We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Yoga Equipment, Gear, and Clothing The Best Yoga Mat Straps, Slings, and Handles, According to a Yoga Instructor Taking your yoga mat on the go is easy with these lightweight, comfortable straps By Ann Pizer, RYT Ann Pizer, RYT Ann Pizer is a writer and registered yoga instructor who teaches vinyasa/flow and prenatal yoga classes. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 15, 2024 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Sara Clark Reviewed by Sara Clark Sara Clark is an EYT 500-hour certified Vinyasa yoga and mindfulness teacher, lululemon Global Yoga Ambassador, model, and writer. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Shereen Lehman, MS Fact checked by Shereen Lehman, MS Shereen Lehman, MS, is a former writer for Verywell Fit and Reuters Health. She's a healthcare journalist who writes about healthy eating and offers evidence-based advice for regular people. Learn about our editorial process Print Verywell Fit / Amelia Manley Yoga classes are a fantastic choice for your weekly exercise routine. But carrying yoga mats and other equipment can be tricky. Mats are long and unwieldy and don't often fit into gym bags. Using a carrier can make your mat more portable and secure, freeing up your hands for other things. When it comes to picking the right one, look for carrying straps that are comfortable and lightweight on your shoulder and is durable. We reviewed yoga mat straps, slings, and handles based on the durability of seams and closures, material and padding, adjustability, cost, and special features like extra storage. A yoga instructor from our Review Board reviewed this article for accuracy in terms of other ways to use these products as well as the pros and cons of the different styles. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Clever Yoga Adjustable Yoga Mat Strap Sling at Amazon ($12) Jump to Review Best Non-Slip: lululemon Loop It Up Mat Strap at Lululemon ($18) Jump to Review Most Sturdy: Manduka Yoga Mat Carrier at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best with Bag: Gaiam On-The-Go Yoga Mat Carrier at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Backpack: Kindfolk Yoga Mat Backpack at Amazon ($45) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For How to Use a Yoga Mat Strap Picking the Right Size Strap Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Clever Yoga Adjustable Yoga Mat Strap Sling Amazon View On Amazon $12 This is the creme de la creme of mat straps. The 1.5-inch wide, 100-percent cotton strap won't dig into your shoulders even when you're carrying heavier mats which is why we selected it our best overall pick. With adjustable loops, the strap can carry yoga mats of almost any size and width without letting them slip. The machine-washable strap comes in two lengths to suit people's different heights and in multiple colors for every style. It can also be used as a yoga strap during practice. Best Non-Slip lululemon Loop It Up Mat Strap Lululemon View On Lululemon $18 This no-slip strap loops around your yoga mat more than once, keeping it securely in place, and fastens tightly with a buckle-free closure. It can be adjusted to fit a mat of almost any size and even has a spot to attach keys or a pouch with your essentials. Perfect for every type of yogi, it doubles as a strap to help you stretch in yoga class. Most Sturdy Manduka Yoga Mat Carrier Amazon View On Amazon $20 In place of disruptive velcro or zippers, this aesthetically-pleasing yoga mat carrier uses a buckle to hold your mat in place. With 68-inch straps, the machine-washable carrier is designed to fit yoga mats of any size. The unique strap is easy to take on and off and keeps the mat from sliding around while you are carrying it, no matter how long the trek to your yoga studio. The 18 Best Yoga Mats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best with Bag Gaiam On-The-Go Yoga Mat Carrier Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart $15 The barest minimum of a yoga bag, comprised of a sling and a pocket, this carrier will fit yoga mats of any length. With quick-release magnetic snaps and an added internal strap, rest assured your yoga mat won't fall out of this fixture. With a handy front pocket that fits various personal items—like keys, a wallet, and a phone—this carrier lets you keep all your essentials in one place and skip the backpack. We Tested 19 Yoga Towels—These 9 Provide Anti-Slip Grip and Soft Support Best Backpack Kindfolk Yoga Mat Backpack Amazon View On Amazon $45 If you love to bring your own straps, blocks, and towels to yoga—in addition to your mat—this backpack provides a lot more space than a typical carrier. Eight inches tall and 14 inches wide, the vegan-friendly backpack will fit all of your yoga essentials, plus a change of clothes and toiletries. The carrier strap hooked to the bottom of the backpack will easily transport both larger and thinner yoga mats. Choose between four colorful and unique designs that'll stand out from the crowd. Yoga practitioners can feel good about this backpack because, with every purchase made, the manufacturer will donate $1 to organizations that are helping end slavery and sex trafficking worldwide. What to Look for in Yoga Mat Straps, Slings, and Handles Comfortable Materials and Padding: If you’re going to be carrying something, it should be comfortable on your shoulders. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose a yoga strap, sling or handles made from comfortable materials, like cotton. Avoid irritating seams or hard plastic, and if your yoga mat is on the heavier side, some additional light padding might be worth having. Durability: Sturdy and durable yoga mat straps, slings, or handles will prevent you from needing to replace them sooner, which is better for your wallet and the planet—also the key to getting the most out of yoga accessories. Less sturdy materials might pull, fray, or rip after frequent use or with heavier mats. Secure closures like buckles will likely last longer than snaps or Velcro, for instance. Storage: If you want to carry more gear than just your mat, look for a carrier that provides some extra storage, such as zippered pouches, pockets, or a backpack. Conversely, if you want to be able to tote your mat and store your straps, slings, or handles somewhere out of the way during class, look for small, foldable carriers that pack away easily. Adjustability: Needless to say, carrying straps, handles, or slings that don’t fit your mat are not very useful. Look for adjustable or one-size-fits-all versions, especially if you have more than one mat. You also want to make sure the product fits your body, so check sizing, including strap length, before choosing. How to Use a Yoga Mat Strap For most yoga mat straps, you’ll use D-rings to create a carrying handle. Spread your strap flat and place the D-rings on top of your mat with the ends around the underneath. Slide the end of the strap through the D-rings. Fold one of the D-rings back and slip the strap back through it. Wrap the remainder of the strap around the opposite end of your mat. Tie a knot with this end of the strap. You should be able to adjust the strap for length and fit by tightening it at this end. Picking the Right Size Strap The best bet for choosing the proper length for a yoga mat strap is to choose an adjustable one. This way, you can fit it to your body and your specific mat. Otherwise, consider how you’d prefer to carry your mat. If you want to sling it over your shoulder, messenger bag style, you’ll need more slack than if you wish to hold it by hand. Why Trust Verywell Fit Ann Pizer, RYT, is a registered yoga instructor. She has taught vinyasa/flow and prenatal yoga classes and has written about yoga for more than 10 years. 1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Osteopathic Association. The benefits of yoga. 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