Sleeping bags or just the liners?

[GrannyB]

Will we need sleeping bags for a mid-March walk or will just the liners do? In other words, will blankets be available?

 

[Anniesantiago]

Don't know about March but Joe used just a fleece liner in September to November and was fine. Most refugios we stayed in offered blankets.

 

[Deleted member 397]

The temperature at any time of year can be unpredictable. In Castro Dozon many in the albergues slept in their sleeping bags with their clothes on and a blanket and that was in july.Elevation also obviously has a bearing.My Snugpak is 900gr-well worth the weight

 

[30daystosantiago]

I would suggest taking the sleeping bag - not just the liner. I walked in April/May and it was cool enough for a bag. Plus, I wanted a little more between me and the blanket!

 

[KiwiNomad06]

Blankets were provided in French gites, but were much rarer in Spanish albergues. I remember quite a few people posting here last October/November about how cold they were finding it in unheated albergues. I might consider leaving my sleeping bag home if I was only walking in France, but I would always want to have one with me for walking in Spain.
Last June I encountered some bitterly cold weather in places along the Camino Frances. I posted home my warm wind jacket in Estella, thinking that it would be warm now I was in Spain- and I often had reason to wish I still had it with me!
Margaret

 

[Anonymous]

A sleeping bag is an essential item at any time of year. End of story.

Gareth

 

[spursfan]

Gareth

And you thought that yours would be the last word - sorry to disappoint you

For some of the year you might be right but for large parts of May to September I'd be happy enough with my silk liner - it's much lighter (130g vs 550g) and I can bring longjohns or rely on albergue blankets if needed - remember also that although you scale some heights, you don't have to sleep at the peaks

Mike

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I second Mike.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd be happy enough with my silk liner - it's much lighter

And quicker for the invading bedbugs... Half a millisecond to get through to warm flesh!

Gareth

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The data is not definitive on bed bugs biting THROUGH fabric. Bed bugs prefer hairless skin, because hair obstructs their movement and makes it hard to get the precise grip they need to suck you dry, so a silk or nylon sleep sack will deter more than hair. Bed bugs can crawl inside with you, so I suggest a strategy of pyrethrin to keep them from wanting to get inside your sleeping bag. Here is a site that is very informative (the U.S. military does what it can to keep soldiers fit, including fighting against bed bugs):

http://www.afpmb.org/pubs/tims/TG44/TG44.htm

 

[sillydoll]

I used a silk liner in June/July 2004: in June 2006 on the Via Francigena: in August/September 2007 on the Camino Frances. The only time I used a sleeping bag was in May/June 2002 and then often opened it up like a duvet and slept on top of it!

 

[GrannyB]

Bedbugs?!? I'm a newbie, remember? What do you suggest for those critters?

 

[jl]

Hi, this is just one thread on the little critters. Do a search for bed bugs and you will find more information too. Cheers, Janet

medical-issues-on-the-pilgrimage/topic4697.html

 

[alipilgrim]

I walked in May 2 years ago and had a sleeping bag rated for pretty cool conditions. There were still many nights I slept in my clothes with my hat on, and if it wasn't a crowded albergue I would take 2 blankets!

 

[Deleted member 397]

The advantage of a sleeping bag is that it can be substantially unzipped if conditions warrant but with a silk liner you're either in it or out of it.

 

[sillydoll]

Some mummy bags don't unzip more than half way - which can be a problem if you like to sleep with your feet out!

 

[luiza]

Will we need sleeping bags for a mid-March walk or will just the liners do? In other words, will blankets be available?

In 2002 I purchased a Kelty sleeping bag that is dual purpose. One side is sleeping bag and the other simply a cotton sheet. It is therefore half the weight but offers insulated warmth if needed. Being rectangular it unzips on the side and botton which is good for leaving the feet out

Cheers,

Luiza