How to Choose a Yoga Mat Bag

Choosing a yoga mat bag, whatever style you love, couldn't be easier when you look around on the Internet because of the huge range of different models and kinds available to appeal to every taste and aesthetic. And while your local yoga studio or store might have a couple of variations you'd be surprised at just how many there are out there. Here is a list of the most popular to help you find the perfect yoga mat bag.

The simplest and easiest way of carrying a yoga mat is with a sling. If you're feeling frugal there is no reason not to make your own. Just be sure not to use rope or cord that is too thin or you may end up damaging your mat.

Many mats will come with a fairly simple strap arrangement, often consisting of a webbing strap and some Velcro strips that attach to a rolled up yoga mat and leave a little handle for you to carry. Mat slings such as these are simple, light and above all cheap. The disadvantage is that they don't allow you to sling a mat over your shoulder, which is often the most comfortable way to carry one, nor do they look especially nice. One step up from these is a longer strap, also with Velcro that does go over the shoulder. Some also double up as a yoga strap, which is useful if your yoga practice requires straps (such as Iyengar) or if you are a little tight and just need help getting into some positions (that's me). The trouble with using these as straps though is that many people find they are a bit too short and you may end up having to hold the uncomfortable Velcro bits.

A slightly greener variation of the sling is to buy one made from a natural substance such as Hemp. These are plenty strong. Don't forget that 100 years ago the sails and rigging of huge sailing ships was made of hemp. And don't let the name put you off. This is not the sort you can smoke. 

The next step up from a mat sling is to get a bag for your yoga mat. These provide more protection for your mats and will stop them picking up dirt and grunge. You'll especially want one if you drive to yoga and leave your mat in the trunk of the car when you're not using it. You would probably also want a nice cotton or natural cover if you use a cotton yoga mat.

One can find simple, functional mat bags made of nylon or some similar material. But there really is a huge range of absolutely beautiful handmade or cotton ones out there. Among the nicest must be the one of the embroidered ones sold by Gaiam (pictured here). These are made by rural women from hill tribes in Thailand as a way to enable traditional people to keep their rural way of life while still earning a decent income. They are fair trade so you know people aren't being ripped off to provide super profits to a whole bunch of middle men. People who have them love them. It may be the bright colours, the knowledge that they have helped some very poor people or perhaps good vibes in the bags themselves, but lots of the people who own these mat bags talk about how happy they make them.

Agoy in London also has a great range of yoga bags including their city yoga bag (pictured here) which is really quite stylish. They also have some great faux leather mat bags including a couple that can double up to carry your daily stuff with a space inside or at the bottom for your yoga mat. They also have space for things like straps and bolsters and blocks. They also make a couple of beach yoga bags that really have a lot of space to go from the studio to the beach (or supermarket, or whatever).