advice for Astorga to Santiago Compostela

[nos_reves]

hello,

i just introduced myself over on the Pilgrim Introductions thread, but i thought i would post here as well and ask for any and all advice seasoned perigrinos might have. i'm trying to search through the many post here to find the information i need, but i'd appreciate any and all suggestions.

i'd like to do it in about two weeks give or take a few days, i'm taking it at my own pace and i'd be really happy to see quirky/beautiful/interesting things and people along the way.

i just came to the realization today that i need to go back and do it, and i'll be starting in about a month. i know i'm preparing late and i want to make sure that i'm all set before i go so i can just go with the flow of the Camino when i finally get there.

one really big question. do i need a sleeping bag?

thanks in advance for your replies

 

[Paddyc83]

I did that route this year was great it took me 13 days but one of those was only 5k on the last day

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Albergues require a sleeping bag or sack. It will be generally warm, so go light!

 

[whariwharangi]

You could get by with a sheet liner for a sleeping bag (basically a sleeping bag made out of a sheet) and a duvet. There is no bedding though some Albergues provide throw away sheets to protect the mattress from dirt.

There are usually lots of blankets available, particularly in places that get cold often.

 

[nreyn12]

If you are walking a month from now that means July...which means hot. You can get by with just a silk sleep sack, no sleeping bag.

 

[nos_reves]

thanks for the suggestions. it looks like i'm going to push my start back a couple of weeks, as i have a calf strain right now. given that i'll now be going in early august(ish), should i consider getting a really lightweight sleeping bag in case i can't find a place to sleep? i've heard that august is one of busiest times and that there are more crowds than usual. i'm concerned that i won't be walking fast enough to ensure getting a spot for the night. could that be a problem?

 

[whariwharangi]

Albergues at places like Rabanal and Foncebadon have a reputation for getting cold at night. The one I stayed at had heat for a while in the evening and also supplied blankets.

Mine was late fall so conditions may well be different in summer ... that being said these are mountains and all weather can be encountered all year.

So yes a light sleeping bag ... one for rated for 5 - 10 celcius ... is my recommendation.