Yoga Bag Essentials

My husband constantly pokes fun of my oversized purse, which could quite possibly fit the entire state of Texas—but hey, it’s essential to be prepared for every occasion, right? I know if I need to pull out that scrunchie from fifth grade, it’s there, deep in the bottom of my bag, and that’s comforting.

In the past I’ve shared with you the contents of my carryon, my suitcase, my spa bag (yes, I also have a bag for every occasion but that’s another issue)—and now it’s my yoga bag’s turn. Here are my yoga bag essentials:

• Mat: Well that’s a given. Eco-friendly Jade yoga mats (starting at $54.95) are my fave.
• Hair tie: Scunci Everyday & Active Flat Hair Ties (available at Walmart) don’t leave that dreaded dent in my hair. (The Emi Jay brand [starting at $5.99 for set of three] is also amazing.)
• Yoga socks or shoes: If the idea of going barefoot in yoga class makes you squeamish, as it does me, opt for yoga socks or footwear like Nike Studio Wrap Pack Arctic Monarch ($130), a three-part footwear system that consists of a wrap, a ribbon, and a flat, while maintaining a barefoot feel.
• Towel: I toss Gaiam’s Thirsty Yoga Hand Towel ($11.98) into my bag—it’s super absorbent for when breaking a sweat, plus, dries quickly.
• Water bottle: Staying hydrated while working out is a must—you might as well do it in style, right? Enter the oh-so-pretty, stainless-steel Earthlust’s one-liter Peacock Bottle ($21).
• Props: Basic props like straps or yoga blocks (Lululemon makes a good one; $12) help stabilize and support during various poses.
• Mat cleaner: A quick spray of Manduka’s organicMat Restore® 8oz. Spray ($10) sanitizes my mat before the next class. As well, Gaiam makes handy yoga mat towelette wipes ($9.98).