A good sauna routine does not need to be complicated.
You do not need a huge bag of gear, expensive gadgets or a perfectly curated wellness setup. But a few simple sauna accessories can make your sessions feel more comfortable, consistent and easy to stick to.
Whether you sauna at home, at the gym, in a recovery studio or at a bathhouse, these are the sauna accessories worth considering.
Quick answer: what are the best sauna accessories?
The best sauna accessories are the ones that make your sauna routine more comfortable and easier to repeat. A sauna hat, towel, water bottle, sandals, small bag and timer are all simple additions that can improve the overall experience.
For regular sauna users, a merino wool sauna hat is one of the most useful accessories because it helps manage head heat and supports hair and scalp comfort during hot sessions.
1. Sauna hat
A sauna hat is one of the most underrated sauna accessories.
It helps create a layer between your head and the dry heat of the sauna. This can help manage head heat, support hair and scalp comfort, and make hot sauna sessions feel easier to settle into.
This is especially useful if your head heats up quickly, your scalp feels exposed, or you sauna multiple times per week.
The Koala Sauna Hat is made from 100% Australian merino wool and designed for regular sauna users who want a simple, premium sauna accessory built for heat.
2. Large towel
A towel is essential in almost every sauna setup.
You can sit on it, dry off with it, or use it between sauna and shower or cold plunge rounds. A larger towel is usually more practical than a small gym towel because it gives you more coverage and keeps the sauna bench more comfortable.
If you use public saunas or recovery studios, a clean towel is also just good sauna etiquette.
3. Water bottle
Hydration matters when you sauna.
A reusable water bottle is one of the simplest accessories to bring with you. It helps you stay prepared before, during and after your session.
For longer sauna routines or sauna and ice bath sessions, having water nearby makes the whole routine easier.
4. Slides or sandals
If you sauna at a gym, public bathhouse or recovery studio, slides or sandals can be worth bringing.
They are easy to slip on between the sauna, shower, change room and cold plunge area. They also keep your routine cleaner and more comfortable.
5. Small sauna bag
A simple bag makes it easier to keep your sauna gear together.
You can keep your sauna hat, towel, water bottle, spare clothes and small essentials in one place so you are not scrambling before every session.
This is especially useful if you sauna before work, after training or on the way home from the gym.
The sauna accessory you’ll actually use every session.
The Koala Sauna Hat is made from 100% Australian merino wool and designed to help protect your hair and scalp, manage head heat and make hot sauna sessions more comfortable.
Shop The Koala Hat6. Timer or watch
A timer helps you keep track of your session without guessing.
Some saunas have a timer built in, but if not, a simple watch or phone timer outside the sauna can help you manage your rounds.
The goal is not to push yourself as hard as possible. It is to build a routine that feels sustainable and safe for you.
7. Post-sauna change of clothes
If you are going from sauna back into your day, a fresh shirt, socks or underwear can make a big difference.
This is not the most exciting accessory, but it is one of the most practical. A clean change of clothes makes your post-sauna routine feel much better.
8. Hair tie or clip
If you have longer hair, a hair tie or clip is a small but useful addition.
It keeps hair off your face and neck during the session. If you also wear a sauna hat, tying your hair loosely can make the hat sit more comfortably.
9. Recovery journal or notes app
This one is optional, but useful if you like tracking habits.
You can note how long you stayed in, how many rounds you did, whether you used cold plunge, and how you felt afterwards. Over time, this can help you understand what sauna routine works best for you.
What should you bring to the sauna?
For most people, a simple sauna kit is enough:
- sauna hat
- large towel
- water bottle
- slides or sandals
- small bag
- fresh clothes
You can keep it simple. The best sauna accessories are the ones you actually use consistently.
Why a sauna hat is the first accessory we recommend
A towel and water bottle are basics. But a sauna hat is the accessory that directly improves how your head, hair and scalp feel inside the sauna.
That makes it one of the most useful upgrades for regular sauna users.
If your head gets hot quickly, your hair feels exposed, or you want to make your sessions feel more comfortable, a merino wool sauna hat is a smart place to start.
FAQs
What accessories do I need for a sauna?
The most useful sauna accessories are a sauna hat, towel, water bottle, slides or sandals, and a small bag to keep everything together.
Is a sauna hat worth it?
If you sauna regularly, a sauna hat can be worth it. It helps manage head heat, supports hair and scalp comfort, and makes hot sauna sessions feel more comfortable.
What should I bring to a public sauna?
Bring a towel, water bottle, slides, clean clothes and a sauna hat if you want extra head, hair and scalp comfort.
What is the best sauna accessory for hair protection?
A merino wool sauna hat is one of the best sauna accessories for hair and scalp comfort because it helps create a barrier from direct dry heat.
Do beginners need sauna accessories?
Beginners do not need much. Start with a towel and water bottle, then add a sauna hat if you want better comfort around your head, hair and scalp.
Want to learn more? Read our guide on what does a sauna hat do, or compare a sauna hat vs towel.