Saka Cargo Yoga Mat : For the Seriously Stylish

Now I like yoga just as much as the next person, but staying flexible doesn't have to mean sacrificing fashion! No simple canvas drawstring yoga mat totes for me. I wanted a bag that said cool, hip, sophisticated. I wanted a bag that made people wonder what I carried in it and where they, too, could find one.

The black Saka Cargo bag is hip, versatile, and loaded with handy pockets. You can wear it like a messenger bag, using the thick, padded shoulders strap; carry it like a duffle bag (a leather strap snaps around the handles for easy carrying); and lift it out of the trunk of your car with one of the nylon handles at each end of the bag. It's ideal for use as a yoga mat bag or a gym bag (it's long shape fits easily into gym lockers).

The most important feature for me--I wanted a bag that I could check at the airport, along with my suitcase. Constructed out of tough ballistic nylon, with sturdy zips (YKK) and reinforced handles, the cargo bag can go through baggage claim and come out looking great.

A large, long pocket on the outside of the bag is perfect for a water bottle, toiletries, and a change of socks and underwear. Inside, there are pockets running along the length of the bag on both sides. On one side, mesh pockets; on the other, zippered pockets. So there's plenty of room for your CDs, MP3 player, and a yoga book. One of my favorite features is the hinged opening (like an old carpet bag), which makes packing and unloading a breeze. It will hold several yoga mats, or one mat and a blanket.

This is what I packed in mine: a yoga mat, a pair of running shoes, my inflatable water weights, a pair of cork insoles, a few magazines, socks, and two medium sized cosmetic bags. I stuffed the pockets with toiletries.

Bottom Line: Again, this is one of my favorite bags because it's stylish and fun and still totally functional. I wish I'd had it last year when I attended two yoga conferences.--E.D. (Feb '04)

Price: $108.00

Manufacturer's Site: www.sakayoga.com

Buy Online: