tent

[bookworm]

I am planning to do the Camino France September 2017, but I was considering to do the Camino North instead, starting in Irun. Should I bring a small pop-up tent? Seems like it would be required by looking at the pictures. This would be my first Camino.

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, bookworm, welcome to the forum!

I walked the Norte without a tent in 2006 or 2007 and had no problem finding places to sleep. Since then, there has been a veritable explosion in albergues and other accommodations. A tent is definitely not needed. September is a very busy month on the Camino Francés, so if you are interested in avoiding crowds, September should be a great month to walk the Norte. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Seems like it would be required by looking at the pictures.

If you plan to camp all the way, a tent will be required. But if you are taking it "just in case," save the weight. There are beds, and in the rare possible circumstance that all are full in one spot, there are taxis and buses to go elsewhere. It is a lot more fun if you don't worry about accommodations (or where you will find water, food, and a toilet if you camp). Buen camino.

 

[Kanga]

@bookworm we took a tent on the Norte and only used it a few times. In the end we posted it on to Ivar in Santiago. Albergues tend to be further apart than on the Camino Francés and they do fill up, but alternative accommodation is excellent and plentiful, although a bit more expensive. Once past the turnoff to the Primitivo (at Sebrayo) it is no problem at all. Many people take the Primitivo, but we were very glad we stayed on the Norte. It is lovely.

 

[Keith Camino]

I carried a gortex bivvy bag and self-inflating mattress on the Primitivo for 12 days... just in case. But even when I wanted to use it and boil up a packet of soup in the woods for supper, I wanted a hot shower more! There were always spare top bunks in the hostels but you could also call ahead and try to reserve a spot, or at least check availability. (By the way, if you are travelling with someone but one is ahead of the other, you can't always save a bed for them unless you have their credential with you.) To sum up, don't take extra stuff "just in case". My pack was 15kg and I could have gone with 3 kg less. Cheers, Keith

 

[bookworm]

Thank you all for your advise. I will take all of your advise and not worry. I thought that because the majority of the pictures I have seen of Camino North seem like they are out in the middle of nowhere. Plus, I want to take my time doing the walk. I did not want to worry about rushing to the next alberque, like I read about many people doing. Thanks again.