Poncho Tent

Jamesy-baby? That almost cost you the'like' I've given you for your most educative post. Buen Camino, peregrina!!

Recently, I used a GoLite poncho/tarp on the John Muir Trail in the California Sierra Nevada. Super lightweight, easy to set up, and held up well in some light winds. It was quite chilly (-7c) a night or two but all worked out great.
I'll be posting about that trip on my blog, starting this week. A few lessons learned there.
Also, am starting the VDLP in mid-October, flying out of Santiago on November 20. Maybe our paths will cross, in the end.

Buen Camino!!!

It should work well. Insects ought not be a problem at the time of year you are walking. Also, creepy crawly things are most uncommon in southern Europe. What creatures are out there are likely more afraid of you than you might be of them.

I like the clean design. Did you adapt an existing poncho (specs please)? Or, was this "made from scratch?"

Your transportation plan also sounds about right. Roll all the sharps, liquids and poles, etc, into a cylindrical bundle and place in a stuff sack, and it is easily checkable with any airline. Choose a God-awful bright stuff sack color so it cannot be accidentally mislaid in transit.

All said, there should be adequate "solid" lodging possibilities so you will not have to revert to using this rig, except for the primary, rain use. It is good that this has at least two definite uses. All your gear should be so tested and chosen.

I wish you a peaceful and enjoyable Camino.

You need something under which you can sit up.

You need something that will keep you dry in the event of hard rain.

Something like MEC guide tarp might be more appropriate
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5027-714/Guides-Tarp

I really don't see the difference to the Poncho tents posted. Also it is rather heavy ... I personally prefer a tent (not tarp) that has walls all around. But that might be just me ... Buen Camino, SY

Have I missed something? I was of the understanding that 'camping out' is restricted on the Camino. I met a lovely couple today who leave for their walk in three weeks and were asking about camping along the way. I said that it was ill advised. Was I mistaken?

movinmaggie said:

Have I missed something? I was of the understanding that 'camping out' is restricted on the Camino. I met a lovely couple today who leave for their walk in three weeks and were asking about camping along the way. I said that it was ill advised. Was I mistaken?

Click to expand...

I understood that the OP is planning to use the 'poncho tent' in France and hopefully in campsites..., not on the Camino francés.
I did the same as accommodation was scarce but I must admit to preferring a tent with 'walls' too!

Thanks, I thought as much. It was a long day!

Hi Jill, what you're planning really sounds nice!
Your poncho looks a lot bigger than mine... Must be my eyes because our mats should to be pretty much the same.

No problem to sleep without walls as I'm concerned, or even without roof! I like it better this way, so it works for me. I usually sleep in the wild and don't look for a camping ground. Most of the time I even don't use my tarp... I pick a quiet place and sleep like a rock. 2000 stars accommodation for free! If it rains, I look for a solid "cover" (shelter, porch, bus-stop) or pay an accommodation (if not too expensive, easier to find on hiking routes)
I got this poncho-tarp from a friend, really basic and reinforced with duct tape on the loops. I use it with the strings and pegs from my D4 tarp. It worked fine, but I didn't dare to try it under any kind of rain... I know very well what would have happened! Used alone as a tent, I think it's good enough for dew, but not very efficient against rain (and then, not comfortable).


If you really want to sleep outside under any kind of weather, why not a real tarp? It's a better coverage than a poncho and a lot lighter than a tent. And you can fold it and use it as a poncho: tested and approved!
What about a good bivvy-bag, a lighter raining gear and no tent/tarp/poncho-tarp gears for good days + accommodation for rainy days?
That being said, I hope the rest of your sleeping gear is good, because the weather will not be the warmest of the year!

Camping out is regulated in both France and Spain, with some distinction between wild camping and bivouac.
In Spain, regulation depends of the provinces. Generally, wild camping is forbidden and bivouac is quite unclear. It seems to be accepted, but up to policemen at the end. The Camino leads either tolerance (pilgrimage route) or severity (many disrespectful behaviors, especially on the Francés).
In France, both are legal: no trouble here... mostly! The law restricts camping and bivouac on private property (need to ask for authorization), protected and listed sites (no natural parks on your stretch, only monuments), ~200 yards around a drinkable source of water and on the seaside. Note that there can be some local additional restrictions (up to people to get the information...). I'd say as long as you find a quiet place, keep low-profile and leave no trace, you should be fine!

Accommodation is more expensive in France than in Spain, but I think it's possible to find a bed under 40€. It is a pilgrimage-sensitive route... Camping sites can be open all year long, or close after high-season (sometimes in September/October). You'll definitively find some open on your Way.
I don't know how is your French and if you already got those, but with a little pre-translation, it can always be handy:
- Pilgrim info From Verdon to Sanguinet
- Pilgrim info From Sanguinet to Tarnos
- Not about the Camino, but can cross it and have useful info? and it's also in English!
(no date for the 2 first... updated?)

Nice (and wise) you have plans B and C! I'd locate the D4 and itinerary before, to avoid more stress in case of trouble. Depending on you travel-style, what about keeping the mat and have a dry/nice seat to sit/nap on along the Way?

Sorry it ends up to be a bit long...
I wish you the best on your Camino!