Sauna Session Essentials: 5 Must-Have Items and 5 Things to Leave Behind
When preparing for a sauna session, packing the right items can make all the difference between a relaxing experience and one that feels a little unprepared. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, knowing what to bring—and what to leave behind—is key to enjoying a safe, comfortable, and rejuvenating session.
Here’s the insider’s guide to packing for your next sauna session.
5 Must-Have Items for Your Sauna Session
1. Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is essential for a safe and enjoyable sauna experience. Bring a reusable, insulated water bottle to keep your drink cool, even in the heat. Proper hydration helps replenish the fluids you lose while sweating and keeps you feeling refreshed. Better yet, fill that water bottle with a hydrating beverage to quickly replace those electrolytes lost during your session.
2. Towels (Yes, Plural)
A clean towel is a must for sitting on in the sauna. Bring an extra towel to wipe off sweat between sessions. If you're cooling off with a cold plunge or shower afterward, you’ll appreciate having a dry towel ready!
3. Natural-Fiber Sauna Wear
What you wear in the sauna matters. Opt for clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or linen, as synthetic materials can degrade in high heat and potentially release harmful fumes. Whether you’re wearing a light bathing suit or a sauna wrap, choose something comfortable and heat-friendly.
4. Slip-On Footwear
While you won’t wear shoes in the sauna, slip-on footwear like flip-flops is helpful for transitioning to and from the sauna space. They’re easy to remove and help keep your feet warm on chilly days.
5. Bath Robe
After a relaxing sauna session, having a bath robe is a game-changer. It’s perfect for lounging outside in the wind or even cold weather. For comfortable transitions between warm-ups and cool-downs you won’t want to leave your bath robe behind.
5 Things to Leave Behind
1. Glass Water Bottles
While staying hydrated is crucial, avoid bringing glass water bottles. They can become a safety hazard if they break and aren’t designed to insulate against heat. Opt for stainless steel or insulated plastic bottles instead, and always keep them on the lower bench.
2. Electronics
Heat and moisture don’t mix well with gadgets. Keep your phone, smartwatch, or earbuds outside the sauna to prevent damage—and to enjoy a distraction-free experience.
3. Street Shoes (or Any Shoes)
Shoes don’t belong inside the sauna. Not only are they unnecessary, but they can also track dirt into the space. If needed, stick with flip-flops for easy transitions but leave all other footwear at the door.
4. Makeup, Fragrances, or Lotions
Skip and remove any makeup, perfumes, or lotions before your sauna session. The heat will cause these self-care products to melt or sweat off, potentially clogging pores or irritating your skin. Plus, strong scents can detract your sauna mates from the otherwise peaceful atmosphere.
5. Jewelry, Metal or Plastic Accessories
Metal heats up quickly in a sauna, potentially causing burns. Remove rings, necklaces, and watches to avoid discomfort or damage to your items. Even items made of plastic, acrylic, or wood can melt, burn, break or release off-gassing fumes, so it’s best to leave them at home.
Ready to Pack for Your Next Sauna Session?
Now that you know what to bring (and what to skip), you’re ready for a safe, comfortable, and refreshing sauna experience. At Howl at the Moon Sauna Co., we create welcoming spaces for relaxation, connection, and rejuvenation.
Whether it’s a private rental or a community pop-up event, we’ll bring the heat so you can focus on unwinding.
