Dates with the gym are far from low maintenance. Remembering to grab your shoes, socks, water bottle, hair elastic, and more requires some good organizational skills. Less is always best, which is why I'm ecstatic that companies are designing products with multitasking features. Have a look at the following workout gear to see what I mean!
If you're in the market for a new mat bag, look no further than the unique Pinda Yoga Backpack ($79) made by Saka. Innovatively designed to unify your practice and your life, this pack fits comfortably on your back, so you can walk or bike to class while easily towing along your mat, water bottle, change of clothes, phone, or whatever else you need. Pinda's signature Mat Wrap Panels keep any size mat secure, and the weight is evenly distributed so it stays put when you're moving.
I'm in love with all the little spaces for your things. There's one large zippered compartment that can hold bigger items like clothes or a towel, and it houses three smaller pockets for things like your wallet or personal items. The zippered pocket on the top of the pack is perfect for easy access to my phone.
To hear more about the Pinda Backpack and see other photos read more
Dealing with my yoga mat when I ride to the gym can be a pretty tricky feat. I have a bike basket that I can tie it to but it always throws me off balance. That's why I was really excited to find these messenger bags from Modern Union ($68). The bags were designed by yoga studio owners Stephanie Ofanankis and Belinda Osborne because the partners couldn't find a yoga bag that met their lifestyle needs — lucky me!
First off, I love the textiles they chose — simple, colorful, and modern. Beyond that it's a great bag to take to the gym or use on your days off. The straps on the bottom of the bag keep a yoga mat secure, and I like that there are outside pockets for a water bottle and cell phone. The inside of the bag is roomy enough to carry gym essentials or even a laptop. Inside are a bunch of smaller pockets so things don't get lost, including a key ring holder.
Most importantly these Modern Union bags make commuting on a bike so easy. There's a padded shoulder strap for comfort and a magnetic closure, which is great in case you need to get in and out of your bag quickly if you're stopped at a light. An added bonus is each bag is made out of durable cordura, meaning it won't be ripping, scuffing, or tearing on you anytime soon and it's water resistant.
Since I go to the yoga studio a few time a week, I need a durable bag to hold my mat. It also has to be comfortable and adorable. Check out this one from Lexie Barnes. It's called the Mariposa Bag.
It's lightweight and can fit a standard mat and cotton rug, or even my huge Manduka mat easily. It even has extra space for a towel, my workout clothes, deodorant, some LARABARS, or whatever else I need.
I love that it has two exterior pockets on both ends of the bag for little stuff like my cellphone, keys, or a pack of tissues. On the inside, there are two mesh zippered compartments, so whatever you store in there can be easily seen.
The inside and outside of the bag is made of smooth nylon. That means it's easy to clean, breathable, and water-resistant (perfect for walking or riding my bike to the studio). The padded shoulder strap matches the print of the bag, and is comfy and adjustable. Order it for $80 from lexiebarnes.com in 4 unique prints (from top to bottom): Bali Hai, Dutch Treat, Baja, and Viona.
Thanks to our generous friends at Saka - the makers of functional and stylish yoga bags - for graciously offering to give away a FREE Pinda Yoga Backpack (valued at $68) to one lucky FitSugar reader.
I have randomly selected the winner - Congratulations to JessNess! I love Sun Salutations too! Enjoy your new Pinda Backpack!
