Do I need a sleeping bag for Camino Frances in May?

[Beni Benstead]

Hi folks!

I'll be beginning my first Camino at the beginning of May. My rucksack is weighing in at 10kg - oops!

I want to get it down to 7-8kg and could drop a little over 1kg by leaving out the sleeping bag.

I'm told most places have blankets you can use of it's a bit chilly so thought maybe I could rely on just a silk sleeping bag liner?

All words of wisdom & experience appreciated!

Cheers,

Beni

 

[Curtis]

I'd highly recommend bringing your sleeping bag, but if you're pack weight is 10kgs surely there are other items you are over looking that are less essential than a sleeping bag that you can leave at home.

 

[StFina]

Last time, I identified a number of different albergues I wanted to stay in. I contacted them prior to leaving to make sure blankets were made available. Once confirmed, I left my sleeping bag at home and simply used the blankets provided with a silk liner. BTW, you should look closely at your list. I am sure you can trim quite a bit from your pack without feeling the loss of anything. - Buen Camino - Steve

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I do not think you need a sleeping bag in May. Almost all albergues have blankets. By May, they may be in storage, so you may need to ask.

 

[Mark Lee]

Myself, if I were walking the Camino in May I would only bring a sleeping bag liner, and when possible also use the blankets at the albergues. I would also have a fleece pullover to wear to sleep if I get chilly.
It all depends on how cold you sleep. If you do bring a sleeping bag, bring a summer weight one that packs small. It should not weigh more than about 680 grams or so and roll up to the size of a two-liter bottle.
Ten kilos sounds too heavy...let's see that list so it can be critiqued, ha ha.
ultreia

 

[whariwharangi]

Hi folks!

I'll be beginning my first Camino at the beginning of May. My rucksack is weighing in at 10kg - oops!

I want to get it down to 7-8kg and could drop a little over 1kg by leaving out the sleeping bag.

I'm told most places have blankets you can use of it's a bit chilly so thought maybe I could rely on just a silk sleeping bag liner?

All words of wisdom & experience appreciated!

Cheers,

Beni

You likely won't die if you don't have a sleeping bag.

You are allowed to be miserable and uncomfortable whilst on the camino. Some would even insist that real discomfort is part of the experience of the camino. 'Cold and shivering following a sleepless night' fit that bill.

So no, you don't actually ... need ... a sleeping bag.

It'd be the last thing I take out of my pack.

 

[Denise O'Callaghan]

On Camino at moment. Have sleeping bag but not used it yet. Inner bag plus blankets is perfect. So sorry I took sleeping bag. Take warm socks to keep feet warm. Buen Camino!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

So sorry I took sleeping bag.

Over the years, I have mailed two home, and thrown one away! If it is a cheap one, just put it in a discard bin.

 

[Patricia Stockton]

Just finished the Camino, didn't have a sleeping bag and didn't need one. Blankets available.