4 Important Tips When Choosing Yoga Bags

All yoga bags and carriers may look the same, but there are subtle differences that make one stand out from the rest, while you keep the others inside your closet. So, don’t throw your money away buying the first yoga bag you see only to end up not using it. To help you, we’ve come up with tips that you should follow when choosing a yoga bag.

Tips when choosing yoga bags

Measure the yoga mat

The most important thing you need to do is to measure the yoga mat first. Most of the yoga bags that are sold in the market today fit standard-sized 64” x 24” yoga mats. That said, you need to make sure to check the measurements of the carrier you want to buy. You don’t want to end up trying to squeeze your yoga mat into the bag after the yoga session or when you’re in a hurry.

If you have an extra-long or extra-thick yoga mat, then you should be more attentive. Most yoga bags aren’t as sturdy enough to carry such mats. They will either break or just won’t be able to fit the mat in. 

Decide on the style

There are different types of styles you can choose from: slings, totes, backpacks, and oversized carriers. There’s no shortage of yoga bag styles. It just depends on your preference. But when choosing one, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have pains in your back, and prefer to carry a backpack-style mat instead of a large horizontal one-shoulder tote bag?
• Do you usually cycle to your yoga class?
• Do you prefer a multi-purpose bag that can fit your clothes, water bottle, towel, yoga block, and your other valuables?
• Do you need a no-frill and minimalist yoga bag?

Identifying your needs and narrowing down the choices to what is more convenient for you will help you save hours in choosing the right yoga bag.

Think about the material

As previously mentioned, your choice depends on your lifestyle and needs:

• Do you walk/cycle to a studio instead of taking a bus or drive? If so, choose water and stain-resistant materials that will protect your mat from rain and dirt.
• Are you practicing hot yoga? Or do you just sweat a lot? Choose a yoga bag that is made of breathable material, equipped with special ventilation for your clothes to prevent bacterial growth and the stinky smell.
• Do you care about the environment? If so, then choose a yoga bag that’s made of recycled fabrics, hemp, organic cotton, and jute.

Evaluate the pockets and straps

Yoga bags and carriers come with or without pockets. The pockets can be external, hidden inside the yoga bag, or secured by a Velcro, a zip, or a magnetic snap. If you don’t want to bring your purse when you go to the fitness studio, then you can choose a yoga bag with zipped pockets. This will allow you to store your money, keys, or ID.

Some bags come with a spacey compartment or padded pouches for your laptop or tablet. This is ideal if you need to go to the fitness studio right after or before you work. Some bags come with two short straps or a long cross or shoulder-body strap. When the straps are adjustable and padded, they can fit your body size and prevent them from butting against your skin when you carry the heavy mat.

More things you need to know when shopping for yoga bags

Does your yoga bag need to be big?

Your yoga bag doesn’t have to be big. The bag should only be as big as you need it to be. If you’re only carrying a few things with you, then a bulky bag may be unnecessary. There are simple and smaller bags you can use instead where you can store your yoga essentials easily.

If you’re carrying more items, like pants and blocks, then it isn’t necessarily about a big yoga bag. If you know to properly organize your bag, and you use the pockets well, then you can find that a yoga bag can give you enough storage without buying a big and heavy bag.

Do you have to choose a simple design?

The type of design you choose for your bag depends completely on your own needs. Some people want to have everything in one large bag so they wouldn’t have to try every pocket before they get what they need. Others want their items to be organized in pockets and sections. The style of bag you choose should be based on your own needs.

How should you clean a yoga bag?

How you clean yoga bags depends on who the manufacturer is. Cleaning it regularly is important to ensure good hygiene and to help it last longer. But the cleaning procedures can vary depending on the materials used and how they are constructed.

Many simpler bags that are made of durable materials can easily be tossed in the washing machine. Others may need to be wiped down and may need to avoid certain cleaners like bleach.

Do you really need a yoga bag?

A yoga bag isn’t a necessary item when it comes to the practice of yoga. The bag doesn’t do anything to help you while you’re performing your routine. However, carrying everything you need for your yoga session can be such a hassle if you don’t have a bag to put them all into. 

With the help of yoga bags today, you can make sure to keep all the essential items in one place. This helps you remember which items you need to bring for your next session.

Why do bag designs include ventilation?

Ventilation is necessary in a yoga bag because the items you place in it after the yoga session may be damp due to sweat. By allowing the bag to breathe, you can be sure that bacteria growth is halted until you can clean it properly.