Roncesvalles Albergue April 2022

[jsalt]

The Lowveld Ramblers were looking forward to their camino in May this year, but sadly we have had to postpone, yet again (like many others), and Roncesvalles Albergue has agreed to change our prepaid bookings (yet again), to end of April 2022.

My query is, I remember they don’t supply blankets, but that is the only night that we will probably need more than just a sleep sheet. We are reluctant to carry sleeping bags for probably one night’s use only. I can’t remember if they have heating on cold nights. End of April could be hot or cold.

Do you think we’ll have a comfortable night with just sleep sheets and wearing our clothes to bed? What was Roncesvalles albergue like for you in April?

 

[Anniesantiago]

You just never know. Here is a photo of Roncesvalles in April 2012.
On the other hand, I've slept there when it's cold just by layering my clothing and covering myself with my ALTUS poncho and slept quite warm.

 

[Anhalter]

I was happy to have a sleeping bag in other albergues as well. And that was May/June 2019.
A good down bag will weigh little more than a liner, but they are pricey. If you are confident that the problem will only be roncesvalles, book a room at the adjacent hotel, that will likely cost less than a sleeping bag and provide blankets.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

The Lowveld Ramblers were looking forward to their camino in May this year, but sadly we have had to postpone, yet again (like many others), and Roncesvalles Albergue has agreed to change our prepaid bookings (yet again), to end of April 2022.

My query is, I remember they don’t supply blankets, but that is the only night that we will probably need more than just a sleep sheet. We are reluctant to carry sleeping bags for probably one night’s use only. I can’t remember if they have heating on cold nights. End of April could be hot or cold.

Do you think we’ll have a comfortable night with just sleep sheets and wearing our clothes to bed? What was Roncesvalles albergue like for you in April?

I always have started the Frances in mid April and it has never been hot in the Roncesvalles albergue. I take a cheap, lightweight sleeping bag and have never regretted it...all the way to Santiago.

 

[trecile]

I remember they don’t supply blankets, but that is the only night that we will probably need more than just a sleep sheet. We are reluctant to carry sleeping bags for probably one night’s use only.

It's possible that post Covid protocols might eliminate blankets in some albergues - I don't know if you can always count on them.
If you can get hold of inexpensive lightweight down throw blankets like those that are sold at Costco in the US (and I believe in other countries too) you can cut them in half so that they are just the size to tuck into a liner. The weight of the half blanket is only about 225 grams.

I actually have this tiny down blanket - it's more expensive, but the quality is a bit better. I bought mine before I knew about the Costco down blankets.

Down Blanket M

Fitted with snaps and lightweight adjustable cords, this down blanket easily converts to a shawl...

www.montbell.us

 

[Marbe2]

Being cold all night is miserable. If you get a cold spell, you might need it until pamplona.. and in other mountain areas. Why not consider a synthetic comforter/blanket. Lighter than a sleeping bag, but additional protection.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

It's possible that post Covid protocols might eliminate blankets in some albergues - I don't know if you can always count on them.
If you can get hold of inexpensive lightweight down throw blankets like those that are sold at Costco in the US (and I believe in other countries too) you can cut them in half so that they are just the size to tuck into a liner. The weight of the half blanket is only about 225 grams.

I actually have this tiny down blanket - it's more expensive, but the quality is a bit better. I bought mine before I knew about the Costco down blankets.

Down Blanket M

Fitted with snaps and lightweight adjustable cords, this down blanket easily converts to a shawl...

www.montbell.us

That's an interesting use for a throw. The last time I went away for a long weekend (Sept 2019!) it was to a draughty cottage and we were all advise to bring a throw or fleece blanket "just in case". I took my Costco and found I could wear it like a shawl, holding it in place with the existing KAP snaps and was as snug as a bug in the proverbial . . .
I "shrugged" off (see what I did there?) suggestions that I looked like a Maori warrior - I was warm!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

That's an interesting use for a throw. The last time I went away for a long weekend (Sept 2019!) it was to a draughty cottage and we were all advise to bring a throw or fleece blanket "just in case". I took my Costco and found I could wear it like a shawl, holding it in place with the existing KAP snaps and was as snug as a bug in the proverbial . . .
I "shrugged" off (see what I did there?) suggestions that I looked like a Maori warrior - I was warm!

View attachment 92867

Jeff, I hope you threw on some clothing under your throw.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Jeff, I hope you threw on some clothing under your throw.

It was England, in late September (birthday treat not birthday suit).

 

[nathanael]

The Lowveld Ramblers were looking forward to their camino in May this year, but sadly we have had to postpone, yet again (like many others), and Roncesvalles Albergue has agreed to change our prepaid bookings (yet again), to end of April 2022.

My query is, I remember they don’t supply blankets, but that is the only night that we will probably need more than just a sleep sheet. We are reluctant to carry sleeping bags for probably one night’s use only. I can’t remember if they have heating on cold nights. End of April could be hot or cold.

Do you think we’ll have a comfortable night with just sleep sheets and wearing our clothes to bed? What was Roncesvalles albergue like for you in April?

I was under the knowledge that Spain was not allowing people into the country until the end of summer and even that is a query?

 

[trecile]

I was under the knowledge that Spain was not allowing people into the country until the end of summer and even that is a query?

They are planning for April 2022.

Roncesvalles Albergue has agreed to change our prepaid bookings (yet again), to end of April 2022.

 

[Anniesantiago]

By the way, Roncesvalles has been very kind in changing our reservations or even refunding some who were unable to travel in 2022 - though I'm sure they can use your $22 if you're willing to donate it.

 

[GraemeHall]

Cuddle up together?

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Maybe you could bring some packets of body heaters. I'm thinking of those envelopes filled with iron filings that you open up to cause the iron to rust giving off heat. They are cheap enough to buy a few to see how they do with a sleep sheet on a chilly night at home.

Chemistry

Learn about chemical reactions, elements, and the periodic table with these resources for students and teachers.

www.thoughtco.com

Seeing as there are a bunch of you you may want to buy in bulk.

HotHands Body & Hand SUPER Warmers (18 Hour Warmers) Box With 40 Warmers (HH-1)

www.industrialsafetygear.com

 

[Priscilla NC]

I walked the Camino Frances twice starting in April. Each walk I was grateful to have a silk liner plus a lightweight sleeping bag. It was freezing coming over the Pyrenees both times. And the coldest night I ever spent was in Sahagun in May in 2016.

 

[AlwynWellington]

Jeff, I hope you threw on some clothing under your throw

Sorry Chrissy, but you need no clothes to look like a real warrior.

So, @Jeff Crawley, a good try but not close

Kia kaha, kia maia, kia mana'wa'nui (be strong, confident and patient)

 

[jsalt]

Cuddle up together?

Hmm, that should be interesting: 8 mature ladies cuddled up together on those bunk beds .

 

[jsalt]

book a room at the adjacent hotel

Not an option on our budget unfortunately, especially as we've already paid for the albergue, but thanks for the idea. We might go with taking a small lightweight cheap synthetic fleece blanket each, which we could just leave at another albergue further along the trail, if we find we don't need them anymore.

 

[Anhalter]

Not an option on our budget unfortunately, especially as we've already paid for the albergue, but thanks for the idea. We might go with taking a small lightweight cheap synthetic fleece blanket each, which we could just leave at another albergue further along the trail, if we find we don't need them anymore.

If budget is an issue, down sleeping bags are likely of the table. Theres some cheap bags on amazon and sometimes sold at discount markets (Lidl, Aldi for germany, don't know if theres something alike at your place). While more than double the weight on what i am using at around 600-700g, they cost like 20€ and if you are not super weight-concious are still within limits.

 

[jsalt]

if you are not super weight-concious

Yep, we are definitely super weight conscious . This is mainly because we have to take our packs on the plane into the cabin with us, otherwise we have to pay another arm and a leg for baggage in the hold on our long haul flights . Thanks for your thoughts, much appreciated!

 

[trecile]

Yep, we are definitely super weight conscious . This is mainly because we have to take our packs on the plane into the cabin with us, otherwise we have to pay another arm and a leg for baggage in the hold on our long haul flights . Thanks for your thoughts, much appreciated!

Is there a weight limit for your carry-on luggage? If you need to, you could check one group bag with the extras that you can't take on board, and split the cost. I would get an old duffel bag or something that you could dispose of easily. Of course, you would have to purchase another inexpensive bag before returning home.

 

[jsalt]

you could check one group bag with the extras that you can't take on board, and split the cost.

Great idea, thank you!

 

[Anhalter]

Yep, we are definitely super weight conscious . This is mainly because we have to take our packs on the plane into the cabin with us, otherwise we have to pay another arm and a leg for baggage in the hold on our long haul flights . Thanks for your thoughts, much appreciated!

If carryon limits are a problem, i guess the rest of your pack might be to heavy to start with. i guess most airlines limit at 8kg or above, but of course, yours might be different.
Even if thats the case, theres ways to get around this. Wear the heavy stuff on your body, the light in the backpack... Or just bite the bullet and buy 1x20kg checked luggage as recommended. Whatever works for you

 

[Kristie]

It's possible that post Covid protocols might eliminate blankets in some albergues - I don't know if you can always count on them.
If you can get hold of inexpensive lightweight down throw blankets like those that are sold at Costco in the US (and I believe in other countries too) you can cut them in half so that they are just the size to tuck into a liner. The weight of the half blanket is only about 225 grams.

I actually have this tiny down blanket - it's more expensive, but the quality is a bit better. I bought mine before I knew about the Costco down blankets.

Down Blanket M

Fitted with snaps and lightweight adjustable cords, this down blanket easily converts to a shawl...

www.montbell.us

I have used the Costco down throw, plus a liner, on 2 Caminos. I definitely needed it in Roncesvalles, in early May.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I would not count on getting blankets in albergues, unless you are booking privates.
Also, the elevation and temperature changes, so you may be hot one day and freezing the next.
I almost FROZE in Santo Domingo one June!

 

[Cicada]

The Lowveld Ramblers were looking forward to their camino in May this year, but sadly we have had to postpone, yet again (like many others), and Roncesvalles Albergue has agreed to change our prepaid bookings (yet again), to end of April 2022.

My query is, I remember they don’t supply blankets, but that is the only night that we will probably need more than just a sleep sheet. We are reluctant to carry sleeping bags for probably one night’s use only. I can’t remember if they have heating on cold nights. End of April could be

The Lowveld Ramblers were looking forward to their camino in May this year, but sadly we have had to postpone, yet again (like many others), and Roncesvalles Albergue has agreed to change our prepaid bookings (yet again), to end of April 2022.

My query is, I remember they don’t supply blankets, but that is the only night that we will probably need more than just a sleep sheet. We are reluctant to carry sleeping bags for probably one night’s use only. I can’t remember if they have heating on cold nights. End of April could be hot or cold.

Do you think we’ll have a comfortable night with just sleep sheets and wearing our clothes to bed? What was Roncesvalles albergue like for you in April?

I'd be taking a light weight sleeping bag all the way to Santiago. You'll surely need one for more than a few nights
Have fun I hope it happens for you in 2022

 

[Arn]

You just never know. Here is a photo of Roncesvalles in April 2012.
On the other hand, I've slept there when it's cold just by layering my clothing and covering myself with my ALTUS poncho and slept quite warm.

I keep telling folks...the ALTUS poncho can be a lifesaver in so many ways