How to Carry A Yoga Mat Without A Strap?

18 minutes read

If you don't have a strap available, there are still a few ways to carry a yoga mat conveniently. Here are a few methods to consider:

  1. Over the Shoulder: Start by folding your yoga mat in half, lengthwise. With one end in each hand, drape the folded mat over your shoulder and let it rest diagonally across your back. Hold both ends, or secure them by interlacing your fingers.
  2. Under the Arm: Similar to carrying a surfboard, you can hold your rolled yoga mat under your arm. Start by rolling the mat tightly from one end to the other. Once rolled, hold it horizontally against your side, tucked under your arm. Use your arm to help secure the mat in place.
  3. Under the Arm, Alternative Method: Roll your mat tightly as mentioned in the previous method. With the mat held vertically against your side, slide your arm underneath it from the bottom, allowing the mat to rest against your upper arm. Hold the mat in place with your arm, chest, and hip, much like you would carry a large stack of books.
  4. Crossbody Hold: Fold your yoga mat in half lengthwise, so the two shorter ends meet. Hold the mat from one side, allowing it to hang vertically in front of you. Cross your body and bring the folded mat over to your opposite hip, creating an X-shape across your chest. Hold the folded ends securely.


Remember, while these methods can help you carry your mat without a strap, it's essential to ensure it is tightly rolled or folded to prevent it from unrolling during transit. Also, test out these methods to see which feels most comfortable and secure for you.

Best Yoga Mats Of 2024

1
BOBO BANANA 1/4 Thick TPE Yoga Mat,72"x24" Eco-friendly Non-Slip Exercise & Fitness Mat for Men&Women with Carrying Strap, Home Workout Mat for Yoga,Pilates& Floor Exercise (pink)

Rating is 5 out of 5

BOBO BANANA 1/4 Thick TPE Yoga Mat,72"x24" Eco-friendly Non-Slip Exercise & Fitness Mat for Men&Women with Carrying Strap, Home Workout Mat for Yoga,Pilates& Floor Exercise (pink)

  • Bobo banana yoga mat is made with SGS certificated TPE material.
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  • It can endure longer time than any other plastic and rubber mats when doing yoga practice. Parents can choose it as play mat for kids.
  • It can be truly grippy and safe so you can do yoga postures like Hatha, Yin, therapeutic, restorative etc.
2
Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat Fitness & Exercise Mat With Easy-Cinch Carrier Strap, Teal, 72"L X 24"W X 2/5 Inch Thick

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat Fitness & Exercise Mat With Easy-Cinch Carrier Strap, Teal, 72"L X 24"W X 2/5 Inch Thick

  • FITNESS & EXERCISE MAT: Classic yoga mat is great for all types of fitness and exercise routines including yoga, Pilates and any floor exercise where additional cushion and support is appreciated.
  • EXTRA THICK YOGA MAT: These 2/5 inch exercise mats make for the ideal all purpose fitness mat in the studio or at home, even around the house under knees or as a standing pad or cushion.
  • SOFT CUSHION: This yoga mat made of NBR foam is designed to provide soft cushioning with the padded material for comfortable stretching and posing - an ideal yoga mat for beginners with comfort in mind.
3
Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Gym Floor Mat with Carrying Strap, Cyan, 74 x 24 x .5 Inches

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Gym Floor Mat with Carrying Strap, Cyan, 74 x 24 x .5 Inches

  • Extra thick, cushy floor mat in cyan for yoga, gym, and everyday exercise
  • 1/2 inch thickness offers comfortable padded support and shock absorption; textured surface provides extra traction
  • Durable foam construction offers stretchability and springs back into shape
  • Elastic strap for secure rolled-up mat storage and easy over-the-shoulder carrying
  • Wipes clean easily
4
BalanceFrom All Purpose 1/2-Inch Extra Thick High Density Anti-Tear Exercise Yoga Mat and Knee Pad with Carrying Strap, Black

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

BalanceFrom All Purpose 1/2-Inch Extra Thick High Density Anti-Tear Exercise Yoga Mat and Knee Pad with Carrying Strap, Black

  • BalanceFrom All Purpose 1/2-Inch Extra Thick High Density Anti-Tear Exercise Yoga Mat and Knee Pad with Carrying Strap, Black
5
BalanceFrom All Purpose 1/2-Inch Extra Thick High Density Anti-Tear Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap, Pink

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

BalanceFrom All Purpose 1/2-Inch Extra Thick High Density Anti-Tear Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap, Pink

  • 69" long 23" wide ensures comfort for people of all shapes and sizes. With high density foam material, the 1/2'' thick premium mat comfortably cushions spine, hips, knees and elbows on hard floors
  • With double sided non-slip surfaces, BalanceFrom all-purpose premium exercise yoga mat comes with an excellent slip resistant advantage to prevent injuries
  • Exceptional resilience allow you to keep your balance during any exercise style. Moisture resistant technology makes the mat to be easily washed with soap and water
6
Gaiam Yoga Mat Classic Print Non Slip Exercise & Fitness Mat for All Types of Yoga, Pilates & Floor Workouts, Pink Marrakesh, 4mm, 68"L x 24"W x 4mm Thick

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Gaiam Yoga Mat Classic Print Non Slip Exercise & Fitness Mat for All Types of Yoga, Pilates & Floor Workouts, Pink Marrakesh, 4mm, 68"L x 24"W x 4mm Thick

  • LIGHTWEIGHT YOGA MAT: These durable, yet extremely lightweight exercise yoga mats give you just the right amount of cushioning your joints need during any yoga or fitness routine
  • STICKY NON-SLIP TEXTURE: Yoga mat features a textured sticky non-slip surface for excellent traction and superior grip and a stylish design to keep you motivated and focused
  • NON-TOXIC and 6P FREE - PVC yoga mat is a healthier choice for you and the planet and free of DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP (Note: For best results unroll and air out your mat for 2-3 days before use - a harmless odor may be present when unwrapped)
7
Gaiam Essentials Premium Yoga Mat with Carrier Sling, Navy, 72"L x 24"W x 1/4 Inch Thick

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Gaiam Essentials Premium Yoga Mat with Carrier Sling, Navy, 72"L x 24"W x 1/4 Inch Thick

  • CLASSIC YOGA MAT: These durable, yet lightweight exercise yoga mats are extra-thick (1/4 Inch) for the additional cushioning your joints need during any yoga or fitness routine
  • STICKY NON-SLIP TEXTURE: Yoga mat is featured in classic colors with a textured non slip surface for excellent traction and superior grip in all types of yoga, even heated practices and hot yoga
  • NON-TOXIC & 6P FREE - PVC yoga mat is a healthier choice for you and the planet and free of DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP (For best results unroll and air out your mat for 2-3 days before use)
8
Gaiam Yoga Mat Premium Print Reversible Extra Thick Non Slip Exercise & Fitness Mat for All Types of Yoga, Pilates & Floor Workouts, Mystic Sky, 6mm

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

Gaiam Yoga Mat Premium Print Reversible Extra Thick Non Slip Exercise & Fitness Mat for All Types of Yoga, Pilates & Floor Workouts, Mystic Sky, 6mm

  • LIGHTWEIGHT & THICK YOGA MAT: These durable, yet lightweight exercise yoga mats are extra thick for the additional cushioning your joints need during any yoga or fitness routine
  • REVERSIBLE: Yoga mat features a reversible design textured sticky non-slip surface for excellent traction and superior grip two design options to suit any mood will help to keep you motivated and focused
  • NON TOXIC & 6P FREE PVC yoga mat is a healthier choice for you and the planet and free of DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP (Note: For best results unroll and air out your mat for 2 3 days before use a harmless odor may be present when unwrapped)
9
Sunny Health and Fitness Yoga Mat (Blue), Model:31

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

Sunny Health and Fitness Yoga Mat (Blue), Model:31

  • DURABLE TEAR-RESISTANT MAT: The tear-resistant mat will remain in-tact during more challenging or vigorous workout sessions.
  • TEXTURED SURFACE: The resilient PVC material can withstand moderate to intense workouts. PVC Yoga mats with texture will grip to your floors easily without damaging them. The firm grip will keep the yoga mat from slipping.
  • HIGH DENSITY FOAM: The high density padded mat will protect knees, elbows and feet from hard floors while protecting the floor underneath you.
  • TEXTURED SURFACE: Our unique combination of cell material provides the perfect non-slip exercise mat. Workout mat provides greater stability so you can flow between poses safely and easily.
10
Gaiam Yoga Mat Premium Print Non Slip Exercise & Fitness Mat for All Types of Yoga, Pilates & Floor Workouts, Violet Blush Point, 5mm (05-64034)

Rating is 4.1 out of 5

Gaiam Yoga Mat Premium Print Non Slip Exercise & Fitness Mat for All Types of Yoga, Pilates & Floor Workouts, Violet Blush Point, 5mm (05-64034)

  • LIGHTWEIGHT & THICK YOGA MAT: These durable, yet lightweight exercise yoga mats provide additional cushioning your joints need during any yoga or fitness routine
  • STICKY NON-SLIP TEXTURE: Yoga mat features a textured sticky non-slip surface for excellent traction and superior grip and a stylish design to keep you motivated and focused
  • NON TOXIC & 6P FREE PVC yoga mat is a healthier choice for you and the planet and free of DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP (Note: For best results unroll and air out your mat for 2 3 days before use a harmless odor may be present when unwrapped)


Is it practical to roll the yoga mat tightly and slip it into a backpack?

Yes, it is practical to roll a yoga mat tightly and slip it into a backpack. Many yoga mats are designed to be easily compacted and portable, making them convenient to carry in a backpack or any other bag. When rolling the yoga mat, make sure it is tightly secured to prevent it from unrolling or taking up too much space in the backpack.


Can you use a large rubber band to secure a rolled yoga mat?

Yes, you can use a large rubber band to secure a rolled yoga mat. The rubber band will help hold the rolled mat together and prevent it from unraveling. Simply wrap the rubber band around the rolled mat a few times, making sure it is tight enough to secure the mat but not too tight to damage it.


Can you simply fold the yoga mat and carry it under your arm?

Yes, you can fold a yoga mat and carry it under your arm. However, it may depend on the thickness and flexibility of the mat. Thicker and less flexible mats may be more challenging to fold neatly, and carrying it under your arm might not be as convenient or comfortable. Folding a yoga mat is more commonly done for storage or travel purposes rather than for carrying it around during regular use.


How do you carry a yoga mat without a strap if you're traveling by plane?

If you are traveling by plane and do not have a strap to carry your yoga mat, here are a few alternative methods you can try:

  1. Use a reusable bag: Find a large reusable bag or tote, preferably with long handles, and place your rolled-up yoga mat in it. Use the bag's handles to carry the mat comfortably.
  2. Wrap it with a towel or fabric: Lay out a towel or any large piece of fabric on the floor, then roll your yoga mat tightly inside it. Use the ends of the towel/fabric to create a makeshift handle and securely tie them around the mat.
  3. Use a belt or scarf: If you have a belt or a long scarf, loop it through the mat and tie it tightly, creating a basic handle. You can place it comfortably over your shoulder or carry it in your hand.
  4. Make use of your luggage: If you have a larger suitcase or a backpack with adjustable straps, consider using them to secure your yoga mat to the outside of the bag. This allows you to easily transport it while leaving more space inside your luggage.


Note: While these methods can help with carrying your yoga mat, it's important to check with your airline's policies regarding the transportation of oversized or unconventional objects. Some airlines may require you to check in your yoga mat as a separate item or may have specific regulations in place.


Can you use a bungee cord or a similar elastic band to carry a yoga mat?

Yes, you can use a bungee cord or a similar elastic band to carry a yoga mat. Here's one way to do it:

  1. Roll up your yoga mat tightly and secure it with a strap or cord.
  2. Take the bungee cord and use the hooks or tie the ends together to create a loop.
  3. Slip the looped bungee cord over the rolled-up yoga mat, securing it in place.
  4. Adjust the tension of the bungee cord to ensure the mat is held tightly.


By using a bungee cord or elastic band, you can create a convenient carrying solution for your yoga mat.


How do you carry a thick yoga mat without a strap?

Carrying a thick yoga mat without a strap can be a bit inconvenient but there are a few alternative methods you can try:

  1. Underarm carry: Fold the mat in half lengthwise, hold it at the midpoint with both hands, and then carry it under your arm. This method may be slightly challenging if your mat is very thick, but it's worth a try.
  2. Over-the-shoulder carry: Fold the mat in half lengthwise and hold it at one end. Lift it over your shoulder so that one end is in front of you and the other behind your back. This method allows you to free up your hands and distribute the weight across your shoulder.
  3. Rolling and holding: Roll the mat tightly from one end to the other. Hold the rolled mat with both hands, or you can even tuck one end of the mat under your arm to secure it while carrying.
  4. Use a makeshift handle: If you can find a sturdy object like a scarf, belt, or even a pair of leggings, you can create a makeshift handle. Loop it around the mat and hold onto both sides of the object to carry your mat comfortably.


Remember to adjust your carrying method based on the thickness and weight of your yoga mat. It might be a good idea to invest in a strap or bag specifically designed for yoga mats to make carrying easier and more convenient in the long run.

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