Which should I take? Sleeping bag or liner?

[moriahsdavis]

I know this has been discussed in the past, but I'm having trouble finding some of the older threads. My mom and I are walking the Norte from September 3 - October 15. Should we take a lightweight sleeping bag or just a liner? We're not wanting to take more weight than necessary and, although small-ish, an actual sleeping bag is naturally heavier than a liner. Thoughts/suggestions?

 

[lovelyshell]

You’re going to get a range of opinions. My vote is sleeping bag. Liners vary - some are lightweight silk and there are some that are fleece and some are cotton like a sheet. I had a silk liner and I absolutely hated it. I’d definitely recommend trying to sleep in the liner at home one night. My issue was I toss and turn so the darn thing just twisted around me. I also get up to use the restroom every night and it’s a little more difficult to slip into the liner. All this is just my opinion based on my experience.

 

[C clearly]

I'm having trouble finding some of the older threads.

I have put a tag - "sleeping bag" under the title of this thread. If you click on the tag, you will get lots of other threads!

You might be interested in this thread, which is a poll asking what forum members use.

 

[moriahsdavis]

You’re going to get a range of opinions. My vote is sleeping bag. Liners vary - some are lightweight silk and there are some that are fleece and some are cotton like a sheet. I had a silk liner and I absolutely hated it. I’d definitely recommend trying to sleep in the liner at home one night. My issue was I toss and turn so the darn thing just twisted around me. I also get up to use the restroom every night and it’s a little more difficult to slip into the liner. All this is just my opinion based on my experience.

Thanks for the input. The liner getting twisted is something I hadn't considered! My mom and I both already have sleeping bags and not liners, so there is that to consider too. Using what we have rather than purchasing more.

 

[moriahsdavis]

I have put a tag - "sleeping bag" under the title of this thread. If you click on the tag, you will get lots of other threads!

You might be interested in this thread, which is a poll asking what forum members use.

Thank you! I'll take a look at the other thread. I appreciate you linking it.

 

[J Willhaus]

I would take a sleeping bag, but not a heavy one. In January I was comfortable in a 40 degree down bag, but I had owned it for 15 years already. It weighs 16 ounces. My point is that you need more tha than a silk liner, but be conscious of weight. Don't take a bag that weighs 3 lbs. Carry instead a down comforter or as I did a synthetic Army poncho liner which was warm and light.

 

[temiatwork]

I would say a liner if you want to reduce your weight. I did CF last year mid-Sept to mid-Oct and in some albergue I didn't even use it, I used my quickdry towel instead.

 

[abien]

I have put a tag - "sleeping bag" under the title of this thread. If you click on the tag, you will get lots of other threads!

You might be interested in this thread, which is a poll asking what forum members use.

Had to laugh at the poll results! Not particularly helpful in trying to make a decision on one or the other (or both)!

 

[C clearly]

Had to laugh at the poll results! Not particularly helpful in trying to make a decision on one or the other (or both)!

In fact, it illustrates perfectly that there is no "right answer" and each person needs to make the best guess at what will suit them!

 

[GaryRobArms]

On Camino del Norte over the last 40 days, every albergue, pension, and hotel I’ve been in has provided blankets. Most, but not all, have been nice warm ones.
However to expand on your question a bit, the problem with cold has not been while sleeping but in the afternoon to evening before bed. Most of the albergues provide no heating. Once i’m in bed and the bodies in the dorm have warmed the room, no problem. But it’s been cold out — not bad for walking — but I didn’t bring enough clothes to sit in a cold room for a few hours.

 

[abien]

On Camino del Norte over the last 40 days, every albergue, pension, and hotel I’ve been in has provided blankets. Most, but not all, have been nice warm ones.
However to expand on your question a bit, the problem with cold has not been while sleeping but in the afternoon to evening before bed. Most of the albergues provide no heating. Once i’m in bed and the bodies in the dorm have warmed the room, no problem. But it’s been cold out — not bad for walking — but I didn’t bring enough clothes to sit in a cold room for a few hours.

Drink wine - you'll be fine!

 

[Frankybaby66]

I know this has been discussed in the past, but I'm having trouble finding some of the older threads. My mom and I are walking the Norte from September 3 - October 15. Should we take a lightweight sleeping bag or just a liner? We're not wanting to take more weight than necessary and, although small-ish, an actual sleeping bag is naturally heavier than a liner. Thoughts/suggestions?

Both. Silk liner weighs pretty much nothing. Carrying a lightweight sleeping bag is a bit like having travel insurance - you don't need it . . Until you do . .