Sleeping Bag needed in July?

[HPalola]

Sorry to post a new thread, but a search of the site did not reveal info I was looking for. I am taking a week to walk a section of the Camino Frances in mid July 2015, probably starting in Pamplona - maybe in Roncesvalles if I'm feeling frisky! Will I really need a full-on sleeping bag at this time of year? It just seems like overkill (and considerable added weight). Would a sleep sack made from two sheets sewn together work just as well? All thoughts welcomed and appreciated!

 

[SYates]

From Pamplona in July for a week, yes, a thin inlet like you describe it would be certainly enough. Buen Camino! SY

 

[wayfarer]

Hi HPalola, IMO you will not need a sleeping bag in July but I would bring a silk liner, XL if you like a bit more room. Very light and fast drying.
Buen Camino.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EXTRA-LAR...ed-/290680065938?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:GB:3160

 

[Mark Lee]

No full-on sleeping bag needed in July. A liner of some type would be fine.

 

[Helen1]

I think it’s easy to get the impression from this forum that not taking a sleeping bag is the norm. I don’t recall seeing anyone without a sleeping bag on my caminos.

I’d check the weather just before you go and see what you think. Having done a May/June and an August camino. I was glad of my lightweight sleeping bag even in August but then I do like to be warm at night. I dunno, if you’ve been walking all day in the wind and rain, even in warm summer rain, I think it’s nice to have something to snuggle into at night.

I also liked the flexibility of having a sleeping bag, you can sleep pretty much anywhere with a sleeping bag, sleeping on a draughty hard floor in a liner wouldn’t be so much fun.

I don’t think you need to spend a huge amount on a bag though, I bought one of these (http://www.decathlon.de/schlafsack-arpenaz-basic-20-blau-id_8206029.html) in Bordeaux. Cheap and cheerful, no zip, weighs around 600g and at 4 euros you can easily donate it if you don’t want it.

 

[Patch]

A sheet sleeping bag is fine. Would suggesta silk one (real silk) as they are small and light but.....buy it pre treated with some form of repellant as bed bugs can be a problem. I met some poor guy last year covered in bites so I glad that I took the decision to buy a treated one myself. Some hostels have a reputation so suggest you check before you make your choice for the night as well (if possible) but this is an exception so dont be put off.

 

[JohnMcM]

Unless you feel cold in temperatures of about 15-18C , a sleep sheet or silk liner should do the job for you.
Buen Camino

 

[SYates]

..., I bought one of these (http://www.decathlon.de/schlafsack-arpenaz-basic-20-blau-id_8206029.html) in Bordeaux. Cheap and cheerful, no zip, weighs around 600g and at 4 euros you can easily donate it if you don’t want it.

I still think an silk or cotton inlet would be better for July/August, even if that sleeping bag is really cheap, it is basically a heavy blanket. Buen Camino! SY

 

[peregrina2000]

I think the "should I take a sleeping bag" question is the same as the "what are the best hiking boots" or "which backpack should I use" questions. This is a question that no one else can answer for you because it depends exclusively on your own body. I don't doubt that all of the posters have accurately reported on what feels good for them in those conditions, but they have their own unique internal heating and cooling systems. I always take a lightweight sleeping bag (850 grams), even last year arriving in Santiago in late July. But then I'm what the Spanish call "friolera", someone who gets cold easily. Only you know if that describes you too. If you're the one who always pulls out a sweater to warm up in summer air conditioning, or who needs extra layers when sitting around in the winter, then you will probably be very happy with the decision to carry a sleeping bag. If you sweat a lot and run around the house in shirt sleeves in winter, then you are likely to be fine with something much less.

And I agree with Helen's observations that almost everyone that I have seen walking the Camino, especially for longer distances, whatever the time of year, takes a sleeping bag. But that of course doesn't mean you should! Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Al the optimist]

Laurie is right as ever. I run hot so I have never took anything more than a silk liner and even this has been close to too much sometimes. Then again I have not started before the first week of May and never finished later than the end of September. I have been grateful for a blanket a few times, but never needed to wear more clothes. Hope you make the right decision for you and all goes well.