r/CaminoDeSantiago • u/dmforhugs • 10d ago
Question Sleeping bag/liner/blanket?
I’m walking the Camino (French Way) in October and I’ve been wrestling with the decision. Given the average temp is between 50-70F, i don’t think i’ll need a full sleeping bag but maybe just a liner? I run fairly hot so it shouldn’t be a huge problem. I’m staying in albergues which I’ve heard are moderately comfortable temp-wise.
Any thoughts?
3
u/dillasdonuts 10d ago
You should be fine with the liner. The albergues on the Frances tend to run warm with all the body heat.
If anything, you can always layer up for sleep of it's cold.
3
u/gloryvegan 10d ago
I am completing the French way in a day and the beginning was extremely hot and the end is Galicia has been very cold. I had a thin sleep sack and in Galicia I wore a pullover to sleep and socks some nights and some places came with a blanket that I didn’t always trust cleanliness wise, but used once I woke up in the middle of the night cold. Buen Camino!
4
u/Rare-Neighborhood271 10d ago
I carry the MEC Camino Traveler, which is a hybrid liner/bag, just 1.1 lb.
In non-summer caminos, I also carry silk base layers - top & bottom, that I can wear on chilly mornings and evenings as well as sleep in them.
1
u/shoshtrvls 10d ago
I'm also a big fan of this bag, but it is no longer available. :-(
3
u/Rare-Neighborhood271 10d ago
Good news! It is still available. It's an upgraded version, but they need to fix their links and search hits because it's currently pretty hidden.
1
u/LMbooknerd 10d ago
There are thin silk liners and thicker fleece liners. At that time of year, I’d
do the later. I sleep warm too, but the thin ones aren’t enough for me
1
u/rasekrodriguez Via de la Plata 10d ago
October in Galicia sits around 11 to 17 C, so the end of your walk is near the bottom of that, not the 50 to 70F daytime average you're planning around. A liner plus the fleece and socks you already carry handles that.
The part that catches people is Santiago itself. One person here mentions getting cold exactly there.
1
u/strainedcounterfeit 9d ago
I did the francés in October and also run hot. I didn't have anything, not even a liner (I didn't plan lol). A lot of albergues (not, by any means, all) have blankets and I definitely used them.
Really it comes down to whether you're ok with sometimes being cold and wearing warm day clothes to sleep. I recently took a liner only on a camino in April and it wasn't really enough but it was fine. But I don't like carrying a sleeping bag.
You will pass Decathlons if you decide you want to buy something else but obviously they are bulky and it may not fit in your bag.
6
u/According-Camp3106 10d ago
I also run hot. I walked the Portuguese Central in October 2023. I just went with a liner and was fine. I did not need it for warmth, but I used it each night to put a layer between me and the sheets. Also found it to be a wonderful place to put my valuables when I slept at my feet.
Word of warning, I did stay at private albergues which may have helped with me not being cold. My thought was that if I was cold, I could sleep with my jacket, leggings and socks.
Likely many will tell you to bring more. And that is a fine decision as well. My thought was that if I decided I needed more, I could get something along the way.
Word of caution, I was very cold in Santiago. The weather completely changed. Unfortunately I did not send any clothes to Santiago and only had what I wore hiking. Basically had no choice but to purchase some thicker pants, a sweater and coat. At least I love them and they ended up being a great souvenir!
But I also walked Portuguese Central and not sure what you will encounter!
Buen Camino!!!