Yoga bags for the trendy yogini

Namaste.

I finally bought myself a yoga mat from Nike a month ago. After bringing it to class, it hit me that I overlooked something very important.

The Nike yoga mat does not come with a bag. True, the strings that hold it in place can also be used as a handle but I still think its insufficient. Without proper casing, the mat gets dirtier faster. Also, my room began to smell like yoga mat rubber in no time. Boo. This yogini was not pleased.

I've been scounting around for a proper yoga bag and, despite the thought of having to pay extra for a something that should have come with the mat in the first place, am happy that there are so many choices out there. In fact, there are so many varities that you can buy one that suits your personality.

Hyde's cargo and canvas bag is neat and sophisticated. If it had a secret pocket with a tennis racket and a club membership card hidden in there, I wouldn't be surprised...

Free spirits, in turn, will adore the silk (yes, silk!) yoga mat bag from Attapinya.

Finally, the most unique yoga mat I spotted is the Saka Unfur Bag (limited edition). Made of faux fur from Italy, Saka intended the bag to "get people talking about the yogic principal of ahimsa, non violence or non harming" and encourages people to "...live your practice beyond the mat, spread the fur-free message, and have fun wearing your bag!". If you find it chic, thats good enough a reason as well.