Once again, 2025 is the year of the sauna. We’ve been tracking the rise of sauna culture for a decade now here at Field Mag HQ, and we’re reaching peak sauna in mainstream culture. And for good reason. Heat bathing harnesses nature’s essential elements to create a rejuvenating experience with proven health benefits for the body and mind in minutes. While there are many different types of outdoor sauna available on the market, with the more unique being sauna tents and infrared saunas, barrel saunas are definitely the most photogenic.
The barrel sauna's organic aesthetic and unique shape make it look as if it belongs in nature. Beyond visuals, the form is hyper-efficient in circulating heat, and in terms of setup, it's a beginner-friendly DIY project because almost every outdoor barrel sauna will come as a kit to be assembled at the location.
Readers of Field Mag will know that we’re endlessly fascinated by the art of heat bathing, along with wood fired hot tubs, as a way of being immersed in nature through a timeless restorative practice that’s relaxing and healthful. In this article we'll dive into the world of barrel saunas and share practical advice, smart buying strategies, and our top picks to help you find the perfect sauna for all your future sweat sessions.
Field Mag's Top Picks for the Best Barrel Saunas:
- Our Choice | Best Barrel Sauna: Nootka Saunas Hand-Crafted Barrel Sauna
- Most Unique Barrel Sauna: Dundalk Leisurecraft Panoramic Sauna
- Best Premium Barrel Sauna: Forest Cooperage Western Red Cedar Sauna
- Best Small Panoramic Barrel Sauna: Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Pano Sauna
- Best Budget Barrel Sauna: Almost Heaven Salem 2-Person Barrel Sauna
- Best 4-6 Person Barrel Sauna: Backcountry Recreation Classic 6 Ft Red Cedar Barrel Sauna

Photo by Bryan Hynes courtesy Nootka Saunas
What are the Health Benefits of Saunas?
Different types of saunas deliver a range of physical and mental health benefits, including improved circulation and reduced inflammation, and lowered blood pressure. A deep, cleansing sweat that comes from heat therapy also hydrates the skin and supports natural body detoxification.
Interestingly, studies done on occasional and regular sauna users, show that a sauna session has a similar effect on the body as moderate to intense exercise. So, if you’re struggling with an injury or condition that prevents you from moving in that way, relaxing in a sauna helps to speed up the healing process both physiologically and mentally!
What Are the Design Benefits of the Barrel Sauna Design?
Reminiscent of a large wine barrel, the barrel sauna’s cylindrical shape encourages natural air circulation from top to bottom, which makes it more efficient to heat than a square-shaped or cabin-style home sauna where hot air may get trapped in unoccupied corners. "When you’re in a sauna, you want the most equal heat distribution possible, so your head isn’t sweating while your toes are cold," says Stewart Jensen, Director of Product Design at Redwood Outdoors, the Washington State-based manufacturer of saunas, hot tubs, and cold plunge tubs.
With strong heat stratification and have all the benefits of a traditional sauna, the barrel shape is a great choice for a unique sauna at an accessible price point. Plus, the rounded shape sits on a "cradle" and not flat on the ground, which allows for ventilation underneath that helps keep the sauna dry.