommend it for standard-sized yoga mats.
Gaiam's Top-Loading Yoga Mat Bag is made of durable, breathable cotton and has a drawstring design for easy packing and removal of your yoga mat. A zippered pocket on the back of the bag gives you a space for your valuables as well, although given its size you may only be able to fit smaller items.
Some reviewers note that Gaiam's Top Loading Bag doesn't fit taller yoga mats very well. We don't recommend this product if you have a yoga mat that's taller than average.
Most customers do love the design and accessibility of this bag. Many report that the top-loading function of the bag allows it to fit even the thickest yoga mats. The bag doesn't shrink when washed and has proved to be durable and long-lasting in most cases. We think it's a good choice so long as your yoga mat isn't too tall.
Gaiam's Full-Zip Cargo Yoga Mat Bag is 20 percent longer than other brands, meaning that no matter how tall your yoga mat is, you can be sure it will fit. The adjustable strap allows for full comfort when carrying your gear, and the cotton fabric is machine washable.
It should be noted that this bag is specifically designed for taller or thicker mats. If you plan on using it for a standard-sized yoga mat, reviewers warn that there will be a lot of extra space. The zippers are also said not to hold up well after washing or under a lot of stress.
That said, reviewers with larger-than-standard mats are delighted by Gaiam's Full-Zip Bag. A few also noted that the fabric's design is both beautiful and sturdy and that the adjustable strap makes it easy to carry the bag either on your shoulder or across your body.
Gaiam's simple yet chic Yoga Mat Tote Bag features a magnetic snap set for easy access and packing, two generous tote-type shoulder straps, and a generous amount of storage space.
Quite a few customers warn that while this tote bag's opening is big enough for most yoga mat sizes, the bottom is actually narrower and can't fit extra-large mats. They have noted that it's also not easy to fit larger yoga props such as blocks.
However, reviewers report success in packing their mats along with towels and a change of clothes. Some have even been able to fit yoga blocks in with a standard-sized mat. While many had never used a bag with magnetic snaps before, they noted the ease of access was a welcome improvement.
If you choose to purchase Kindfolk's Yoga Mat Duffel Bag, the company will donate to an NPO that strives to end sex slavery around the world. In addition to combatting slavery, this duffel bag is also incredibly useful. Its massive dimensions allow for any size of yoga mat, as well as most types of gear you may need.
Some reviewers complain that the color and durability of this bag fade if you wash it. It's also been noted that the bag, while roomy, doesn't hold a one-inch thick mat in addition to yoga blocks, and a few people with especially tall yoga mats haven't been able to use Kindfolk's Yoga Mat Duffel Bag.
Still, many customers have found the space inside Kindfolk's bag to be more than adequate for their mats and their gear combined. They report that the eye-catching designs and chic style make this bag a joy to bring into yoga classes. If you don't need to wash your yoga bag often, this might be a good option.
ELENTURE's comfortable yoga mat bag comes in 29 vibrant, hand-stitched patterns. The design boasts a full-length zipper for easy access and packing, as well as a pocket on the front that can be expanded to a dimension of six by seven inches.
Some reviewers warn that unless you treat the main zipper gently, it will easily break. Another downside to ELENTURE's yoga mat bag is that it won't fit yoga mats that are half an inch thick, so if you prefer thick mats, we recommend a different product.
However, most customers have only good things to say about this yoga mat bag. Many love how durable yet soft the fabric is, and find that the extra pocket is perfect for storing supplies like yoga straps. The bag is apparently large enough inside to fit a towel or slim shoes as well. If you have a standard-sized mat, this bag is a great choice.
Meru's Original Yoga Smart-Bag is packed with features that include a top strap for carrying purposes, three separate pockets for extra storage, and a dual airflow system to keep your bag from smelling sweaty. It's made of all-natural hemp and cotton and can be machine-washed.
Some users have complained that despite its generous dimensions, the Original Yoga Smart-Bag will only fit standard mat sizes; if it does fit larger-sized mats, it leaves no room for extra gear. There have also been a few reports of the straps showing weakness, so we don't recommend this bag if you have a lot of heavy things to carry.
Most customers find the ventilation and the zipper design of this bag to be top-notch. Those with standard-sized yoga mats report that there is still plenty of room for towels and clothes after packing their mats inside. The inside pocket is also said to fit most phone sizes with ease. This bag is a solid choice for standard mat sizes.
If you need a bag that can hold your mat as well as additional yoga gear like yoga blocks, YogaAddict's Tote Bag "Supreme" might be the yoga mat bag for you. Made of durable and water-resistant polyester, this huge bag has plenty of room for any size or shape yoga mat. It sports two yoga block pockets and two straps with a Velcro handle.
The only complaint customers have about this bag is that there is no extra shoulder strap included for cross-body wear. Older models did have this option, but it's been removed. Considering how heavy this bag can get when packed to full capacity, the lack of an extra strap might make it hard to carry around.
Otherwise, reviewers who prefer to put everything into one bag especially seem to love this Tote Bag "Supreme." They report that it can hold multiple mats in addition to a towel and extra clothes in the main compartment. This is a massive bag, but sometimes that's exactly what you need to stow all of your yoga gear.
YogaAddict's Large Yoga Mat Bag boasts enough room for a mat and yoga blocks, an odor-free environment supported by ventilation slots, and light, water-resistant polyester fabric. It also has two extra pockets for your accessories and valuables and comes in nine attractive patterns.
Customers have warned that the zippers on this bag are prone to breaking unless you take care. A few have also pointed out that while the inside of the bag is spacious, the narrow opening makes it difficult to pack thick mats initially. We recommend rolling thicker mats very tightly when putting them in this yoga mat bag.
Most reviewers are delighted with how sturdy the fabric of YogaAddict's bag is and note that the polyester material also gives it some levels of water resistance. This makes it a great choice if you like to take your yoga gear outside. YogaAddict's bag is an excellent option for large mat owners and outdoor practicers.
Irmana's Yoga Carrier Backpack is perfect if you want to hike to the top of a mountain for your yoga session. The lightweight polyester backpack-type yoga mat bag is water-resistant and has three different straps, allowing you to carry your gear in whatever position is most comfortable.
A few reviewers have stated that this bag isn't large enough for a large, thick mat or tons of extra yoga gear. You might be able to fit a towel and some light clothes inside, but if you're looking for a yoga mat bag that can hold your blocks and shoes, this may not be the right product for you.
Most customers are delighted with the versatility of Irmana's bag, however. Some have reported that the padded cross-body strap is incredibly comfortable for long-distance travel and others are happy to have a yoga mat bag that can be used for other occasions.
Are you looking to improve your yoga practice sessions? Check out our other articles for yoga-related products!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Lululemon|The Yoga Mat Bag|Color: Black
No. 2: Gaiam|Top-Loaded Yoga Mat Bag|Color: Chakra
No. 3: Gaiam|Full-Zip Cargo Yoga Mat Bag|Color: Niagra
No. 4: Gaiam|Yoga Mat Tote Bag|Color: Tree of Life
No. 5: Kindfolk|Yoga Mat Duffle Bag|Color: Celestial
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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