If you're new to bringing ice into the sauna, the first question is always the same: how much is enough?
Short sessions (10–15 minutes)
A handful of ice cubes — roughly 100 to 150 grams — is usually plenty. That's about what fits comfortably in one hand, or a small glass. Enough to feel the cooling effect on the bench without weighing down the ice pack.
Longer sessions (20+ minutes)
For a longer round, or if you're sharing the ice pack with someone else, doubling that amount works well. Crushed ice melts a little faster than cubes, so if you're using crushed ice, err on the higher side.
What happens as it melts
This is where the material matters more than the amount. A thin or plastic-lined ice pack will pool water fast. Heavy, tightly woven cotton canvas — the kind we use for Sauna Freeze — absorbs the meltwater gradually instead of letting it collect. That's the whole reason we chose it.
A few practical tips
- Fill the ice pack two-thirds full at most, so there's room for the ice to shift without spilling
- If you're doing multiple rounds, keep a small bag of extra ice nearby rather than overfilling at the start
- Let the ice pack air dry fully between uses — that's what keeps the canvas absorbent over time
The short version
Start with a handful. Add more if you're going long. Let the fabric do the rest.