Foam sleeping pad

[Chito]

Doing the Camino in May and June and not planning to sleep outside; do I need a pad under my sleeping bag? Was just thinking if auberge's are full and no beds available and it's just floor space... Wondering How likely it is that time of year that I would need it.

 

[Mark Lee]

I've done three Caminos and never brought one nor did I find the need for one.
Also you see quite a few of them left in albergues by pilgrims who realized they didn't need them.

 

[Scott Sweeney]

No you won't need one. It will look very cool rolled and tied to your pack but eventually you will ask why did I bring this. If you leave it behind you can still imagine the songs of James Taylor.

 

[Anniesantiago]

No.
You won't need one.
And if you do, you can take your pick from the many discarded ones in the free boxes!

 

[David]

My first Camino I had romantic ideas and took one .... can't remember where I dumped it, but I did!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

if auberge's are full and no beds available and it's just floor space

That custom is becoming rare. Facilities are approved for a certain occupancy, and the "fire marshal" now discourages floor sleeping. Can you imagine evacuating with sleeping bodies all over the floor? Neither can the Spanish authorities!!

An even bigger fire danger is the albergue that is locked from the inside. There are several threads on the Forum where Members have commented on this dangerous practice. It may take a headline about a lethal fire for there to be 100% enforcement on regulations on exit routes and safe practices. It would be nice if hospitaleros and pilgrims alike followed the rules before there is a tragedy. All the new albergues conform to emergency route and exit regulations; some of the older ones are pretty casual (one narrow staircase at the traditional Granon albergue, and a regular fire in the fireplace).

 

[Chito]

Thank you all for your quick, saavy responses ....this forum is amazing.

 

[Kanga]

I think that if the albergue allows you to sleep on the floor they will have mats. Be aware that the accommodation is limited by its license as to the number of people that it can allow to sleep inside the building. There are always alternative beds somewhere; even if that means staying somewhere more expensive or off-camino.

 

[bopper NYC]

Doing the Camino in May and June and not planning to sleep outside; do I need a pad under my sleeping bag? Was just thinking if auberge's are full and no beds available and it's just floor space... Wondering How likely it is that time of year that I would need it.

I'm wondering the same thing - as 2016 has now been proclaimed a holy year.
I'd hate to have to sleep on a floor some night and NOT have a pad. Thoughts?