When choosing a portable sauna, buyers often focus on temperature, heating power, and features. Things like the two most practical factors – weight and setup difficulty – are often ignored. However, these details can have a big impact on your overall experience.
This is especially true for people who live in apartments. You also might want to consider it if you need a portable sauna for seniors.
- How Much Does a Portable Sauna Weigh?
- What Makes Some Portable Saunas Heavier?
- How Difficult Are Portable Saunas to Assemble?
- Who Should Buy Lightweight Models?
- What Portable Sauna Features Make Setup Easier?
- FAQ
- How heavy is a typical portable sauna?
- Can a person assemble a portable sauna alone?
- Are infrared saunas heavier than steam saunas?
- How long does it take to set up a portable sauna?
- Do portable saunas need tools to assemble?
- Conclusion
Most users will use a portable sauna tent a few times per week. That usually means that they will set it up, use it, and tear it down once they are done. That also means moving the sauna to and from storage multiple times per week.
As such, weight and setup difficulty can play a big role, depending on your circumstances.
How Much Does a Portable Sauna Weigh?
Most portable saunas were designed to be easy to transport and assemble. After all, the point is to make them portable. On top of that, they were designed to take less room than a traditional sauna.
With that said, most regular portable sauna tents weigh between 15 and 40 pounds. While this is quite a range, the actual weight can differ a lot from model to model.
It depends on factors like the size of the tent and what heating system it uses. Then, there are the materials of the frame, and the number of included accessories.
With all that said, you can generally split them into four categories:
- Compact portable steam sauna tent: 15-20 lbs
- Standard portable steam sauna tent: 18-39 lbs
- Portable infrared sauna tent: 25-40 lbs
- 2-person portable sauna tent: 25-45+ lbs
It should be noted that there are also portable sauna blankets. They are among the lightest models, with typical weight between 10 and 20 pounds.
As you can see, portable doesn’t always mean light. So, depending on who will be using the sauna, how often, and whether they will have help assembling it, you should do your research about the model you are buying.
What Makes Some Portable Saunas Heavier?
Portable sauna weight depends on several factors, including:
Tent size
Not all portable sauna tents are the same. Some were made to be very small and compact, with barely enough room for one person. Others were made large enough for two people to share a session comfortably.
Bigger dimensions mean more fabric and larger frames, which means more weight. This is pretty much the biggest factor, although you shouldn’t ignore the others on this list.
Frame strength
With larger tents, you usually get stronger and sturdier frames. After all, a frame needs to be able to hold the weight of the fabric, even when it gets wet from condensation.
This is why manufacturers often use steel and reinforced support. While this makes the frame strong and durable, it also adds a few more pounds to the setup.
Infrared heating panels
If you choose to buy an infrared portable sauna, remember that they come with built-in heating panels. The panels of infrared tents are embedded into the fabric. That means carbon panels, wiring, and often controllers, all of which are now a part of the sauna.
As a result, infrared models look simpler than steam ones, which come with an external heater. They are also easier to use, since you just need to plug them in and hop inside after 15-20 minutes.
But, this apparent simplicity also comes with extra weight, needing a stronger frame and heavier fabric.
Extra accessories
Finally, we have extra accessories. This includes pretty much anything that comes in addition to the basic sauna.
Think foldable chair, remote control, floor mat, red light therapy panels, and dual steamers. All of it adds weight to the setup. None of it is too heavy on its own, but combine it together, and the weight adds up.
How Difficult Are Portable Saunas to Assemble?
With the matter of weight out of the way, let’s address the other big question – setup difficulty.
Ultimately, assembling most portable saunas is not hard. Most models are designed for a very quick DIY setup. There is no professional installation required. In fact, for most models, you don’t even need any tools. There are exceptions, of course, with some of the more “premium” options.
However, the typical setup process just requires a few steps. You assemble the frame, attach the tent cover, connect the heating system, and put the chair in the tent. The same goes for any other accessories, assuming there are any.
You usually only need 5-15 minutes to assemble most steam tents. The process will likely get faster over time, after you do it a few times and get the hang of it.
Who Should Buy Lightweight Models?
Given everything said so far, it is clear that not just any tent will fit any user. It all depends on your requirements and circumstances.
For example, if you live in an apartment with small spaces, lightweight models are the way to go. They are easier to move around and assemble than a full size sauna.
The same is true for seniors, travelers who want to take their sauna with them, and frequent movers.
For example, digital nomads who often change apartments, cities, or even countries can’t carry too much. But, a lightweight and compact portable sauna can still let them have a sauna experience at home.
For these buyers, a few extra pounds in their sauna kit can mean a big difference.
What Portable Sauna Features Make Setup Easier?
As mentioned earlier, setting up a portable sauna is usually quite simple. A lot of manufacturers like to say that even a child can assemble their model alone. But, if you want to ensure quick and easy setups, you can look for some special features.
For example, pop-up frames and tool-free assembly should make things move quickly. Color-coded poles are also a desirable feature, or simple foldable designs. Other than that, look for models with remote controls, which also makes it easier to manage the heat level.
Most models have clear instructions and, for the most part, you might not even need them.
FAQ
How heavy is a typical portable sauna?
Most portable sauna tents weigh between 15 and 40 pounds. The exact weight of each model depends on a variety of factors.
Can a person assemble a portable sauna alone?
In most cases, absolutely. Some premium models might require a bit more work, but even then, most people can do it without assistance.
Are infrared saunas heavier than steam saunas?
Generally yes, because of heating panels and additional electronics and wiring. In comparison, steam units only have a frame, fabric, an external heater, and a hose for the steam.
How long does it take to set up a portable sauna?
Depending on the model’s complexity and the user’s familiarity, anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes.
Do portable saunas need tools to assemble?
Some models might need basic tools, but many are designed for easy tool-free assembly.
Conclusion
Portable saunas were designed to be fairly lightweight and, well, portable. However, depending on the exact model and type, there can be significant variations.
Some models may only weigh 10-15 pounds, while others can go beyond 45. The weight varies based on materials, size, heating system, additional accessories, and more.
In terms of setup difficulty, most models are quite simple, regardless of sauna type. With a little practice, you can be ready to start your sauna session within a few minutes. Steam models are usually lighter and easier to assemble, while infrareds have extra weight and features.
Remember that they also provide quite a different experience. Infrared models offer a dry sauna feel, while steam models are more like a traditional spa.
Simply put, while weight and setup difficulty shouldn’t be ignored, don’t focus too much on that. Most models are fairly easy to move around and assemble. The type of sauna and what you expect from it are often more important.
So, if you are ready to get your first portable sauna, consider this list of the best portable sauna tents.
