Sleeping mat? Rain gear?

[Sho]

I'm hoping to walk the CF in mid-July/August. (Well, I hope to walk when it's cooler, but that's not looking feasible.) I know you can't predict the future, and I can't control it, but I like not to be stupid about gear so I appreciate your help.

Can I reasonably expect a bed or mat on the floor at an albergue if I don't wait until late in the day to look? If they're full and I'm willing to go to a pension, hotel, or other non-albergue accommodation? Or should I carry my ground mat, which isn't super heavy but does increase my pack weight noticeably?

I was thinking of a pack cover and plastic bag inside my pack for rain in July and August, but recently read several peregrino stories that included torrential rain and cold winds in the mountains. It sounded like hypothermia could be an issue in the passes. I have a good poncho, but again, it adds weight so I don't want to schlepp it unless it's likely to be needed. I also have a good layering system that I can top off with a light rain jacket if it's a cold rain.

Thanks.

 

[Reija]

"Can I reasonably expect a bed or mat on the floor at an albergue if I don't wait until late in the day to look?" YES, you can. I carried a mat all the way across Spain and the only place where I used it was in Finisterra... on the beach.

 

[NorthernLight]

I'd skip the mat, bring the poncho.

Once on the camino, if the weather forecast calls for torrential rain, seek cover.

You can buy any additional stuff on the road if it seems necessary.

 

[RJM]

I have never experienced one day of rain on a July to August Camino Frances, but that's not to say it cannot happen.
I never needed a sleeping mat/ground pad, but if carrying one gives you piece of mind knowing you can sleep on the ground/floor if need be, by all means carry one.

 

[trecile]

I've carried my homemade "parcho" - poncho with sleeves and full front zip that I made from a kit I bought from Quest Outfitters on three Caminos. Out of 107 days it sat in the bottom of my pack on about 93 days. But I was so happy I carried it for the other 14 days. And I never used it all on one Camino, but I would never leave it behind.

 

[domigee]

Hi!
I don’t think there’s any need for a sleeping mat, plenty of accommodation available especially if you’re willing to say in hostales etc... (not just albergues).
I always bring some rain gear - either poncho or umbrella or light rain jacket + dry bags for my clothes and sleeping bag.... No need for a pack cover if you have a poncho.
I can’t recall ‘torrential rain’, more persistent drizzle (which gets you drenched anyway, eventually). What I do remember is the sudden bitter cold in the mountains after Rabanal one year - and vicious wind - and realising I wasn’t prepared for it! Now I always bring something to cover my head (in my case a buff).
Writing this, I realise it happened ONCE (in 2012!), never again - and I have walked the CF 4 times since, always in mid-July/August!
In short, be prepared for heat (sun hat, sun cream) which is more likely in the Summer AND some rain protection. That should see you through

Buen camino.

 

[jdickson]

Skip the pad. Take the poncho. Enjoy.