When you arrive at your yoga teacher training, you want to have the right tools to support your practice and make your time spent training enjoyable. You’re going to be there for four weeks, after all. So what do you need to bring and pack for yoga teacher training? You’re about to find out!
As an aspiring yoga teacher, you probably already know that you need a yoga mat and yoga clothes, but what else?! In this article, I’m sharing everything you need to pack and bring to your YTT, including items other lists have overlooked so you don’t find yourself missing some essentials when you’ve already arrived on-site at your yoga course.
Proper preparation is essential to having a great yoga teacher training experience, and I want to help ensure that you arrive with everything you need.
So without further ado, let’s get right to it.
Article content:
(Click any link below to jump directly to section)
16 essential items you should bring to yoga teacher training
Preparing for yoga teacher training requires more than just mental and physical readiness; having the right gear is essential for a smooth and successful experience. Packing everything on this checklist will ensure you are prepared for your upcoming YTT experience. Here's what you need to bring to YTT:
1. Packing cubes
Packing cubes will keep everything nice and tidy in your suitcase and your room. Depending on which room you choose, you will have more or less room for your personal belongings at yoga teacher training. But even if you choose a single room, the room itself still won't be that big, so you'll want to stay organized.
2. Yoga mat or yoga mat towel
Your school may provide yoga mats for trainings, be sure to ask. If you're ok with using one of the school's mats then you could consider bringing a yoga mat towel to absorb some of the sweat and serve as a layer between you and the school's mat. I've been to many of the yoga schools over here in Thailand, and I can tell you that often times the mats are a bit tired and worn!
3. Yoga clothes
Bring at least six sets of yoga outfits, so you have time to wash and wear them. Considering that your training will be very physical and involve a lot of yoga classes and practice, clothes are a critical component!
You will likely hang dry your clothes or hand them over to housekeeping for washing. So keep in mind that you won't have the luxury of 20-minute clothes drying when considering how many sets of yoga clothes you think you'll need.
4. Casual attire
Some evenings you'll want to dress up, so you'll want to pack more than just yoga wear. You will have days off and a closing ceremony, so be sure to pack for those occasions as well. Think versatile, light, and flowy!
5. iPad
iPads are ideal for condensing a journal, digital copies of books, and notepads into one. While I realize that there's nothing quite like the retention we get from writing things down, I would still recommend bringing an iPad and maybe just one notebook.
6. Stainless steel double-insulated water bottle
Staying hydrated during YTT is key. If you do a destination yoga teacher training, it's going to be hot! Trust me, I've been living in SE Asia for nearly eleven years! Bring a double insulated water bottle so your water stays nice and cold all day long, and to save the planet.
7. A day pack
Don't forget that you're going to have days off and on those days you'll want to explore and adventure around and you'll need a bag to carry your stuff.
I recommend something with a zipper rather than a shoulder beach bag. The monkeys in Bali can be aggressive. And if you're daring enough to get on a motorbike, you don't want to worry about holding onto your bag with your free hand or about anything flying out.
8. Earplugs
You never know if any surrounding sounds will bother you until you arrive. You definitely want to get a good night's sleep every night, so pack some earplugs just in case. And you also never know who might be on their phone chatting or watching movies late at night, too.
9. Sunscreen & bug spray
Do not forget your sunscreen if you're training in the tropics! Please, just don't do it. Again, I've been living in tropical latitudes for nearly eleven years. If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to wear more sunscreen.
I'd also recommend bringing bug spray, especially if you have one that you like. Some bug sprays can smell offensive, so if you've got one that doesn't, bring it.
10. Sarong
A sarong is very versatile, and everyone should have at least one! Sarongs are the perfect multi-purpose item for yoga teacher training because you can use them on a cool night to stay warm or on a hot day to cover up.
11. Flip-flops & sneakers
You need to bring both flip-flops and sneakers. You'll need flip-flops when you're on-site and sneakers if you want to go hiking or walk around town.
12. Recovery tools
There are portable recovery rollers that could help work out any kinks in your muscles after a long day of training. You'll likely be sore on some days of your training, so bringing tools or topicals like Arnica or Icy Hot to help your muscles recover could be worth considering.
13. Dry shampoos & soaps
Having dry shampoo and soap bars will ensure your toiletries don't burst during your travels.
14. Palo santo
If you have a palo santo stick at home, why not bring it and cleanse your room at the retreat once you arrive? And, of course, it will make the space smell incredible.
15. Light outwear & rain jacket
While I imagine you're planning to pack plenty of yoga pants, don't forget to bring something a little warmer, just in case.
Evenings in the tropics can get chilly, especially if it rains. I suggest being prepared for the unexpected and bringing a very light rain jacket if you have one, as well as some lightweight, long sleep tops in case you ever want to protect yourself from the sun or need to warm up in the evenings.
16. Sun hat & sunglasses
While a baseball-type cap will do, a full sun hat is ideal. Nowadays, there are tons of great wide-brim roll-up hats.

Sleeping arrangements at yoga teacher training abroad
Almost all yoga teacher trainings offer at least three different sleeping arrangements for trainees. The room you choose directly impacts how much room you have for stuff! Keep this in mind when you're considering what you're going to bring. These are the three standard YTT sleeping arrangements:
- Single occupancy room (this is the most expensive option)
- Double occupancy room (the middle-priced option)
- Dorm room style occupancy (the least expensive option)
Takeaway on what to bring to yoga teacher training
Planning what to bring to yoga teacher training is an important part of preparing – don’t leave it to the last minute!
The type of program you are doing and your training location will also influence what you need to pack for your yoga teacher training, but hopefully, this list is helpful!
Still not sure how to choose a yoga teacher training or if you want to do online yoga teacher training or in-person? We have countless articles that answer all of your YTT questions!
Some online yoga studios, online yoga teacher training programs, and brands that we write about may offer us a small percentage should you decide to purchase after reading our content. Thank you for enabling us to exist!