To take a tent or not to take

[Lianna]

Hi all… considering doing the Asturias (joining French way) or Camino del Norte.

I am planning to leave in the next week or so (early Oct), and keen to take my time with no limits for when I need to finish.

My pack without camping stuff is at about 7kg and the tent (super light trekking pole tent), sleep mat (thermarest) and basic cooking equipment is only 2kg in total extra.

Add to the experience, enable a slower walk and good insurance policy? OR needless extra weight?

What say you pilgrims?

THANK YOU so much in advance.

 

[naplesdon]

NO

 

[J Willhaus]

I would say no as well. One thing I like about the Camino is that I don't need a tent, but if you enjoy sleeping on the ground, then by all means bring one.

I have seen many abandoned tents in the giveaway box at the albergues where I volunteer.

 

[Lianna]

NO

have enjoyed the clarity of your response!

 

[roving_rufus]

I certainly have carried a tent travelling on camino routes through France but for most routes in Spain I wouldn't as there are adequate accommodation options most of the time.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

The cool thing about the Norte and camping is the beaches have showers (no soap allowed). Nevertheless, unless it's an economic reason, every perigrino I've ever met here (except for two) ends up shipping it forward to Santiago to save weight.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

The cool thing about the Norte and camping is the beaches have showers (no soap allowed)

Cool for sure...brrr!

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Cool for sure...brrr!

Yah, daytime use only. And they usually end up sleeping in the hills above so as not to be seen.

 

[Kanga]

Hi all… considering doing the Asturias (joining French way) or Camino del Norte.

I am planning to leave in the next week or so (early Oct), and keen to take my time with no limits for when I need to finish.

My pack without camping stuff is at about 7kg and the tent (super light trekking pole tent), sleep mat (thermarest) and basic cooking equipment is only 2kg in total extra.

Add to the experience, enable a slower walk and good insurance policy? OR needless extra weight?

What say you pilgrims?

THANK YOU so much in advance.

We carried a tent on the Norte (and associated gear) and hardly used it; sent it on from Gijon . There were two nights when I was grateful for it. The first was at Passajes de San Pedro, when we arrived very late in the day and found the albergue full. The second I was grateful retrospectively - we put the tent up in a commercial camping ground where many pilgrims were sharing cabins onsite. Which they later deduced (from the bites that appeared) had bedbugs, confirmed by bedbug reports from others.

 

[Lianna]

We carried a tent on the Norte (and associated gear) and hardly used it; sent it on from Gijon . There were two nights when I was grateful for it. The first was at Passajes de San Pedro, when we arrived very late in the day and found the albergue full. The second I was grateful retrospectively - we put the tent up in a commercial camping ground where many pilgrims were sharing cabins onsite. Which they later deduced (from the bites that appeared) had bedbugs, confirmed by bedbug reports from others.

interesting - out of interest, what time of year were you walking?

 

[Camino Chrissy]

interesting - out of interest, what time of year were you walking?

Good question.

 

[Kanga]

interesting - out of interest, what time of year were you walking?

We started walking from Irun on 9 May, and reached SDC about 18 June.

 

[OZAJ]

The only pilgrim route where I have carried a tent was the Mary/Michael route in England. I used it twice. I have never needed a tent in France, Spain, Portugal or Italy. I have carried a sleeping mat and used it several times on several routes and would carry one again.

 

[JerryStroebele]

I carried a tent from Irun to Gijon and then mailed it home. Never used it. Yes you could camp on some secluded beaches or remote woods but unlikely fresh water or toilets would be nearby. Commercial campgrounds are usually packed almost bumper to bumper with camping trailers. Besides a comfortable bed albergues offer hot showers and camaraderie with fellow pilgrims. Some albergues allow tents on their lawns if they have lawns. I would leave the tent at home and carry more oranges and bananas. Buen Camino

 

[Anthony18]

Hi all… considering doing the Asturias (joining French way) or Camino del Norte.

I am planning to leave in the next week or so (early Oct), and keen to take my time with no limits for when I need to finish.

My pack without camping stuff is at about 7kg and the tent (super light trekking pole tent), sleep mat (thermarest) and basic cooking equipment is only 2kg in total extra.

Add to the experience, enable a slower walk and good insurance policy? OR needless extra weight?

What say you pilgrims?

THANK YOU so much in advance.

You probably won’t need it, but if you want the piece of mind…take a bivy. Smaller to pack, lighter and serves the same purpose. Buen camino.

 

[walking sticKs]

I carried a solo tent in 2008 and used it twice. Afterwards I never carried the weight again. I still carry a sleeping pad that only weigh's12 oz.'s which is just a thing I can't seem to drop.
I am planning the VdlP and will carry a light weight emergency bivy.
Buen Camino.