Take a look into the hot world of portable sauna tents to find out how they work and why they’re so popular.
I’ve been obsessed with saunas for years, and over the last few years have become something of an expert. I’ve researched the best barrel saunas, tested outdoor saunas of all shapes and sizes, and even built a backyard sauna kit. Meanwhile, as traditional saunas continue to be the next hottest wellness trend (along with cold water immersion, of course), I’ve noticed some nonconformist sauna enthusiasts pushing a more portable sauna option: the humble sauna tent. Out of curiosity, I decided to test out a sauna tent myself and find out more.
So I’m pleased to introduce you to my latest article in the ever-expanding Field Mag Health section – a guide to portable sauna tents.
Before I started going to saunas, I enjoyed the healing warmth wherever I could, whether it was visiting large public baths during trips abroad, taking the occasional spa day, or soaking in the occasional wood-fired hot tub while watching the stars align. Now that I have my own sauna in my backyard sauna room, I admit I’m easily confused when it comes to sauna tents. But these stylish saunas more than make up for it with their affordability, space-saving, and even portability, making them a pleasant and relaxing option for many a hot-steam enthusiast.
Keep reading as I dive into the hot world of sauna tents to find out if they’re really worth the money, how they work, and why they’re so popular right now.
As you may have guessed, a sauna tent is a lightweight, portable outdoor sauna that can be assembled like a camping tent or ice fishing tent using special synthetic materials such as insulated ripstop nylon, poles or spreaders, and fiberglass.
Most sauna tents take only 5-10 minutes to set up. Once set up, the sauna tent uses a compact wood-burning or electric sauna stove to quickly create high temperatures similar to a traditional dry sauna. Inside the tent, traditional wooden benches and other sauna accessories can be used. Aside from the material construction, the biggest difference between a sauna tent and a traditional sauna is that the tent is temporary and can be folded for easy transport.
Sauna tents range in price from $500 to $4,000 depending on size and heat source—significantly cheaper than a premium sauna kit, which typically costs $7,000 to $11,000, and much cheaper than pre-built saunas, which can easily cost $30,000. Portable saunas can even be cheaper than DIY ones.
However, don’t be fooled by the abundance of super-cheap sauna tents on Amazon or at big-box stores like Walmart and Home Depot. Super-low prices often mean cheap deals and a lack of customer service—if the sauna tent doesn’t clearly state that it’s been tested for toxic gases at high temperatures, it could be a safety hazard. The last thing we want is to inhale dangerous chemicals while enjoying a healthy hot bath!
If you’re weighing your options to choose the best sauna for your lifestyle, the main advantages of a sauna tent over a traditional sauna are likely to be price and portability—the health benefits are the same for both. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of both portable saunas and sauna tents.
Unlike almost all other types of saunas, portable sauna tents are lightweight and typically have a small footprint, so they require less room to set up and use, making them attractive to homeowners with limited outdoor space who don’t want or can’t build a more permanent structure in their yard or deck.
Most sauna tents take just five to 10 minutes for one person to set up. Once disassembled, it can be stowed in a carry-on bag for easy portability. As crazy as that sounds, it means you can take your sauna with you on your adventures. “The biggest benefit for me is the portability—I love setting it up by the lake,” says photographer Jack Williams of his North Shore sauna. “The sauna tent fits in the back of my truck, and in just five minutes I can have it up and ready to go myself.”
Williams also noted that the interior of the sauna tent allows for more customization, as there are no built-in benches. “I had a sauna bench ready for meditation, and my wife brought a yoga mat and weights to work out in the tent,” Williams said. “You can dump everything out and enjoy the sauna with friends, with towels wherever you like.”
Speaking of temperature, the time it takes for a sauna tent to heat up depends on its size and heat source. A small sauna tent heated by a wood stove will heat up to 180–200 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 75–90 degrees Celsius) in about 30 minutes. A sauna tent with an electric heater may take as little as 10 minutes to heat up.
As mentioned above, the average cost of a portable sauna tent is only a third to half the cost of a traditional sauna, although luxury snowshoe sauna tents are quite expensive. Regardless of which sauna you choose, whether it’s a traditional sauna, Finnish sauna, infrared sauna or a tent sauna, there’s no denying that it’s a significant investment, and I think it should be!
A high-quality sauna made from durable, non-toxic materials will cost more up front because it will not leak harmful chemicals when the temperature rises. Whether it is an outdoor barrel sauna or a portable sauna tent, it should always be maintained in good condition to protect your health.
Saunas are great for your overall mental and physical health, and not just because they relieve stress and leave you feeling completely relaxed. Research has linked regular sauna use to a range of physiological benefits, including improved heart health, better circulation and, of course, deep cleansing and hydration of the skin through sweating. The heat also increases blood circulation throughout the body, helping to relieve tension in muscles and deep tissue. Alex King, a qualified osteopath who uses saunas to treat his patients, recommends that you “double down on your low-sugar electrolytes and increase your water intake” to avoid dehydration, especially if you use saunas frequently to recharge and sweat as efficiently as possible.
There is also evidence that saunas can help improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure and improve mental health, especially when combined with cold water immersion. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please consult your doctor beforehand.
If you are a beginner, it is recommended to stay in the sauna tent for 10 minutes, and if you are a regular sauna user, it is recommended to stay in the sauna tent for 20 minutes. After this, it is best to rest for 5 minutes to cool down and rehydrate, and then repeat the hot and cold bathing cycle if desired.
Always listen to your body and stay in the sauna for as long as you feel comfortable. If you feel dizzy or have a rapid heartbeat, leave the room immediately.
Designed for sauna camping, the Sweat Tent portable saunas can easily handle rugged terrain in remote areas or serve as a makeshift sweat tent on your patio. It’s made from two layers of heavy-duty, weather-resistant 210D Oxford nylon that keeps the elements out while keeping you warm. This insulated, collapsible tent is easy to pitch in minutes, and the compact wood stove heats up to 200 degrees in half an hour. The quilted material and igloo-style design are beautiful and durable, but what makes this sauna tent the “Best Sauna Tent” is that it ensures that the heat won’t release any harmful chemicals or pose any health risks while you sweat.
If you’re looking for a high-quality portable sauna that comes with the essential components you need to sweat anywhere, but don’t want to pay extra, the Overland Superlite kit is the perfect choice. Made from durable 210D Oxford nylon fabric and quilted, this kit is well-insulated, easy to assemble, and comes with a handy carry bag so you can store your sauna anywhere. The Overland package includes a complete basic kit with a stove and sauna stones, but all the extras (bench, bucket, and ladle) must be purchased separately. Ideal for sauna enthusiasts looking for a simple, portable sauna at an affordable price.
Minnesota-based sauna company North Shore Sauna has developed a portable sauna tent that’s big enough for you and your friends to sweat it out anywhere, anytime. This spacious, insulated tent can accommodate six people who are sauna-ing and features a 30-inch-tall bench made from western red cedar that lets you experience the typical sauna aroma while still being high enough off the ground to keep your feet warm. The powerful wood-burning stove heats up to over 200 degrees Fahrenheit in under 30 minutes and folds up quickly for easy transport.
The Sauna Box is a compact steam sauna tent that is large enough to accommodate one person, but small enough to fit indoors without taking up too much space. The portable steam unit delivers hot, moist air up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit into the insulated tent to relieve muscle tension, refresh the respiratory system, and cleanse the skin. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, but since it is not completely weatherproof, it is best suited for indoor use. The Sauna Box also includes a chair, mat, and microfiber towel.
The MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket, while not a tent, is a great alternative to a full-size sauna tent, combining all the benefits of a sauna with the therapeutic effects of infrared light therapy, but at a lower price. This sleeping bag-like sauna blanket comes with a remote control that allows users to adjust the time and internal temperature of the infrared heating. With a temperature range of 95 to 167 degrees Fahrenheit, the sauna blanket allows you to sweat comfortably in this non-toxic, portable sauna that is easy to clean and use anywhere.
Sauna tents can reach the same high temperatures as traditional saunas: 160 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and even higher.
In general, the temperature of a sauna should be high enough to raise body temperature, improve circulation, and provide oxygen to the body. Each person has a different tolerance for temperature, but in general, sauna temperatures can reach 113–200 degrees Fahrenheit (about 49–96 degrees Celsius) to ensure users experience health benefits.
The advantage of a portable sauna is that it creates a calm space for relaxation in the face of constantly rising dry or humid heat, just like a traditional sauna, but with the added benefits of being smaller in size and temporarily portable.
Yes, portable saunas can be just as effective as traditional saunas and are a viable form of heat therapy. Their portable design makes them more flexible, and their non-permanent structure makes them less expensive. But be sure to choose a quality portable sauna tent made from durable, non-toxic materials to avoid health risks.
Sauna tents are made of durable nylon material, so it is important to wipe down the walls and floor of the tent after each use and maintain good ventilation to prevent excess moisture and mold. Be sure to read the instructions for your sauna tent for specific instructions.
Sauna blankets have a temperature range of 75 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the model.
Looking for a permanent sauna that doesn’t take up much space? Check out our infrared sauna guide to create a cozy oasis in your home!
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