Sleeping bag OR just a liner??

[Shamoose]

Hi all
The time is finally nearly here. On Sept 15th I'll be arriving in SJPDP to start the Camino. At the moment, the only thing I have to sleep in is a liner. Now that's it's getting a bit colder here in the UK I'm starting to think that this might not be enough to get the all important comfy nights sleep. What do you think? Will it still be warm enough in Spain for just a liner, or do I need to quickly get a sleeping bag. If so which one??? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Tincatinker]

I always carry a lightweight down sleeping bag if I’m sleeping in Albergue. You’ll be walking, and sleeping, at elevations up to near 1400 metres. It can get cold at night.

If you’re sleeping in Hostales and hotels then even the liner is superfluous. Other members will suggest that all you need is the liner and, if necessary all your clothes… I hate sleeping in the clothes I walk in

 

[Jarrad]

It's all about the personal preference and willingness to sleep under just the albergue-provided blanket. The weather can change quickly and I don't count on having heat available everywhere. I know others will say it's extra weight you can do without, but I loathe being cold at night and absolutely do not want to sleep in my day clothes. Personally, I bring a very light down bag rated for 40F degrees.

 

[trecile]

It's all about the personal preference and willingness to sleep under just the albergue-provided blanket.

That is if the albergue supplies blankets. I normally carry a tiny down blanket that I can tuck inside my silk sleep sack on cold nights, but this year I decided to save the weight and leave it behind. I stayed in two albergues that didn't provide blankets, and although I wore all my warm layers to sleep in, I was still a little cold. This was mid May through June. Starting in September I would definitely bring more than a silk liner.

 

[markie6]

Never regretted taking a 2 season sleeping bag that packs down small and quickly. They're not expensive, last one I bought was a cheapy brand on amazon uk

 

[CaminoCate]

Hi all
The time is finally nearly here. On Sept 15th I'll be arriving in SJPDP to start the Camino. At the moment, the only thing I have to sleep in is a liner. Now that's it's getting a bit colder here in the UK I'm starting to think that this might not be enough to get the all important comfy nights sleep. What do you think? Will it still be warm enough in Spain for just a liner, or do I need to quickly get a sleeping bag. If so which one??? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Hi Shamoose,
I managed with a liner last year (Sept 2024) pretty well, with the odd blanket, I’ve just arrived to continue from Burgos this Sept, where it was pretty warm last year, but this year, so far it’s a bit chilly and wet. I’ve still with only a sleeping bag liner…. but I’m thinking I could put all my clothes and travel towel on top of my liner if necessary or no blankets rather than carry extra weight?

 

[Shamoose]

Thank you. Think I'm ditching the liner in favor of a bag.

 

[Shamoose]

Hi Shamoose,
I managed with a liner last year (Sept 2024) pretty well, with the odd blanket, I’ve just arrived to continue from Burgos this Sept, where it was pretty warm last year, but this year, so far it’s a bit chilly and wet. I’ve still with only a sleeping bag liner…. but I’m thinking I could put all my clothes and travel towel on top of my liner if necessary or no blankets rather than carry extra weight?

Buen Cameno Cate.

 

[Telelama]

On our first Frances, we took lightweight sleeping bags. They were too much! It can get so hot in an albergue with so many pilgrims in a room. We mostly slept outside our our sleeping bags and they started to stink by the time we got to Astorga. This was in Sept into October, so same time of year.

For our last four Caminos, we've been using the Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme liner. It weights .36 kilogram, so much lighter than a sleeping bag. In the rare occasion we got cold, we simply put our warmth layer on.

 

[Juspassinthru]

Thank you. Think I'm ditching the liner in favor of a bag.

Even an ultra-light bag is better than a liner/blanket. In mid-April, San Juan de Ortega it went to -1C outside, 9C inside the albergue. Truly glad I had my bag. In the attached pic, my buddy was in his ultra-light bag but needed his down jacket too.

 

[C clearly]

Here is the definitive answer to your question.

 

[ParisOslo]

Here is the definitive answer to your question.

Yes this is a definitive answer!

And tomorrow someone else will ask the same question.



…

 

[CarolamS]

I like the flexibility of a silk liner and a lightweight down blanket. In the UK Alpkit have their Cloud Cover. This is a down blanket that can become a sleeping bag. This time last year I went from very hot, sleeping on top of my silk liner to cold enough to use both the liner and the down blanket. Quite often I'd just pull the down blanket over me in the night when it became cold.
The other great thing about the Cloud Cover is that it's wonderful to wrap over my knees in the evening as the temperature starts to drop! In fact my husband now has his own just for this

 

[Shamoose]

Buen Cameno Cate.

This brings another question to mind. Won't your towel be wet? Would guess you shower when you arrive at alburge?

 

[J Willhaus]

Hang it on your pack while you are walking until it dries.

 

[dick bird]

alburge?

ALBERGUE, three syllables, stress on the second which is pronounced ´bear´. And yes, I would definitely take a lightweight sleeping bag, and possibly a silk liner - light and small but not necessarily cheap, otherwise a handy thing to have.

 

[CaminoCate]

This brings another question to mind. Won't your towel be wet? Would guess you shower when you arrive at alburge?

Yes, of course, but a very thin travel one that will be dry by night . Actually, probably too thin for any warmth. buen camino.

 

[CaminoCate]

Yes, of course, but a very thin travel one that will be dry by night . Actually, probably too thin for any warmth. buen camino.

All this expensive sleeping bag talk…. I’d rather stay the odd night in an Albergue/hotel (call me old fashioned…. ) Currently at La Fabrica in Tardajos. Gorgeous luxury! Sheets and towels and shower and even two beds ( I can have double duvet if necess) a snip at 38 euro! And room to do yoga on the floor. A new thread perhaps. Anyone bring a yoga mat al camino? I don’t BTW.

 

[t2andreo]

I concur with those who suggest a light-to-medium weight sleeping bag. As an FYI - in the UK, Snugpak make an excellent bag called the "Jungle" Sleeping Bag on their MOD side and the "Traveller" Sleeping Bag on their commercials side. Identical bag - different colors.

Their MOD style uses Olive, Tan and Black colors. The commercial side uses brighter colors, like blue, red or green. It uses synthetic fill - easier to care for. This bag compresses to about the size of a pineapple, and weight less than a kilo.

Whatever brand or style you ultimately choose, any bag should have a completely zip around feature, so you can use the open bag as a quilt - either over two people or as a loose covering.

Some folks expressly look for hiking quilts. These are semi or rectangular bags that are not as shape conforming as semi or regular mummy bags, but which open completely. They are intended for car camping - not necessarily hiking. While they do tend to be more spacious, they can be found with down filling. This reduces the weight and compressed size.

I originally used the Snugpak bag, then obtained the Alps Mountaineering liner for warmer months, and a Sea to Summit quilt for colder months. When home, the Sea to Summit quilt can be used as a duvet filler on my bed. I find this more versatile than a conventional sleeping bag. But everyone is different.

A liner is not completely wasted. I carry a rectangular microfiber liner I obtained from Alps Mountaineering. Check out their sleeping bag, quilt and liner range here. The prices are very reasonable, but they are loicate in the US.

Sleeping Bags

Offering you high-quality design and construction at an irresistibly-affordable price.

alpsmountaineering.com

This is the liner I use and carry on every Camino. It compresses into a gallon (3 liter) sized ziplock bag and rides in the very bottom of my rucksack - just in case. I got the poly fiber model as it is more durable and slightly warmer. This liner is also available in microfleece, but that version is bulkier.

Rectangle Liner

Oversized sleeping bag liner

alpsmountaineering.com

Hope this helps.

Tom






Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[Andorinha]

Hi all
The time is finally nearly here. On Sept 15th I'll be arriving in SJPDP to start the Camino. At the moment, the only thing I have to sleep in is a liner. Now that's it's getting a bit colder here in the UK I'm starting to think that this might not be enough to get the all important comfy nights sleep. What do you think? Will it still be warm enough in Spain for just a liner, or do I need to quickly get a sleeping bag. If so which one??? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Excited for you! I also carry a lightweight down bag (less than one pound of weight) -- I am usually liking a familiar bed every night, one that restores my body heat after sweaty clothes, but can be opened wide and used as much or little as I need. Do liners have zippers to open them up?

 

[lt56ny]

I hate sleeping in the clothes I walk in

I am shocked to hear you say this. Don't you love the delicate bouquet that emanate from you camino clothes as you sleep? It is as soothing as a mother's lullaby to her new born baby.

 

[dreaming]

Last October on CF, I used a silk liner and 600gm Decathlon sleeping bag plus 2 albergue blankets if available plus clothes.

 

[LewSher]

It's all about the personal preference and willingness to sleep under just the albergue-provided blanket. The weather can change quickly and I don't count on having heat available everywhere. I know others will say it's extra weight you can do without, but I loathe being cold at night and absolutely do not want to sleep in my day clothes. Personally, I bring a very light down bag rated for 40F degrees.

I agree with Jarad. My trip was the May-June timeframe, so the weather was probably warmer than you might experience. A bag rated at 40F should be plenty, especially if bringing along a liner. A down bag is not that heavy and I personally preferred it to the blankets that some (not all) albergues provided.

 

[trecile]

Hang it on your pack while you are walking until it dries.

With the towel hanging off the back you look like a caped super hero!

 

[Jodean]

The 2 times I walked in Sept.-Oct. it was cold at night and I was really glad to have my lightweight rectangular sleeping bag. Only cost me 39€ and have been using it since 2015. Often, I just unzip it and use it as blanket. Would rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it.

 

[Bothydave]

Thank you. Think I'm ditching the liner in favor of a bag.

Hi as you are UK based Mountain warehouse are giving stuff away in their sales.
Remember to fit any sleeping bag inside a dry bag with another for your clothes.
Try an get a sleeping bag at under 1kg and that crunches small. Use it as a blanket if things are warm.
Attached bag is small, warm and under 1kg

 

[MarijkeB]

Hi all
The time is finally nearly here. On Sept 15th I'll be arriving in SJPDP to start the Camino. At the moment, the only thing I have to sleep in is a liner. Now that's it's getting a bit colder here in the UK I'm starting to think that this might not be enough to get the all important comfy nights sleep. What do you think? Will it still be warm enough in Spain for just a liner, or do I need to quickly get a sleeping bag. If so which one??? Thanks in advance for any advice.

I am in the first week now. I barely slept in Roncesvalles because I was cold in my liner. I would definitely advise to bring something warm.

 

[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'.

 

[dougfitz]

I have always carried a sleeping bag and liner. I wouldn't use a bag without a liner, and only on very few occasions found a liner sufficient. I find a +5degC bag is about right. I can only think of one place where it wasn't quite warm enough, and that was in the church at Granon on a bitterly cold night where someone kept opening the windows.

You might need to consider how resilient you are. I've never been at the 'sleeps on bare rocks' level, more like 'can tolerate lower temperatures, but not too low'. I think many who advocate bringing a liner only are more likely to be in the first category. Your own sleeping arrangements at home might give you some clue about this. If you like a warmer quilt and the electric blanket on, you might find just bringing a liner isn't going to be enough.

 

[bks]

Thank you. Think I'm ditching the liner in favor of a bag.

Good choice!! Take a cheap one that's easily washable.

 

[Shamoose]

Here is the definitive answer to your question.

I see how frustrating it must be to keep answering the same questions. Sorry. Is there an idiots guide to searching for answers.

 

[william thomas]

Hi all
The time is finally nearly here. On Sept 15th I'll be arriving in SJPDP to start the Camino. At the moment, the only thing I have to sleep in is a liner. Now that's it's getting a bit colder here in the UK I'm starting to think that this might not be enough to get the all important comfy nights sleep. What do you think? Will it still be warm enough in Spain for just a liner, or do I need to quickly get a sleeping bag. If so which one??? Thanks in advance for any advice.

You need a lightweight 1 season sleeping bag. Down ones are light and pack up very small but expensive. You can get cheap ones online or from main outdoor shops, they still pack up small.

 

[Treskelion]

How do folks deal with bed bugs on the CF route? I suspect that the little sods are in every nook and cranny at the tail end of the summer season. I remember getting bitten by them whilst staying at a military block on the first Arms Control flight into the Eastern Block. Setting off from Dax (final stop on 2014 CF due spinal tumour playing up), I have some room on my e-trike so looking at a treated lightweight 90x200 topper, rectangular sleeping bag on top with liner (side sleeper), decent pillow (severe arthritis in neck, shoulders, lower spine). Baited traps in bags & can of anti-punaises for real issues.

 

[vasque]

Hi all
The time is finally nearly here. On Sept 15th I'll be arriving in SJPDP to start the Camino. At the moment, the only thing I have to sleep in is a liner. Now that's it's getting a bit colder here in the UK I'm starting to think that this might not be enough to get the all important comfy nights sleep. What do you think? Will it still be warm enough in Spain for just a liner, or do I need to quickly get a sleeping bag. If so which one??? Thanks in advance for any advice.

If you are staying in hotels, a liner is fine. In fact, you probably won’t need that either. If you’re staying in albergues, take a sleeping bag.

 

[Jodean]

Have never seen a single bed bug on 6 Caminos. I check every mattress and frame (every place I sleep around the world), but many albergues now have bedbug proof mattresses. There are a ton of posts and threads on here about them.

 

[trecile]

How do folks deal with bed bugs on the CF route?

There are a ton of posts and threads on here about them.

Yes, there are a ton of posts about bed bugs. Many of them have the bed bug tag at the top, and they can all be found here: bed bugs

You can find all of the different tagged topics here: tag topics

 

[C clearly]

I see how frustrating it must be to keep answering the same questions. Sorry. Is there an idiots guide to searching for answers.

There are various ways to look, but you might still want to ask your personal version. Most of the time we don't mind!

Start by looking at the Home page. Scroll down that page until you get to "Welcome" (I know, it might make sense to have it higher up!) Under the Welcome heading, there is a link to Frequently Asked Questions and another to How to Join and Use the Forum. Under the "How to Join and Use..." link there are threads on browsing for newbies, and how to use the Search function.

Also, at the very bottom of the Home page, you can find a "cloud" of the most popular tags. Click on one of them to find all the threads with that tag.

I am in the first week now. I barely slept in Roncesvalles because I was cold in my liner. I would definitely advise to bring something warm.

I know that at the beginning of my Camino (especially my first) I forget that there can be temperature changes during the night and that my body might need different coverage. Once I am tucked into bed, I am reluctant to get up and rustle around trying to find that warmer layer that I wisely brought, but unwisely left at the bottom of my pack.

I have a down vest (sleeveless) that I will wear to bed if it is cold. If it is not cold, I don't wear it but push it to the bottom of my sleeping bag or liner. Then during the night I can pull it up over my legs or hips or torso. It makes a huge difference. I only learned to do this in preparation for the possibility of being cold, after enough nights lying in my bag, wishing I had something warmer close to hand! When I got into bed, I was fine, but later wasn't!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Some folks expressly look for hiking quilts. These are semi or rectangular bags that are not as shape conforming as semi or regular mummy bags, but which open completely. They are intended for car camping - not necessarily hiking. While they do tend to be more spacious, they can be found with down filling. This reduces the weight and compressed size.

Actually at the risk of being picky nowadays hiking quilts are the most common sleep item carried by thru hikers on the likes of the PCT and AT. ( Roughly 50% of all possible systems according to the surveys I've seen) Traditional sleeping bags only account for a little over 40%.
Whilst there are quilts designed for car camping, a proper hiking quilt is most definitely designed for exactly that: hiking.

That said a good one is not cheap and in my opinion completely unnecessary for the camino unless you intend to do a significant amount of camping. Like everything you can of course get cheap versions: something that may be worth consideration.

 

[J Willhaus]

Actually at the risk of being picky nowadays hiking quilts are the most common sleep item carried by thru hikers on the likes of the PCT and AT. ( Roughly 50% of all possible systems according to the surveys I've seen) Traditional sleeping bags only account for a little over 40%.
Whilst there are quilts designed for car camping, a proper hiking quilt is most definitely designed for exactly that: hiking.

That said a good one is not cheap and in my opinion completely unnecessary for the camino unless you intend to do a significant amount of camping. Like everything you can of course get cheap versions: something that may be worth consideration.

Hmmn...I've certainly not seen that percentage on the Camino either as a pilgrim or hospitalera. They'll need to come down in price for more widespread popularity, I think.

 

[Tincatinker]

Actually at the risk of being picky nowadays hiking quilts are the most common sleep item carried by thru hikers on the likes of the PCT and AT. ( Roughly 50% of all possible systems according to the surveys I've seen) Traditional sleeping bags only account for a little over 40%.
Whilst there are quilts designed for car camping, a proper hiking quilt is most definitely designed for exactly that: hiking.

That said a good one is not cheap and in my opinion completely unnecessary for the camino unless you intend to do a significant amount of camping. Like everything you can of course get cheap versions: something that may be worth consideration.

Frankly Peter that sounds like bollocks. I would not, under any circumstances other than Ubend sponsorship, undertake a real wilderness trip with a fluffy blanket that offers no body to ground insulation is about as wind proof as a colander and would likely spend more of its time near me than on me.

A reasonably priced down sleeping bag comes in at about 3 hotel nights (excluding Paradors) and provides comfort in all environments other than underwater.

Mine weighs around 750gms, cost me £150, and has served me for nearly 20 years now. It’s been re-serviced professionally twice at around £25 a pop. I’ll guess a replacement would cost me maybe £350 these days but I’d cheerfully pay it if I needed to. I don’t. I’ve still got my old friend.

Even while I’ve been tapping this into my phone I’ve been trying to remember/ calculate how many nights I’ve spent in its comfort. Comes in well over a thousand. And, on those nights when it’s warmth and shelter weren’t required it made a fine pillow

 

[Dennis Ferguson]

Hi all
The time is finally nearly here. On Sept 15th I'll be arriving in SJPDP to start the Camino. At the moment, the only thing I have to sleep in is a liner. Now that's it's getting a bit colder here in the UK I'm starting to think that this might not be enough to get the all important comfy nights sleep. What do you think? Will it still be warm enough in Spain for just a liner, or do I need to quickly get a sleeping bag. If so which one??? Thanks in advance for any advice.

First of all good luck on your Camino….i took a sleeping bag…3 season and I didn’t use it but I did use a ‘’Silk’ liner at every Albergue and I never had any problems with bed bugs….apparently they can’t crawl up them…?
Don’t forget to take a pebble from your home to place at the foot of the Cruz de Ferro….when you get to Rabanal del Camino ( about 20 K along from Astorga) you can get a blessing for your journey from the monks at the little 12 th Century Church there…
It’s awesome doing the Camino…you’ll meet people from all over the world…enjoy…Buen Camino.

 

[trecile]

I never had any problems with bed bugs….apparently they can’t crawl up them…?

They can and do crawl into them. You are considerably bigger than a bed bug and managed to get inside.

 

[C clearly]

apparently they can’t crawl up them…?

This is a popular rumour, unsupported by any real evidence. Silk is a great fabric, though for light weight and feel.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Frankly Peter that sounds like bollocks. I would not, under any circumstances other than Ubend sponsorship, undertake a real wilderness trip with a fluffy blanket that offers no body to ground insulation is about as wind proof as a colander and would likely spend more of its time near me than on me.

Had you done a simple Google search before responding you would have seen that I actually know what I'm talking about. I don't bother posting rumours or falsehoods, and I do try and avoid posting on subjects that I know nothing about.

The Trek is a very popular site amongst through hikers so here's a link to their 2022 AT survey.

The Top Sleeping Bags, Quilts, and Pads on the Appalachian Trail: 2022 Thru-Hiker Survey - The Trek

ach year here at The Trek, we ask long-distance hikers on the Appalachian Trail (AT) about the sleeping systems they used on their 2022 thru-hike. This post will cover the sleeping systems used, how these systems have changed over time, temperature and insulation type, and the most popular...

thetrek.co

In this survey 51% of hikers used a quilt. Another similar survey done in January this year for the 2023 hikers on the PCT shows 58% used a quilt.

@Damien Reynolds was recently on the PCT and I know that he was carrying one of the more popular quilts, an Enlightened Equipment 20 degree quilt. They're light, comfortable, and versatile.

Many Reddit users also recommend them, or the Katabatic Flex 22 ( another quilt).

There's plenty more information out there if you care to look.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Hmmn...I've certainly not seen that percentage on the Camino either as a pilgrim or hospitalera. They'll need to come down in price for more widespread popularity, I think.

I agree - I did actually say that I felt the good ones completely unnecessary ( for the Camino) but that you can find cheaper examples. (Circa €100). Their popularity is relatively new, but increasing year on year. As they become both cheaper and better known I suspect you’ll see more of them.

Personally when necessary I carry a lightweight supermarket sleeping bag, it cost me all of 20 euros, rated for and works for me down to 10 degrees C (tested camping), and has a zip that goes 85% of the way down. Weight: 480 grams. Pictured beside my 30-year-old minus five degree down bag, both of them are just loosely packed - as you can see the supermarket bag even has a compression sack.

It's not quite as good as a proper quilt but more than adequate for a shoulder season Camino.

I've included a bottle for comparative sizing.

 

[Shamoose]

Hi all
The time is finally nearly here. On Sept 15th I'll be arriving in SJPDP to start the Camino. At the moment, the only thing I have to sleep in is a liner. Now that's it's getting a bit colder here in the UK I'm starting to think that this might not be enough to get the all important comfy nights sleep. What do you think? Will it still be warm enough in Spain for just a liner, or do I need to quickly get a sleeping bag. If so which one??? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Thanks all. I've plummed for

OneTigris Down Camping Blanket
​

Ill let you know how I get on.

 

[Treskelion]

Thanks all. I've plummed for

OneTigris Down Camping Blanket​

​

Ill let you know how I get on.

A week ahead of my efforts, might catch up by Estella if you are walking (following my steps planned from Dax). I have a rectangular buttoned quilt being a side sleeper I can’t abide the Mummy suit that most sleeping bags resemble … I’ll try it in the camping car first before committing Safe camino to all.

 

[JillGat]

Hi all
The time is finally nearly here. On Sept 15th I'll be arriving in SJPDP to start the Camino. At the moment, the only thing I have to sleep in is a liner. Now that's it's getting a bit colder here in the UK I'm starting to think that this might not be enough to get the all important comfy nights sleep. What do you think? Will it still be warm enough in Spain for just a liner, or do I need to quickly get a sleeping bag. If so which one??? Thanks in advance for any advice.

I bring a liner and a lightweight down quilt.