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How cold in albergues

  • Thread starter Thread starter karenfromcali
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karenfromcali

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Wondering if anyone on the camino can advise of how cold it is inside the albergues right now. I have heard there is often no heating at night in winter, so this info would help me choose a temperature rating for my sleeping bag.
Thanks in advance
 
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Last night I woke to temp. +8c... Unpleasant most Albergue's cut power and heat at 10, they do not restore heat in the morning, getting up is very uncomfortable. I say this about the Albergue's in the more rural areas... The larger communities provide better service... I'm using a +45F bag plus the available blanket, it's survivable...
 
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Karen:

This is a valid question but has enough variables to make it difficult to answer. I would add to the previous post that time of year, particular Albergue's and individuals comfort levels also factor in the mix.

It will be colder in the mountains than the Meseta. Some Albergue's have more modern heating systems and blankets. Others do not. We all have different comfort levels. Some like it cold others hot. Some like the windows open in any weather, some do not etc.etc.

I understand from your post that you are looking for guidance on the purchase of a sleeping bag. While I can give you my personal opinion of what works for me it might be totally wrong for you.

Sleeping bag weight might also be a factor in your decision.

I recommend you go to an outdoor store, like REI, and speak to an associate. Explain what you are going to do and provide them with factors like time of year, different environments you will be walking in, your personal comfort zone temperature wise and any concerns you have about weight etc.

Hope this helps.
Joe
 
falcon269 said:
Where? Meseta? O Cebreiro? Santiago? Fisterra? There is a lot of variability.
Click to expand...

Walking from SJPdP to Finisterre in early March. So wherever would be most likely to be the coldest.
 
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This helps a lot. I had been looking at a 34F so it sounds like that could be about right. I know it will be very cold when I go in March so want to be as prepared as I can.
Thank you.
 
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Thanks Joe. Good advice. I will talk to an associate when I next go to REI.
 
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Hospitaleros don't like the pipes to freeze, so an albergue temperature below 5C is unlikely. They also hate to turn on the heat, so it will be coldest in the middle of the night.
 
falcon269 said:
Hospitaleros don't like the pipes to freeze, so an albergue temperature below 5C is unlikely. They also hate to turn on the heat, so it will be coldest in the middle of the night.
Click to expand...

Thanks
 
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I would recommend a layering system that gives you 12-season comfort for sleeping. Add or subtract line items depending on the season and expected temperatures and sleeping accommodations (i.e. if staying in a hostal or hotel - nothing is needed). Here are the components:
  1. A three-season or summer-weight sleeping bag. I use a Snugpak "Traveller" bag. It is based on their military version "Jungle" bag, albeit in brighter colors. But it is cheap (at least in the UK @ 40 BPS), machine washable, lightweight (< 1 kg), and comes in its own stuff sack. It compresses to the size of a pineapple. You can also get this model with opposing zips that connect two bags to form a single, double bag for two persons - of course, this assumes the bunk is wide enough...
  2. A silk or Cool-Max sleeping liner. Used with the lightweight bag it raises the temperature rating by about 10 degrees centigrade. Try to find one with at least a partial zip or Velcro / snap closures to make getting in and out easier. Going to the toilet in the middle of the night is problematic when you have to shimmy out of and into one of these sacks.
  3. Hat - wear a lightweight microfiber stretch (watch) cap, which you likely have anyway for cold weather walking. Walking in the spring or summer? A "Buff" or lightweight microfiber stretch cap will suffice.
  4. Socks - wear the liner socks you were planning to wear under your heavy merino wool outer socks to walk the next day.
  5. Clothing - If you wear the clean outfit you plan on wearing to walk the next day, you will add to the layered sleep "system" But that should only be necessary if you know it will be COLD in the morning when you get out of the sleeping bag and would prefer to be already dressed.
Bear in mind that we lose most of our generated body heat through our head, hands, and feet. So, even if sleeping in a liner sack, covering you head and feet will make you sleep far more comfortable in any except the most hottest weather.

This is EXACTLY the same list you would have year-round, EXCEPT for the sleeping bag. If walking from May to September, most experienced pilgrims will tell you to leave the bag at home and only bring the liner. Most alburgues have blankets should the need arise, and the liner, plus cap, socks and next day clothes (in extremis) should all that is needed during the warmer months.

This uses all the stuff you already have, so no additional weight is incurred.

As always, I hope this helps someone.
 
Expect the unexpected and the opposite too! ;-)
 
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