Portable Tent Saunas

I know these seem like a good idea, but be careful if you buy one. Most of them are junk. Most of the literature on Sauna I’ve read say that in order for sauna to be effective temps need to be at or above 160 for traditional sauna and 140 for infrared sauna. I think most of the portable saunas top out at 120 or thereabouts. I could be wrong though. Good luck and let us know what you decide on.

We live in the Deep South, summer highs near 100, what about adding a heater to a pop up tent and putting it on the back deck?

I asked Copilot about this not long ago.

Ultra-Budget Tent Sauna (One-Person Build)

Total cost: $120–$350
(Depending on heater choice)

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1. Pick the Right Tent
You can’t use a normal camping tent — it’ll melt.
You need a heat-resistant sauna tent or a DIY heat-safe hack.

Option A — Buy a Cheap Sauna Tent ($80–$150)
Search for:
- “portable sauna tent”
- “ice fishing tent sauna”
- “hot tent sauna”

These are insulated, reflective, and designed for heat.

Option B — DIY Tent (Cheapest)
Use:
- A pop-up ice fishing tent ($40–$80 used)
- Line the inside with reflective foil insulation ($20–$30)

This creates a heat-safe cocoon that traps warmth extremely well.

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2. Heater Options (This Is the Main Cost)

Option A — Electric Space Heater + Sauna Stones (Cheapest)

Cost: $40–$80
- Use a 1.5 kW ceramic heater
- Place sauna stones in a metal tray above it
- Heats a tent to 140–160°F

This is the absolute cheapest setup.

Option B — Electric Sauna Heater (Better Heat)

Cost: $120–$200
- Small 1.5–2 kW sauna heater
- Plugs into 120V
- Gets you 160–190°F

Option C — Mini Wood Stove (Most Atmosphere)

Cost: $100–$200
- Small camping wood stove
- Requires a tent with a stove jack
- Heats FAST
- Best vibe, but more setup

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3. Floor Setup
You only need:
- Rubber mat ($10–$20)
- Or wood pallet + towel (free)

Keeps your feet off cold ground and protects the tent.

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4. Bench (One Person)
Simplest option:
- Small folding stool
- Or a DIY mini bench from scrap wood

Height: 16–18 inches

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5. Ventilation
Tents naturally breathe, but you still want:
- A small intake gap near the heater
- A small exhaust gap near the top

This keeps oxygen fresh and heat circulating.

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6. Setup Time
- Tent pops up in 2 minutes
- Heater setup: 5 minutes
- Heat-up time: 10–20 minutes

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7. What This Sauna Feels Like
- Tight, personal, cocoon-like
- Surprisingly hot — tents trap heat extremely well
- Perfect for a one-person ritual space
- Costs almost nothing to run
- Packs away when not in use

I have had this one for about 2 weeks now. Throw a blanket on top and it hits 180 degrees consistently. Built well and is constructed primarily out of cotton. Very pleased so far. I will say the bottom quarter of it stays relatively cool due to the heat rising but if you put something inside to rest your feet on that would help with that issue.

LINK

quote:

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I have had this one for about 2 weeks now. Throw a blanket on top and it hits 180 degrees consistently. Built well and is constructed primarily out of cotton. Very pleased so far. I will say the bottom quarter of it stays relatively cool due to the heat rising but if you put something inside to rest your feet on that would help with that issue.

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Thanks! I actually was looking at this one last week.

So just throw the blanket over the top to where it’s covering midway down?

quote:

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I have had this one for about 2 weeks now. Throw a blanket on top and it hits 180 degrees consistently. Built well and is constructed primarily out of cotton. Very pleased so far. I will say the bottom quarter of it stays relatively cool due to the heat rising but if you put something inside to rest your feet on that would help with that issue.

LINK

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Looks great, but want to get into something for like $200, I know I'm a cheap a-s.