Planning a yoga retreat or diving into a teacher training? Whether you’re heading off for rest, renewal, or certification, having the right gear can elevate the entire experience. Here’s your go-to guide on what to pack so you can focus on your practice, and not on what you forgot.
The Essentials: Yoga Mats & Towels
One of the perks of a retreat is not having to worry about much—just show up and settle in. Most retreats offer mats and props, but many yogis prefer to bring their own for comfort, familiarity, or peace of mind.
If you're packing a mat, choose one that's lightweight, compact, and easy to travel with. Bringing your own mat also means you can take your practice outside the retreat’s Shala and anywhere that inspires you.
Travel Yoga Mat Options:
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PRO Travel Mat: A thin 2mm version of the iconic PRO, with high-density stability and performance. Weighs just over 1kg.
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eKO® Superlite Travel Mat: Made from natural rubber with textured grip. Ultra-thin (1.5mm) and lightweight at 1kg. Note: Not ideal for hot or tropical climates, as heat may degrade natural rubber faster.
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GRP® Adapt Travel Mat: Highly absorbent and built for serious grip, GRP Adapt Travel is perfect for sweaty flows. Thin (1.5mm), smooth, satin finish.
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Shala Yoga Rug: A 5mm handwoven cotton mat made from upcycled materials. Folds flat, machine washable, and perfect for layering. Weighs just over 1kg.
Discover all travel yoga mats.
Don’t Forget Your Towel
In warm, humid locations or during intense sessions, a yoga towel can be your best friend. It wicks moisture, prevents slipping, and adds a layer of comfort. Bonus: it doubles as a beach towel, sarong, blanket, or pillow.
Choose from:
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yogitoes® Hot Yoga Towel: Ultra-absorbent with silicone nubs that prevent slipping. Made from recycled plastic bottles and available in a variety of bold prints and colors.
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eQua® Hot Yoga Towel: Soft, suede-like microfiber with serious absorption properties, this towel is versatile and extremely durable.
The Enhancements: Accessories That Elevate
If you're a minimalist, you might stick with the basics. But if you love props and additional support, these extras may enhance your experience:
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Mini Foam Blocks: The more portable (but still dense and durable) version of the standard foam block, weighing in at only 200 grams.
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Straps: Add length, leverage, or a deeper stretch. Manduka’s AligN and UnfolD straps come in several sizes and widths.
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Mat Cleaner: After a sweaty morning flow, you’re going to want to clean your mat, whether it’s your own or one from the retreat. Water sprays are usually supplied but these aren’t enough to clean the mat properly for the evening session, or for your trip home. Bring a travel-sized Mat Wash & Refresh Travel Spray to keep it clean and fresh. Just make sure you have the right cleaning solution for your mat.
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Water Bottle: You’ll need to hydrate more than usual. A reusable bottle helps reduce waste and keeps water within reach.
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Tote Bag: Easy to carry, easy to pack. Great for travel days, excursions, or organizing your essentials in one spot.
Explore all yoga props & accessories.
The Attire: Apparel, Footwear & Layers
Bringing two or three complete performance outfits to your yoga retreat is usually perfect, just be sure to take a small amount of laundry detergent with you for easy sink washing. In making the choice of what to bring, remember that comfort is critical! It may not be the best time to test a new pair of leggings or switch up what is already working for you—pick the pieces that you love and those that will support you without unnecessary pulling and tugging that may distract and take away from your practice.
Think about the expected ambient temperature and what you feel most comfortable in—tight fits, looser fits, or a combination? With that in mind, we have some suggestions:
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Performance Tops: Supportive bras, tanks, and lightweight, quick-drying tops like the those in the Dhara or Vinyasa collections. Looser tops make great post-practice layers.
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Performance Bottoms: Shorts, capris, leggings, or relaxed-fit pants—whatever supports your movement best. In addition to options in the Dhara collection, there are lightweight shorts and pants in CNTR and Tenzin styles tailored for men.
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Casual Wear: For downtime, dinners, or rest days, select cozy, non-restrictive pieces. Manduka’s CAS Collection offers zero-waste options in organic cotton and hemp.
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Scarf or Shawl: Perfect for meditation, chilly plane rides, and in settings where one needs to show a level of cultural awareness, it is easy to throw over your head and shoulders or wrap around the waist.
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Footwear: Flip-flops for walking to and from the Shala, lightweight trainers for excursions or longer walks.
The Extras: Comfort, Clarity & Connection
These small additions can make a big impact:
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Journal and Pen: Capture insights, reflect on your practice, or simply document the experience.
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Essential Oil or Fragrance: A familiar scent can ground and soothe you—ideal for travel days or before sleep.
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Reading Material: A good book can be a great companion during quiet moments or long hours in transit.
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Crystals or Talismans: Pack whatever brings you comfort, inspiration, or grounding.
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Intention: This doesn’t take up space in your bag—but it sets the tone for your entire trip. Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or inspiration, carry a purpose with you.
Final Thoughts
Retreats are more than just a trip, they’re a journey inward. Pack light, but prepare with care. What you bring should support your body, ease your mind, and reflect the intention you’ve set. Embrace the unknown, stay open to what unfolds, and allow this experience to be a turning point in your practice, and maybe even your life.
Manduka's Retreat Packing List
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Yoga mat
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Yoga towel
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Mini foam block
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Strap
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Mat cleaner
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Reusable water bottle
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Tote bag
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Yoga apparel (tops, bottoms, bras)
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Casual wear
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Shawl or scarf
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Sandals or flip-flops
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Sneakers or trainers
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Toiletries (plus laundry detergent)
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Journal and pen
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Essential oils or scent
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Reading material
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Crystals, charms, or talismans
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Your intention
