Sleeping bag in April/June

TravellingSonn · Jan 3, 2008

Happy New Year everyone!

Do I need a sleeping bag for mid April/May or will a sleeping bag liner suffice?

Love and smiles to you all
Sonia

Arn · Jan 3, 2008

Hi, there are many threads on this topic, but to condense:

1. Having a sleeping bag is a personal decision because of weight, proper temp rating, style of bag.

2. Temperatures will fluctuate based on time of year, altitude, # of people and how close.

3. Some Albergues provide a mat...but, state of cleanliness may be suspect.

4. Liners are light, varied strength in construction, limited flexibility with drastic weather change.

5. Many good bags out there under 1 lb 6 oz in weight, check REI, or other outfitters.

http://www.rei.com

Hope that helps

Arn

Cyd · Jan 4, 2008

Hi Sonia

I haven't walked my Camino yet but am planning to start last week of April.

I am taking a light summer weight bag - and it really is summer weight:
http://www.gogogear.com.au/shopexd.asp?id=457
and a silk liner to guard against cold - I know this might be overkill taking both but their combined weight is 600g and take up very little space (the bag compresses down to about 20x10cm).

I'm going to get all my gear finalised in the next few weeks and may well jettison one of them before I go - and worst case scenario I try them for a few days and post one of them home.

There's some talk about the blankets not being the best in terms of hygiene so I'd rather take my own.

hope that helps

cheers
Megan

TravellingSonn · Jan 7, 2008

Hi Arn and Megan,

Thanks for taking the time out to respond. I think I will bring a sleeping bag with me. Megan even I stumbled across gogogear and thought if the majority of people suggested a sleeping bag is a good idea I will purchase the one for $65. It's a great site!

I'm starting my walk on from SJPP on Sunday 20th April, have you decided when and where your leaving from?

Love and smiles
Sonia

Cyd · Jan 7, 2008

TravellingSonn said:
Hi Arn and Megan,

Thanks for taking the time out to respond. I think I will bring a sleeping bag with me. Megan even I stumbled across gogogear and thought if the majority of people suggested a sleeping bag is a good idea I will purchase the one for $65. It's a great site!

I'm starting my walk on from SJPP on Sunday 20th April, have you decided when and where your leaving from?

Love and smiles
Sonia

Hey S

I've responded to another couple of threads but will sum up my plans so far:

flying out of Sydney 20 April - arrive in London some time early 21 April. Will take a day or two to get over the jet lag then probably fly from London to Biarritz on 23 April, train to Bayonne then to SJPDP and hopefully start either 24 or 25th - I quite like the idea of starting on ANZAC Day.

I'm booked to fly back - London to Sydney on 4 June. That should give me enough time to walk the Camino at my own pace and have a rest day or two, maybe even get some relaxing in after the walk, perhaps see a bit more of Spain or imbibe in some magnificent English Ales back in London.

How long have you got?

cheers
Megan

Arn · Jan 7, 2008

Hi,

SJPP April 19th...it's not that far away!

I was lucky to be on the first R&R flight into Sydney from Viet Nam in 1967. We were taken under the wing of the Reserve Forces Association. Many of the folks I met were ANZAC vets and welcomed us into the clubs and homes. In one home, in Wilberforce, I met a couple that had adopted the US Marines due to their being in Australia during WWII. Their house was full of pictures, letters and awards for all their efforts. What fantastic people are the Australians and New Zealanders!

Look forwar to seeing you all along the Way!

Arn

TravellingSonn · Jan 8, 2008

Hi All,

Arn what kind words, thank you. Yes we Aussies are very friendly and hospitable people...

Megan, I have 6 1/2 weeks off from work, that will give me 37 walking days, I'm hoping this will be enough... It looks as though you'll be 4/5 days behind me and how wonderful to be starting your Camino on Anzac day... Who knows our paths may cross...

Buen Camino
Love and smiles
Sonia

brendan nolan · Jan 10, 2008

Hi Sonia,

I have been on the Camino Frances during April/June as pilgrim and hospitalero and it can be cold in the refugios at night, not all have heating. In the second half of May this year at Rabanal, night temperatures were often around the 6 C mark or lower.
Buen Camino,
Brendan

TravellingSonn · Jan 11, 2008

Hi Brendan,

Thanks for your advice. Just the other day I was thinking of only taking my sleeping bag and leaving the linear behind, from what you've experienced I think I'll take them both.

Seeing you've completed the Camino during the months I'm planning, what's the weather like throughout the day? Did you enjoy this time of year?

Thanks for your help

Love and smiles
Sonia

cecelia · Jan 13, 2008

Hi,
I've walked 3 times in April and May and I definitely recommend a sleeping bag in April. Mine goes down to 0 degrees and weighs less than a kilo. I also use a silk liner. Occasionally in early April I have been cold but just sleep in my clean clothes for the next day (makes morning easier<grin>). The albergues aren't heated so can feel colder than it is outside.
Daytime weather is often wonderful. The flowers are blooming and spring is in the air.The challenge in going at this time of year is that anything can happen. This year was the most extreme of my trips. I started at SJPP on April 12th I think. It was wet and cold. The route over the mountain was too snowy the day I went over and locals recommended not taking it so I went via Valcarlos which was interesting although not as spectacular. It was wet and cold for a few days with mud up to the boot tops in a couple of places. Then the sun came out and lots of people who were taken by surprise had badly blistered lips and noses. We walked in light clothes. Then outside of Leon it snowed and we darned near froze from the cold wind.
So - generally the weather is beautiful - but it's spring and the weather can change quickly. Take layers of clothes. I take silk longjohns and long sleeved shirt (available from most camping stores). They weigh nothing but are quite warm when needed.
cecelia

TravellingSonn · Jan 15, 2008

Hi Cecelia,

Thank you so much for the advice. I wouldn't have thought to bring long johns. To tell you the truth, I wasn't aware how cool it can get around that time of year. I'll definitely carry a few extra layers in my pack. I can't wait to start.

Thanks for the invaluable advice.

Buen Camino
Lovep and smiles
Sonia

Deirdre · Jan 15, 2008

Hi Sonia,
I too carried silk longjohns and used them quite frequently in July/Aug 2007. The mornings could be VERY cool...sometimes downright cold. I wore the silk top under my shirt and usually around 9 - 10 am was able to take it off. But I also used it in the evening. For me, it was the best thing I brought - it weighed nothing and got plenty of use! I didn't use the bottom except once or twice for sleeping...but since they weigh so little it would probably be a good thing to have - since you are going in colder weather. I highly recommend the silk - warm, lightweight.
Buen Camino,
Deirdrè

TravellingSonn · Jan 16, 2008

Hi Deidre,

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely be packing the silk long johns....

Love and smiles
Sonia

Javier Martin · Jan 16, 2008

Your Camino can not depend on the heating in the albergues. You have to be ready for any inconvenience you can find, the same as you are ready if it begins to rain.

In April weather can be quite cold during the nights. And quite warm during the day. Who knows?

I saw a very cold day, with a lot of snow in Manjarin, in late may, about 5-6 years ago.

Buen Camino,

Javier Martin
Madrid, Spain.