Buying a sauna tent: how to choose the right one (2026 guide)

1. Size

How many should fit?

Size decides two things: how many people fit and how quickly it gets hot. A bigger tent fits more people but has more air to heat. Start from how you will usually sauna, not just from the biggest party.

• 2 to 5 people: couples, small families and anyone who wants to carry the sauna longer distances. Heats up quickly and one level of benches is often enough.
• 4 to 8 people: bigger families and groups of friends. With two-level benches you sit high up where the heat is best.

Also look at the ceiling height. Heat gathers under the roof, so a lower roof gives warm air around your head without tall benches.

2. Stove

The stove is the heart of the sauna

The stove decides whether you get real sauna heat or just a warm tent.

• Output: compare the stove's kW with the size of the tent. Our 7.5 kW and 9 kW stoves are made for tents for 2 to 5 and 4 to 8 people respectively.
• Stainless steel: SS304 resists heat, moisture and rust far better than painted steel.
• Stone chamber: the stones store heat and give soft löyly when you pour water on them.
• Glass door and carry bag: you can see the fire without opening the door, and the stove is easy to move.

3. Fabric

The fabric decides how long the heat stays

A sauna tent has to handle heat from the inside and weather from the outside. Look for:

• Flame-retardant fabric, a must with a wood-fired stove inside the tent.
• Multiple layers that insulate, especially when it is cold outside.
• High denier (D), which means stronger yarn and tougher fabric.
• Water column around 2000 mm, so the rain stays out.
• TPU windows, which handle both heat and cold.

4. Setup and weight

Up in a few minutes

A sauna tent that is a hassle to set up rarely gets used. A pop-up tent unfolds in a few minutes. Tents with poles take a little longer but often weigh less.

Check what the tent and stove weigh together and how big everything is when packed. If you will carry the sauna longer distances, carry bags with shoulder straps are worth their weight in gold.

5. What is included

Complete package or just the tent?

Always compare what is included. A cheap tent can get expensive once you buy everything that is missing. To sauna you need:

• Tent with chimney hole and guy lines
• Wood-fired stove with chimney pipes
• Sauna stones and floor
• Bucket, ladle and thermometer
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Benches or stools

Our packages include all of this except benches, which you choose to fit the size of the tent. That way you can light the fire the same day the package arrives.

6. Placement

Where should the sauna tent stand?

Place the tent on a level, stable surface such as grass, gravel or a deck. Keep a safe distance from buildings, trees and anything else that can burn, and think about which way the smoke will blow.

A sauna tent that is set up temporarily is normally not considered a building and therefore does not need a building permit. If it will stand permanently, or in an area with shoreline protection, it is wise to check with your local authority.