I talked to my family to get their input on using U-bolts. They tell me that it will ruin the cardboard and be a terrible idea. My wife and daughter suggested I get a yoga mat strap. I looked online and found a strap for under $1 with free shipping. There were some fancy ones with adjustable straps, but they cost more and I'm a cheap guy. I figure I can find some way to tighten the straps on it.

I saw Yoga Bags for very cheap, but I wasn't sure if they would be long enough. Also, I like the FFG box and want to keep it in that.

I talked to my family to get their input on using U-bolts. They tell me that it will ruin the cardboard and be a terrible idea. My wife and daughter suggested I get a yoga mat strap. I looked online and found a strap for under $1 with free shipping. There were some fancy ones with adjustable straps, but they cost more and I'm a cheap guy. I figure I can find some way to tighten the straps on it.

At the suggestion of your wife, you are looking for a way to tighten the strap on?

This is what I use for my FFG mat:

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UU6O2I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Note: I highly recommend putting the front-side out - Pain in the ass getting the mat out of the tube with the grippy rubber on the outside.

Same thing I use. Good advice about rolling your mat with the slick side facing out. You may have to glue the bottom cap on a little better; mine came off after only light use.

Same thing I use. Good advice about rolling your mat with the slick side facing out. You may have to glue the bottom cap on a little better; mine came off after only light use.

I'd read that in the Amazon reviews, mine doesn't budge even if I mistake it for the side that opens and REALLY try to get it off.

I went to the local cinema and asked for two old movie poster tubes. They gladly gave them to me as they have them in abundance.

I use this: http://www.amazon.com/Helix-Document-Expands-49-Inches-61500/dp/B0056HRKDW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1430358345&sr=8-4&keywords=chart+tube

It holds my playmat and my Chessex Battlemat!

I use those hand things

I got a light canvas carrying bag intended for vinyl banners

Yoga mat bags are great, but they come with increased risk of Pumpkin Spice Latte consumption in the Fall, just a word of warning.

I got a light canvas carrying bag intended for vinyl banners

Where did you get it?

Haven't tried it but better price point than the Amazon offerings while same dimensions:
http://www.michaels.com/plastic-telescopic-art-tube-by-artists-loft/10387987.html#pmpt=qualifying&sz=24&start=34

I wonder what size PVC pipe is good? 3"? 4"? I'm guessing you have to cut the length yourself?

Hobby Lobby and they have coupons as mentioned.

I don't like the compression expandable so I like this so much better with the notches. The strap is good too.

When I host HotAC and then play games later I end up with two backpacks, a carrier for models, and 1-2 of these tubes. The straps are priceless. I love the tube and while a tight for I have put two mats inside (but you will have to tighten them up by holding the center)

http://www.hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/Storage-Organization/Storage/Expandable-Artwork-Storage-Tube/p/13451

My mat came in a clear plastic tube with black endcaps....guess some don't; all the ones at my LGS come in tubes.

46 minutes ago, heychadwick said:

I wonder what size PVC pipe is good? 3"? 4"? I'm guessing you have to cut the length yourself?

Some HW stores have precut lengths, but just over 36" would be odd. Then get (2) caps and glue one on, then use the yoga mat strap on the pvc. You can even epoxy the intersection between the yoga and pvc if you want, just get the right epoxy or you'll be disappointed. A 3" diameter should be fine, my factory tube is just over 2" I think. Be sure to roll up the mat different ways and sides each time to keep it from getting any perminant bends in the material so she'll lay flatter over time.

You can probably get yoga mat straps for $5.

I wear mine like a cape.

Don't mats come in boxes? Just roll em back up and slide them in!

I would like one of the nice artist tubes (and I'm an artist, I mean, c'mon), but I just got a cardboard mailing tube from a postal center, then wrapped it in a layer of clearing packaging tape to keep the rain at bay.

It doesn't look fancy, but all I need it to do is fit in my bike bag.

14 hours ago, heychadwick said:

I wonder what size PVC pipe is good? 3"? 4"? I'm guessing you have to cut the length yourself?

PVC pipe is a good shout. I just got a length to supply a part for some cosplay, now I know what to do with the 5 feet or so of offcut...

The FFG mats that came in boxes are still carried in those boxes, but I won a Hoth mat, so I will either make a carrier out of PVC or go with the cardboard tube idea. Those plastic carriers look nice, but I don't think I want to spend that much money (says the guy that spent $70 on mahogany Team Covenant maneuver templates).

I use a plastic tube made to carry architectural drawings

My original box is getting pretty sad. I should take a picture of it...with duct tape yoga straps!

3"x36" poster shipping tubes fit two official FFG mats - something like this: http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/481344/Office-Depot-Brand-Mailing-Tubes-3/

Every shipping store I've been to sells them, and they're like $5 each.

After 18 months my original box is still going strong. #boxmeta