Sleeping bag or down comforter ?

[Michael Mavrogordato]

I'm starting in St Jean in late September, and given the season and the simple amenities of the albergues, which option makes more sense: a lightweight ( 5c) sleeping bag or a very compressible down comforter ....all opinions are welcome!

 

[trecile]

For me, a silk liner and small down blanket are the most versatile sleep system. Together my liner and blanket weigh just 12 ounces. On hot nights I can put the blanket between the liner and the sometimes sticky and uncomfortable vinyl covered mattress. On cooler nights I can tuck the blanket inside my liner for warmth.

 

[J F Gregory]

We use a silk liner and a 40 degree hiking quilt. I believe it is more practical than a sleeping bag. The only time I have used a sleeping bag is when walking in winter when albergue heat is variable.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I'm starting in St Jean in late September, and given the season and the simple amenities of the albergues, which option makes more sense: a lightweight ( 5c) sleeping bag or a very compressible down comforter ....all opinions are welcome!

There is no insulation on the bottom of a sleeping bag where the insulation is crushed under the sleeper's weight. It makes sense to eliminate the extra weight, and use a backpacking sleeping quilt. With the fasteners that are included with that style of sleeping quilt, you do have the flexibility to adjust it into a sleeping bag if desired, to create only a footwell, or to leave it completely open like a comforter. My 40F sleeping quilt weighs about 10 ounces and compresses down to the size of a grapefruit.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

After you see a few mattresses, I don't think you will want to lie down on one directly, so I vote for the sleeping bag or sleeping sack. You can use an albergue blanket if you get cold.

 

[Tincatinker]

I can guarantee, without prejudice, that if I sleep in a silk liner covered by anything - hairy Albergue blanket; micro-fleece doobry-wotsit or any other conceivable covering - I will wake at 3 (3!) in the morning to discover that I am freezing and that my erstwhile covering has slid off in pursuit of its own camino. The wonderful thing about sleeping bags is that once you are in 'em they can't escape. Even if you are on the top bunk!!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I can guarantee, without prejudice, that if I sleep in a silk liner covered by anything - hairy Albergue blanket; micro-fleece doobry-wotsit or any other conceivable covering - I will wake at 3 (3!) in the morning to discover that I am freezing and that my erstwhile covering has slid off in pursuit of its own camino. The wonderful thing about sleeping bags is that once you are in 'em they can't escape. Even if you are on the top bunk!!

I'm laughing out loud at the mind's picture you have created!!!

 

[HedaP]

I started SJPdP 15 September. Slow walker. Got to Santiago 30 October. Did take a lightweight sleeping bag but a down comforter would have been more than adequate. And if it slips off your sleeping sheet, pin it on.

 

[trecile]

t a down comforter would have been more than adequate. And if it slips off your sleeping sheet, pin it on.

Or put it inside your silk liner.

 

[Prentiss Riddle]

For you comforter/quilt enthusiasts, can you post links to specific ones you like?

I hear about bargains to be found at Costco, etc.

Some of those bargains involve cutting down and re-hemming a larger quilt. That’s probably beyond my abilities, but I’ll admit that I’m sewing-curious...

 

[trecile]

For you comforter/quilt enthusiasts, can you post links to specific ones you like?

I hear about bargains to be found at Costco, etc.

Some of those bargains involve cutting down and re-hemming a larger quilt. That’s probably beyond my abilities, but I’ll admit that I’m sewing-curious...

I cut down a Costco quilt for my friend. It's really not that hard to do, but if you want to use one full size it's still pretty light at 15 ounces. I don't think that they are selling them in the warehouses right now, but you can but them online in a two pack for $39.99.

https://m.costco.com/Double-Black-Diamond-Packable-Down-Throw-2-pack.product.100314979.html

If you want to cut one down here's how I did it:
You will need a package of double fold seam binding to finish the cut edge.
Decide where you want to cut it, then sew two parallel lines of stitching about 1/4 inch apart. (this will keep the down from escaping when you cut the blanket)
Cut between the two lines of stitching.
Pin the seam binding in place over the cut edge, and sew with a wide zigzag zag stitch.

You can decide how much or how little you want to cut off, depending on your size.

 

[Godzgirlwalking]

I'm walking the CF from SJPdP to Santiago 2 Sept > 10 Oct 2018. Is the weather usually cool enough to need a sleeping bag or comforter for warmth at night? Another question: Do the albergues provide sheets, pillows and/or blankets for their guests?

 

[Godzgirlwalking]

Sorry, please forgive this newbie! I should have read the above posts more carefully before posting my questions. I think you all have addressed my concerns about sleeping equipment.

 

[AlexanderAZ]

I took a 45 degree down sleeping bag on the CF during Sept/Oct last year. It served me well. I plan to repeat CF next Sept with my girlfriend and we will both carry a lightweight down bag.

 

[KerrieG]

I can guarantee, without prejudice, that if I sleep in a silk liner covered by anything - hairy Albergue blanket; micro-fleece doobry-wotsit or any other conceivable covering - I will wake at 3 (3!) in the morning to discover that I am freezing and that my erstwhile covering has slid off in pursuit of its own camino. The wonderful thing about sleeping bags is that once you are in 'em they can't escape. Even if you are on the top bunk!!

I have a silk liner and a SeaToSummit Traveller, they've worked well for me but some nights are too warm for the Traveller and I also find it a little 'snug'. Next time I plan to use the Traveller open as a quilt. To stop it slipping off I'm going to apply some snap fasteners to liner and quilt.

 

[KerrieG]

I cut down a Costco quilt for my friend. It's really not that hard to do, but if you want to use one full size it's still pretty light at 15 ounces. I don't think that they are selling them in the warehouses right now, but you can but them online in a two pack for $39.99.

https://m.costco.com/Double-Black-Diamond-Packable-Down-Throw-2-pack.product.100314979.html

I tried to buy one of the Costco throws a couple of years ago, but I don't think they have ever stocked them here in Australia and as far as I'm aware, we can't buy online either. They sound to be great value!

 

[kelleymac]

I walked in early Spring, and I've used a down sleeping bag on my caminos. I use my lighter one that takes me down 40F (4C). (I have a warmer one that takes me down to 0 F (-18C) for winter camping.) It has a two way zipper so I can open my feet to the air if I want, or zip it all the way up. -- I have considered the costco quilts as a lighter option, but my sleeping bag works fine, and I like a hood to put my head down upon.

 

[Anamiri]

Just a question about the sleeping quilts, do you spray them with permethrin?
I sprayed my sleeping bag, but didn't really use it much, but I didn't spray my liner, (didnt like the idea of touching the chemicals)

 

[WalksInWinter]

I used a down sleeping bag when I started on October 10th. It was more than I needed at the beginning, but by the time I got to Galicia the rains had started, so it was nice to have the extra warmth by the end. I am not a big fan of the scratchy, dingy blankets they have in the Albergues. I had also sprayed the outside with essential oils that may or may not have helped me get through the whole trip Bed Bug free.

 

[chinacat]

I used a down bag (Rab) that weighs next to nothing, that I bought at a Mountain Marathon, and a mummy-shaped silk liner. In mid September - early October, on CF, I experienced both cold nights and hot dorms and used them, alone or in combination, as needed. I kept the Rab in a ‘vacuum’ bag in my pack, against my back, where it took up hardly any room.
Lightweight and cosy

 

[JillGat]

After many years of backpacking with a mummy bag, I finally decided I don't like being restrained like that anymore. On the Camino, I brought a rectangular sleep sack (Sea to Summit Silk/Cotton blend. It dried quickly and was more comfortable to me than just silk or synthetics). I brought a down quilt from Enlightened Equipment, which I loved. It wasn't cheap and the Costco quilt would be a fine substitute, probably. It did slip off, so I sometimes safety pinned it on the wall side. I've walked in spring and in late fall and was always comfortable.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I love my down comforter. Didn’t bring it this trip and regret it.