🧳 What to Pack for Your Yoga Teacher Training in Bali (or Any Hot AF Country)
Thinking of doing your 200-hour YTT in a tropical paradise like Bali, Goa, or Costa Rica? Don’t pack until you’ve read this. I learned the hard way — including not bringing enough undies 😅. Here’s the full no-BS packing list, born from sweat, chaturangas, and mild panic shopping.
🌞 The Backstory: I Showed Up Unprepared ( But You Don’t Have To)
Before I did my first YTT, I practiced yoga once a week at a studio and otherwise flopped around in PJs at home. So when I signed up for 25 days of eight hours of daily asana, I quickly realized my current wardrobe was wildly underprepared.
And of course, I wanted good-looking activewear that wasn’t toxic for the planet. But the yoga industry? Shockingly short on solid options. That frustration is what eventually led me to start Studio Nidra.
Ironically, our first products were for women, so I still had to scramble for gear at the last minute. Huge mistake. Buying sportswear on-location was a sizing, sweat-retention, and comfort disaster.
So here’s what I wish I’d packed — and what I’ll never leave behind again.
👕 Clothing: What You’ll Actually Wear in a Hot Climate
Tip: Do laundry weekly. Pack breathable, quick-drying pieces. Your sweat levels will become unrecognizable.
🧺 Check your accommodation or google maps for a laundromat.
Quick note: If you’re wearing Studio Nidra’s activewear (like this women’s Tencel set), you can get away with packing less — our pieces are naturally antibacterial and odor-resistant. Air them out and they’re good to go again.
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Underwear: More than you’d think. Bring 10+ pairs.
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Socks: Fewer than you’d think (4 pairs max).
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Yoga/movement bottoms: I thought I'd wear only shorts but honestly, ended up wearing breathable long-leggers most of the time. For crow, acro-yoga, etc. sweaty skin is deadly. .
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Yoga Shorts: 2
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Yoga leggings: 2 - these ones are quick-drying and antibacterial
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Yoga tops: Go for breathable, natural fabrics. These ones are great because they have 2 layers of fabric. Most people won't need additional sports bras. Cause honestly, you'd just sweat like crazy wearing multiple layers.. Pack 4.
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T-shirts/nice tops: Nice for downtime or throwing over your gear.
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Sweater or jumper: Sounds weird in the tropics, but hear me out. Between emotional release sessions, AC-blasted meditation halls, and late-night lounging, a soft cozy jumper = comfort gold. Just bring 1.
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Loose pants: For lounging or mosquito protection. 1 pair.
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Rain poncho: Sudden downpour? Happens all the time. Get one of those ultra-thin ones for your bag.
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Swimwear: Bikini, trunks, speedos… whatever lets you dive in post-practice.
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White outfit: Surprise! Many yoga schools ask for all-white attire for ceremonies.
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Open shoes: Flip-flops, Birkenstocks, or comfy loafers.
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Sneakers: If you plan to bike/scooter around or hit trails.
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Rashguard: Optional, but useful if surfing’s on your radar.
🧘Yoga Gear: What You Might Need
Check with your YTT provider — most schools provide the basics, but it’s worth confirming.
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Yoga mat: 99% chance it’s provided.
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Yoga towel: Game-changer if you sweat buckets or skip packing your own mat.
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Travel towel: Quick-dry. Useful for beach, sweat, and showers.
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Yoga strap: Most likely available, but small and easy to pack if not.
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Water bottle: Reusable, always.
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Small laundry bag: For stashing sweaty gear post-class.
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Headlamp: Unexpected MVP. Night walks, power cuts, or sneaky jungle bathroom trips.
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Power bank: For those 10-hour teaching days with no sockets in sight.
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Plug adapter: Check your destination’s outlet type.
🧼 Toiletries + Med Kit: Don’t Skip This Bit
Some of these you’ll need daily. Others you’ll thank yourself for at 3am on day six.
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Sunscreen: Reef-safe = bonus karma
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Bug spray: Bring your DEET or natural blend of choice
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Hair ties/headbands: Sweaty hair in your eyes = not a vibe
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Painkillers: Ibuprofen > paracetamol for inflammation
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Anti-inflammatory gel: Your joints will thank you (my elbow was in pain)
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Anti-diarrhea tablets: Bali belly doesn’t discriminate
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Period products: Bring enough or know where to get them
💊 Supplements & Study Tools
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Electrolytes: You’re going to sweat. A lot. Replenish like a boss.
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Protein powder or creatine: Great if your meals are light or plant-based.
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Notebook + pens: You’ll be journaling and note-taking nonstop.
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Highlighters: For manuals and course notes.
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Required reading: Ask your school ahead of time. Digital versions save space.
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Small tote or backpack: For daily use, water, notes, snacks, etc.
🛂 ID + Misc
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Passport + visa: Double-check expiry dates!
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Local ID/driver’s license: Especially if you’re renting a scooter
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Travel insurance info
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Booking confirmations: Digital + printed = peace of mind
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Emergency contacts: Set them in your phone settings
🤍 I'm excited for you
My YTTs are some of my favorite memories. Transformative, sweat-soaked, laugh-filled. Packing right won’t make your YTT… but it’ll make everything smoother, comfier, and way less smelly.
We’ll be publishing more YTT survival content soon (like what to mentally prep for, and what not to expect), so sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram.
And if you’re still looking for activewear that’s breathable, low-maintenance, and kind to your body and the planet…
Yeah, we’ve got you.
→ Shop Studio Nidra’s sustainable activewear
Love and light (and electrolytes),
Nico
Founder, Studio Nidra
