Tent vs. hammoc vs Albergues

[Papist Giant]

I really like the communal aspect of the Albergues, but I have some slight concerns.

1) I snore- LOUDLY!! I would pack earplugs just to give them to others

2) I am 6'8" and 320+ lbs. I don't know how comfortable I will be, and nobody wants to be underneath ME if I have a top bunk.

I don't plan on racing, running, rushing, or waking up early.

Therefore, I am considering bringing either a tent or preferably a hammock (with a built in bug net and rain fly).

I know some Albergues would only charge me for a meal and a shower (& this way I can still get my pilgrim's passport stamped), but would there be a place to hang a hammock? Am I thinking about this wrong?

 

[diggs]

I really like the communal aspect of the Albergues, but I have some slight concerns.

1) I snore- LOUDLY!! I would pack earplugs just to give them to others

2) I am 6'8" and 320+ lbs. I don't know how comfortable I will be, and nobody wants to be underneath ME if I have a top bunk.

I don't plan on racing, running, rushing, or waking up early.

Therefore, I am considering bringing either a tent or preferably a hammock (with a built in bug net and rain fly).

I know some Albergues would only charge me for a meal and a shower (& this way I can still get my pilgrim's passport stamped), but would there be a place to hang a hammock? Am I thinking about this wrong?

I think it is great that you are trying to be considerate of others. I don't have an answer for you, but I would suggest that you bring a ground pad for the times there are no tie-ups for the hammock. Some 550 cord would also be suggested so you can use your hammock's rain fly and bug net if you have to sleep on the ground.

Cheers!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Being an owner of a Clark Jungle Hammock, I considered taking it on my first Camino.
I'm glad I did not.
There are very few places that would be good for hanging along the Camino.
On the meseta, for instance, there are NO trees to speak of for miles and miles.

I often take a Diamond screen tent that is held up with my trekking poles.
If you go in summer months, you can just sleep under the stars - perhaps a lightweight bivy.

As far as snoring goes, what's your budget?
There are plenty of affordable private rooms along the Way...

 

[zzotte]

From what I knew for some reason I thought was illegal to camp in Spain unless one had a permit and only in designated areas I'm wrong?

Zzotte

 

[Anniesantiago]

From what I knew for some reason I thought was illegal to camp in Spain unless one had a permit and only in designated areas I'm wrong?

Zzotte

There are plenty of places to camp. Often, I stay in the albergue yard because I can't bear the perfume inside. There are also some churchyards, some parks, and farmland. Plenty of threads about camping if you search.

 

[Papist Giant]

...As far as snoring goes, what's your budget?
There are plenty of affordable private rooms along the Way...

As cheap as possible.


I have a bivy sac and sleeping mat that take up almost no room. My hammock also has an option that I could use it as a tent, too, but unless I could sleep in the hammock at least half of the nights it doesn't seem worth it.

 

[Papist Giant]

Some 550 cord would also be suggested so you can use your hammock's rain fly and bug net if you have to sleep on the ground.

Cheers!

Hammock rainfly has courage pockets already for this.

Unless I could sleep in the hammock at least half of the nights it doesn't seem worth it, though.

 

[Papist Giant]

There are plenty of places to camp. Often, I stay in the albergue yard because I can't bear the perfume inside. There are also some churchyards, some parks, and farmland. Plenty of threads about camping if you search.

Actually, from what I've read, you BOTH are right. Everyone except pilgrims needs a permit.

 

[Papist Giant]

Can someone please post a photo of the "average" bunk bed found in the Albergues?

I just want to know if at my height, if there is someplace for my feet to go without breaking toes.

Since hammocking doesn't seem like a good option, I'm now thinking that if all of the bottom bunks are taken, then I'll sleep outside.

I just don't want to be THAT guy who makes the person below me fear for their life all night thinking my Giant self crashing down on them will be the cause of their doom.

I'll still bring extra earplugs for others though.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I just want to know if at my height, if there is someplace for my feet to go without breaking toes.

At 6'1" I am headboard to footboard on most beds!

 

[Robo]

As far as snoring goes, what's your budget?
There are plenty of affordable private rooms along the Way...

Bingo

 

[spursfan]

Bingo

How about recording your snoring, playing it back to fellow pilgrims in the albergue and asking them to contribute to a collection for you to stay in a private room or a hostal - shouldn't take long for them to pay up!

 

[zzotte]

Thanks Annie I would not have thought, since I walk in the fall I never so one single tent anywhere I just assume...

zzotte

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Can someone please post a photo of the "average" bunk bed found in the Albergues?

I just want to know if at my height, if there is someplace for my feet to go without breaking toes.

Since hammocking doesn't seem like a good option, I'm now thinking that if all of the bottom bunks are taken, then I'll sleep outside.

I just don't want to be THAT guy who makes the person below me fear for their life all night thinking my Giant self crashing down on them will be the cause of their doom.

I'll still bring extra earplugs for others though.

Take a look at the albergue photos on the Eroski website to take a look at What the normal bunk looks like. Had the loudest laugh in years this spring ina muni when a man your size came in. The bunks were shaking, the German Uni prof in the bunk below starting he was willing to Die on the Camino, just not crushed in bed by a fellow, thought much larger pilgrim! It was like being 12 again at summer camp. Their was an extra bunk so large Guy moved, tomthe relief of the retired German professor. the bunk did not collapse, though I didn't think the larger pilgrim got to stretch his legs during the night.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Actually, a bunk DID collapse on a woman last year, remember?
Where was that?

 

[SabsP]

Actually, a bunk DID collapse on a woman last year, remember?
Where was that?

That was in Albergue Casa Nostra in Castrojeriz. I did like it in 2011. Seems hygiene level dropped throughout the years.