Packing For a Yoga Retreat
What to wear on a retreat? Meditation clothing? Are there special yoga retreat outfits? So, at the risk of sounding SO helpful, the first step is definitely to email the teacher leading your retreat to get their input, they might have a yoga retreat packing list specific to the retreat you’re about to go on. Beyond that, here’s a list to consider as you pack for your yoga retreat:
Yoga Props: does the retreat center provide them? Are you special about what kind of mat you use or are you happy to use whatever? I freaking love my travel yoga mat (I literally take it everywhere). Is there something in particular your teacher wants you to bring (like a strap)? If you’re doing some sort of teacher training, be sure you ask if there’s a specific yoga teacher training packing list so that you have all the props and tools you need for your learning journey.
Yoga Clothes: um, duh. But dig in a little more. Is the studio you’re practicing outdoors or indoors? Maybe that means shorts or maybe that means extra layers for savasana (or both?). Personally, I’m a huge fan of practicing in my ridiculous iyengar shorts—less slipping in tree pose, I get to actually see my body, and so my teacher also gets a better sense of what I need to work on (it took me about a decade to get over my leg insecurities though. In any case, I wouldn’t say I’m over them, I’d just say I’m ready to not hide behind them). Don’t feel that you need to have special outfits, practice in what you feel most comfortable in.
Cultural Considerations: this doesn’t apply to all retreats, but certainly to many of them, particularly those in India (especially for women). It’s a big world so it’s a bit much to generalize, but for sure get a lay of the land (in terms of appropriate yoga clothing also) so that you don’t show up surprised or uncomfortable.
The Basics: ID (passport? Driver’s license?), cash (especially if you’re going abroad), access to more cash should you need it (i.e. ATM card), credit cards, relevant travel documents (visas?), adapters
Luggage: Day bag (or beach bag or just a purse), your suitcase, and I’m always a big fan of bringing an empty duffel. You never know what you might find...
Toiletries: oh, you know, the things you’d typically take. Toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, soap, face wash, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen.
Personal Things: not limited to but perhaps including: glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, books, journals, pens, mala beads, chargers, necessary electronics, tea?, snacks (nuts, bars—just in case), medicine (advil?) or vitamins (my teacher told me to bring Arnica and I’ll tell ya, my muscles sure appreciated it), special pillows. What else might your person need? I always bring a hat. This part of the yoga retreat packing list is very you based.
Other Non-Yoga Things: what’s on the agenda? Hiking (better pack them shoes & other gear)? Beaching (swim suit, appropriate footwear, cover ups, googles, etc)?. Fancy dinners out? Casual dinners in? What’s the weather? Does the retreat center have A/C? People are always shocked when I tell them it gets real chilly at night where I lead my Mexico retreats (and still don’t pack appropriately because assumptions about Mexico’s hot weather are STRONG). You’ll need something to sleep in. And underwear, socks and stuff like that.
You might also consider starting your own yoga retreat packing list, or a base packing list that serves as your foundation for all trips (like underwear, toiletries, and stuff you’ll need no matter where you are. That way you don’t have to start fresh each time.
Below I’ve included the packing list I use when I lead a retreat—use that as a base and filter it through the above criteria.
Luggage:
Daypack/backpack
Suitcase
Empty duffel/reusable shopping bag for souvenirs or groceries
Yoga Stuff:
5 Leggings/shorts
5 Practice t-shirts
Meditation Shawl/Scarf (optional)
Mat (often provided, but best to check)
3 straps (often provided, but best to check)
1 block (often provided, but best to check)
1-2 blankets(often provided, but best to check)
Clothing:
Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days
Long-sleeved shirts and pants for cooler evenings
Waterproof and windproof jacket for possible rain and wind
Sweater or fleece for cooler temperatures
Swimwear & cover ups
Footwear:
Comfortable yoga sandals or flip-flops
Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes for excursions/hikes
Weather Essentials:
Umbrella or lightweight rain jacket for occasional rain showers
Quick-dry towel for beach visits or water activities
Sunscreen with high SPF
Insect repellent
Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
Refillable Water Bottle
Electronics and Accessories:
Power adapter for charging devices
Camera or smartphone for capturing the beautiful landscapes
Computer/Ipad & Chargers
Portable charger for on-the-go recharging
Waterproof phone case for outdoor activities
Miscellaneous Items:
Travel-sized toiletries
Ziplock bags/Packing Cubes for organizing and protecting items
Personal identification, passport, and travel insurance documents
Cash and/or ATM card to access cash
Credit cards
Any necessary medications
Reading material
First Aid Kit:
Antihistamine
Pepto
Ibuprofen
Bacitracin
Med tape + paper towels to make your own bandaids
Optional Items:
Travel pillow for comfort on long journeys
Portable water purification system for hiking
Travel journal or notebook
Snacks for flights/day trips and hikes
Eye masks
Ear Plugs
To-go Mug
Tupperware
Remember to check the weather forecast closer to your travel dates to adjust your packing list accordingly. Here’s hoping that was helpful. And don’t be shy to ask specific questions so that you can pack appropriately!
Have a blast, my darlings.