Reasons Why You Need A Yoga Mat Bag
Yoga mats can be somewhat unwieldy at times: the thicker, longer, and more durable your yoga mat is, the heavier and more difficult it’ll be to transport. Even with a lightweight mat, you need something to hold it together, or else it’ll unravel as you carry it alongside other yoga accessories. While it might come with the carrying straps, they are usually light-duty and don’t provide room for other items you might want to take with you to your session.

You need a yoga mat bag to protect your mat, enhance its durability, and add convenience and a sense of style to your yoga experience. That’s because, unlike many conventional bags, yoga mat bags are stylish, durable, breathable, and versatile.

Read on for a detailed discussion on why you should consider investing in a yoga mat bag.

Yoga mat bag can protect your Investment

When you invest in a quality yoga mat, you’ll want to get a bag for your buck by ensuring that it lasts as long as possible. There are several ways to do that, and investing in a quality yoga mat bag is one of them.

Unlike any other type of bag that you might be thinking of using to carry your mat, yoga mat bags come designed to perfectly fit the various mat sizes. That means regardless of your mat size, you won’t have to jam it in as you often would with a conventional bag, which can leave your mat with unsightly wrinkles. Besides looking uninviting, wrinkles can also compromise a yoga mat’s functionality because they prevent it from laying flat when in use.

In addition to preventing wrinkles, a yoga mat bag also provides better protection against weather elements compared to carrying your mat on a bike. While it’s possible (and common) to carry your yoga mat on a bike, doing that may expose it to elements that can cause damage.

UV rays, in particular, can damage yoga mats made of natural rubber. Rain might also be an issue, especially if you’re working with a mat that isn’t waterproof. And even with a waterproof option, it isn’t necessarily the best idea to constantly expose your mat to rainwater because this can deform it.

Lastly, a yoga mat bag can help protect your mat against bacterial growth. After an intense session, your mat will likely be drenched in sweat. If you stow it in a conventional bag right after, chances are it’ll accumulate some bacteria because many of these bags aren’t designed with breathability in mind.

With a yoga mat bag, your mat will be more protected from bacterial growth. That’s because such bags either come with air holes or a breathable construction to air out your mat, which helps prevent bacterial build-up and odors.

Are yoga mat bags durable

While the construction varies across types, yoga mat bags are by far more durable than the standard rope straps that come with most yoga mats. More often than not, these straps break easily if you use your yoga mat frequently (and who doesn’t?).

Yoga mat bags, on the other hand, come with thick and tough construction to withstand the rigors of frequent use. This is especially true for bags on the heavier side of things because the extra weight is usually due to a thick and tough construction. But even with a lightweight option, you can rest assured that it’ll outlast the basic ropes your mat came with.

Keep in mind that the thickness of the construction isn’t the only determinant of durability in yoga mat bags. The type of construction materials used also matters. For the most durable option, look for a bag made of canvas, nylon, cotton, or linen.

A yoga mat bag has versatile functionality

Even though the design varies with brand, price, size, and other factors, yoga mat bags usually come with extra pockets and compartments. That means they allow you to carry not only your yoga mat but also other accessories you might need in your sessions, such as mat towels, bath towels, a change of clothes, face towels, phone, water bottle, and much more.

This kind of functionality will come in handy if you have other businesses to attend to right after your yoga class because it means you won’t have to rush back to grab items that you might need. It also helps you stay organized because it allows you to pack everything you’ll need for the day in advance, so you don’t forget some items.

Summing Up

That brings us to the end of today’s post. As we’ve seen throughout this discussion, investing in a yoga mat bag can improve your yoga experience in so many ways.

If you’re convinced you need one, understand that there’s nothing like a perfect yoga mat bag. What there is, however, is a bag that’s perfect for you. To find it, consider your budget, personal style, the size of your mat, construction material, and the number of extra items you often bring to your yoga class.

Meet the Bike Bag Providing the Best Bike Storage
Bike bags are a super efficient form of bike storage, and our panniers and backpacks can store enough for a long weekend away or keep all your work essentials safe and sound on your bike ride to the office.

If you’re just cruising about town or taking a bike ride to your nearest mountain trails, many people prefer to rely on something a little smaller for bike storage to carry what they need for the day. In this blog, we’ll talk you through the merits of diffrent bike bag, and the types of bike rides they suit best.

Bike Seat Bag

The seat bag is perfect for both the daily commute and longer bike rides and expeditions. It’s a great bike seat bag to store things you won’t necessarily need to reach for mid-ride, like tools, tire levers, mini pumps, spare tubes and a patch kit.It’s also large enough to fit in a light jacket, a beanie, or other thin layers to cover you in case of any temperamental weather mid-ride.

Bike Frame Bag

Best utilized by those who seek a ‘double duty’ bag for weekday commuting and weekend adventures, bike frame bag design is weatherproof and adjustable, like all of our bike bags. Use it to carry everyday things, like extra layers, a light jacket or bike tools. If you’re adventuring, it has all lots of bike storage space for things like utensils, food, a first aid kit or other camping knick-knacks.

Handlebar Bag

Handlebar Bag is a great place to store your keys, wallet and phone. The handlebar bag also has room to spare for an extra few extra items like a light jacket or some beverages, if you’re meeting friends or heading to a party. The waterproof roll top closure ensures everything is kept safe and dry, and there’s an internal tote zipper, too.

If we’re bikepacking or riding in unfamiliar territory, we’ll put stuff like sunscreen, drinks, insect repellent or a map in here because you never know when your cellphone reception might fail you!

Top Tube Bag

Top tube bag is designed for smaller items that you need close at hand, we can pack things like fobs, keys, wallets, sunglasses and snacks in here. It is also great for stashing a multi-tool for emergency bike maintenance, or extra lights/reflectors for if you’re going to be on the roads after dark!

These bag are really versatile and can be used for any kind of bike ride. We love it for shorter trips when you just need a few things, or as part of your overall bike storage on summer bikecamping expeditions.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Top Tube Bags
Advantages:

1. Easy Access

The contents of a top tube bag are fairly easy to access. The rider doesn’t even have to get off the bike. Stopping and unzipping the bag is enough.Thus, a top tube bag is nice for storing small items that one needs frequently throughout a ride.

2. A Slim Profile

A top tube bag fills “dead space” whereas a saddlebag changes the bike’s dimensions.

3. Do Not Interfere With Handlebar and Seat Post Accessories

Top tube bags are part of the frame and do not interfere with accessories mounted on the handlebars or the seat post.

Disadvantages:

1. Low capacity

A top tube bag doesn’t come anywhere near the capacity of a large saddlebag. Moreover, frame bags are narrow and cannot store bulky items such as a jacket.Thus, if you want to transport large cargo, and you have to choose between a top tube bag and a saddlebag, the latter fits the goal better.

2. Slow Installation and Removal

Top tube bags do not have quick-release mechanisms and subsequently do not offer a convenient way to quickly get them off the bike.If you want to take off the bag when you make a stop, the process may annoy you over time.

3. Fight With Water Bottle Cages

Large top tube bags make it impossible to use the water bottle cages on the frame. Thus, one will be forced to look for an alternative way to carry water.The two most common options are to mount the bottles elsewhere (seat post, seat, handlebars, downtube…etc.) or to use a hydration bladder.

Nonetheless, there are alternative solutions:Install a bike carrying handle (it attaches to the lower part of the seat tube and the downtube).

When To Choose a Top Tube Bag

A top tube bag is a good choice when:

1. You want a bag for storing small items (e.g., bars, keys, money, tools…etc.).

2. You don’t transport bulky objects.

3. You use seat post accessories preventing the installation of a seat post bag.

4. You want to preserve the aesthetic lines of the bicycle from the front and back.

Complete Guide To Bike Panniers
When it comes to bikepacking, there are so many different ways you can approach it.With advancements in how people travel via bike, there are tons of different bags and storage racks to implement on your bike.When storing stuff on your bike, you have the options of keeping bags on the handlebars, under the seat, mounted to the frame, or draped over the frame on the sides of the bike.

This need is where panniers come in.

Bicycle panniers are a trusted method of storing stuff during trips and backpacking, and in this article, we are going to cover everything you need to know about pannier bags.

What Are Panniers For Bikes?

Pannier bags are similar to any other kind of storage bag on your bike.The only thing that separates them from the rest is their location. Typically, storage is kept on a bike rack or underneath the seat of the bike.In this situation, the bags are mounted to the frame and typically hang over the sides of the bike draping over the wheels. This reason is why they often get referred to as saddlebags.

Bike Panniers are designed to last for the entire lifecycle of a bike, so they are built to be sturdy and tough in any terrain. Because of their design and typically larger size, they are often more expensive than the other smaller bags. They usually get sold in sets of two.

If you are planning a distance trip and you’re struggling to figure out how you can fit everything you plan on bringing on your bike, pannier bags may be the solution you are looking for.

Why Should You Buy One For Your Bike?

Whether or not a pannier is necessary for you is dependent on why you ride your bike.Panniers have their purpose and advantages over the other storage solutions, but they are not ideal for every situation.

If you regularly commute with your bike and need to carry a lot of sensitive materials such as paperwork, computers, and folders than a pannier is ideal for you.Pannier bags can get made of waterproof material that protects everything inside.

If you are going on an extended distance trip than a pannier bag is going to make sense for you. You can store a lot more things inside a pannier bag, and the weight will not slow you down. If you were using a backpack, it would eventually get tiresome and put a strain on your back and shoulders.

It’s important to remember though, traveling with primary panniers is meant for people who are not traveling very far on foot. You do not want to be in a situation where you have to take a bunch of your things out of the pannier bag and carry them in your hands because you do not have another storage method.

Panniers also require a bike rack to secure your bag to the frame.

The extra weight has a chance of slowing you down, but in comparison to a backpack with the same load, you would not be affected that much.

In the end, the usefulness of a pannier is dependent on each.

Why Are Bike Panniers Great For Road And Hybrid Bikes?

Bicycle panniers work great on almost any type of bike.They work exceptionally well on road and hybrid bikes due to the lighter frame. This design allows the bike to remain light still even when carrying a more massive load in the pannier. Bikes with panniers tend to be a little sluggish, so a light frame and ergonomic design are essential.

Hybrid bikes give you a little more of a rugged design which allows you to travel on rough terrain, but the design is still light enough to keep you moving.

Types Of Bike Panniers

There are two different types of bike panniers, and each of them serves its purpose.

Rear Rack

You have the option of keeping your pannier on the rear of the bicycle. The rear rack is often the best place for panniers because the back wheel can handle more weight. Heavy-duty touring bikes can handle upwards of eighty pounds on the rear of the frame.

Front Rack

Using the front rack is only necessary if you cannot fit everything on the back and you need extra space. Over packing your bicycle will slow you down and make steering difficult.

In addition to bicycle panniers, you have the option of using baskets, saddle packs, handlebar bags, and trunks. Each of these types of containers has its pro’s and con’s, but panniers are the go-to choice for large bulk items. For long-distance trips, panniers can store as much as all those other methods combined.

Do you need a rain cover for a backpack?
Not only do we want to keep our bodies dry when hiking, we also want to keep our gear dry. Abackpack rain coveris one of the most effective ways to do so, but do you really need one?

A backpack rain cover is recommended because it keeps your backpack and all its contents (inside and outside of your pack) from getting wet when hiking in the rain. Combining a rain cover with a waterproof pack liner and dry bags is the best method for ensuring your gear stays dry during heavy downpours.

5 Good Reasons you should use a Rain Cover

Here are five good reasons why using a rain cover with your hiking backpack is a good idea.

1. Keeps your backpack’s contents dry

The most obvious reason to use a rain cover is to keep your backpack and everything inside of it dry. Food, electronics, clothes, a jacket, and a sleeping bag need to be kept dry in order to maintain their quality or functionality.

2. Keeps what’s on the outside of your backpack dry

I recommend using a pack liner, but they don’t keep your gear attached to the outside of your backpack dry since they are not stored in the main compartment. Also, you may have gear stored in external pockets of your backpack in which pack liners are useless.A rain cover will serve to keep anything attached to the outside of your backpack or inside external pockets dry.

3. Protects your backpack from abrasions

Some backpacks are made from weaker fabrics, so an accidental brush-up against a jagged rock, pointy stick, or briar can penetrate it. A rain cover will serve as a layer of protection, keeping your backpack safe from tears and abrasions.

4. Makes you more visible

Another reason to use a rain cover is because it can make you more visible if using one that is bright in color. This is important during hunting season to ensure you are not mistaken for prey.Being more visible can also aid others in finding you in case of an accident, as a rain cover color that stands out will be easier to spot during a search and rescue.

For these reasons, manufacturers make some of their rain covers in bright and reflective materials.

5. They are lightweight

Rain covers don’t weigh that much.

Disadvantages of Rain Covers

Rain covers do have a few drawbacks, but nothing that should automatically disqualify them from making it into your backpack.

1. They don’t cover the back panel forward

The back panel of your backpack (what presses against your back) is not protected by a rain cover, or at least not entirely. This does create a vulnerable spot to potentially allow water into your backpack, but with a few extra precautions (like a waterproof pack liner) your items should stay dry.

However, your shoulder straps and hip belt are completely exposed, so if you are storing items in shoulder or hip belt pockets, be sure they are protected by keeping them in seal-able storage bags.

2. Seams will eventually need resealing

Some rain covers have seams that run along the main body. These seams are sealed from the factory, but the sealant will eventually wear. When this happens, water can leak through into your backpack. However, you can re-seal the seams yourself or invest in a new pack cover.

3. Extra weight

While a couple of extra ounces isn’t a big deal for a lot of us, you may be someone looking to cut every ounce you can to achieve a desired base weight. In this case, the extra weight is a downside.

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