The Must List: What to Pack for Your Next Yoga Retreat

From the perfect yoga mat to immunity boosters, these must-haves will ensure you have the best time on your next retreat.

Author:: YJ Editors
Publish date:: Feb 12, 2018

Practicing yoga several hours a day while on retreat (or during intensives or yoga teacher training) can take a toll on your muscles. Spritz sore spots with this herbal blend, which includes pain-relieving arnica and cooling menthol for instant relief ($12—$20, allgoodproducts.com). See also 13 Yoga Retreats You Can Actually Afford in 2018

This travel mat, made of biodegradable latex, offers plenty of grip for your practice, weighs only 1.5 pounds, and folds to the size of a yoga block for easy toting in a suitcase. Plus, JadeYoga plants a tree for each mat sold and is dedicated to bringing yoga to underserved communities ($40, jadeyoga.com).See also Yoga Mats

A compact trio of clean-burning soy candles infused with essential oils will help clear the air during your travels. We love the invigorating combo of jasmine bamboo, cherry blossom, and eucalyptus to stay energized and centered. Each 2.5-ounce candle lasts for about 14 hours ($30, oojra.com). See also Mood-Boosting Essential Oils

Protect your health during air travel—or at the first sign of any sniffles—with this immune booster. Research shows that elderberry can help reduce the duration and intensity of cold symptoms. Pack these organic dry crystals in your carry-on and dissolve in water or juice when you need them ($35, florahealth.com). See also 10 YJ-Approved Supplement Companies

Your inner work companion: Compendium’s yoga-centric journal is the perfect size to slip into your travel bag and features beautiful quotes and nature-inspired illustrations to spark creativity. Use it as a travel log and to record post-meditation musings ($7, live-inspired.com).See also Elena Brower’s Writing Tips for Journaling When Creativity Is Blocked

Pack a statement piece for your next trip. Each Bantu Project beaded bracelet (bantu is the Zulu word for “people”) is designed and handmade by female artisans in Central or Southern Africa. Founder Haley Schwalm, a native of South Africa, created the company to help reverse the marginalization of women by offering them a means of fair income ($20 each, bantuproject.com). See also 6 Yoga Accessories to Take Your Practice Outdoors

All Good Herbal Freeze Pain Relief Spray with Arnica

Practicing yoga several hours a day while on retreat (or during intensives or yoga teacher training) can take a toll on your muscles. Spritz sore spots with this herbal blend, which includes pain-relieving arnica and cooling menthol for instant relief ($12—$20, allgoodproducts.com).