What to Pack
For a Yoga Retreat?
If you’re leaving on a jet plane to go to a yoga retreat, getting some insider information on what to pack can come in quite handy.
To answer the question why it is important to know what to pack for a yoga retreat, think about being in child’s pose and wishing you had brought your own mat. That’s counterproductive.
Besides, this article is not just about what to pack. It also tells you what not to pack, what to consider while packing for a yoga retreat, and if you’re traveling halfway around the world, cultural aspects to be aware of.
What to consider when packing for a yoga retreat?
You can base the checklist for your packing on these factors:
1. Consider the Climate
Being weather-ready is mandatory for a comfortable time at your yoga retreat.
Doing some research on the weather forecast for the time you’ll be there will help make important decisions on what to pack.
The general advice here is to have something to cover up for a cool evening or even for when you are in savasana.
A sarong or a shawl can double up as both. Good to have a light rain jacket too.
Another important piece of advice is that if you are in a place that’s hot and humid, you don’t want to carry spandex tops and pants. Light and airy cotton pants and tops that you can breathe in could be a much better choice.
2. Check the activities included
Yoga retreats often organize outdoor activities, and especially so if you are in for an adventure yoga retreat.
Checking on the activity list can help make important decisions for your packing list.
Whether you need your swimsuit, riding boots, running shoes, or cycling shorts, you will know from the activity lineup.
3. Take into account the length of the retreat
Carry too few clothes and you’ll be busy with washing and drying. Carry too many and you’ll end up feeling like a hoarder.
Packing keeping in mind the length of the retreat will bring some science into the number of clothes you should carry along.
Experts recommend carrying enough clothes to last a week and repeating thereafter.
4. Bear in mind any cultural differences and plan ahead
While it is ok to not always stick to socially accepted standards, when it comes to packing for a yoga retreat, it is a good idea to keep the culture of the place in mind.
Some yoga retreats could have their own traditions or be located in places with certain traditions.
Respecting the local culture helps to feel more integrated and is also a new experience.
How to use your itinerary as your packing guide?
If you look carefully, your itinerary is your best friend. It has all the answers to what you should pack.
Goes like this. You could look at the number of yoga sessions in a day. If the place you are going to for your yoga retreat is hot and humid, you would perhaps like to carry a change for the evening.
Then your activity list. Depending on the nature and frequency of the activities, you’ll know if you need special shoes or clothes or accessories.
And then the special occasions. Some yoga retreats end with a nice dinner or get together. Perhaps you would like to carry something a little casual or pretty.
Things to consider when packing for a yoga retreat in India
If you are going on a yoga retreat to India, most places in India do well with modest dressing.
Choose pants over shorts and tops with sleeves over tanks. Or, carry a scarf or sarong to cover up when you head out.
There are exceptions, of course, Goa being one of them.
Another advantage of wearing full clothes is that it saves you from mosquitoes.
Most temples, meditation halls, and ashrams do not allow walking in with shoes on. Carrying a pair of flip-flops or slip-ons can save you much trouble.
Things to consider when packing for a yoga retreat in Bali
Bali has lots of temples. And most temples have clear rules on being modestly covered. This translates to no sleeveless and no shorts.
Some temples in Bali have a box of sarongs and scarves placed outside so people can cover up before they walk in.
You could either use that option or carry some pants and tops with sleeves.
Going to a yoga retreat in Bali? Take a look at this article: How to prepare for a yoga retreat in Bali?
What do you wear to a yoga retreat?
You wear clothes that facilitate movement and are comfortable.
It is important that you are able to move your body freely in the clothes – so they should either be loose or stretchable.
Opt for clothes that do not make you feel conscious or concerned. You don’t want to be doing your asana and worrying about which way your top is going.
And you wear clothes that are weather friendly. It can be uncomfortable to be in clothes that make you feel sticky and hot. At the same time, feeling cold when you are sitting for meditation does not help the cause.
Yoga pants or shorts or leggings, and sports tops or t-shirts are the obvious choices. Having a light fleece jacket is a nice add on.
Wanna know more? 👉 Find out if you should wear a bra while doing yoga?
What do you wear at an ashram?
An ashram is a modest and simple place.
Almost all ashrams have dress codes, even for men. Shorts are a no. Anything that shows much skin is a no.
Some ashrams could ask you to have some white pieces of clothing or clothing in-not-so-bright colors. Anything that stands out, is too bright, or flamboyant could be dissuaded.
You could also do away with makeup, perfume, and jewelry.
The most common ashram attire is wearing simple loose pants and long tops with sleeves. Some women also wear a scarf or sarong around the shoulders.
What not to bring to your yoga retreat?
This is an important one. Knowing what not to bring to your yoga retreat is sometimes more helpful than knowing what to.
Avoid any excesses. Since the focus is on the practice, you will realize that you do not need too many things for the experience.
Avoid any high heels and many pairs of shoes. Jeans are not helpful unless you have plans for later. Minimize makeup. Minimize accessories like earrings and hair straighteners and bags.
Concluding thoughts
When in doubt, apply the rule – less is more.
With this, you can pack your bags now. You’re ready to go.
Know someone who is going on a yoga retreat? Share this. And, if you have any questions or any tips on what to pack for a yoga retreat, please share them with us in the comments below.
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