How to Tie a Yoga Mat to a Backpack for Easy Travel

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Foundation: Preparing Your Mat for Transport
3. Method 1: Using Built-In Compression Straps
4. Method 2: The Yoga Strap Lasso Technique
5. Method 3: Utilizing the "Lid" or Flap
6. Method 4: DIY Solutions with Bungee Cords or Carabiners
7. Choosing the Right Mat for Backpack Carrying
8. Common Challenges and Solutions
9. Alternatives to Backpack Attachment
10. Tips for Biking with a Yoga Mat
11. Caring for Your Mat After Transport
12. Summary Checklist for Tying Your Mat
13. Conclusion
14. FAQ

Introduction

You are standing at the front door, backpack on, water bottle tucked into the side pocket, and then you realize your yoga mat is still leaning against the wall. Carrying a mat separately while commuting or traveling often feels like having an extra limb you didn’t ask for. It slips out from under your arm, bumps into people on the subway, or complicates your balance while biking. At Hugger Mugger, we believe that your gear should support your movement, not hinder it. Whether you are walking to a local studio or packing for a weekend retreat, knowing how to securely attach your mat to your bag makes the journey much smoother. This guide will walk you through the most effective ways to tie your yoga mat to any backpack using built-in features, practice straps, or simple DIY solutions.

Quick Answer: The most secure way to tie a yoga mat to a backpack is by utilizing the side compression straps or threading a D-ring yoga strap through the backpack's "daisy chain" loops to create an external holster. Ensure the mat is rolled tightly and centered to maintain your balance while walking or biking.

The Foundation: Preparing Your Mat for Transport

Before you even touch your backpack, you must ensure your mat is ready to be moved. A sloppy roll is the primary reason mats slide out of bags or become damaged during transit.

Achieving the Perfect Roll

Bold the edges and keep them aligned. Start at one end of the mat and make a very small, tight fold. As you roll, use your palms to apply downward pressure, squeezing out any air pockets. If you are using a mat like our Tapas ECO Mat, the lighter profile can make travel a little easier to manage.

Protecting the Practice Surface

Most practitioners prefer to roll their mat with the practice side facing out. While this helps the mat lay flat when you unroll it, it exposes the surface you stand on to the elements. If you are attaching your mat to the outside of a backpack for a long commute, consider rolling it with the practice side facing inward, or use a lightweight mat cover to keep dust and grime away from your grip. If you’re still deciding what mat suits your travel routine, take our Yoga Mat Quiz.

Method 1: Using Built-In Compression Straps

Many modern backpacks, especially those designed for hiking or commuting, come with side compression straps. These are intended to cinch the bag's load closer to your back, but they double as perfect mat holders.

Step-by-Step: Side Attachment

Step 1: Loosen the straps. Unclip or loosen the two side straps on one side of your backpack.
Step 2: Insert the mat. Slide your tightly rolled mat through the loops created by the straps.
Step 3: Tighten and secure. Pull the straps as tight as possible. If the mat feels loose, it will likely slide down as you walk.
Step 4: Check for balance. Having a heavy mat on only one side can strain your shoulder. If your mat is heavy, like the Para Rubber Yoga Mat, try to balance the weight by placing a full water bottle in the opposite side pocket.

Vertical vs. Horizontal Side Carry

While vertical carry is the most common, it can sometimes interfere with your arm movement. If your backpack is wide enough and has straps on the bottom, a horizontal carry can be more ergonomic. However, be mindful of your surroundings; a horizontal mat makes you "wider" and can lead to bumping into doorways or people in crowded spaces.

Key Takeaway: Compression straps are the fastest way to carry a mat, but they require a very tight roll and a balanced load in the rest of your bag to prevent shoulder strain.

Method 2: The Yoga Strap Lasso Technique

If your backpack doesn't have compression straps, you can use your standard practice strap to create a custom attachment system. This is a favorite method for students who already carry a Yoga Strap for their practice.

Creating the External Holster

This method works best if your backpack has "daisy chain" loops (the small webbing loops often found on the front of packs) or a sturdy top handle.

1. Thread the strap: Pass your yoga strap through the top handle or the webbing loops on the back of the bag.
2. Create the loops: Use the D-rings to create a loop at each end of the strap. If you only have one set of rings, you can use a sliding slip knot on the second end.
3. Insert the mat: Slide one end of the mat into each loop.
4. Cinch it down: Tighten the loops until the mat is snug against the body of the backpack.

The Benefit of Using Your Strap

Using your practice strap as a carrier is highly efficient. You aren't adding extra weight to your kit, and the strap is ready for use as soon as you reach the studio. The friction of cotton straps provides an excellent grip on most mat materials, ensuring the mat won't slide even if you are moving quickly.

Method 3: Utilizing the "Lid" or Flap

If you use a top-loading backpack or a bag with a large top flap (common in messenger styles), you can often secure the mat between the main compartment and the lid.

How to Secure Under the Flap

Bold the placement of the mat. Place your rolled mat horizontally across the top of the main compartment, just under the lid. Pull the lid over the mat and tighten the main buckles.

Note: This method is best for lightweight travel mats. A heavy mat in this position can make the bag feel "top-heavy" and may cause the backpack to pull away from your shoulders. For a setup like this, the Tapas ECO Mat is a practical option.

Method 4: DIY Solutions with Bungee Cords or Carabiners

Sometimes, you have to get creative with the gear you already have. If your backpack has small loops but no straps, a few inexpensive accessories can bridge the gap.

The Bungee Cord Method

Bungee cords are excellent because they provide constant tension.

• Hook one end of the bungee to a loop on the side of your bag.
• Wrap the cord tightly around the mat twice.
• Hook the other end to a different point on the bag.
• The elasticity keeps the mat from shifting even as the bag's contents move.

Carabiners and Hair Ties

In a pinch, you can use two large, sturdy hair ties or thick rubber bands and two carabiners.

1. Place the hair ties around each end of the mat.
2. Clip a carabiner to each hair tie.
3. Clip the carabiners to the accessory loops or handle of your backpack.
   Note: This method allows the mat to swing more than other techniques, so it is better for short walks than for biking or long commutes.

Choosing the Right Mat for Backpack Carrying

The weight and material of your mat significantly impact how well it stays attached to a backpack. We have been making mats since 1986, and we've seen how different materials behave during travel.

Weight Considerations

If you plan to walk or bike long distances with your mat attached to your bag, weight is your biggest enemy.

• Lightweight Options: Mats under 3 lbs are ideal for backpack attachment. They don't distort the shape of the bag or cause significant balance issues.
• Heavy-Duty Mats: Natural rubber mats, such as the Para Rubber Yoga Mat, provide incredible grip but are significantly heavier. These require more robust attachment points, like double compression straps, to stay secure.

Material Friction

Some mats are "slicker" than others.

• PVC Mats: Generally have good "bite" and stay rolled tightly.
• TPE and Eco-Mats: Can sometimes be a bit "spongy," meaning they might expand slightly after being rolled. Check your straps halfway through your commute to see if they need re-tightening.
• Jute or Cork Mats: These have unique textures that can help them hold position better during transport.

Mat Type	Weight Category	Best Attachment Method
Tapas Original	Lightweight	Side compression straps or yoga strap loops
Tapas ECO Mat	Lightweight	Under-flap or side compression
Para Rubber Yoga Mat	Heavyweight	Double side straps or dedicated mat carrier
Lightweight eco-style mats	Midweight	Yoga strap loops

Common Challenges and Solutions

The "Telescope" Effect

This happens when the center of the mat slowly slides out of the roll while you are moving.

• The Fix: Ensure your roll is extremely tight from the very first inch. If it persists, try placing your attachment straps closer to the center of the mat rather than at the ends. This creates a more uniform pressure that holds the inner layers in place.

Shoulder and Back Pain

Carrying a mat on the side of a bag creates an asymmetrical load. Over time, this can lead to neck or shoulder strain.

• The Fix: If your bag has them, always use the chest (sternum) strap and waist belt. This distributes the weight of the bag—and the mat—across your torso rather than just your shoulders. Alternatively, switch the side you carry the mat on every few days to balance the muscle usage.

The Mat Is Too Long

A standard yoga mat is 24 inches wide. When attached horizontally, it can stick out significantly beyond the width of your body.

• The Fix: If you are navigating tight spaces like a crowded bus or a narrow forest trail, a vertical carry is always safer. If you must carry it horizontally, be mindful of your "swing radius" when turning.

Bottom line: Preparation is everything. A tight roll and high-tension straps will solve 90% of mat-carrying frustrations.

Alternatives to Backpack Attachment

If you find that tying your mat to your backpack is too cumbersome, there are other ways to stay mobile.

Dedicated Mat Slings

A dedicated carrier like our Simple Sling Yoga Mat Carrier is a minimalist’s dream. It consists of two loops connected by a shoulder strap. While it doesn't attach to your backpack, it allows you to wear the mat cross-body, which can be more comfortable than having it dangling from a bag.

Full Mat Bags

For long-distance travel or rainy days, a full bag like our Batik Yoga Mat Bag is superior. It protects the mat from the environment and often has enough extra room for a strap and a small towel. Many practitioners find that carrying a backpack on their back and a mat bag over one shoulder is the most stable way to transport a full kit.

Tips for Biking with a Yoga Mat

Biking presents a unique set of challenges. You need your hands free, and you cannot have a mat swinging around and hitting your wheels or legs.

1. Vertical is mandatory: Never bike with a horizontally attached mat. It is a safety hazard for you and others.
2. Center the load: If your backpack has a "beavertail" (an expandable front flap), place the mat vertically in the center. This keeps your center of gravity stable.
3. Check the clearance: Ensure the bottom of the mat doesn't hit your bike seat or the rear tire. If the mat is too long, you may need to attach it higher up on the backpack.

Caring for Your Mat After Transport

When you arrive at your destination, don't leave your mat cinched to your bag longer than necessary.

Give it space to breathe. If you have just finished a sweaty practice, your mat has absorbed moisture. Strapping it tightly to a bag and leaving it there can trap bacteria and lead to odors. As soon as you get home, unroll the mat and let it air dry completely. If you’ve been traveling outdoors, give the mat a quick wipe with a damp cloth to remove any dust it picked up from the backpack or the environment. For longer-term care, see our Care & Cleaning Tips for Yoga Mats.

Summary Checklist for Tying Your Mat

• Tighten the roll: Use your palms to remove air and keep edges aligned.
• Select your attachment point: Side compression straps for speed, yoga straps for security, or under-the-flap for lightweight mats.
• Check the tension: The mat should not wiggle when you shake the bag.
• Balance the weight: Counteract the mat's weight with other items in your bag.
• Safety check: Ensure no straps are dangling near bike spokes or tripping hazards.

Conclusion

Yoga is about finding ease and steadiness, and that philosophy should extend to how you transport your tools. Whether you are using a simple D-ring strap or the compression buckles on your favorite pack, the key to success is a tight roll and secure tension. At Hugger Mugger, we have spent nearly 40 years helping practitioners find the right gear for their unique journey. From the very first mat to the props used in studios today, our goal is to provide reliable, high-quality equipment that lasts. By mastering the art of the backpack carry, you make your practice more accessible and your commute a little more mindful.

Ready to find the perfect mat for your next adventure? Use our Yoga Mat Guide to compare materials and features before you choose.

FAQ

Will tying my mat to my backpack damage the mat?

If you cinch the straps too tightly on a very soft or "squishy" mat, it may leave temporary indentations. However, most high-quality mats are resilient enough to bounce back quickly. To avoid permanent marks, avoid leaving the mat strapped to the bag for days at a time. If you want a deeper comparison of mat styles, our Yoga Mat Guide can help you narrow down the right choice.

What if my backpack has no straps or loops?

You can use a standard yoga strap to create a DIY shoulder sling and wear it over your backpack, or use large "S-hooks" or carabiners to hang the mat from the top handle of your bag. If you frequently travel with a mat, it might be worth investing in a backpack specifically designed with external gear loops. For a simple carry option, the Simple Sling Yoga Mat Carrier is worth considering.

Can I carry a bolster or blocks on my backpack too?

Blocks are generally too bulky for external backpack attachment, but a bolster can sometimes be secured under the top flap or with long bungee cords. For carrying multiple props, our Yoga Prop Guide is a helpful place to start, and the Standard Bolster collection can help you compare shapes and support options.

How do I stop my mat from sliding out when I walk?

The most common cause of sliding is a loose roll. If the mat is tightly rolled and still sliding, try adding a bit of friction by wrapping a small piece of non-slip shelf liner or a rubber band around the mat where the straps meet the material. This provides the extra "grip" needed to keep the mat in place during movement. For more ideas on choosing a stable practice surface, the Yoga Mat Quiz can point you in the right direction.