Yoga Mat Strap

If you want real freedom in carrying your travel yoga mat around, you should plump for a yoga mat strap, also known as a yoga harness or a yoga mat sling. These are simply straps usually made of tear resistant nylon designed to fasten securely around your yoga mat to make it easy to carry.

When you go out for yoga practice, just tie on the straps, fasten the buckle, dowel or the Velcro strips, and sling it over your shoulder. The straps are adjustable making it usable with any size of yoga mat. This is very useful if you have a thick yoga mat that might be difficult to fit into a bag. In fact you could harness two or more mats with one yoga strap.

One of the great advantages of a yoga sling is that you can wrap up your towel and/or blanket in it together with your mat. And of course the fact that your mat is open to the air means that it dries quickly reducing the chance of mould that might occur if it were kept in a bag.

Yoga straps are more suited to short trips, to a nearby yoga studio, for example, than for long journeys. The slings don't provide the protection needed for long trips but make it perfect for a quick jaunt down to the local ashram.

Yoga mat straps are usually made of nylon and use Velcro closure straps or buckles for the fasteners. If you go for the Velcro fasteners, there's something you need to bear in mind. If you practice in a quiet studio, be careful of the noise of Velcro being unfastened. It could annoy your fellow yoga practitioners.

These yoga harnesses offer a less bulky option for carrying your yoga mat. Why not go for both bag and harness?

Both have their place. If it's raining for example you may want to use a bag rather than a sling. And if your mat needs protection, for example if being stored in a hold, you should go for a bag. But for short trips, the straps are perfect.

When buying a yoga bag strap, make sure the joins are strong and the fasteners look solid. Other than that, just go for the color and style that appeals to you.

Yoga mat towels are also vital accessories for your yoga practice.