Sleeping bag

[coolraay]

Hi all, setting off Thursday from Santander. First time , solo and trying to keep the ruck sack as lite as possible. Just wondered if a sleeping bag is a must
. Intend staying in hostel's Any other tips about Northers way appreciated.

 

[Tia Valeria]

As we have said elsewhere we would never travel without a sleeping bag again. (Snugpak Travelpak Lite) Ours weigh 750gms and we don't take a liner. Warm liners were not much less in weight, some people prefer them. However unless you plan to use hostals or hotels all the time I think you would need your own bag, and maybe their blanket as well if it is really cold. Some places you may need to use an albergue, or the blanket may be a bit thin.........etc.
Our experience has been April/May/early June but mid October will probably be similar temperatures, which will be dropping.
Buen Camino

 

[ksjoens]

I highly recommend bringing a sleeping bag. Wouldn't be something I'd leave home on the Norte.

 

[MikeJS]

23 days into the Norte so far and sleeping bag not used. But I would still bring one! My bags still under 9 kg and I have some things that are not essential.

 

[Gilespenn]

Hi and have a great Camino del norte.

Do get a light sleeping bag or "travel bag." The pilgrim hostels often have unwashed sheets on the beds. Before I left home I sprayed my bag (and my backpack) with an anti bug stray that worked fine. In the miserable albergue in Santandar (by the Cathedral) I got out of my bag because it hot and stuffy. I got eaten up by bed bugs that night.
So I suggest buying a sleeping bag, spraying it and staying away from that pilgrim hostel in Santandar.

If you require more info, send me a personal message.
Otherwise, I know you'll have a Buen Camino,
Giles

 

[Tia Valeria]

If you are staying in hostales and starting in Santander it is worth looking for accomodation near the bus and train stations and fish market area. They are cheaper than in the town.