Namaste Yoga Tote III
4.7
5
20
20
Good bag, room for mat and a towel
This bag serves my needs perfectly - it holds my mat and towel and never seems to get too manky. I have a lovely print on my bag - black with the pink flowers - and I love it. It is also very light but well constructed.
I like that the bag strap can be taken off and used as a yoga strap; I have actually done that in class when the instructor ran out of straps.
My only gripe is that the pockets aren't very big and the inside pocket is especially hard to access if you have a big mat (i have Lululemon's The Mat). But then again, I didn't buy this as a handbag but as a mat bag! As a mat bag, I have no complaints. It works and it looks great.
March 30, 2013
A little short of perfect
I was fighting off the need to buy a bag for my mat because most lulu bags have incorporated ways to carry a mat but none of them keeps the mat dry. Especially when it comes to the cold-wet winters in Toronto I wanted a way to keep my mat dry while I was heading to the studio. I finally caved and bought this mat bag. I don't regret it and I would encourage anyone who has a mat to look into getting this one! I've looked at other mat bags but nothing compares to the design and construction of this one. I only wish it came in more colours or had reflective properties on it for those of us who are traveling at night (especially for the black bag). Otherwise, I'd consider it perfect :)
February 22, 2013
love it
I go to yoga before work and this bag is great- I can fit all my stuff including mat, towel and workout clothes and it's easy to carry. love it!
January 23, 2013
Nice Mat Bag
I used an old lulu mat bag for the last 4 years and I finally upgraded because I wanted to have pockets for my cell/wallet and I wanted a more visible color for walking to and from class in the dark/rain. My old bag was very similar in size and shape but there have been some notable upgrades: the fabric seems sturdier and is more weatherproof (albeit hair/lint do cling to it), ventilation grommets (a must with new heavier fabric), and there are 2 zippered pockets. Overall it's a nice improvement.
One drawback is that the zippers are now on the outside opposite the strap. So when I sling it over my shoulder to walk to class the zippers are exposed. The old model had the zipper underneath the strap. I imagine that it was redesigned to reduce zipper chafe but I never had that side effect in the 4 years I used the old one. With the new design I feel like my mat and goods are far more vulnerable. If I forget to zip it and sling it on then everything completely falls out. In addition, while on the go if I want to get something out of the new bag I have to take it off entirely; if the zippers were inside like they used to be I could just sling it around and get what I needed from inside without everything falling out or having to take it off entirely. It's a small complaint and the overall quality is good, but that's why I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars.
January 16, 2013
Great to->from class bag!
The mat fit easily inside, I loved the long zipper. The pocket was a great size to fit my phone, money/card. I can also fit a small towel inside with my mat, so it is great for hot yoga. This is great bag to bring to class, but you probably couldn't fit all your yoga clothes inside.
January 11, 2013
Excellent!!
Received this in the raspberry glo as a gift (they got my hints!). I am not disappointed at all. The material is a hearty and water resistant material that protects my mat if there is inclement weather (I like to park far away and walk to the studio downtown). I have not used the strap for stretching and I probably won't honestly. I love the extra pocket for storage of my keys and cell phone. My mat (The Mat) fits inside securely and yes, it does take a little getting used to taking it out and putting it back in, but its nothing I can't manage. I use this bag for my regular classes and the No Brainer mat strap on the days I do Hot Vinyasa classes.
December 20, 2012
Extra pockets a great improvement!
I currently have the Namaste II and agree with another reviewer that getting a mat into the bag (the bag's purpose) can be a little difficult. I have a Manduka black mat pro and a Manduka eKO, both fit but with some fighting. The best thing to do is wrap your towel around the mat first, then it slides right in!
There are great improvements from the Namaste II: extra pockets, detachable strap, big LOUD clunky buckle is gone.
December 3, 2012
Not for frequent yoginis
I'm surprised there's so many 5 star reviews. I'm disappointed in this bag and ended up buying a strap instead. It's primary function, to hold a mat, is great, yes. But the material it is made out of sticks terribly to mats (I have a Manduka mat). This makes it difficult to take out quickly and put in amidst others gathering their belongings at the beginning and end of classes.
November 26, 2012
If you have a yoga mat you need this bag
Its as simple as that! This is a must need with other pockets inside for money and cell phone! very comfortable and can be adjusted for size of mat, Ive even used it as just a purse!
November 22, 2012
Great and functional bag
This bag is the perfect size and fits both my mat and my towel for hot yoga. I love the pockets and the quality of the bag.
Only complaint is that while the strap is of good quality, it's either too slippery or the buckle isn't grippy enough, because even when I adjust the strap for carrying the bag across my chest, after 1 block of walking, the strap has loosened itself to the end.
November 17, 2012
