What to Bring to a Sauna Visit (And What to Leave at Home)
First time at a sauna? Knowing what to pack — and what will just get in the way — makes the whole experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here is the definitive packing list.
One of the pleasures of sauna is how little equipment you need. Unlike a gym session (shoes, kit, water bottle, headphones) or a yoga class (mat, blocks, specific clothing), sauna requires almost nothing. The heat does the work. Your job is to show up.
That said, there are a few things that make the experience significantly more comfortable and a few things that are best left at home.
What to Bring
Towel (or two). This is the non-negotiable. You need at least one towel to sit on in the sauna — direct contact between skin and wooden benches is not acceptable hygiene practice. A second towel for drying off after cooling is highly useful. Most venues provide towels or rent them, but bringing your own is always a cleaner option and saves the rental fee.
Choose a towel that is large enough to sit on and wrap around you between sessions. A standard bath towel works. A hammam (pestemal) towel is popular with regular sauna users — it is thinner, dries faster, and takes up less space in a bag.
Swimwear (if the venue requires it). Check the venue's policy in advance. Nordic and German saunas are typically nudist. UK, Dutch, and most international venues offer swimwear as standard or required. At venues where both options are available, bring swimwear so you can decide on arrival rather than being forced into either option.
Flip-flops or waterproof sandals. Walking through wet changing room floors without footwear is uncomfortable and a potential hygiene issue. Most venues have smooth tiled floors between changing room and sauna — flip-flops make navigation much more pleasant.
Water bottle. You will sweat significantly in a sauna — potentially half a litre per session in a hot sauna. Staying hydrated is important. Many venues provide water fountains or chilled water in the relaxation area, but bringing a 500ml–750ml bottle gives you control over your hydration throughout the visit.
Hair tie (if applicable). Long hair in a sauna is more comfortable tied up. The heat is less intense at the back of the neck when hair is up, and you will avoid wet hair on the benches that other users will sit on after you.
Small bag for valuables. Most venues have lockers, but a small bag to organise your locker contents makes things easier. Keep it waterproof if possible.
Optional But Useful
Sauna hat (saunahattu). A felt or wool hat designed to protect your hair and the top of your head from the most intense heat near the ceiling. Common in Finland, increasingly available at Nordic-inspired venues elsewhere. Not essential, but if you find your head feels uncomfortably hot in the sauna, a sauna hat solves the problem instantly.
