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Thanks for the input Trecile! Good to know. Less stuff for me to carry and worry about.I wouldn't bother. I've walked twice during "busy" times, and never had a problem finding a bed. Last year in August after Sarria I did reserve most nights though.
You also don't need a sleeping pad "in case there are not beds and you have to sleep on the floor". I never saw that happen, and most of those shiny new sleeping pads were discarded after a week or two.
Thanks Martyduc!
Thanks for the input!The extra kg(s) will increase the risk of injury. Besides, the CF crowded enough and facilities good enough there is no way to pitch a tent without being caught.
Have a look here:Dear Camino fans, I'm planning to do my first camino in June of this year (2018). I was wondering the following:
Many thanks to the creators, moderators and all who participate on this site and provide so much useful information for us greenhorns. Buen camino!
- Is the CF really crowded at this time?
- If so, should I just bring a tent so I don't have to worry about not being able to stay an an albergue?
Anthony
Excellent and informative reply martyseville! That's my mindset. I like to be prepared, that way, I can focus on the sights and sounds of the camino. The last thing I want is to walk 15 or so miles and then, while tired, deal with where I'm shacking up.I see a few "NOs" ....but,
I did the Frances, Ingles and Portuguese with my light weight tent. Purchased from REI.
When I did not want to stay inside, and that was often, I sat it up outside. Most of the time out back of the A'berg. Was nice having my "own place" and not hearing snoring, talking, rattling of bags at 4 am, etc.
A few times the A'berg was full but when told I had a tent I was welcomed to stay out back.
Few times on the grass. Few times under a covered area. Few times on the porch. and other places.
I paid the A'berg fee. Used shower. Washed clothes, etc.
It gave me the piece of mind that I had somewhere to sleep if needed. And could, if needed, even sleep in between two places/towns. Gave me flexibility most other walkers did not have. Avoided the "got to get there" feeling.
For all those who have come backs to me....just so you know when stealth camping: NO do not cook. NO fires. NO smoking. NO music. NO lights. Leave as found. NO tenting on private land. etc.
If it got to be too much of a hassle carrying it...I was going to donate it to some one.
Yes, was little extra weight. But I saw people carrying books, electronic devices, maps, you name it. In comparison my tent did not weight that much.
I DID NOT take any cooking devices.
Sleeping bag (light weight down -- compresses very small) and a pad.
Against all of the nay sayers... I say take your tent and enjoy.
Speaking of enjoying...I did spend a few nights at a nice place. To relax.
When I got to Santiago I stayed, as before, at the Hotel/Hostal Alfonso. Great place. Well worth it. You can find it on the net. Fills up fast. So make reservation as soon as you know when will be in Santiago.
If it doesn't work then ship it..donate it... or toss it.
Thanks Ivar!Have a look here:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/tags/tent/
When I saw the question I thought to myself, “Those who don’t tent will say no and those who have taken one will say yes”!
When I saw the question I thought to myself, “Those who don’t tent will say no and those who have taken one will say yes”!
Good point. I think I'll bring it just so I'm never concerned about where I'm shacking up when the day is done. Thanks for replying.Echoing what other people have said - if you are the kind of person who has wild camped before, enjoy the experience, know how to campy subtly with minimal environmental impact and you're ok with it not being 100% legal, go for it (I had some beautiful and not so beautiful experiences). For 95% + (?) of people walking the camino a tent is totally necessary weight and you can always find a bed.
You can always sleep outside with no tent in the weather is good.
Judging by your forum pic you look young and fit and I doubt you'll have any issues. No doubt you'll bump into people walking with crutches and other impediments. If you get somewhere and it's full just think about them and walking the extra 2/3 miles to the next place really wont seem like such a big deal!
When I saw the question I thought to myself, “Those who don’t tent will say no and those who have taken one will say yes”!
Thanks for chiming in. Good points to consider.Antny...if you’re willing to take a tent “just in case” what other items in that category are in your pack? This is not wilderness camping. Tents: weigh more than “0”, hold water when wet, are known to be set up in fields where cattle and sheep traverse (peweu). If you have to stay outside a full albergue and it’s nice out...enjoy the stars. If inclement weather most albergue will allow you to sleep on the floor.
Buen Camino
Arn
Cool Charles! Thanks for sharing!If you are just concerned about being stuck out at night without shelter one of these is cheap and light insurance .
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SOL-Emergency-Bivvy/152566018786?hash=item2385a4b2e2:g:DNoAAOSwBrpZeYTv
Just knowing that you have the capacity to last out a night dry and in comparative comfort does much to ally fears and give confidence .
They weigh a few ounces and are smaller than a tennis ball .
Thanks Michelle! I'll definitely appreciate your advice.If tenting is a preference, minimize weight by considering a tarp over a tent. Silnylon seems to offer a good balance between weight and proe. Another thought is an army poncho that can be used as a tent and a rain poncho. Filanny, there are some very light bivies. Much to choose from.
Personally, I can recommend Henry Shires TarpTents from the USA, over all others. But Natirehike (China) does have some inexpensive options.
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