Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Assessing Your Backpack Features
- Method 1: The Side Vertical Carry
- Method 2: The Bottom Horizontal Carry
- Method 3: Using a Yoga Strap as an Anchor
- Comparison of Carrying Methods
- Choosing the Right Mat for Travel and Transport
- Ergonomics and Weight Distribution
- Protecting Your Mat During Transport
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Maintaining Your Gear on the Go
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
We have all been there: you are ready to head from the office to the studio or perhaps out on a weekend retreat, but your yoga mat feels like an awkward, oversized scroll that refuses to stay put. Balancing a commute or a hike with a rolling mat under one arm is a challenge that can disrupt your pre-practice mindfulness. At Hugger Mugger, we have spent nearly 40 years developing tools that support your practice, and if you want a broader look at how mat style affects portability, our How to Choose the Best Yoga Mat for Your Practice is a helpful companion read. This guide explains exactly how to strap a yoga mat to a backpack using built-in features, external props, and a few clever techniques we have learned since 1986. Whether you are using a specialized hiking pack or a standard daily bag, you can find a secure way to transport your gear.
Quick Answer: The most secure way to strap a yoga mat to a backpack is by using the side compression straps for a vertical carry or the bottom lash loops for a horizontal carry. If your bag lacks straps, you can use a yoga strap or a pair of carabiners to create an external attachment point.
Assessing Your Backpack Features
Before you attempt to attach your mat, take a moment to look at the anatomy of your bag. Not every backpack is designed with yoga in mind, but most high-quality bags have hidden features that can be repurposed for carrying gear. If you prefer a ready-made carry option, our Mat Carriers collection includes simple sling and strap-sling options.
Compression Straps
Most hiking and technical backpacks feature compression straps on the sides. These are designed to pull the weight of the bag’s contents closer to your back, but they also function as perfect holsters for a rolled mat. These usually consist of two adjustable straps with plastic buckles.
Lash Loops and Daisy Chains
Look for small webbing loops on the bottom or front of the bag. These are often called "lash loops" or "daisy chains." On traditional heritage bags, these might look like leather "pig snouts" with two slits. You can thread external straps or bungees through these to secure a mat horizontally across the bottom or vertically on the front face.
Top Flaps and Brains
If you have a top-loading pack with a "brain" (the lid that buckles over the main compartment), you can often sandwich your mat between the main body of the bag and the lid. This keeps the mat centered and high on your back, which is excellent for weight distribution.
Method 1: The Side Vertical Carry
This is the most popular method for commuters and urban practitioners. Carrying the mat vertically keeps your profile slim, making it easier to navigate through doors or onto public transit.
Step 1: Roll your mat tightly. A loose roll will likely slip out of the straps as you walk. We recommend starting your roll from the end that stays on the floor to keep the "practice side" protected.
Step 2: Open the side compression straps. Loosen them fully to make room for the mat's diameter.
Step 3: Insert the mat. Slide the mat through the loops. Most people prefer the bottom of the mat to sit just above the bottom of the backpack to ensure it doesn't hit your legs as you walk.
Step 4: Tighten the buckles. Pull the straps until they are snug. If your mat is particularly heavy, like our Para Rubber Yoga Mat, ensure the straps are tight enough to prevent the mat from sliding downward.
Key Takeaway: Vertical carry is best for crowded environments, but ensure the mat does not extend too far above your head, as it may catch on low-hanging branches or doorways.
Method 2: The Bottom Horizontal Carry
If you are heading out on a longer trek or your backpack is already full, the bottom carry is a classic choice. This method utilizes the lash loops usually found at the base of the pack.
- Check for lash straps. Some bags come with straps already attached to the bottom. If yours does, simply roll your mat and buckle it in.
- Add external straps if needed. If your bag only has loops, you will need to provide your own straps. A standard D-Ring Cotton Yoga Strap works exceptionally well here.
- Balance the load. Ensure the mat is centered. If it sticks out too far on one side, it will pull on your shoulder and could lead to discomfort or poor posture.
Method 3: Using a Yoga Strap as an Anchor
If your backpack has no straps or loops at all, do not worry. You can use your yoga strap to create a custom carrying system. Our cotton Yoga Straps are durable and provide the grip needed to hold a mat against a bag.
- Thread the strap. Pass your yoga strap through the top grab handle of your backpack.
- Create loops. Use the D-rings to create a loop on either side of the strap hanging down.
- Secure the mat. Slide the mat through these loops and tighten them.
- Stabilize. To keep the mat from swinging, you can use a small bungee cord or even a second strap to pin the bottom of the mat against the back of your bag. For a streamlined alternative, the Strap Sling Yoga Mat Carrier combines a carrier and strap in one.
Comparison of Carrying Methods
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Vertical | Urban commuting | Slim profile, easy access | Can make the bag feel lopsided |
| Bottom Horizontal | Hiking/Trekking | Good weight distribution | Increases your width; can bump into things |
| Top Lid Sandwich | Top-loading packs | Very secure; keeps mat dry | Can limit access to bag contents |
| External Strap DIY | Minimalist bags | Works on any bag | May swing if not anchored properly |
Choosing the Right Mat for Travel and Transport
The ease of strapping your mat to a bag depends largely on the mat itself. A bulky, heavy mat will be much harder to secure than a streamlined version designed for portability.
If you travel frequently, we recommend considering the Tapas® ECO Mat. It is OEKO-TEX® certified and made from 50% recycled materials. It provides a great balance of grip and weight, making it easier to roll tightly and secure to a pack without adding significant bulk. For those who prioritize a natural feel and superior grip, the Para Rubber Yoga Mat is an excellent choice. It is made in the USA and offers the stability many teachers trust, though its density means you will want a backpack with sturdy, high-quality compression straps.
If your current mat is too thick for your backpack's straps, you might find our Yoga Mat Quiz helpful. It can help you find a mat that fits your specific practice needs while also fitting your lifestyle and transport requirements.
Ergonomics and Weight Distribution
When you strap a yoga mat to a backpack, you are changing the center of gravity of your load. Improperly balanced gear can lead to neck or back strain over time.
- Keep it Close: Always try to keep the heaviest items (including a dense mat) as close to your spine as possible.
- Avoid the "Swing": If a mat is allowed to bounce or swing, it creates "dynamic weight," which is much more tiring to carry than a static load. Use your bag’s compression straps to pull the mat tight against the pack frame.
- Shoulder Check: If you are using a side-carry method, you may need to adjust your shoulder straps unevenly to compensate for the weight on one side. However, we generally recommend a centered horizontal carry for any walk longer than 20 minutes.
Protecting Your Mat During Transport
Exposing your mat to the elements while it is strapped to the outside of a bag can affect its longevity.
- Sun Exposure: UV rays can break down the materials in many yoga mats, especially natural rubber. If you are hiking, try to keep your mat in the shade or use a lightweight mat bag before strapping it to the pack.
- Dirt and Debris: When you carry a mat on the bottom of a bag, it is the first thing to touch the ground when you set your bag down. Be mindful of where you place your backpack to keep your mat clean.
- Tight Straps: While you want the mat to be secure, avoid over-tightening thin straps on softer foam mats, as this can leave permanent indentations. Our Care & Cleaning Tips for Yoga Mats can help you keep it fresh between commutes.
Key Takeaway: Protecting your mat from the sun and ground debris while it's strapped to your bag will extend its life and keep your practice surface clean.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
My mat keeps sliding down in a vertical carry.
This usually happens because the mat is too smooth or the roll is too loose. Try wrapping your yoga strap around the mat once before buckling it into the backpack straps. The texture of the cotton strap provides extra friction. Alternatively, ensure one of the backpack straps passes under a loop of the mat's own carrying sling.
The mat is wider than I am.
If you are using a horizontal carry and find yourself bumping into people or doorways, switch to a vertical carry. If your bag doesn't allow for vertical attachment, you may need to roll the mat more tightly to decrease its width, or consider a travel-specific mat like Tapas Travel Mat: Take Your Practice Anywhere, which is thinner and rolls into a smaller cylinder.
My backpack straps are too short.
For very thick mats, the built-in straps on a standard backpack might not reach. In this case, you can "extend" the straps using carabiners or small pieces of accessory cord. You can also use two yoga straps to create a harness that connects to the bag's frame.
Maintaining Your Gear on the Go
After commuting with your mat strapped to a backpack, it is a good idea to give it a quick refresh. Dust, pollen, and city grime can cling to the surface. For more cleaning guidance, see The Virtues of a Clean Yoga Mat. This ensures that when you finally unroll your mat, you are stepping onto a clean, inviting surface.
If you find that your mat has developed "memory" or curls from being strapped tightly, simply unroll it and let it sit flat for a few minutes before you start your practice. This is especially helpful for natural materials that may be more sensitive to temperature and pressure changes during transport.
Conclusion
Learning how to strap a yoga mat to a backpack is a simple skill that makes a world of difference for the active practitioner. Whether you use the side straps of a hiking bag, the lash loops on the bottom, or an external yoga strap to create your own anchor points, the goal is always the same: a secure, balanced load that lets you move freely. At Hugger Mugger, we have been committed to providing high-quality, practice-tested equipment since 1986. We believe that your journey to class should be as focused and grounded as the practice itself. By choosing the right tools and using these packing techniques, you can ensure your gear is always ready for your next session. Explore our Yoga Mat Guide to compare thickness, weight, materials, and price for your mobile practice.
FAQ
Can I strap a heavy rubber mat to a standard school backpack?
While it is possible, standard school backpacks often lack the reinforced stitching and specialized straps found in technical bags. If you use a heavy mat like a natural rubber version, ensure you are using the strongest loops on the bag and check for any signs of fabric stress or tearing.
Will strapping my mat to my bag ruin it?
If you strap it too tightly with thin, sharp straps, you might see temporary indentations. To avoid permanent damage, do not leave the mat strapped tightly for days at a time, and try to use wider straps—like a cotton yoga strap—to distribute the pressure more evenly across the mat's surface.
Is it better to carry a yoga mat vertically or horizontally?
Vertical carry is usually better for city life and commuting because it keeps your profile narrow. Horizontal carry is often better for hiking or long walks because it distributes the weight more evenly across your hips and lower back, provided the mat is centered and doesn't hit your arms.
What do I do if my backpack has no straps at all?
You can use a yoga strap or a dedicated mat sling like the Simple Sling Yoga Mat Carrier. Thread the strap through the top handle of your backpack to anchor it, then loop the ends around your mat. This creates a secure "piggyback" system that works on almost any bag with a sturdy top handle.