July-Aug 2011; is a sleeping mat required?

[earnrunner]

Hi there
Starting on SJPP on Monday, July 18th and read this year is getting busy. Should I take a sleeping mat?
Thanks

 

[AnnieBobanny]

Hiya,
I'm starting my camino tomorrow, and yesterday, at the last minute, I decided to buy a sleeping mat. I got a very compact one that weighs about 16 ounces/450 grams. Some people say don't bother with a sleeping mat, yet some people say that as you get closer to Santiago it's hard to find a bed, so I decided it was better to be safe than sorry. If I have to sleep outside or crash on a floor somewhere, at least I'll have some measure of comfort while I sleep. For me, feet and sleep are the most important aspects of the camino, so I've got foot care stuff and sleeping stuff. I guess it's all down to personal preference and what's most important to you, because everyone is different and everyone has a different opinion on what should be taken and what shouldn't. Sorry if that's not much help.

Buen Camino!
Annie

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

A mat might be essential.

In recent years the municipal albergues have got very strict about not letting people sleep on the floor. That means people have to find elsewhere. You might be offered floor space in a sports hall or even a tent and a mat would be essential.

I have also taken a mat because the beds have sometimes been damp (though that is much earlier or later in the year).

If the matress looks to be in poor condition you might want to put a mat between you and the bed; it might even offer protection from bed bugs who begin to appear around this time of year.

It is worth thinking about how you will keep your mat dry if it rains. I've simply popped it into a large carrier bag and carried it in my hands but you might find a better solution.

 

[earnrunner]

Thanks for the quick replies (-;
mmm... I think I'll end up taking a mat; it has almost zero weight and it might give one some sense of confidence knowing that he can focus on the 'here and now' and not be required to run for a bed.

On the other hand, does carrying a mat will reduce my 'camino provides' sense of ease?

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

In preparing to come on the Camino one of the most valuable lessons we learn is, what must I carry and what can I live without?

The ability to carefully plan is the first thing the Camino provides.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

it has almost zero weight

If you have one that is well under a pound, you have shopped wisely. The most unused item on a Camino (besides extra bottles of cosmetics) is the mat. If you really need one, there will be a hundred nearby pilgrims who will loan (or give, if they are really tired of carrying it) you one. Donation boxes along the way are filled with mats, so they are a good source when you need one for just one night.

 

[earnrunner]

Donation boxes along the way are filled with mats, so they are a good source when you need one for just one night.

So the Camino will also provide a mat when I'll need one. that is set. leaving the mat at home (-;

 

[greenshank]

I had a mat of the oldfashioned and cheap (3 €) foam type, that I had cut to be 1000 mm x 400 mm (Almost haff of it was cut off).
Big enough to sleep on if necessary. I used it frequently to sit on (thistles!) or to lay and rest on my siesta. It was still a bit big albeit almost zero weight, and if I can find an inflatable mat of the super-compact type I'd definately consider it.
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[Irlan]

When I first started the Camino I had one.
Like a lot of pilgrims I was thinking : "what if one day I can't find a place to sleep ?".
After a week of carrying it without using it, I left it.

As it is said, in most albergues you can find one, or borrow it