Packing a sauna bag: the checklist for your sauna visit
Anyone who wants to pack a sauna bag usually faces the same question: what do I really need, and what am I just carrying around? After more than 18 years as sauna operators at Lake Kulkwitz, we see both – guests with a half-empty bag who are missing a second towel, and guests who bring a suitcase. Here is our checklist to tick off, plus tips on how to organise the bag and which bag works well.
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Packing your sauna bag: the checklist at a glance
The table shows what you almost always need when packing your sauna bag and what you add depending on the sauna and how long you stay. For a short after-work visit, everything marked "Always" is enough; for a whole sauna day, take a look at the extras.
| Item | What for | Always or as needed |
|---|---|---|
| Large sauna towel | To lie on the bench, with your body and feet fully on the towel | Always |
| Second towel | Drying off after showering and cooling down | Always |
| Bath slippers | Walking between cabin, shower and relaxation area | Always |
| Shower gel, shampoo if needed | Shower before the first and after the last round | Always |
| Water bottle | Water or tea for the breaks | Always |
| Bathrobe or poncho | Staying warm during breaks and in the relaxation area | As needed, recommended for longer stays |
| Lounger towel | Covering the lounger in the relaxation area | As needed, for several hours |
| Comb, hair tie, cream | Hair and skin care after the last round | As needed |
| Swimwear | Pools or swimwear areas | Only if the facility requires it |
| Bag for wet items | Keeping wet and dry apart on the way home | Always useful |
| Book, fresh underwear, warm socks | Relaxation area and the way home | As needed |
Towels: the most important thing in the bag
You won't get into any sauna cabin without a sauna towel. It goes under you so that no part of your body touches the wood – not even your feet. That's why it should be at least as long as you are. A towel measuring 180 × 100 cm fits most people; if you are tall or like to stretch out, choose a longer size.
Add a second towel for drying off. That way your cabin towel stays dry and you don't sit on a damp towel in the next round. For a whole day with a relaxation area, many people bring a third towel for the lounger. We worked out how many towels you need for which length of visit in How Many Sauna Towels Do You Need?
When packing your sauna bag, the material of the towels makes the biggest difference in space. The DOTWAVE Sauna Towel XL (90 × 175 cm) weighs approx. 900–950 g and is pleasantly dense, but it also fills a good part of the bag. A flat-woven hammam towel such as the Hammam Towel Ocean (approx. 180 × 100 cm, approx. 400 g) rolls up small and, in our experience at the Meri Sauna, dries indoors in about 60 minutes. A proven combination: a dense sauna towel for the bench and a light hammam towel for drying off.
Clothing and footwear
In the cabins of most German saunas you sit naked on your towel. Between rounds, however, you need something to put on, especially outdoors or on cooler days. So when packing your sauna bag, think about clothing and footwear too.
- Bathrobe or bath poncho: A light cotton bathrobe fits into the bag better than a heavy one. The Trimita Barok Bathrobe is made of light, quick-drying cotton (not terry). You'll find alternatives in our bathrobe collection.
- Bath slippers: For the wet walkways between cabin, shower and relaxation area. You usually don't take them into the cabin itself but leave them outside.
- Swimwear: Only pack it if the facility has a pool or an area where swimwear is required. A look at the sauna's website will tell you in advance.
- Fresh underwear and warm socks: Pleasant after the last round, especially in winter.
What exactly you wear in the sauna area and how to combine towel, bathrobe and slippers is covered in our article on the sauna outfit.
Care and hygiene
Care products are the things most often forgotten when packing a sauna bag. You shower thoroughly before the first round and again after the last one. So a shower gel and, if needed, shampoo belong in the bag. Many facilities provide soap, but not all. The VEGAN FOX Shower Gel holds 200 ml and fits nicely into a side pocket.
- Comb or brush, hair tie: Tie long hair loosely for the cabin.
- Cream for afterwards: Face, hand or foot cream goes on after the last shower, not before.
- Small sizes: Travel-size care products save space and weight.
Drinks and light snacks
Between rounds, water or unsweetened tea is best. Many facilities don't allow glass bottles in the sauna area because broken glass on wet tiles is dangerous. A stainless steel bottle is the practical solution here. The IZY Thermos Bottle Van Gogh Flowers (500 ml) is double-walled, keeps drinks warm for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours according to the manufacturer, and doesn't form condensation on the outside – your bag stays dry. How much and what you should drink is explained in Drinking in the sauna.
For a long day, light snacks such as fruit or nuts fit into a container. Whether you may bring your own food is up to each sauna.
What can stay at home
- Jewellery and watch: Metal gets hot in the cabin. What you don't bring can't get lost.
- Phone: In many sauna areas it is unwelcome or even forbidden, not least because of the camera.
- Perfume, deodorant, body lotion: They have no place in the cabin.
- Thick wool blankets and a second bathrobe: They take up a lot of space and are rarely needed.
The right bag: size, compartments, material
If you pack your sauna bag often, you'll quickly notice: a good bag needs space above all. For two towels, a bathrobe, a bottle and small items, it should be roomy and have a firm base so it stays upright next to the lounger. Our Beach Bag Marina measures approx. 50 × 40 × 15 cm and has room for, for example, two hammam towels, a water bottle and a change of clothes. It is open at the top and has no zip – which makes packing and unpacking quick. It's best to put valuables in an additional small bag with a closure.
You'll find more models in our bags. Important for any bag: wet towels go into a separate pouch so nothing gets musty and your fresh clothes stay dry.
In which order to pack your sauna bag
The order decides whether you find everything quickly on site. This has proven itself:
- Bottom: Bathrobe and lounger towel – you only need them after the first round.
- Middle: Sauna towel and the towel for drying off, rolled rather than folded to save space.
- Side: Water bottle upright so it doesn't press.
- Top: Shower gel, slippers in a pouch, comb – you need these first.
- Keep empty: A pouch for wet items on the way home.
A small tip: if you can pack your sauna bag the evening before, you are less likely to forget anything. If you wash the towels right after your visit, the bag is quickly ready for next time.
Variations: after work, whole day, thermal spa
- After-work sauna (2–3 hours): Two towels, slippers, shower gel, bottle. A bathrobe is not a must.
- Whole sauna day: Additionally a bathrobe or poncho, lounger towel, book, snacks and fresh clothes.
- Thermal spa with pools: Don't forget swimwear, and plan one more towel for the pool area.
Related reading: Sauna hat: what the felt hat is good for in the sauna · A whole sauna day: how to plan your schedule, meals and breaks · After-work sauna: relaxed in two hours after the working day
Conclusion
Packing a sauna bag doesn't take a long list: two towels, bath slippers, shower gel and a water bottle are the basics. For longer visits, add a bathrobe or poncho, a lounger towel and fresh clothes. Light hammam towels save space, a pouch for wet items keeps the bag tidy – and whatever doesn't belong in the cabin simply stays at home.
Frequently asked questions
What absolutely belongs in a sauna bag?
If you want to pack your sauna bag quickly, the basics are enough: a large sauna towel for the bench, a second towel for drying off, bath slippers, shower gel and a water bottle. With these you are well equipped for almost any sauna.
How big should a sauna bag be?
Big enough for two towels, a bathrobe and a bottle to fit comfortably. A bag of approx. 50 × 40 × 15 cm is enough for a normal sauna visit, and with light hammam towels there is room to spare.
Do I need a bathrobe in the sauna?
Not necessarily. For a short visit, a large towel to wrap yourself in is often enough. For a long day or in winter, however, a light bathrobe or poncho is pleasant.
Can I bring a glass bottle?
Many saunas don't allow glass bottles in wet areas. A stainless steel bottle is the safe choice – if in doubt, check the house rules beforehand.
Can I rent towels at the sauna?
At many facilities yes, usually for a fee. Whether your own towel is worth it is covered in Rent or Bring Your Own Sauna Towel?
Personally written by Martin – founder of BeachAndSteam and sauna operator at Lake Kulkwitz for more than 18 years.