HELP WITH PLANNING

kayinaylesbury said:

Also what would those of you who have completed your walk say were the most important items to take.

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Kay,
this is a question that gets people enthused. You might try searching on a phrase like 'packing list' to see what has been said before, and be prepared to be confused.

My take is that light is good, provided you have addressed what is needed to address the specific issues of the time of year, what risks you are prepared to take, and your start point.

Over all that, make sure you take along your inner mental and spiritual strength. Alongside any physical preparations, I found this and the support of my family and friends critical to completing my Camino.

The primary concern should be the weight of the bag. The first part of September is still pretty hot across most the the route to Santiago. I would also take a light silk sleep sack as it will be too warm in many places for the sleeping bag and you don't want to be directly on the mattresses. :shock:
The sleeping bag (aside from the pack itself) is usually the heaviest thing carried. Ideally, the weight would be no more than 1 pound (.5 kilo +-) Unfortunately the lighter the bag...more expensive. Consider that you will be carrying this everyday whether you need it or not.
Go light.

Kay

I have taken a sleeping bag liner in September and had no real problems.

Many albergues have blankets and they offer extra warmth. If your Spanish is good then asking for a blanket will not be a problem. If it is poor write it down in Spanish in case they are not already on the bunks. Be aware that some albergues do not provide blankets - if you need one and they are not available consider cutting your losses and going to a private albergue where they are provided.

In September there will be quite a choice of albergues available in most places.

If you really feel the cold then a lightweight sleeping bag would be worth considering but remember that some pilgrims do sleep in their clothes inside a sleeping bag liner.

It is essential to pack nail sissors - they are a very, very useful multi-functional tool.

I am walking in September and I am not carrying a sleeping bag. I got the "reactor" sleep sack from REI and I've used it for the last 2 nights with good success. Once you get it, try sleeping in it at home a bit so you know what it'll feel like. I now know I need to have "silky" pants to sleep in while in the sack otherwise my pants get tangled with the sack and drive me nuts (I usually don't wear pants to bed so they're already driving me nuts but I suspect I'll want them on the camino. I also know that a very light fleece throw on top of the sack kept me comfortable in a 50-ish degree room while adding a second, heavier blanket was too warm. This makes me feel confident in my choice as I think for most nights the room will be over 50 and I can add my sarong on top as well as my poncho for added warmth. If I find it's getting colder at night and I consistently need more warmth I may stop at a fabric shop and pick up a length of lightweight fleece fabric to use as a blanket. Then I can make sure I'm not getting more blanket than I need or want to carry. Depending on weight/space I *might* toss my silk liner into my pack to use as the bag itself and I'll put the reactor sack inside. I'll decide that at the last minute and I doubt it'll happen but it's an option.