Sleeping bag during this heat?

[CaminoJoy123]

Hello Everyone, planning to join you soon on Camino Frances.

What are the night time temperatures in the albergues?

Is an actual sleeping bag necessary at this time of year?

How about a bug sheet instead?

Here's a typical Sea to Summit product:
http://www.seatosummitusa.com/produ...;+Liner+-+Insect+Shield®&o1=0&o2=0&o3=118

Would that be sufficient in late August through September?

 

[Kitsambler]

Here's a typical Sea to Summit product:
http://www.seatosummitusa.com/product/?item=Adaptor+Coolmax®+Liner+-+Insect+Shield®&o1=0&o2=0&o3=118

Would that be sufficient in late August through September?

A silk liner such as this one would be plenty:
http://www.seatosummitusa.com/product/?item=Premium+Silk+Travel+Liner&o1=0&o2=0&o3=111-34

 

[CaminoJoy123]

A silk liner such as this one would be plenty:
http://www.seatosummitusa.com/product/?item=Premium+Silk+Travel+Liner&o1=0&o2=0&o3=111-34

Thanks for answering. The product you're showing weighs less than the one I linked to.

Do you like this silk travel sheet because it's lighter weight? Or it's cooler? Or do you think silk is a better bug deterrent?

I'm thinking of not bringing a sleeping bag at all.

 

[C clearly]

Or do you think silk is a better bug deterrent?

Silk is no better and no worse a bug deterrent than any other fabric.

 

[Kitsambler]

The product you're showing weighs less than the one I linked to.

Exactly the point. Weight does count.

Do you like this silk travel sheet because it's lighter weight? Or it's cooler? Or do you think silk is a better bug deterrent?

Silk is lighter weight. And quite durable - I'm still using the same liner bag these past six years.

I'm thinking of not bringing a sleeping bag at all.

You'll need to bring a bag, whether an unlined liner or an insulated bag, if you plan to sleep in the alburgues. Elsewhere in Europe, for sleeping in the hiker dorms/hostels, it's the same story. In France, sometimes the private gites offer sheets for rent. And everywhere, if staying in a hotel, sheets are provided.

 

[CaminoJoy123]

Exactly the point. Weight does count.
Silk is lighter weight. And quite durable - I'm still using the same liner bag these past six years.
You'll need to bring a bag, whether an unlined liner or an insulated bag, if you plan to sleep in the alburgues. Elsewhere in Europe, for sleeping in the hiker dorms/hostels, it's the same story. In France, sometimes the private gites offer sheets for rent. And everywhere, if staying in a hotel, sheets are provided.

I'm trying to fine out the indoor temperature of the albergues in August and September, so I know whether to bring only the bug liner, or the whole sleeping bag.

 

[C clearly]

I'm trying to fine out the indoor temperature of the albergues in August and September, so I know whether to bring only the bug liner, or the whole sleeping bag.

There are hundreds of albergues with different insulation qualities, several climates and unknown weather, so the temperatures will vary. I would expect the indoor temperatures to be similar to the outside temperatures, and you can find averages and ranges for that.

Many people seem to be happy with a liner at that time of year, and you can always layer on your clothes inside. Personally I probably would take a light sleeping bag.

 

[trecile]

I just completed the Camino Frances, walking in July and August. I used a silk liner, and this very lightweight down throw blanket from Montbell that I tuck inside the silk liner when it's cooler. I did need it several nights, even in July and August. It also makes a good layer to put between the silk liner and the vinyl covered mattresses that many albergues have when it's a hot, sticky night. Yes, many albergues have blankets, but many are of a dubious quality, which is why I prefer my own.
You could also buy the much less expensive down blanket that Costco carries, and cut it down to a smaller size. That's what I did for a friend. I first sewed two lines of stitches about a quarter of an inch apart, and cut between the lines to keep the down contained. I finished the raw edge with a folded piece of ribbon.

 

[notion900]

I just bought this cheapie:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/25-camping-sleeping-bag-1-season-blue-id_8353393.html
Only £5.99 ! Leg room!

 

[CaminoJoy123]

There are hundreds of albergues with different insulation qualities, several climates and unknown weather, so the temperatures will vary. I would expect the indoor temperatures to be similar to the outside temperatures, and you can find averages and ranges for that.

Many people seem to be happy with a liner at that time of year, and you can always layer on your clothes inside. Personally I probably would take a light sleeping bag.

In general, these albergues are not air conditioned, and not heated, either?

Sorry if my questions sound dumb.

 

[CaminoJoy123]

I just bought this cheapie:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/25-camping-sleeping-bag-1-season-blue-id_8353393.html
Only £5.99 ! Leg room!

Looks great!

 

[Bradypus]

In general, these albergues are not air conditioned, and not heated, either?

I can't remember any air conditioned albergues - definitely not the norm. Most have some form of heating in winter but it may not be up to the temperatures you would maintain at home. I have slept in a public albergue in Galicia in January where ice formed on the inner surface of the windows and my breath made clouds in the air....

 

[trecile]

In general, albergues are not air conditioned, though I have stayed in a couple of private ones that were. They should all have heat though.

 

[SYates]

I just bought this cheapie:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/25-camping-sleeping-bag-1-season-blue-id_8353393.html
Only £5.99 ! Leg room!

And 550g of weight according to the website ... Buen Camino, SY

 

[mspath]

Like Bradypus I too have been very cold in unheated albergues; the coldest ever was late February 2006 in the then unheated Hornillos del Camino municipal albergue. Breath hung white in the frigid interior air and ice formed in the toilet bowl.

In cold weather never choose a bunk placed against an exterior wall since old walls are often uninsulated and thus frigid. All night heating is not the norm hence make a cozy 'sandwich' for sleeping by folding a blanket in half the long way, place your sleeping bag on top of the bottom half and pull the top half over all. If there are no blankets put your poncho beneath the bag to block the cold air from rising.

Runner's winter tights, a long sleeve runner's shirt and loose socks as well as a warm hat are great to wear to bunk/bed wben it is really cold.

 

[Bradypus]

Very sound advice from @mspath for winter pilgrims. Sometimes I worry about the fixation so many people have on reducing the weight and bulk of their pack while not taking into account the realities of walking off-season. Not helped by people posting advice whose knee-jerk response to any question about sleeping bags is "just take a silk liner" when their only personal experience was walking the Frances in August

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I just completed the Camino Frances, walking in July and August. I used a silk liner, and this very lightweight down throw blanket from Montbell that I tuck inside the silk liner when it's cooler. I did need it several nights, even in July and August. It also makes a good layer to put between the silk liner and the vinyl covered mattresses that many albergues have when it's a hot, sticky night. Yes, many albergues have blankets, but many are of a dubious quality, which is why I prefer my own.
You could also buy the much less expensive down blanket that Costco carries, and cut it down to a smaller size. That's what I did for a friend. I first sewed two lines of stitches about a quarter of an inch apart, and cut between the lines to keep the down contained. I finished the raw edge with a folded piece of ribbon.

I have never used a silk liner, but always take a cheap quality, lightweight fitted bottom twin sheet from a Dollar store, sprayed with permathrin. It fits perfectly on albergue mattresses and the elastic corners make it simple to use. I also use the pillowcase that comes with the set. They weigh almost nothing and take up very little room in the pack. I always bring my lightweight sleeping bag, too, also sprayed. I've used this combo on three spring Caninos and have been very happy.

How nice of you to help a friend by sewing their blanket to size. I remember now that you are the gal that sews your own Camino dresses. The one you wore in that forum picture a few days ago is very attractive!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I can't remember any air conditioned albergues - definitely not the norm. Most have some form of heating in winter but it may not be up to the temperatures you would maintain at home. I have slept in a public albergue in Galicia in January where ice formed on the inner surface of the windows and my breath made clouds in the air....

I've experienced that myself on camping trips...brrr. As peaceful as I'm sure a winter Camino can be, I'll have to pass on that.

 

[trecile]

And 550g of weight according to the website ... Buen Camino, SY

My silk liner/down blanket combo weighs less than 400 grams

I have never used a silk liner, but always take a cheap quality, lightweight fitted bottom twin sheet from a Dollar store, sprayed with permathrin. It fits perfectly on albergue mattresses and the elastic corners make it simple to use. I also use the pillowcase that comes with the set. They weigh almost nothing and take up very little room in the pack. I always bring my lightweight sleeping bag, too, also sprayed. I've used this combo on three spring Caninos and have been very happy.

How nice of you to help a friend by sewing their blanket to size. I remember now that you are the gal that sews your own Camino dresses. The one you wore in that forum picture a few days ago is very attractive!

I Like the idea of a fitted bottom sheet, perhaps a silk one like @Kanga mentioned, paired with a light down blanket, because sometimes I do get kind of twisted up in the silk liner. It would have to be bigger than my tiny throw blanket though.

 

[SYates]

My silk liner/down blanket combo weighs less than 400 grams
...

Exactly, and I am 120% ;-) sure that it has a lower temperature rating than 20/25C ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[notion900]

But did it cost £5.99?

 

[jo webber]

I have a large silk sheet (bag liner) and a cut down fleece bag liner. I cut the fleece to fit inside the sheet liner. In the dry sack it weighs 482 gms or 1.1 lbs. (17 ozs).

The silk liner is the size of a twin bed and has a place at the top to put a pillow in.

 

[FLEUR]

I

I just bought this cheapie:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/25-camping-sleeping-bag-1-season-blue-id_8353393.html
Only £5.99 ! Leg room!

I thought I'd buy this one in France when I suddenly decided to walk a few days on the Voie de Tours in June. However when I looked in Decathlon and saw how they listed the weight of bags / liners etc I forked out the extra and bought a silk liner. Crazy because I had one sitting at home in UK.

 

[williamlittig]

A silk liner such as this one would be plenty:
http://www.seatosummitusa.com/product/?item=Premium+Silk+Travel+Liner&o1=0&o2=0&o3=111-34

Not last night or the night before. Hospitalero, Estella, Navarra