Sauna kit
An insulated water bottle, travel-ready toiletries and a swimsuit designed for the heat, get sauna-ready with our pick of the best sauna accessories
While you don’t technically need anything to enjoy a sauna – clothing is, traditionally, optional after all – if you’re a regular sauna user, a few carefully chosen pieces of kit can make you more comfortable and even extend the time you can stay in the heat.
SAADE The Sauna Swimsuit
£140
Pro: Keeps you feeling cool and fresh
Con: Best suited to dipping
The Sauna Swimsuit by Saade is the first sauna-approved swimsuit. Conventional swimwear is designed for chlorinated pools rather than the high heat and humidity of a sauna. They’re often made with synthetic fibres like polyester or nylon – in other words, plastic – which means they can trap heat, feel sticky, harbour bacteria or even release microplastics onto your skin. The Sauna Swimsuit is made with a highly technical fabric called OEKO-TEX®, which is made from 88% plant-based Lyocell and 12% recycled elastane. The material is antibacterial, meaning it keeps your skin fresh and odour-free, and it has a cooling effect thanks to the ultra-light fabric. In the sauna, the fabric feels soft, stretchy and comfortable. With its low round neckline and deep scoop back, it has a timeless fit – although it’s best suited to leisurely swims. The swimsuit dries quickly and takes up barely any space in your kit bag. A good investment if you’re a sauna regular.
JARVI The Sauna Bottle
£27.95
Not just for sauna lovers! The natural cork and neoprene sleeve on this stylish Sauna Bottle (550ml or 1lt) keeps the double-walled insulated stainless steel bottle cool to touch and the water chilled even in a 90ºC sauna, which is great for staying hydrated in the sauna. But what we liked best is that it’s also great for keeping your water refreshingly cool during a training session in a warm pool environment – like an insulated flask, it keeps water cool for up to 12 hours! This has become my take-everywhere bottle, ideal for the gym, pool and sauna.
LA POCHETTE Wet Bag
£70
The Wet Bag is really thoughtfully made, and ideal for swim sessions and sauna visits. The large waterproof pocket fits a swimsuit or trunks, hat and goggles, with a triple lock closure keeps your wet kit separate from your dry clothes. There’s also a smaller pocket on the front for your phone and keys. It’s ideal if you want to go for a pre-work or lunchtime swim or sauna and pop your kit back in your work bag. The material, made with 100% recycled plastic bottles, is lightweight, machine washable and it’s compact enough to slip into your day bag or suitcase for a weekend away.
SAADE Sauna Headscarf
£35
A lighter alternative to a sauna hat, this minimal Sauna Headscarf is ultra-light and silky-soft. Made with 100% Lyocell, it’s naturally moisture-absorbent and quick-drying, and protects your hair from heat while allowing your skin to breathe.
ROMING Sauna hat
£40
Usually made from wool felt, a sauna hat protects your head from heat by creating an insulating layer that keeps your head cooler, prevents dizziness and allows you to stay in longer, while also protecting your hair from dryness and damage. I really liked this unusual four-peaked waffle design, which is made with organic cotton as natural fibres are breathable, non-toxic and kind to your skin; the subtle peaks allow heat to circulate and escape.
WILD MOOSE Sauna Mat
£10
It’s sauna etiquette to have something to sit on to protect the wooden benches. Better than a towel, we love this sauna mat. It’s made of felted wool – the best material for temperature regulation. It will protect your bottom from the heat of the sauna bench and absorb post-cold plunge moisture and sweat. We found it super-comfortable to sit on, and we also liked the handy hanging loop.
WIDEYE Natural Explorer Set
£26
These ten half-size shower bars are a great travel-ready alternative to shower gel in plastic bottles, ideal for washing away chlorinated pool water and saltwater, and for freshening up after a sauna. The soaps smell incredible, and range from moisturising and soothing qualities to invigorating and exfoliating.
Find all the gear you need for open water swimming, from adventure bags and swimming togs to tow floats and changing robes, at the Outdoor Swimming Shop. Read more gear reviews. If you buy a product through a link on this page we may receive a commission.
Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
