It’s a new year, it’s Friday, and we’re back to business. The first installment of Friday Cabins 2023 is here and it also happens to be our 1 year anniversary. Yay! For the OGs who’ve been with us since the early Deep Dives to the newcomers eager to fill their Friday with more cabins and less work, thank you. Thank you for reading this little newsletter every week-we plan on bringing you even better content in our sophomore year. (Is that even possible, you ask?? Mabye!!) So buckle up, folks, cus there’s plenty of daydreaming to do in 2023. These afternoons aren’t going to disassociate themselves!

In contrast to the hoopla of celebration and New Year’s resolutions though, we’re still easing into this next chapter. After all, there is no rush. So, the name of the game today is relaxation, and relaxation in the form of saunas and baths.

As explored in the newly released book “THERMAL” by Lindsey Bro of @cabinlove fame, sitting sauna and community bathing is a global practice, and has been around for centuries. Everyone from the average Finn to world-class athletes herald the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of a good sauna, soak, or steam session. And unique design projects around the world showcase humanity’s enduring love of heat.

Here in the US, besides the already established sauna culture of Northern Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, at-home saunas and bathhouses seem to be picking up *ahem* steam—along with their counterpart, the ice bath. So we gathered up a guide of the best accessories for those headed to a private or public sauna, or if you’re like us, are currently manifesting enough money to buy our own. Below are the highlights. Read on and enjoy.

🧖 Enhance Your Sauna Experience With These Six Essentials

Felted Sauna Hat

When sitting sauna, felt or wool sauna hats help to regulate your body’s temperature and keep you from overheating. Luckily, there’s no shortage of unique, handmade designs across the internet—and yes, they can be worn as normal hats too. (*Tired: Goblin Mode | Wired: Gnome mode*)

Price: $65

Onsen Bath Robe

Many public bath houses and saunas are textile free, but for before and after a session, a private sauna, or if you simply like to stay covered, a quality, comfortable bath robe is the ticket. This one from Onsen has a relaxed fit and is made of breathable 100% cotton in a timeless waffle textile that might leave a fun pattern on your bum.

Price: $195

Sauna Sand Timer

For new sauna-goers, or the punctual, sand timers are a good way to keep your session on track. The gentle stream of sand is less distracting in a sauna’s zen-like environment than a digital clock, and bonus, you can also use it for cooking or monitoring/limiting social media use at home.

Price: $32

Enfleurage Essential Oil

Indulge all the senses with a drop or two of essentials oils in your steam room or even dry sauna. Aromatherapy and sauna have long been paired together, and scents like Eucalyptus, Birch, and Pine are traditional choices.

Price: $7

Glerups Slip-On Rubber Slipper

To pair with your bath robe, although never for use inside a sauna, a good slipper will keep your feet toasty in between sessions. These 100% wool Swedish slippers are our go-to house shoes during winter, and would surely be nice for walking through the yard to a backyard shvitz.

Price: $135

Backcountry Hut Company System S

And last but certainly not least, here is an actual sauna, for the deep pockets among us. BHC’s prefab System S is lined with cedar and features a large picture window for dreamily gazing outside, and the interior bench system fits six adults. Made in beautiful British Columbia, the unit is delivered in one piece and can be ready for use within hours.

Price: $33,150

Happy New Year! Enjoy your weekend. See ya next week.

-ee