Poll Sleep system: Sleeping bag, liner, etc?

[C clearly]

For fun, let's conduct a poll. We have this question come up so often, that it might be convenient to point to poll results that illustrate the range of responses.

Because the forum software offers very limited polling choices, we'll need to make some generalizations and assumptions, to make one recommendation that covers:

• All routes in Spain and Portugal
• All months except mid-summer (July and August), and winter (December-January-February)

Feel free to provide more nuanced responses in posts below.

Edited to add: I expect that the option of "None, because I plan to use private accommodation" will be under-represented in this poll, because many of those people won't even bother to read this thread.)

 

[C clearly]

I voted for “liner plus down quilt”. This is basically a homemade version of a very light down sleeping bag, but it is cheaper (if you can find the cheap down quilt) and it provides the option of not using the down part if the weather is too hot.

However, I sleep “cold” so I will make sure that in the cooler months I can also wear a down vest/jacket, 1 or 2 layers of merino wool on both top and bottom, a wool buff or hat, and wool socks.

 

[David Tallan]

I voted for liner plus down quilt with a homemade solution from casa+camino that I can use with the quilt above me or just a liner above me. But I haven't actually used it yet, since I acquired it after my last Camino. My previous two Caminos were liner only.

 

[sarahchicago]

I voted for (silk) liner plus quilt while cozily tucked in a silk liner with fleece quilt in an albergue in rainy, chilly Pontevedra on Earth Day Eve.

 

[J Willhaus]

I have a light weight down sleeping bag. I don't want to buy a new one so that is the one I would take. One year I took an Army Poncho Liner for the summer and that worked, too.

 

[ficklefancyfree]

I went for (silk) liner plus sleeping bag. Used this in September and always used sleeping bag, sometimes added the liner. I sleep cold so I prefer to be too hot rather than run the risk of getting too cold.

Also, my sleeping bag only has down on the top and nothing on the bottom, it’s designed to slip a thermarest into it, so it’s pretty lightweight and compact. Plus it was gear I already had

 

[dougfitz]

I have always carried a sleeping bag and liner, but by early Jun the bag is more often used opened up as a blanket.

 

[J Willhaus]

Someday, I will write my Memoirs "Confessions of a Gear Junkie". I am thinking about how many sleeping bags and liners we have at home. I think right now for just the two of us we have 3 liner bags, one poncho liner and a poncho liner bag with a zipper and 4 sleeping bags. I got rid of two other fleece liners last spring at a garage sale and mailed a 5th sleeping bag to one of our kids...also have 3 inflatable pillows. When you put them in a dark corner, they multiply like tribles...

 

[Soetkin]

That last option
Voted liner + down blanket. It gives you multiple options and is still very light in weight.

 

[CarolamS]

I ticked down or other blanket only. But my down blanket will convert to a sleeping bag, this I do if there is no bottom sheet.

 

[Theatregal]

In every season I always take a very lightweight down, semi-rectangular sleeping bag. No liner.

 

[roving_rufus]

In the depths of winter I sometimes waver and take my warmer sleeping bag, but I normally take a liner and down blanket, and it's even what is in my summer camping kit for routes in France

 

[klimmo]

Here's were the notion of "packing our fears" comes in. On the Portugues I got caught out only once for having brought only a liner. It was a slightly uncomfortable night, but I survived. Still I chose liner+sleeping bag in anticipation of the VdlP next october. But will I really? Or shall I risk it to avoid the weight? Maybe if I find the unicorn amongst sleeping bags (warm, light and roomy)? Questions!!

PS: thanks for the poll! love it!

 

[Madis]

I had to vote Other. Reason is that I put even more emphasis on sleep clothing layers than the single sleep item like a liner or sleeping bag.

Additionally my selections are hugely limited by packed size of the item. I have seen both blankets and sleeping bags that can get down to 18x11cm.

Additionally the single sleep item I prefer to keep under 500 grams, while the sleeping clothes layers might be up to 800-1500 grams depending on the season.

The sleep layers double as evening wear after hiking, so its not that much of additional weight. Just has double useage. Meanwhile carrying a warmer sleeping bag is additional weight that I will not wear as evening clothes.

 

[Anniesantiago]

i voted for sleeping bag, but I've cut the zipper and hood off my down bag and I guess you'd now call it a down blanket. However, I do not take a liner.

 

[Susan Peacock]

March and June are very different in temperatures as are September and November. The temperatures can change dramatically during these seasons and what I take is definitely different.

 

[Onward]

For fun, let's conduct a poll. We have this question come up so often, that it might be convenient to point to poll results that illustrate the range of responses.

Because the forum software offers very limited polling choices, we'll need to make some generalizations and assumptions, to make one recommendation that covers:

• All routes in Spain and Portugal
• All months except mid-summer (July and August), and winter (December-January-February)

Feel free to provide more nuanced responses in posts below.

Edited to add: I expect that the option of "None, because I plan to use private accommodation" will be under-represented in this poll, because many of those people won't even bother to read this thread.)

Liner only. Most Albergues had extra blankets I could borrow if I needed to.

 

[Yoyo]

I voted sleeping bag plus liner, but my silk liner (172 g) has been cut open to form a flat sheet, and my sleeping bag (455 g) is unzipped and thus converted into a down blanket.
I can't sleep in a closed bag as my feet sleep hot while my shoulders sleep cold.

 

[ortemio]

A few years back someone suggested a down quilt that was being sold at Costco for $25 ( for 2 ;-)) ).
I got one , asked my sis to sew the end and up to 20% of the way up and that got me a wonderful lite, tiny, almost weightless solution. That has been my goto since. I guess that would be a down/quilt/liner/sleeping bag in one !

 

[C clearly]

March and June are very different in temperatures as are September and November. The temperatures can change dramatically during these seasons and what I take is definitely different.

Yes, the temperatures can change dramatically in any month, and year to year, and that's why one needs to be prepared for a range of conditions, and not just the average temperature. In March, I would probably take a full size down quilt inside the liner, but in June I would only take a half-size. Most of the difference in sleeping gear would be in the clothes that I can layer inside the bag/liner. I would take a down vest and an extra base layer of merino wool in March but not in June. This is more versatile than a warmer sleeping bag would be.

I had to vote Other. Reason is that I put even more emphasis on sleep clothing layers than the single sleep item like a liner or sleeping bag.

I am glad to see someone vote for Other! I totally agree with you about the importance of clothes inside that outer "bag" enclosure, but that would make the poll too complicated. In fact, I could have just said "In addition to whatever clothing layers you carry....what do you bring as bedding?"

 

[Madis]

My sleep setup in addition to a silk/merino Cocoon blanket is as follows (in brackets would be a cold season alternative):

• Long merino leggins (or insulated syntetic leggins)
• Thin merino socks (or thick ones)
• Merino T-shirt (or long sleeve)
• Thin fleece quarter zip jacket (or thick fleece + hat & buff)

As eveningwear I could use the same stuff. Just add shorts or long pants. Either way it would be one of two pairs of pants I use for hiking.

If I ever had to do Camino in Winter then I would concider a synthetic puff jacket for evenings + sleep. The core idea still revolves around dual useage items.

The reason why I have pushed myself into this extreme mindset is that I like to travel with only hand luggage. This year my flight tickets allow only a personal item, so I will be doing Camino Norte into Primitivo with just a 20L Osprey Daylite Plus backpack.

Gear list overview:
http://caminopilgrim.travel.blog/2023/04/12/gear-packing-list-camino/

 

[Rita Flower]

Still I chose liner+sleeping bag in anticipation of the VdlP next October

I chose liner+ down blanket because I mostly used my lightweight sleeping bag as its blanket option. And used both regularly on my October VDLP last year. It gets cold

 

[Former member 92300]

Well - I put sleeping bag plus liner - but I would specify a lightweight DOWN sleeping bag. I like the flexibility of just the liner or both - for warm vs cold nights. But really - a down sleeping bag or quilt can be interchangeable based on preference.

 

[HKim]

I just went to REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) in the Seattle area to look at liners, sleeping bags, liners, blankets, and quilts. The combo I liked the best consisted of:
1. Cacoon Mummy Liner (100% silk) 95"x35"/22" (241x90/56 cm), 4.7 oz. / 135 g at $84.95. On the tag it said it will make a warmth difference of about 9.5 degrees F (~5.5 C)
2. REI Co-op Magma Trail Quilt 30, 850 down fill, 78" long, 56" girth, 1 lb. 4 oz. at $329. It's rated for 30 degrees F (-1.1 C)

A blanket would have weighed less. As there is a chance we may tent a few nights, I'll go for the zipped quilt, instead.

 

[Lleslie]

Previously I've taken a light weight 7 degree C down sleeing bag but have been too hot so this year (leave in 17 days!) I've opted for a silk liner plus small down (Montbell) quilt as recommended by several people on the forum. It seems so light, I'm a little worried..... but can always layer up

 

[DreamWeaver]

I am going to bring a silk liner and a polar fleece liner. that's it,

 

[ejg1890]

Interesting results as I have begun planning for my first Camino for late summer. I had planned on a sleeping bag but concerned regarding too warm and bed bugs. For the liner and sleeping bag does the sleeping bag go inside the liner or is The liner inside the sleeping bag? Thanks

 

[trecile]

For the liner and sleeping bag does the sleeping bag go inside the liner or is The liner inside the sleeping bag? Thanks

Typically the liner goes inside the sleeping bag, but donehat works for you.

 

[C clearly]

For the liner and sleeping bag does the sleeping bag go inside the liner or is The liner inside the sleeping bag?

I expect that originally, the idea of a "liner" was that it would go inside the sleeping bag - to keep the sleeping bag clean, as the liner is easier to wash. However, a lot a variations have developed.

Many people have inexpensive down blankets that are very slippery and soon slide off the bed. Putting the blanket inside the liner holds it in position so it can keep you warm.

 

[GcTipp]

Hi All
George from Ireland.
My first time posting on this forum.
I go on my first camino on 04th of May from SJPP.
So I have no experience on anything Camino related.
I would really appreciate opinions on the sleep system I intend to use.
To keep my pack weight down ,
I will use a sleeping bag liner + a SOL Bivy bag if the nights get too cold.
I have tried this at home and it is reasonably comfortable.
Will this be sufficient or should I carry a sleeping bag ?
All opinions welcome.
Cheers,
George

 

[KariannNor]

Hi George
Try this https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/search-forums/sleeping-bag.247/
Just found it myself ;-)

 

[Bradypus]

I also have a SOL bivy bag. If you use it with a liner then it would probably be warm enough on all but the coldest of nights. Personally I'd rather have my summer down sleeping bag though as the SOL rustles like a crisp packet and might well draw some sour looks in your direction in a dorm room!

 

[GcTipp]

Hi George
Try this https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/search-forums/sleeping-bag.247/
Just found it myself ;-)

Hi Kariann,
Thanks for putting me in the right direction.
Still trying to navigate my way around this forum.
George.

 

[GcTipp]

I also have a SOL bivy bag. If you use it with a liner then it would probably be warm enough on all but the coldest of nights. Personally I'd rather have my summer down sleeping bag though as the SOL rustles like a crisp packet and might well draw some sour looks in your direction in a dorm room!

Hi Bradypus.
I hadn't considered that.
As I hope to spend 70% of my time in albergues
I guess I will have to look at this again.
Thanks.
GcTipp

 

[Former member 92300]

As I hope to spend 70% of my time in albergues

With albergues - some have blankets. some don't. Those that do - they aren't washed frequently (some people aren't comfortable with that). How much you need depends on whether you are a cold or warm sleeper. I am cold when I sleep - so I usually need my silk liner AND my summer weight down sleeping bag or quilt. I look for the lightest/most compressible option I can afford. Warm sleepers are often fine with just a liner.

 

[JustJack]

I confess to having never used a liner in my life. I've heard about them since I was a kid backpacking around Europe, but still don't really understand their purpose. Or more accurately, I don't understand their purpose when used in conjunction with a sleeping bag. I can understand taking a liner or a sleeping bag, but not both. Personally I'll be taking an extremely lightweight down bag and nothing else. I may perhaps discover somewhere along the way why I might want a liner as well, but it'll be too late then.

 

[C clearly]

I don't understand their purpose when used in conjunction with a sleeping bag

1. LIner absorbs the sweat and is easier to wash.
2. Liner adds a layer of insulation.
3. You can use separately if you like.

 

[JustJack]

1. LIner absorbs the sweat and is easier to wash.
2. Liner adds a layer of insulation.
3. You can use separately if you like.

Thanks. I guess because none of those really apply to me I don't see the need. Also, perhaps if I didn't have a good quality and ultralight down sleeping bag I might see the need for a liner. My wife has one that she bought for overnight hikes that I was planning to take with me, but after asking her about it she mentioned she never actually used it. So I'll travel with just a sleeping bag, and time will tell whether or not that's sufficient for me. If I wasn't so focused on keeping the weight of my pack to a minimum I'd probably take a liner just in case, but my liner actually weighs more than my sleeping bag.

 

[good_old_shoes]

Thanks. I guess because none of those really apply to me I don't see the need. Also, perhaps if I didn't have a good quality and ultralight down sleeping bag I might see the need for a liner. My wife has one that she bought for overnight hikes that I was planning to take with me, but after asking her about it she mentioned she never actually used it. So I'll travel with just a sleeping bag, and time will tell whether or not that's sufficient for me. If I wasn't so focused on keeping the weight of my pack to a minimum I'd probably take a liner just in case, but my liner actually weighs more than my sleeping bag.

How heavy is that liner and what's the fabric made of? Must be lead .

I use a liner especially in my down sleeping bag, because cleaning it is a nightmare (it doesn't fit into the dryer at home and drying in a laundromat would take ages and cost a fortune, so I have to send it to a specialized place (for outdoor gear and down sleeping bags) that knows how to clean it properly (=without ruining it). Pricey and complicated.

Using a liner keeps the sleeping bag clean longer, because I often wash the liner (dries in seconds when it's warm/sunny).

The liner is an insect shield silk liner with about the weight of an apple (~150g?). Bought it used, so it was cheap.

When it's hot the liner alone is nice, usually for falling asleep. When it's colder or gets colder later at night, I add the sleeping bag.

It's nice to be flexible. Worth the 150g for me

(But If it was heavier than the sleeping bag it certainly would stay at home!)

 

[Ihor]

I scrolled through but didn't find any using my system--an 'overbag' and sleeping clothes.

An overbag is simply a zippered rectangular bag you put over another sleeping bag to get extra warmth, but I use the overbag by itself. The 'top' is Thinsulate and the 'bottom' is a sheet. If that's too warm, I just flip it over with the sheet on top. If that's still too warm, I unzip the side part way or all the way down.

Since the overbag is designed to go over another bag, it's roomy, which is an advantage for thrasher side-sleepers like me. I wear a thin merino wool long-sleeve pullover (which doubles as an over sweater on chilly mornings) and thin nylon river pants (which doubles as an extra pair of trousers when my hiking ones need washing).

It's light but not as light and small volume as a summer down bag, but much more versatile. An overbag would be easy to make if no longer available in stores.

 

[C clearly]

An overbag is simply a zippered rectangular bag you put over another sleeping bag to get extra warmth, but I use the overbag by itself.

This is how many of us are using the "liners" - mine is quite roomy - but "overbag" is probably a better description!

 

[Charles Ross]

Definitely a silk liner only. If you have both prior to your journey and know their respective weights, put them next to each other and consider both the weight and SIZES of each. A 2 pound sleeping bag is a lot of weight and it represents a considerable amount of volume in your bag. Eliminating that bag can easily keep you under that 10% of your body weight standard weight for a backpack. In fact for me, for the French Camino in particular, walking carrying a pack consisting of 10% of your body weight is too much!! Pounds matter. Ounces matter!!! My next Camino I will be walking alone and I will walk with no more than 6%-7% of my weight in a 33 liter backpack. I weigh 217 #. Yes, It's not the PTC or the Appalachian T; you're not cutting off your tooth brush to save a tenth of an ounce but you are probably not hardcore to begin with and you are walking 800 klicks. A light weight on your back trumps all other considerations.
What to do on a cold night in the albergue when no blanket available? Put your rain jacket over you. Put your poncho over you.
Also. The survey doesn't break down preferences by sex but I would guess that, generally, men are saying 'liner only' and women 'definitely a light weight sleeping bag'.

 

[Mick0]

Definitely a silk liner only. If you have both prior to your journey and know their respective weights, put them next to each other and consider both the weight and SIZES of each. A 2 pound sleeping bag is a lot of weight and it represents a considerable amount of volume in your bag. Eliminating that bag can easily keep you under that 10% of your body weight standard weight for a backpack. In fact for me, for the French Camino in particular, walking carrying a pack consisting of 10% of your body weight is too much!! Pounds matter. Ounces matter!!! My next Camino I will be walking alone and I will walk with no more than 6%-7% of my weight in a 33 liter backpack. I weigh 217 #. Yes, It's not the PTC or the Appalachian T; you're not cutting off your tooth brush to save a tenth of an ounce but you are probably not hardcore to begin with and you are walking 800 klicks. A light weight on your back trumps all other considerations.
What to do on a cold night in the albergue when no blanket available? Put your rain jacket over you. Put your poncho over you.
Also. The survey doesn't break down preferences by sex but I would guess that, generally, men are saying 'liner only' and women 'definitely a light weight sleeping bag'.

Thanks, I’m walking my first in a couple of weeks. I bought a 25l bag . Well when people said travel lightly I took that literally, plus I’ve an acromium injury. I will bring a fleece top or light down jacket and if I experience a tough cold night then maybe I’ll pick up something else.

 

[JabbaPapa]

Sleeping bag (non-thin) plus inflatable mattress or sleeping mat as a bare minimum.

On the Camino itself, those taking only a liner are a rarity.