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REI Sleeping Bag - Camino Light

New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
I don’t recall seeing a lot of Peregrinos carrying sleeping bags with their packs. I walked during April and September and carried only a sleeping bag liner which also served as a bed sheet. Some come with insect barrier to protect against bed bugs which I got once in a poorly maintained Albergue. Even at 1#10oz, it has bulk and just how much you’ll need it is still a judgment call. Buen Camino
 
I carried a 1 lb bag a few years ago. Now I use a Jungle blanket and carry a very light silk bag liner as back up. A full bag is really not needed unless walking in Winter.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
No sleeping bag. I carried a silk liner and down blanket mid September to mid October 2018. Watch for silk liners on sale to save a little in the cost. They're expensive but well worth it. The down blanket was from Costco @ about $15. At the time they were only sold 2 to a package @ around $30. I took one on the Camino and later lent one to a friend. I was always warm enough.
 
No sleeping bag. I carried a silk liner and down blanket mid September to mid October 2018. Watch for silk liners on sale to save a little in the cost. They're expensive but well worth it. The down blanket was from Costco @ about $15. At the time they were only sold 2 to a package @ around $30. I took one on the Camino and later lent one to a friend. I was always warm enough.
I cut those blankets in half - it's just the right size to tuck inside the silk liner, and saves more weight. I added some ties to attach to loops that I put inside the silk liner to keep it in place.
 
I purchased a lightweight sleeping bag made in China for my spring caminos and it packs up small. Rather than taking the time to stuff it in the cute small stuff sack it came in, I used a one gallon ziplock bag and sat on it to get the air out...easy peasy.
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
that bag honestly seems like overkill to me. Might be a lot of warmth for the money, but then it's quite heavy. I paid about twice that much for mine, but thats only around 1/3rd of the weight (240g) and should be good for indoor sleeping in most of 3 seasons and some outdoor sleeping in warmer summer nights.

edit: just checked, Cumulus seems to have increased prieces recently. Now my MZ100 runs just shy of 200€. Was lucky enough to "only" pay around 130.
 
REI Outlet has a Kelty 40 sleeping bag on sale TODAY ONLY for US $70. The bag only weighs 1# 10oz. and includes a stuff sack. This is the lightest bag I've found at any price point below $400 and should be warm enough for 3 seasons on the Camino.View attachment 101224
Nice buy. I have used an REI brand 40 degree bag that weighed maybe a pound and a few ounces on the Camion Frances and loved it. In April and early May, it was a must-have in a few places I stayed that didn't have blankets. Helped that it was mostly down -- much lighter, but critical that it be kept dry. I've not tried any Kelty gear yet, but many hiking companions in the US have had positive things to say about their stuff.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
REI used to sell something called the Helio Sack, a 55F+ bag, and on the advice of an REI sales lady (who had walked the Camino with one), we bought them. They worked out very well during our CF trek in Sep/Oct 2019, and we plan to use them again on our next one. Unfortunately REI doesn't sell it anymore, but you can Google it for the specs to get an idea of what works well. BTW, it also shows an outfit called SAFSHA that still sells them for $60.
The point is: get something light and small (Helio is 1.5# and 2 L). Remember, you're using it indoors (in an albergue) so you don't need anything warmer than this, unless you are walking in winter. I typically zipped it open and slept under rather than in it. Unless it was warm, and I didn't use anything other than the sheet they may give you.
 
I like my silk sleep sack + tiny down blanket system because it keeps me comfortable in all kinds of temperatures. On really hot nights I wouldn't want to use a sleeping bag - I'm not comfortable sleeping uncovered in albergues, so the lightweight silk is much better than a sleeping bag. I put the down blanket under my sleep sack to provide insulation against the sometimes sticky plastic covered mattresses. Then on cooler nights I tuck the down blanket inside my sleep sack.
 
My bag is 830 gr. but not a mummy bag. No way could I sleep with my feet and legs like that. It has a soft interior and you can unzip the whole thing. Rather than use those little stuff sacks, I tie it up with 2 extra bootlaces. (in case mine breaks or to use as clotheslines) Sometimes I just toss it in my pack, as it doesn't really matter if you roll it or make it small or not, it always weighs the same. Everything on top of it squishes it down rather nicely and I have saved time and effort. It has worked fine for 3 Caminos, April in Portugal and Spain, and Sept. - Oct. in Spain. Spray the outside with Permithryn before leaving home.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
I walked in Sept (2013) and June/July (2016). I used a fleece sleeping bag with a silk liner. On my summer Camino, it was actually too hot at a couple of Albergues because there was no A/C. The only time I wished I had more was one night at O cebreiro on my first Camino. It was foggy and cold, and I ended up sleeping in my jacket as well as my sleeping bag. I agree that the above, while a really nice sleeping bag, is overkill.

Ruth
 
REI Outlet has a Kelty 40 sleeping bag on sale TODAY ONLY for US $70. The bag only weighs 1# 10oz. and includes a stuff sack. This is the lightest bag I've found at any price point below $400 and should be warm enough for 3 seasons on the Camino.View attachment 101224
At Enlightened Equipment, you can order your custom fill, size and color. The 850 fill, at 50° Temp is perfect over all, at 12.44 Oz. I use it as a quilt.



Screen Shot 2021-05-30 at 6.54.15 AM.png
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
In some albergues in spring and fall, it can be quite cold, so I would always carry some sort of sleeping "bag." There are various choices at around 1000g, at reasonable prices. That weight and bulk can be reduced with some creativity and careful choice of layered clothing. I now use a modified liner, a modified down quilt, and flexible clothing layers.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
No sleeping bag. I carried a silk liner and down blanket mid September to mid October 2018. Watch for silk liners on sale to save a little in the cost. They're expensive but well worth it. The down blanket was from Costco @ about $15. At the time they were only sold 2 to a package @ around $30. I took one on the Camino and later lent one to a friend. I was always warm enough.
I did exactly this...but with a twist. I took a Cocoon washable silk sleep sack and trimmed the washable down blanket from Costco so it was the same size as the sleep sack. Then I sewed on Velcro tabs to attach the blanket to the top of the sleep sack. Advantages: less weight (total 1 lb.), blanket does not slide off the sleep sack, able to unvelcro part during the night in case I got hot, Can remove the blanket to easily wash the sleep sack, sleep sack not "mummy style" so much more comfortable. Perfect for the Camino.
 
I did exactly this...but with a twist. I took a Cocoon washable silk sleep sack and trimmed the washable down blanket from Costco so it was the same size as the sleep sack. Then I sewed on Velcro tabs to attach the blanket to the top of the sleep sack. Advantages: less weight (total 1 lb.), blanket does not slide off the sleep sack, able to unvelcro part during the night in case I got hot, Can remove the blanket to easily wash the sleep sack, sleep sack not "mummy style" so much more comfortable. Perfect for the Camino.
That's what I do. It's a great sleep system for different temperatures.
 
No sleeping bag. I carried a silk liner and down blanket mid September to mid October 2018. Watch for silk liners on sale to save a little in the cost. They're expensive but well worth it. The down blanket was from Costco @ about $15. At the time they were only sold 2 to a package @ around $30. I took one on the Camino and later lent one to a friend. I was always warm enough.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
Thanks TS for some good advice. As can be seen from the replies, most experienced peregrinos agree that a full bag is overkill and certainly not worth the weight. I had received some differing advice but will follow the consensus here; stay with my silk sleep sack and find a down blanket.
 
Deuter Dreamlite 500 - squished to size of lg kleenex box - used in late Oct/Nov into Galicia, for 3 yrs. I love it!
 
Thanks TS for some good advice. As can be seen from the replies, most experienced peregrinos agree that a full bag is overkill and certainly not worth the weight. I had received some differing advice but will follow the consensus here; stay with my silk sleep sack and find a down blanket.

Costco usually sells the down throw blankets in the fall, so if you can wait they are an excellent buy. But if you need it sooner, this is the same blanket that Costco sells.

 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
My bag is 830 gr. but not a mummy bag. No way could I sleep with my feet and legs like that. It has a soft interior and you can unzip the whole thing. Rather than use those little stuff sacks, I tie it up with 2 extra bootlaces. (in case mine breaks or to use as clotheslines) Sometimes I just toss it in my pack, as it doesn't really matter if you roll it or make it small or not, it always weighs the same. Everything on top of it squishes it down rather nicely and I have saved time and effort. It has worked fine for 3 Caminos, April in Portugal and Spain, and Sept. - Oct. in Spain. Spray the outside with Permithryn before leaving home.
Thx J - Good advice. Can you share what brand and/or where you purchased the bag?
 
@truthseeker: what is the packed volume of that down throw - under 2L?
I may actually try it on my next Camino IF I can find one. I remember seeing it at Costco, but by the time I decided to buy it, they were gone...
Thanks @trecile for the Amazon link; still a good deal at double the Costco price.
 
REI Outlet has a Kelty 40 sleeping bag on sale TODAY ONLY for US $70. The bag only weighs 1# 10oz. and includes a stuff sack. This is the lightest bag I've found at any price point below $400 and should be warm enough for 3 seasons on the Camino.View attachment 101224
On my two caminos (or is it Camini) I brought my 10 oz sleeping bag ($600) and used it nightly. Both trips were in the Fall and the sleeping bag made a difference in my quality of sleep. I sleep with only 1 undergarment ( yes I know too much Information) and I suspect the sleeping bag covering me prevented a prudish pérégrina/o/i from having a religious experience! I slept great! Bring it!
However, if you are comfortable sleeping in your day clothes, a liner would serve you well as it did my two traveling companions.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
I ended up with a Rumpl down blanket. I purchased the Costco down blanket but at 6’4“ found it way too short. I would guess anyone over 5’10” would find in short.

frm
 
No sleeping bag. I carried a silk liner and down blanket mid September to mid October 2018. Watch for silk liners on sale to save a little in the cost. They're expensive but well worth it. The down blanket was from Costco @ about $15. At the time they were only sold 2 to a package @ around $30. I took one on the Camino and later lent one to a friend. I was always warm enough.
@truthseeker @trecile @Lisa HS et al...

Thanks for this. I've heard about the legendary Costco down blanket for years but don't know what product you're talking about. Is it this one? This one seems to be cotton stuffed with real down, but the Amazon one @trecile linked to says it's 100% polyester - are they the same?


I may be dense but I also don't understand the size and shape to cut the blanket down to. For those who use the blanket inside the sack, is it the full length and twice the width of the sleepsack, so you wrap the blanket around you? Or half that? Or something else?

And does it require enough sewing skills to finish the cut edges?

Sorry to pester you with all these questions!
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Your link does not show the thing I bought in 2018. I suspect Costco doesn't carry it any more. My down "blanket" is actually a throw. A tall person would not be able to use it without their feet sticking out. If you are going in the summer or early fall, it can be very hot: 30C or MORE during the day, 20C at night, so why bother with anything but a liner?? Albergues usually have blankets which you can pull over yourself while protecting yourself with the liner.
 
@truthseeker @trecile @Lisa HS et al...

Thanks for this. I've heard about the legendary Costco down blanket for years but don't know what product you're talking about. Is it this one? This one seems to be cotton stuffed with real down, but the Amazon one @trecile linked to says it's 100% polyester - are they the same?


I may be dense but I also don't understand the size and shape to cut the blanket down to. For those who use the blanket inside the sack, is it the full length and twice the width of the sleepsack, so you wrap the blanket around you? Or half that? Or something else?

And does it require enough sewing skills to finish the cut edges?

Sorry to pester you with all these questions!
No, that isn't the lightweight blanket that we are talking about. It's the same blanket that I linked to from Amazon.
As for the size when it's cut down - the full blanket is 60" x 70" (152 x 178cm). I usually cut them in half, making two 35" x 60" (89 x 152cm) blankets. Yes, it's quite small, but when it's inside the bag it lays on top of you. I'm 5' 8" tall (173cm). I only need for it to go up to my neck, or about 58" (147cm).
A larger person could cut it so that it remains 70" long and the width of the silk liner, which should work well unless you are over 6' 6" (198cm) or so.
Yes, you should have some basic sewing skills. What I do is sew a straight line about 1/4 inch (6mm) parallel to one of the lines of stitching on the blanket. Then I cut between the two lines. This keeps the down from escaping. I finish off the cut edge with a fabric binding. I also make silk sleep sacks, so I use leftover silk for this. You could also do a zigzag stitch to finish the raw edges.
Since the blanket is slippery I use ties on the corners of the blanket to attach to loops that I put inside. Other people use snaps or velcro.

You can see how the blanket fits in this picture.

20210316_102421.jpg


This is how I finish the edge of the blanket.
20180925_100847_copy_1008x756.jpg

And here's the blanket from Costco

20200314_204403_copy_756x1008.jpg
 
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@truthseeker: what is the packed volume of that down throw - under 2L?
I may actually try it on my next Camino IF I can find one. I remember seeing it at Costco, but by the time I decided to buy it, they were gone...
Thanks @trecile for the Amazon link; still a good deal at double the Costco price.
Weight about 1lb, measurement of stuff bag: 10 in. long, about 6in. high. Can be used as a neck pillow, too.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
The Costco blankets that I have altered have been for other people. I didn't know about them before my first Camino, and I use this tiny blanket from Montbell, which is about the sane size as half the Costco blanket, but more expensive.


They also make a larger one.

 
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This is my sleeping bag: Meru goa comfort Sleeping Bag, 830gr, 39.95€
Got it at Globetrotters in Germany in 2015.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
I didn't know about them before my first Camino, and I use this tiny blanket from Montbell,
I forgot that my Montbell blanket is quite a bit shorter than the half size Costco blankets, and it hasn't been a problem for me, even though I am a fairly tall woman. Maybe I'll use the Costco blanket next Camino, though my Montbell blanket quite literally feels like my security blanket, as it has accompanied me on all of my Caminos except the Portuguese when I relied on albergue blankets.
 
I don’t recall seeing a lot of Peregrinos carrying sleeping bags with their packs.
They may be unnecessary for those pilgrims who are fit enough to easily complete their stages, and having enough money for the more comfortable private albergues. Though one extra reason why you do not see many of them is that people tend more and more to carry them inside their packs rather than on the outside.

But well, if you're not on the Francès, especially if it's one of the lesser travelled Ways, then a sleeping bag can be more important ; and if you're someone like me, walking longer routes alone, it becomes an essential.

Although this year in particular, from the Covid measures, they are actually recommending to bring a sleeping bag, for the Municipal & Church albergues especially. A proper hiker's bag or similar would be unnecessary if you're just doing the Francès though ; just something thin, light enough, and cheap.

I had an excellent French Army surplus bag back in the 90s, 'til it was stolen -- it was very cheap, very light, not too hot in the Summer and yet kept me warm down to about -5°C/20-25°F. The one I have now is similar, also French Army and cheap, but quite a bit heavier.
 
My sleeping bag, which is rated a 13°C comfort level (and with extra cloth put on in an emergency likely to still be OK for around 5-10°C) It compresses down to 1,6L of volume. I usually have it in a 4L drysack. Even with my rather small backpack it fit comfortably inside, so yes, you will not see it strapped onto my pack... but i still carry it.
Admittetly, the bag is a rather high end one, but even the cheaper bags arent as huge anymore and likely most pilgrims carry them inside their backpacks.
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
the full blanket is 60" x 70" (152 x 178cm). I usually cut them in half, making two 35" x 60" (89 x 152cm) blankets. Yes, it's quite small, but when it's inside the bag it lays on top of you. I'm 5' 8" tall (173cm).
A larger person could cut it so that it remains 70" long and the width of the silk liner, which should work well unless you are over 6' 6" (198cm) or so.
Oh, I see what you're doing. You cut the blanket in half and only use the top half, tying it to the inside top half of the liner. So efficient!
And inspirational. I dislike the sliding feeling of lightweight sleeping bags but I have a great feeling 22 oz, 34x80" flannel blanket-sheet that I think would also feel great at 11 oz...
t
 
And inspirational. I dislike the sliding feeling of lightweight sleeping bags but I have a great feeling 22 oz, 34x80" flannel blanket-sheet that I think would also feel great at 11 oz...
Unfortunately, at 34" x 80" if you cut it in half it wouldn't be big enough. That's why down blankets are great - they are inherently very lightweight.
 
Oops. Been drikning. It's really 64".
I'll have to hunt down a down blanket and see what it feels like.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Oops. Been drikning. It's really 64".
I'll have to hunt down a down blanket and see what it feels like.
64 Inches would be perfect then. You could cut it down to 40 x 64 - that's wider and longer than my half size down blankets.
 

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