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The practice of yoga is rife with accessories and tools with the goal of improving and enhancing your routine. One such tool is the yoga mat strap carrier. These mat straps or slings make carrying and transporting a yoga mat easy and comfortable.
A yoga mat carrier is also multifunctional in nature and in addition to helping carry and storing your mat, they can also be used as stretching straps for warm-ups, and cool-downs and to increase flexibility.
Below are some quality yoga mat strap carriers of 2024 that fit most standard-size yoga mats and have comfortable and durable straps. Plus, depending on your preference, they also come with your choice of easy-to-use fasteners, buckles, or loops that can be tightened or loosened to fit your mat and make putting your yoga strap on fast and easy.
The Leading Yoga Mat Strap Carriers Compared
Gaiam Mat Sling — Best Overall
For a slightly more luxe option, this sling is the real deal. It has all the same features as our other options, however, goes a step further with its inclusion of metal D-rings on both ends that help create the tension needed to hold the yoga mat sung and secure while in motion. Ideal for the yoga commuter, this mat carrier will keep you comfortable whether, on foot, bike, bus, or car, and will fit most sizes of yoga mats.
Pros
- The strap is made of durable nylon that will withstand the rigors of daily commuting
Cons
- It is recommended to hand wash only for a longer life span
Manduka Mat Carrier — Runner Up
Designed to fit mats of any size, this yoga mat strap carrier is another unique option as it uses a gravity cinch closure. With no velcro, snaps, or buckles that may disrupt your practice, this strap simply loops around each end of your mat and lets gravity do the work. It is made from natural cotton twill and webbing, giving it a fresh, nature-inspired look that is not only functional but will make you feel good while using.
Pros
- This has a padded shoulder strap for extreme comfort
Cons
- There may be a slight learning curve to using this carrier
REEHUT Mat Strap — Great for Everyday Use
The yoga mat strap offers a simple, hands-free solution for carrying around your yoga mat. This multi-functional strap can be used as a way to secure your yoga mat but can also be used as a yoga strap to help keep you flexible during your warm-ups and cool-downs. Made from 100% high-quality, durable cotton, this strap also has thick and firm, adjustable loops on each end that fasten to safely hold your mat and keep it secure.
Pros
- The yoga mat strap is machine washable
Cons
- There is only one size option
Yogaer Yoga Mat Carrier — Great for Transport
This yoga mat strap is a simple, elegant way to transport your yoga mat. With one piece of fabric, this is another option with no fasteners or buckles and simply goes on with adjustable loops on both ends that can be made bigger or smaller depending on your mat size. Made of thick, durable cotton, this strap is multifunctional and will help with your practice and flexibility while being soft and comfortable to wear every single day.
Pros
- Four fun color options make this yoga strap stylish to carry as well
Cons
- This does not come with a yoga mat
Clever Yoga Strap — Contender
This sling is lightweight, made from 100% all-natural cotton, and designed to fit almost all yoga and exercise mats. This sling does double-duty and will not only make carrying your yoga mat comfortable but can also be used as a yoga strap for poses, stretching and even physical rehabilitation. This strap is easily washable, and durable, and can carry any item over your shoulder or across your body, not just yoga mats.
Pros
- Clever Yoga has a lifetime guarantee and will replace it for free no questions asked
Cons
- If you prefer a strap with stretch, another option might be better
FitLifestyleCo Mat Strap — Also Consider
This strap and sling fits most standard mats and makes carrying and storing your yoga mat easy and convenient. Whether you are walking across campus or driving to your studio yoga class, this strap goes on fast with adjustable loops on both ends that can be tightened to fit a variety of yoga mats. Made from durable cotton, this mat is comfortable to carry and can even hold two thinner mats together at the same time.
Pros
- A 30-day, 100% money-back guarantee is available if you have any problems with this sling
Cons
- There is only one size available
Buying Guide: Yoga Mat Strap Carriers
As carrying a yoga mat is difficult in itself, there shouldn't be any room for compromise with the strap carrier. It should be perfect and have all the necessary features to fulfill all your requirements. For example, having a strap reinforced with a buckle is better than a simple one due to its adjustability. Since you may have multiple options in hand, making the perfect selection is not easy. In the below section, we have explained a couple of factors necessary to consider for deciding whether the finest yoga mat strap carriers in 2024 are worthy of investment or not.
How Is a Strap Carrier Better for Transporting a Yoga Mat Compared to Your Hands?
Usually, when you carry the mat using your hands, there are high chances that it would slip out of your grip or cause excessive strain on your arm and wrist. These issues can be mitigated with the yoga mat strap carrier as it will help you carry the accessory easily with your hand or as a sling over your shoulder. Besides, you can keep your hands free and travel conveniently.
How to Choose the Right Yoga Mat Strap Carrier for Yourself?
Purpose
A yoga mat strap carrier is used for carrying yoga mats of varying sizes from one place to another. However, if you want to use it for other purposes, make sure the chosen product fulfills your requirements perfectly. For example, some carrier straps can be used for stretching yoga poses, improving balance, and even for rehab poses. So, before you proceed further, make sure to sort out the options based on your requirements.
Length
Yoga mat straps vary in length, so make sure to choose a product that will make it easier for you to transport the mat. If you want to carry the yoga mat in your hand only, go for a product with a shorter length. But for carrying it in your hand as well as over your shoulder like a sling, it's imperative to choose a longer strap with a length above 60 inches.
Loop size
If your chosen yoga mat strap carrier has a fixed loop size, make sure to check whether its diameter is equal to your mat's diameter or not. For example, if the mat's diameter in rolled form is greater than the loop's size, you have to struggle a lot in sliding them through the roll. Moreover, the strap will compress the mat, causing marks and even damage in extreme cases. Similarly, if the mat's size is smaller than the loop's diameter, it will move from its position and quickly come off the sling.
Strap width
The strap carrier's width implies whether too much pressure will be applied to your shoulders or not. The greater the surface area, the less will be the pressure, which is why it's essential to consider the product's width. If your yoga mat weighs less and isn't bulky, go for a carrier strap with standard width. The mat won't create too much tension under gravity, even if you use it as a sling. But if your mat is bulky or heavy, make sure to check that the strap's width is more. It will put less pressure on your shoulder bones, thereby preventing pain and aches.
Strap thickness
A yoga mat strap carrier’s thickness will determine whether it will form tears or not under gravitational pull force. For example, if the chosen product has a thickness of less than 1-inch and your mat is quite heavy, then the strap will quickly tear up or get damaged after a couple of days. Therefore, go for a product having a thickness of about 3mm that can withstand the tension created in the strap due to the mat's weight and gravitational pull force.
Material
Yoga mat strap carriers are made from cotton, nylon, polyester, and more. Cotton is highly durable and skin-friendly, which is why it won't cause any allergy, itching, or rashes on your skin. Also, it will put less pressure on your shoulder without compressing the muscles. If you choose a cotton strap, make sure it is breathable so that you won’t have to deal with sweating. Nylon straps are lighter than cotton and best for daily commutes. These products can withstand wear and tear for a long time without cinching or forming tears.
Adjustability
If you use different-sized mats or want to keep it secure within the loops, go for a yoga mat strap having an adjustability feature. Most products have a gravity cinch closure where the strap is passed through a small loop made from either the same material or a metallic D-ring. Once you slide in the mat and hang it, the closure will cinch or compress due to the gravitational pull, thereby adjusting the loop’s size accordingly. A few products are reinforced with buckles for changing the loop’s size according to the mat you will use.
How Much Will a Yoga Mat Strap Carrier Cost on Average?
Yoga mat strap carriers usually come within a price range of $6 to $18 based on many factors. For instance, pure cotton straps are usually costlier than nylon or polyester-cotton blend products. Similarly, if the width or thickness of the product is more, its price will be higher than the regular yoga mat strap carriers. So, based on these kinds of factors, you can determine what could be the average price of a yoga mat carrier and whether it’s within your budget range or not.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid While Choosing a Yoga Mat Strap Carrier?
Before you make the final decision, do a round check and ensure you haven’t made the following mistakes:
- Choosing a thin and slender strap
- Not paying attention to the length
- Not checking whether the loops will have a snug fit around the mat or not
- Ignoring the material’s strength and durability
