Yoga backpacks
Summary:
- What questions to ask when choosing a yoga backpack
- Types of yoga bags
- Features of yoga bags
- Benefits of yoga backpacks
- How to choose a yoga backpack
- Popular brands of yoga backpacks
You may wonder: is a yoga mat backpack necessary equipment for yoga. If you commute, a backpack for your yoga mat might alleviate some of your traveling pain. With so many yoga bags on the market, it might seem hard to choose the best one for you. Before deciding, think about your lifestyle. Ask yourself a few questions:
- How do you commute? By car, by bike, or by public transportation?
- What do you carry for a yoga class? Activewear, accessories like blocks, straps, or towels, water, wallet, keys?
- Where do you practice yoga? At home or in a class?
Answering to those questions will help you to figure out which yoga mat bag you need.
What types of yoga bags are there?
- Yoga mat bag
- Yoga mat Tote
- Yoga mat backpack
- Yoga mat carrying strap or sling
A backpack for yoga – some characteristics
A yoga backpack has a strap holder on the side or a big pocket in front of the backpack. It is usually made of canvas, polyester, or nylon; some could have a padded mesh on the back and straps, which increases ventilation. Some backpacks come as a crossbody. The backpacks can accommodate yoga accessories, and some have even a laptop compartment.
The backpack might be a good alternative to a yoga bag: tote or duffel. It is more comfortable and versatile, makes the transportation completely hands-free, which is important if you travel to your yoga sessions by bike. With a backpack, the mat won’t hang around your waist when you’re on-the-go. With two straps, the carrier won’t hurt your shoulders – the straps won’t dig into your skin. Compared to the yoga mat bags, with a backpack, it doesn’t get too heavy.
What are the benefits of a yoga mat backpacks?
- Makes transportation easier
- Hands-free design
- Prevents damage to your yoga mat
What should you look for in a yoga mat backpack?
- Size and adjustability – As yoga mats differ in thickness, length, and width, you have to make sure that your yoga backpack will fit in your mat. Bear in mind, a Pilates mat is thicker, so you’ll need a bigger compartment for it.
- Material – Mat backpacks should be durable. If you live in a place where it rains a lot, a waterproof bag is a good idea. If you attend classes like hot yoga Bikram, a breathable bag or a side pocket made of mesh should provide your wet equipment with enough air to ventilate. The most popular materials the backpacks are made of include cotton or polyester.
- How fast you can fit in your yoga mat inside the bag – After a class, you might want to leave quickly the space instead of fighting with your mat holder.
- Weight – The weight of a yoga mat might be significant, so when you add the extra accessories you carry, the weight of a bag makes a difference.
- Style, color, pattern – Yoga has to be a pleasure. The bags for Yoga are available in many styles, colors, and patterns. Some are even embroidered. Pick up the one matching your taste the most.
What else to look for in a mat backpack?
- Zippers – make sure they are quality zippers.
- Compartments – check where you could stash your valuables, activewear and yoga accessories in roomy compartments; if the backpack is equipped with a front pocket, make sure your thicker mats fit in. Find out if your backpack is going to have special compartments for a laptop or other accessories like yoga blocks or blankets.
- Yoga mat holder on the side – check how where you mount your mat. Is it a strap—adjustable or not adjustable; or a deep pocket in front of the backpack like Manduka’s GO Free backpack. Some backpacks like Aurorae’s Sling Yoga Backpack or Meru are crossbody bags, where the yoga mat is attached on the side.
- Extra pockets – check if the backpack has a pouch for your wallet or keys, a cell phone pocket, and a water bottle pocket.
Which are the most popular brands amoung our costumers that produce backpaks for yoga?
- Manduka
- Lululemon
- Gaiam
- prAna
Whether you’re a fan of Yoga or Pilates, a yoga mat bag or strap might be a good way to upgrade your collection of workout accessories. Looking for present ideas? A mat carrier might be a good idea for a yoga gift.