Portable Sauna Tent Guide: How They Work & Which to Trust

After years of being cabin obsessed, in the past few years I've become a bit of a sauna expert. I've researched the best barrel saunas, tested outdoor saunas of all shapes and sizes, and even built a backyard sauna kit. All the while, as traditional saunas continue to become the next hottest health and wellness trend—right alongside the cold plunge of course—I've noticed some more unconventional sauna lovers promoting a more portable sauna option—the humble sauna tent. Curious to learn more, I decided to dig in deeper with a sauna tent test of my own.

And so, I'm excited to present my latest feature in the ever growing Field Mag wellness section—our guide to portable sauna tents.

Back in my pre-sauna-owning days, I would embrace the healing warmth of heat therapy however I could, be it via large public bathhouse while traveling abroad, during a rare spa day, or on occasion, in the form of a wood fired hot tub when the stars aligned. Now that I have a personal sauna in my backyard sauna, I'll admit it’s certainly easy to raise an eyebrow at a tent sauna. But these à la mode saunas make a strong case as affordable, space-saving, and even portable saunas resulting in many happy and relaxed heat bathers.

Read on as I delve into the steamy world of sauna tents to uncover if they’re really worth the investment, how they work, and why they are just so hot right now.

What Is a Portable Sauna Tent?

As you might guess, a sauna tent is a lightweight, portable outdoor sauna that can be assembled like a camping or ice fishing tent using purpose-built synthetic materials like insulated ripstop nylon, rods or poles, and fiberglass.

For most models, a sauna tent can be set up in just 5-10 minutes. And once erected, sauna tents use a compact wood-burning or electric sauna stove to quickly generate high heat similar to a traditional dry sauna. Inside, conventional wood benches and other sauna accessories can be used as usual. Aside from the material construction, the biggest difference between a sauna tent and a conventional sauna is that tents are temporary and can be collapsed down and easily transported.

How Much do Sauna Tents Cost?

A sauna tent can cost anywhere from $500 to $4,000 depending on the size and heat source—much less than a quality sauna kit which typically cost between $7,000 to $11,000, and considerably cheaper than prefab saunas that can run north of $30,000. Portable saunas are even cheaper than building a DIY sauna.

That said, don't be fooled by the many extremely cheap sauna tent options available on Amazon or from big box stores like Walmart & Home Depot. Ultra-low prices often mean corners cut and no customer service—if a sauna tent doesn't clearly state it's been tested for toxic off-gassing at high temperatures it may be unsafe. The last thing we want is to breath in dangerous chemicals while we're trying to enjoy a health improving heat bath!

Benefits of Portable Saunas

If you’re weighing your options while trying to choose the best sauna for your lifestyle, the main benefits of a sauna tent compared to traditional saunas will likely come down to cost and portability—the health benefits are the same. Below is a detailed look into the benefits of portable saunas and sauna tents.

Ease of Portability & Quick Assembly

Unless pretty much all other types of saunas, portable sauna tents are lightweight and often have a small footprint, so they require less space for setup and use, making them attractive to home renters with a small outdoor space who either don’t want to or can’t build a more permanent structure in a yard or on a deck.

Most sauna tents can be assembled in 5-10 minutes by just one person. And when disassembled, can be stored in a duffel bag, which allows for easy travel. Wild as it sounds, this means you can bring your sauna along on adventures. “The primary draw for me was the unmatched portability—I particularly enjoy setting it up next to the lake.” says photographer Jake Williams of his North Shore Sauna. “The sauna tent easily fits in the back of my truck, and in just five minutes I can have the entire tent assembled and ready to go all on my own.”

Williams also notes that the interior space of a sauna tent allows for a bit more customization because there are no built-in benches. “I've set up a sauna bench for meditative moments, while my wife brings her yoga mat and free weights for a workout inside the tent,” says Williams. “You can clear everything out for a social sauna session with friends, laying towels down as you please.”

Heats Up Quickly

When it comes to temperature, the question of how long it takes to heat up a sauna tent depends on the size and heat source. A smaller sauna tent with a wood-burning stove can take about 30 minutes to reach temperatures of 180 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Whereas a sauna tent with an electric heater may need just 10 minutes to heat up.

Lower Cost

As mentioned above, portable sauna tents cost on average one-third to half the price of conventional saunas—though luxe Snowtrekker tent saunas sure get pricey. Whichever sauna experience you go for, be it a traditional or Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, or tent sauna, there’s no denying that it's is a big investment, and I’d argue that it should be!

A high quality sauna that is well made with durable and non-toxic materials will cost more upfront to ensure no harmful chemicals leach out when the mercury rises. Whether it’s an outdoor barrel sauna or portable sauna tent, it should always perform well and safeguard your wellbeing.

The Health Benefits of Sauna Tents

It isn’t just the stress relief and residual feeling of total relaxation that makes sauna bathing so impactful for your overall health and wellbeing. Studies show that frequent sauna use has been linked to a number of physiological benefits including increased hearth health, improved circulation, and of course a deep cleanse and hydration for the skin thanks to all that sweating. The high heat also helps to relieve tension in the muscles and deep tissues by promoting circulation throughout the entire body. Alex King D.O., a licensed osteopathic physician who uses sauna bathing to treat patients, recommends that you "double up on your intake of low-sugar electrolytes and increase water intake" to avoid dehydration, especially if you sauna often to replenish your reserves and get the most out of your sweat session.

There’s also evidence that suggests saunas can aid in improving cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and boost mental health—especially when it’s paired with cold plunges. Talk to your doctor beforehand if you have any health conditions or concerns.

How Long Should You Stay in a Sauna Tent?

It is recommended that you stay in a sauna tent for as short as 10 minutes if you're just starting out, and as long as 20 minutes for frequent sauna users. It's best to then take a five minute break to cool down and hydrate, then repeat the hot cold cycle if you like.

Remember to always listen to your body and stay in the sauna for as long as you feel comfortable. Exit immediately if you feel dizzy or experience heart palpitations.

5 Best Portable Sauna Tents

Best Sauna Tent Overall: Sweat Tent

• Capacity: 3-4
• Weight: 30 lbs
• Dimensions: 6ft (L) x 6ft (W) x 7ft (H)
• Tent Material: Oxford 210D Nylon
• Heat source: Stainless steel sauna stove
• Price: $1,499 (use code "FIELDMAG100" for $100 off)

The Sweat Tent’s portable sauna is designed for on-the-go sauna sessions that can easily handle a rugged remote locale or look great as a temporary sweat tent on the deck. Constructed with two layers of ultra-durable, weather-resistant Oxford 210D Nylon, it wins at keeping out the elements while trapping the heat inside. This insulated pop up tent sets up with minimal effort and can be assembled within minutes, while the compact wood burning stove gets the heat cranking up to 200 degrees in a half hour. The quilted material and igloo-esque design provides a cool aesthetic with the durability to back it up, but the Sweat Tent earned its superlative as “best overall sauna tent” by ensuring the heat doesn’t leach out harmful chemicals while you sweat or pose any health threats.

Shop Sweat Tent

Best Value Sauna Tent: Overland Superlite Kit

• Capacity: 3-4
• Weight: 30 lbs (stove weighs 29 lbs separately)
• Dimensions: 6ft (L) x 6ft (W) x 7ft (H)
• Tent Material: Oxford 210D Nylon
• Heat source: Wood burning stove
• Price: $1,295

If you’re looking for a good quality portable sauna that comes with the essential components you need to sweat on-the-go, but don’t want to pay for any of the extras, the Overland Superlite Kit is for you. Crafted from a durable Oxford 210D nylon that’s quilted for insulation designed for easy assembly, plus a tote bag for wherever you decide to sauna, the Overland Kit provides a great foundational setup that includes a sauna stove and rocks, but all additional components (sauna bench, bucket, and ladle) must be bought separately. It’s perfect for the sauna enthusiast who wants a simple portable sauna setup at a good price.

Shop Overland Superlite Kit

Best Large Sauna Tent: North Shore Sauna Tent Nova 6 Premium Package

• Capacity: 6
• Weight: 50 lbs
• Dimensions: 7.5 ft (L) and 32” wide door
• Tent Material 300D Oxford Polyester
• Heat source: Wood burning stove
• Price: $2,187

Minnesota-based sauna company, North Shore Sauna, designed a portable sauna tent that’s big enough for you and all your friends to have a sweat wherever you please. This spacious insulated tent is large enough to fit six sauna bathers and comes with a 30” tall bench crafted from Western Red Cedar for that quintessential sauna aroma, that positions you high enough off the ground so you don’t get cold feet. The powerful wood burning stove heats up to over 200 degrees Fahrenheit in less than 30 minutes, and folds down quickly for ease of transportation.

Shop North Shore Sauna

Best Indoor Sauna Tent: Sauna Box

• Capacity: 1
• Weight: 29 lbs
• Dimensions: 6ft (H) x 35” (W) x 35” (L)
• Tent Material: Non-toxic fiberglass frame and ThermoShield cover
• Heat source: Steam unit
• Price: $349 (use code FM10 for 10% off)

The Sauna Box is a compact steam sauna tent that’s big enough for one, yet small enough to keep indoors without using up too much space. A portable steam unit pumps hot, humid air that reaches up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit into the insulated tent which can soothe muscle tension, refresh the respiratory system, and cleanse the skin. It’s designed for indoor or outdoor use, but because it’s not totally weatherproof will fare much better inside. The Sauna Box also includes a chair, floor mat, and microfiber towel.

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Most Portable Infrared Sauna: MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket V2

• Capacity: 1
• Weight: 22 lbs (user will feel 9-10 lbs of weight on them)
• Dimensions: 71” long (maximum user height is 6’4”)
• Heat source: Far Infrared
• Price: $374

While it’s not a tent, MiHigh’s infrared sauna blanket is a great alternative to a full size sauna tent that provides all the benefits of a sauna with the healing effects of infrared light therapy for a much lower price. The sleeping bag-esque blanket comes with a remote control to provide users with the ability to adjust the time and inside infrared heat temperature. With a range of 95-167 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll get a good, cleansing sweat in a non-toxic, portable sauna that’s easy to clean and use wherever you go.

Shop MiHigh Infrared Sauna Blanket V2

FAQ

How hot do sauna tents get?

Sauna tents can reach the same high temperatures as traditional saunas, which is anywhere from 160 degrees Fahrenheit to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and higher.

How hot does a sauna have to be for health benefits?

In general, the heat of a sauna should be high enough to raise your body’s core temperature and encourage circulation to oxygenate the body. Every person has a different tolerance for the heat, but as a guide, a sauna can be as hot 113-200 degrees Fahrenheit for users to experience health benefits.

Do portable saunas work well?

A portable sauna works well insofar that it creates a peaceful space to relax in sustained, elevated dry or wet heat in the same way that a traditional sauna does, with the added benefit of a smaller footprint and temporary, portable design.

Are portable saunas any good?

Yes, a portable sauna can work just as well as a traditional sauna as an effective form of heat therapy in a transportable design that allows for more flexibility and a non-permanent structure at a lower price. Just remember to look for a quality portable sauna tent that is made from durable, non-toxic materials to avoid any health risks.

What are the maintenance requirements for sauna tents?

Sauna tents are constructed from a durable nylon material which requires wiping down the tent walls and floor, and ventilating it well after each use to prevent excess moisture from building up and turning to mildew or mold. Make sure to read the sauna tent’s manual for specific instructions.

How hot can a sauna blanket get?

Depending on the model, the temperature range of sauna blankets can range from 75-165 degrees Fahrenheit.