Yoga Retreat Packing Essentials For a Stress-Free Trip

Keep track of all your progress, lessons learned, and future goals with a journal dedicated to growing in your practice. It doesn't hurt to have a thematic notebook for inspiration, like this Yoga Ladies Book ($27) by Papier.

Packing is never easy, but having the right yoga mat helps. No matter how you plan to travel, having a compact, foldable mat — or one that rolls tightly into a carrying case — will do wonders for maximizing your suitcase real estate. Check out the Gaiam Yoga Mat Folding Travel Fitness and Exercise Mat ($16) and the Elenture Full-Zip Exercise Yoga Mat Carry Bag With Multifunctional Storage Pockets ($18) for inspiration.

If you're in a committed relationship with your current yoga mat, but don't have a proper carrying strap or bag, you'll need one as you walk from class to class. You could opt for a multifaceted bag similar to the Ewedoos Yoga Mat Bag ($22), which will fit your mat, water bottle, towel, keys, wallet — you name it. But if you like to travel light, the Tumaz Yoga Mat Strap ($9) is a great option.

Long days in Downward Dog call for lots of water; stay hydrated with a water bottle that keeps your beverage cold all day. The S'well Insulated Stainless Steel Roamer ($50) should do the trick, as the BPA-free container keeps 64 oz. of water cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours.

After hours spent pretzeled up in Gomukhasana pose, chances are your muscles will need some extra TLC after class. Foam rollers are great tools for massaging any knots or muscle soreness, and now they're travel-friendly, too. If you're willing to splurge, try the Brazyn Morph Foam Roller ($68). We love how this foam roller conveniently folds flat into your suitcase and expands into a full-size roller that gets the job done.

Just because you're at a retreat doesn't mean you won't break a sweat. Having the 4Monster Microfiber Travel Towel ($12 for a 24"x48" swatch) on hand will keep you from slipping around on your mat. Made from soft, lightweight, absorbent fabric that's quick to dry, this product is a no-brainer — especially thanks to the portable ventilated case and a loop that makes hang drying easy.

More often than not, personal diffusers and incense aren't allowed in a public class (nor are they easy to travel with), but you can still elevate your practice with the Create Your Own Roll-On Essential Oil Set From Edens Garden ($40 for a six pack). The brand makes customization easy; you get to pick the scents that'll serve your experience most. Plus, convenience is covered as you can roll the oil right on to your skin — no tools needed and no other yogis are affected.

You've checked the sweat towel off your packing list, but that won't ensure your mat is clean. Jo-Sha Yoga Mat Wipes ($18 for 20) will always come to your rescue. Not only do they come in calming scents like tangerine, lavender, and eucalyptus, but they naturally cleanse without bleach or alcohol and are 100 percent biodegradable.

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