What to Take to the Sauna: Checklist from Univermag

Heading to the sauna sounds simple, but a well-packed bag can make all the difference. Knowing what to take to a sauna means more than just grabbing a towel. The right items help you stay comfortable, relaxed, and hygienic — while avoiding the awkwardness of forgetting something essential.

In this guide, you’ll find a complete checklist tailored for both first-time visitors and those who already know their way around the steam room. We’ll cover the must-haves, things to avoid, and small extras that upgrade the experience. Whether you're unsure what to take to sauna or want a refresher on what to take while going to sauna, we’ve got you covered.

Why Preparation for Sauna Matters

Being prepared means you can relax without distractions, avoid discomfort, and get the most out of the experience. It’s one of the most overlooked sauna tips, yet it makes a real difference. A smart checklist ensures you don’t miss any basics or waste time with unnecessary items. If you’re unsure what to take sauna, a bit of planning ahead goes a long way.

Comfort and Hygiene First

Cleanliness and comfort start before you even step into the sauna. A properly packed bag helps you stay relaxed and respectful of the shared space. Essentials like a towel, flip-flops, and soap may seem obvious, but they’re easy to forget in a rush.

To cover the basics, think in categories: body care, hydration, and after-sauna needs. If you’re asking what to take to sauna, focus on functional items that help you stay dry, clean, and comfortable. Avoid overpacking — you don’t need much, just the right things. These are your true sauna essentials, and they’ll keep the experience smooth from start to finish.

Preventing Common Mistakes

It’s easy to overlook something important or bring items that don’t belong. First-timers often skip hydration, forget shower products, or wear metal jewelry that heats up uncomfortably. Others pack too much, which creates clutter and makes the visit less relaxing.

If you're wondering what to take while going to sauna, remember: less is more — but not at the cost of essentials. Bring only what enhances the session. These sauna tips help you avoid common slip-ups and make sure your first (or next) visit is simple and stress-free.

Essential Items for Your Sauna Bag

Knowing what to take to sauna ensures you’re not caught off guard. The right set of items supports hygiene, hydration, and comfort — all of which enhance the benefits of heat therapy. Below are the core sauna essentials to pack every time.

Towel and Robe

A towel is one of the most important items to bring to any sauna. In most public saunas, it's not just a recommendation — it's required. Sitting or lying on a towel helps maintain hygiene standards by preventing sweat from reaching benches and shared surfaces. One large towel is usually enough for sitting inside, but many people bring a second towel to use after showering or drying off between rounds.

A robe adds another layer of comfort and practicality. It's especially useful when transitioning between the sauna, showers, and relaxation areas. In some facilities, wearing a robe is part of proper etiquette in common zones. If you’re wondering what to take to a sauna, a towel and robe should be among the first things you pack — for cleanliness, comfort, and social courtesy.

Water Bottle and Hydration

Sweating in a sauna causes fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration if not replenished. This makes hydration a critical part of any sauna visit. Drink water before you enter the sauna, take sips during breaks, and drink again afterward. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, headaches, and fatigue — all of which reduce the benefits of your session.

Use a reusable, non-glass water bottle — glass can become dangerously hot or shatter in high temperatures. Water is ideal, but if you’re staying for multiple rounds, electrolyte drinks can help restore lost minerals.

These sauna tips also include time limits: stay in for 15–20 minutes per round at most, and always cool down and hydrate in between. If you're new and unsure what to do in a sauna, keeping water close and using it regularly is one of the most important habits to build.

Slippers and Hygiene Items

Foot hygiene in saunas is crucial — warm, damp environments can promote fungal growth, especially on shared surfaces like tile floors or showers. Clean, non-slip slippers protect your feet and reduce the risk of infection. Many saunas require them as part of their hygiene policy, and they're especially important if you're using locker rooms or communal changing areas.

Personal hygiene items are just as essential. Bring a gentle shower gel or body wash, shampoo, and soap. You’ll need to shower before entering the sauna to remove dirt, sweat, and lotions, and again after to rinse off sweat and open pores. Skipping this step can lead to skin irritation or blocked pores, especially if you plan to reapply any skincare afterward.

These items are core sauna essentials, particularly in public settings. They protect both your skin and the shared environment, making the experience cleaner and more pleasant for everyone.

What You Should Not Take

Not everything belongs in a high-heat, high-humidity environment. Some items can be damaged or become uncomfortable to use. If you're unsure what to take sauna and what to avoid, it helps to think practically — and safely. For example, many ask: should I bring phone in sauna? In most cases, it's best not to. Below are the main things to leave out.

Electronics and Phones

Most devices are not designed to withstand temperatures of 160-200°F (70-95°C) and extreme humidity. Phone batteries can overheat, which shortens battery life or causes malfunction. Screens may become unresponsive or fog up, and condensation can get inside the device, even if it’s labeled water-resistant.

Some devices also have built-in temperature sensors that automatically shut them down when they overheat — which they will, quickly, in a sauna. Beyond damage, using a phone in a shared space disrupts the relaxing atmosphere. Saunas are meant for quiet, undistracted time — not notifications, selfies, or scrolling.

So, if you're still asking should I bring phone in sauna, the answer is no. Leave it in a secure locker or bring it only to a cool-down area after your session.

Heavy Cosmetics and Jewelry

High temperatures increase skin sensitivity and open pores. Wearing makeup, heavy moisturizers, or perfumes can trap sweat and lead to clogged pores or irritation. Active ingredients (like retinol or acids) become more potent with heat, which may cause stinging or redness.

Jewelry poses another issue. Metal heats up quickly and may cause burns or skin irritation, especially when worn close to the skin for prolonged periods. Watches and fitness trackers can also be damaged or give inaccurate readings in the heat.

If you're planning what to take to sauna, leave all non-essential cosmetics, perfumes, and jewelry at home. They don’t improve the experience — and in some cases, they can actively make it worse.

Bonus: Tips for First-Time Sauna Visitors

If it’s your first time going to a sauna, a bit of preparation helps you feel more confident and avoid common missteps. Understanding the basics — how to act, how long to stay, and what to expect — makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable. These sauna tips are simple but important. And if you're not sure what to do in a sauna, this section will walk you through the essentials.

• Respect for other people is essential in any shared or public sauna. Always shower before entering to keep the space clean. Using a towel to sit or lie on will protect the bench and you. Keep your voice low or stay silent. Many people go to the sauna for peace and recovery, not conversation.
• Limit your time if the sauna is full, and allow others their turn in higher-heat spots. Avoid loud behavior, strong-smelling products, or using your phone inside. These sauna tips create a calm atmosphere and show basic courtesy — especially helpful if you're new to the space.

Listen to Your Body

The time you spend in the sauna depends on your comfort and experience level. Most people stay in for 10 to 20 minutes per round. If you're just starting, aim for shorter sessions — around 5 to 10 minutes — and build up over time.

Take breaks between rounds to cool down and hydrate. Drink water before and after, and leave immediately if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or lightheaded. When learning what to do in a sauna, your body is the best guide. There's no need to push limits — the benefits come from consistency and balance, not extremes.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to take to sauna, you're ready to make the most of your visit — whether it's your first time or your fiftieth. A well-packed bag, a few smart habits, and awareness of basic etiquette can make every session more relaxing, clean, and beneficial.

Stick to the essentials, respect the space, and listen to your body. Enjoy the full wellness benefits of heat treatment with these easy sauna tips.

With the right sauna essentials and preparation, your sauna time becomes more than just a routine — it becomes a recharge.