SweatTent Review 2024: The Best Portable Sauna for Athletes and Fitness Lovers

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Key Features:

• Portable design that’s quick and easy to setup and takedown
• Spacious interior that fits up to three people comfortably
• Heats quickly, up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit in 30 minutes or less
• Built to the highest safety standards with durable stainless steel and heat-resistant fabric
• Dimensions: 6 feet L x 6 feet W x 7 feet H

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The use of a sauna is one of the best ways to take advantage of the potential health and wellness benefits of heat therapy, including improved physical and mental well-being. That being said, traditional saunas are typically restricted to local gyms and health clubs where they are shared by numerous individuals and may not provide an ideal and relaxing environment. If you are looking to customize your personal sauna experience, you may be interested in the idea of an at-home sauna system like SweatTent.

The SweatTent is a premium outdoor sauna that offers a unique opportunity to bring the age-old tradition of sauna therapy to any home setting. Designed for convenience and ease of use, this portable sauna allows you to attain the benefits of heat therapy at your own home or wherever your adventures take you.

In this article we provide an in-depth review of the SweatTent’s key features, discuss the benefits, things to consider and assess how it compares to the competition. Read on to learn more about the SweatTent and whether it’s the right fit for you.

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What is SweatTent?

The SweatTent is a premium outdoor sauna that’s designed to bring the health benefits of heat therapy directly to your own backyard. Not only is it portable, but it also comes with everything you need for a high-end sauna experience, including the insulated sauna tent with waterproof roof cover, stainless steel stove and chimney, sauna rocks and holder, thermometer, fire poker, heat resistant gloves and convenient carrying case. SweatTent also offers additional accessories such as a wooden bench and water bucket with ladle, however these are available as add-ons that come with an additional cost.

Some of the key features of SweatTent include its quick and easy setup, taking just three minutes to put up or take down, its ability to heat up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit in 30 minutes or less and its spacious interior that can fit up to three people comfortably. The SweatTent is also designed to retain heat in any climate, including temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit and can be left outdoors permanently due to the durable, weather resistant fabric.

In addition to the quality materials and construction, SweatTent also offers consumers peace of mind by ensuring the tent is built to the highest of safety standards. The sauna comes equipped with an integrated spark arrestor, fire-retardant roof and steel-plated chimney vent, protecting your sauna and outdoor surroundings from damage. The company also offers a one-year manufacturer warranty and a 100 percent 30-day money back guarantee to protect your purchase.

How to Use the SweatTent

The use of the SweatTent is an extremely simple process, however, there are a few things that you need to do prior to the initial sweat session. These steps include seasoning of the stainless steel stove and setup of the tent structure.

Seasoning the stove (Video)

• This is an important and mandatory step in order to burn off any chemicals used to clean the unit during the manufacturing process.
• Start by removing all of the pieces out of the packaged stove, including the chimney, fire poker, gloves, thermometer and anything else from the stove.
• Pop up the legs on the bottom of the stove and place the entire unit (outside of the tent) in a well ventilated and stable outdoor area.
• Assemble the stove chimney by interlocking the six individual pieces and installing them onto the stove.
• Fully open the control valve on the front of the stove so that the maximum amount of air can enter the unit.
• Open the stove and light a fire inside, SweatTent advises using three fire starter pellets and two to three pieces of wood (close the front window panel when the fire has been lit).
• Once the fire has started, you may hear cracks and pops from the unit and the stove may begin to change color, this is completely normal and part of the seasoning process.
• Let the fire run and completely burn out before using the stove inside of your tent, also allow for the stove to completely cool down before moving it into the tent.

SweatTent setup (Video)

• Find a suitable eight foot by eight foot area that has good ventilation and is at least two feet away from structures, brush or low-hanging branches.
• Start erecting the tent by pulling on one of the four tent wall endpoint hooks. Pull forcefully until the tent wall pops out into place, continue for the remaining walls. Finish the setup by stepping into the tent and pushing up on the roof to pop it out into place.
• Remove the fabric window coverings and store them somewhere safe, then anchor the tent to the ground using the provided tent stakes or weights, rocks, logs or anything else heavy around the base of the tent (only necessary for windy conditions).
• Install the seasoned stove into the tent by disconnecting the chimney and placing the stove underneath the square hole opening in the tent ceiling. The front door of the stove opening should be facing the rectangular stove vent at the bottom of the tent to prevent damage to the tent.
• Open the chimney vent at the top of the tent and then place the fabric chimney hole cover over the opening.
• Attach the chimney pipe back onto the top of the stove and slide it through the opening in the ceiling. Then attach the rock holder to the top of the stove and place the sauna rocks into the holder.
• Finally, bring seating into the tent, remember to only use wood benches or chairs that do not contain any metal components.
• Start a fire inside of the stove and enjoy a relaxing sauna experience.

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Construct and Design

Oxford 210D Nylon and TPU Windows

The physical tent material is constructed from Oxford 210D Nylon, a durable fabric rated up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and the tent windows are made from high-temperature performance thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

The SweatTent is also constructed with two layers of the nylon fabric, with one layer of insulation in-between those layers that’s designed to retain heat.

Tests conducted by SweatTent showed that when the SweatTent is heated to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, the approximate highest temperature the sauna will reach, there are no volatile organic compounds released by the fabric or windows into the air.

Doors

There is one door located at the front of the SweatTent that opens and closes using a zipper. The zipper is double sided for easy entry and exit from the tent.

Air intake/ventilation

The SweatTent has two areas for ventilation. The first is the chimney hole located in the roof of the tent that releases any smoke coming from the stove. The second is the rectangle air vent that will be located on the wall just to the right of the stove door which should be open while in use.

Standout Features

Portable

The ability to easily transport the SweatTent is this product's most valuable attribute. Unlike traditional Saunas that are fixed structures, the SweatTent is designed to be easily transported and set up in a variety of different locations. This feature is made possible through the use of durable and lightweight materials that can be quickly assembled and disassembled without the need for special tools. This portability allows users to enjoy the benefits of a sauna experience in their own backyard or on any exciting adventure.

Waterproof and insulated

The SweatTent is designed to be used outdoors and still maintain optimal temperature levels in even the coldest of environments. These features are primarily due to the fact that the tent is both waterproof and insulated, providing protection from the elements and enhancing the durability of the tent.

200 degrees fahrenheit in 30 minutes

SweatTent’s stove design, in addition to the insulated tent, allows the sauna to heat up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit in around 30 minutes. From consumer reviews, users mention they will start a fire in the stove and then jump into a cold plunge or perform a workout. This way the tent is at temperature when they are done with their workout or cold water therapy and ready for the sauna.

Related Article: The 6 Best Sauna Heaters

Customer Reviews

Being a relatively new product, SweatTent has slightly less than 100 customer reviews on the company website. That being said, the consumers have rated SweatTent at 4.9 out of 5 stars and the majority of the reviews are glowing.

One user even put the SweatTent to the ultimate test, a Minnesota winter at below freezing temperatures. He says, “the quality of the tent is great so far and I’ve used it in a blizzard with plenty of the snow on the roof…the first few sessions I kept all window coverings on because I questioned the ability for the plastic windows to hold heat well, I later noticed that if you have a good burning fire, you’re probably fine to take the covers off as it holds heat quite well.”

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Key Health Benefits

Heat therapy via sauna has been linked to several health benefits including improved physical health, mental health and improved recovery. That being said, the sauna needs to be within a certain temperature range and the session needs to be long enough to induce these benefits. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 10 minutes, at a temperature range between 70 and 77 degrees celsius, (158 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit) to begin promoting health benefits such as reduced risk of cardiac arrest, lower blood pressure and lower resting heart rate. This is great because the SweatTent is able to reach temperatures of up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit based on intensity of the fire in the stove and the vents within the tent. Note that temperatures greater than 100 degrees celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit) are potentially dangerous and should be avoided.

Physical health

Regular sauna use can improve areas of physical health such as cardiovascular function and immune health. In regard to cardiovascular function, the heat in a sauna causes blood vessels to dilate which reduces blood pressure and can increase blood flow. This effect can enhance heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Some studies also suggest that regular sauna use can stimulate the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells. This increased white blood cell count can strengthen the immune system and help the body defend against illness.

Mental health

The relaxing and calming effects of saunas can positively impact mental well-being in a number of ways. The first is that saunas such as the SweatTent can trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural feel-good hormones. These endorphins contribute to a sense of well-being and can help improve mood and overall happiness. Sauna therapy has also been linked to better sleep quality. The relaxation induced by sauna use can help individuals fall asleep more easily and enjoy deeper and more restful sleep, leading to improved mental alertness and overall emotional well-being.

Athletic recovery

Sauna use after exercise has been shown to improve endurance and aid in post-workout recovery by reducing muscle inflammation and increasing total blood volume. This data suggests that regular sauna usage is an effective recovery tool for athletes that participate in bodybuilding or endurance based sports. This is a reason that SweatTents can be found at a number of gyms and sporting events around the country.

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FAQs

Where can I use the SweatTent?

The SweatTent is extremely portable and can be used anywhere as long as it is outdoors. That being said, it is important to set up the tent on a stable surface and maintain at least two-feet of distance away from structures, brush or low-hanging branches. SweatTent also advises checking with the local fire department in regard to portable outdoor fireplaces to ensure you are following any rules and regulations.

Are there any precautions for using the SweatTent?

The SweatTent does reach temperatures between 170 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit meaning you should always use the heat resistant gloves when touching the stove or chimney while in use. This also means that you should avoid bringing any metal into the tent, including jewelry, piercings, water bottles, chairs, etc. It’s also important to note that most phones and digital watches will overheat and turn off if brought into the tent, however, consumer reviews do note that the Whoop wristband will still function fine at these temperatures.

Can you Leave SweatTent Outside permanently?

Yes, SweatTent is made from durable weather-resistant fabric that is designed to withstand the elements and includes a waterproof roof cover. While the SweatTent can be left outside permanently, the company does advise packing it up for storage during times of extreme weather.

How do you clean the SweatTent?

SweatTent notes that saunas are generally clean environments and shouldn’t need much cleaning. If you would prefer to clean the tent, they mention you can spray both the inside and outside of the tent down with water, but it is not necessary.

What’s Included when you purchase the SweatTent?

Purchase of the SweatTent includes the insulated sauna tent with waterproof roof cover, stainless steel stove and chimney, sauna rocks and holder, thermometer, fire poker, heat resistant gloves and convenient carrying case. SweatTent also offers additional accessories such as a wooden bench and water bucket with ladle, however these are available as add-ons that come with an additional cost.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.