Despite its global popularity and science-backed benefits, a lot of men are seemingly cautious or skeptical of taking up yoga. A 2016 study indicated that nearly 72% of yoga practitioners are women. There’s no real reason for this disparity — health benefits like better balance, improved muscle health and stress relief apply to anyone, regardless of gender.
Those stats are reflected in what’s available in the market. From clothing to accessories, a lot of yoga gear is angled toward women. That can reinforce the idea for many men that yoga isn’t really for them. Fortunately, there’s plenty of yoga gear out there that can suit guys who prefer a more masculine style. If you’re regularly commuting to and from practice, it’s important to invest in a yoga tote or mat bag.
While a gym duffel may do fine for some, the awkward size and shape of most yoga mats may necessitate a specialized bag that can hold a rolled-up mat. There are a few different options. Some totes are pretty minimal and only have enough room for a mat and maybe a cellphone. Others are more spacious, allowing you to pack your towel, a change of clothes, and whatever else you might need. We’ve rounded up the best yoga totes for men.
1. Yogiii Large Yoga Mat Bag
This oversized tote is large enough to accommodate a yoga mat, and it has enough room for other gear like towels and spare clothes. An outside patch pocket allows you quick access to things like water bottles. It has two large straps for comfortable carrying on one shoulder or in the hand. Plenty of neutral colors are available, including ash gray, burnt orange and olive green. The lightweight bag is easy to store when not in use.
Pros: Large size can accommodate multiple mats, towels and other gear. Available in plenty of stylish neutral colors.
Cons: The lack of zippered compartments limits the security of the bag when carrying phones and wallets.
2. YogaAddict Yoga Mat Tote Bag
This stylish bag from YogaAddict has a tough, utilitarian look, and it’s available in neutral colors like gray and black. The main compartment has a wide top for easy access to your rolled-up yoga mat, and there are three external pouches on one side of the bag. Two of them are zippered compartments for carrying towels or yoga blocks, and the middle drawstring pouch is intended for water bottles, including wider ones like those made by Nalgene. The bag has dual shoulder straps for carrying on one shoulder.
Pros: Stylish utilitarian look. Water bottle pouch, zippered outer pockets for storing gear, plus an inner zippered pocket for important items like phones and wallets.
Cons: Straps are too short to sling like a crossbody; it can only be carried off one shoulder.
3. Fremous Yoga Mat Bag
If you need a basic bag for your mat and a couple other essentials, then this stylish and simple bag is worth considering. It has a tubular shape and a zippered side opening for inserting the mat. There’s an external pouch pocket that allows you to store a couple of small essentials like a phone and wallet, and another zippered pocket on the side of the bag. The adjustable strap makes it a good option for wearing as a cross-body or over one shoulder.
Pros: Simple minimal design for carrying a single yoga mat. Adjustable shoulder strap for wearing cross-body or single-shoulder style.
Cons: Zipper could be sturdier.