Need for a Sleeping Mat on Via de la Plata?

[andrew48]

I plan to walk the via de la Plata next April. Is there a need to carry a foam sleeping mat.... or do the 'Roof & Floor' Albergues provide a mattress. I do not want to carry one unless it is a must. Andrew48 :?:

 

[MermaidLilli]

Only roof and floor albergue I saw was in Guillena, the first stop after Sevilla. They did have mats though. I would not take one.
Lillian

 

[Deleted member 397]

On my second camino from le puy I took a mat and in 1700 kms never used it.Curiously on the camino frances almost everyone had one and I didn't see anyone use them-leave it at home, along with those silly walking poles.

 

[Rose Louise]

Hi Omar

On the subject of walking poles I totally disagree with you. It is a choice we make and I found one pole great for support and balance over difficult parts of a wet Camino Portugues in May.

Everyone to their own. Cheers Rose Louise

 

[gyro]

I plan to walk the via de la Plata next April. Is there a need to carry a foam sleeping mat.... or do the 'Roof & Floor' Albergues provide a mattress. I do not want to carry one unless it is a must. Andrew48 :?:

Well, I walked VdlP two years ago. I took a foam sleeping mat and never used it.

Just my two cents
Gyro

 

[Deleted member 397]

The other point about mats that is overlooked is how they usually extend either side of a backpack. This becomes a problem when it rains and I've seen many struggling to cover their backpacks with these things sticking out.

 

[Tony D]

I have recently returned from the VDLP - Sevilla to Merida. I did not stop at the alberque in Guillena but I was told by somebody who did that it has just been refurbished and has new bunks and hot water. Another reason for not taking a mat.

 

[bjorgts]

I have walked Via de la Plata from Sevilla to Caceres April 2006 and from Caceres to Zamora 2008, both times carrying a sleeping mat. I used it twice the first year and not at all last year. I will continue in April 2009 and will not bring a mat anymore. It can happens thar you will need it, but if that happens, fint another solution. To much carrying for to little use.

 

[Dawn of a new Day]

i just completed the via de la plata in october. there is no need for a mat. there are alot of new albergues. i met a german man who dumped his. just extra stuff.
dawn