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I've only been to one place that didn't provide a pillow (Grañon on the Camino Frances, actually an often recommended albergue, but you are sleeping on a mat - not even a mattress - on the floor). You can pretty much count on one.Do I need to bring my own pillow & pillow case for albergues?
Most albergues either provide sheets or will sell you disposable sheets for a modest price. If you get the disposable sheets, there will be a fitted sheet and a pillow case, but no flat sheet.
I carry an inflatable air pillow (Sea to Summit). It is useful in case there are no pillows - or they are unsuitable.
Also, I like to elevate my feet when sleeping at night. I typically use the bed pillow for that purpose and my inflatable pillow for my head - or vice versa.
This inflatable pillow does double duty as a lumbar support on the flight over to Europe from the US.
Hope this helps.
Tom
I despise inflatable pillows.On my first camino I carried an inflatable pillow. I forget how many days it was before i "donated" it by leaving it in a free box in an albergue. It was a lovely idea but not worth the weight
If you need extra support because your pillow is too thin, use clothes or a towel.
Glad it worked for Tom especially given his need for 2 pillows but I'd say 99% of walkers would not recommend bringing an inflatable pillow.
Two caminos (Frances from SJPDP and Portuguese from Porto) and I've never stayed at a place that didn't provide a pillow. That said, I'd either carry my own pillowcase to use over it, or - what I did- was lay my sleeping bag hood over the top of it. There's quite a bit of turnover in the albergues (daily) so peregrino be warned. Buen Camino!Do I need to bring my own pillow & pillow case for albergues?
That must be one very long pillowcase due to those incredibly long pillows in Spain. I keep all my important things in my waist bag and put it at my feet in my sleeping bag or liner.I bring a pillowcase that zips closed. At night I store my passport, money and anything else I value inside and sleep on it.
Short answer, NO. Just take pillow and case they provide on the plane to guarantee you have one. As said in posts, 99% of albergues provide a pillow, and you can survive without one once. No guarantee of a case, and it is usually thin plastic mesh paper. Personally, I always take inflatable Trekology pillow, my one luxury item that weighs 3 ounces. Needs no case. Custom adjustable with 3 puffs. I do not worry about anyone else's sweat or boogers.Do I need to bring my own pillow & pillow case for albergues?
They do sometimes leak over time. I note that the valves are the first thing to go.I despise inflatable pillows.
The Trekology pillows last about 18 months before pinhole leaks occur at the bond between the inner baffles and pillow skin. Happened on 2 pillows. I was able to patch a couple holes to get another 2 months, but the next camino found numerous pinholes. I blasted Trekology for this, and they claimed to upgrade the design. I noted my 3rd pillow was just a bit different. It has held for a year now. Time will tell. Sea to Summit has a better warranty, but 2x the price. Never tried those.They do sometimes leak over time. I note that the valves are the first thing to go.
Put your fleece top or jacket on your backpack. Sorted!Do I need to bring my own pillow & pillow case for albergues?
Pack a pillow case with your clothes. That covers all bases .Do I need to bring my own pillow & pillow case for albergues?