Sleeping Bags still required?

[Liddybee]

For those currently on the Frances…are sleeping bags still required at the albergues? I thought I had previously read they were no longer allowed, but maybe that was on the Portugues? Or maybe I was just dreaming? Planning on a September Camino with my niece who has not walked one before and want to be sure we’re both properly equipped.

 

[trecile]

For those currently on the Frances…are sleeping bags still required at the albergues? I thought I had previously read they were no longer allowed, but maybe that was on the Portugues? Or maybe I was just dreaming? Planning on a September Camino with my niece who has not walked one before and want to be sure we’re both properly equipped.

I would never stay in an albergue without my silk sleep sack. I don't fancy the alternative of sleeping on top of those disposable sheets.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I would never stay in an albergue without my silk sleep sack. I don't fancy the alternative of sleeping on top of those disposable sheets.

Private albergues often have comfy cotton sheets, but I've seen many that appear to be rarely washed. I always take my own lightweight sleeping bag and pillowcase in spring.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

For those currently on the Frances…are sleeping bags still required at the albergues? I thought I had previously read they were no longer allowed, but maybe that was on the Portugues? Or maybe I was just dreaming? Planning on a September Camino with my niece who has not walked one before and want to be sure we’re both properly equipped.

Some albergues have a notice on their website saying that sleeping bags are required as a (covid) health measure but I don't think that it is universal.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

I do not carry a sleeping bag any longer. Instead, I do continue to carry a silk liner and a Jungle Blanket. Remain fully dressed while sleeping. It works well and dressing in the morning is perhaps putting on a sweater.

 

[Thomas1962]

A sleepingbag is stil required in most albergues, also private ones. You might get (need to pay for) a blanket and sheets, but don count in that.
I do see that more people just go without, they can be a burden to many hospitalero's.

 

[t2andreo]

Recent articles in some of the Spanish newspapers told pilgrims to bring a sleeping bag, as albergues would likely NOT have blankets available. Same for sheets.

However, albergues that dispense or sell disposable, single-use, sheets and pillows might still do so. But, given the economic effects of the pandemic, expect to pay a few Euros more for these.

Bottom line, bring at least a desired sleep sack, and be prepared to sleep in the clothing you plan to wear the next day - it should be relatively clean and dry. This is also when you will appreciate bringing a fleece jacket or pullover, and a beanie hat.

Finally, I recommend that you reconsider the sleeping bag. Assume that no blankets will be available at most albergues.

Hope this helps,

Tom

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Bottom line, bring at least a desired sleep sack, and be prepared to sleep in the clothing you plan to wear the next day - it should be relatively clean and dry. This is also when you will appreciate bringing a fleece jacket or pullover, and a beanie hat.

Finally, I recommend that you reconsider the sleeping bag.

This is exactly what I do, too.

 

[lt56ny]

I third what t2andreo and Camino Crissy's second. If it gets unseasonably cold by the time you get to Astorgia maybe you could by a light one. I have walked into early November with just a silk liner and putting on some extra clothes to sleep

Finally, I recommend that you reconsider the sleeping bag. Assume that no blankets will be available at most albergues.

Why carry the weight and bulk of something you most likely will not need. If there is ever a requirement for a sleeping bag I am sure a silk liner would be just as acceptable.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Why carry the weight and bulk of something you most likely will not need. If there is ever a requirement for a sleeping bag I am sure a silk liner would be just as acceptable.

Silk liners are acceptable. I prefer a sleeping bag only because I walk in early spring, am relatively thin and I don't like feeling chilly.

 

[lt56ny]

Silk liners are acceptable. I prefer a sleeping bag only because I walk in early spring, am relatively thin and I don't like feeling chilly.

Early spring and September on the CF are completely different bowls of wax!!!

 

[Rozenn]

I am
On the Portuguese coastal now and I have my sleeping bag , no problem

 

[C clearly]

I thought I had previously read they were no longer allowed, but maybe that was on the Portugues? Or maybe I was just dreaming?

I suspect you had heard about some gites in France where people were not allowed to use their own sleeping bags. As far as I know, that has never been the case in Spain.

 

[bill Burgess]

I assume you are inquiring about a personal sleep sack because there is bit a sleeping beg requirement that I know of. We used light cotton sleep sacks but walked in May and June.

 

[Former member 91017]

I assume you are inquiring about a personal sleep sack because there is bit a sleeping beg requirement that I know of. We used light cotton sleep sacks but walked in May and June.

It’s a COV health precaution not to provide blankets (that were suspected at the start to be potential vectors for spread). Rather than go back and forth and back and forth, the albergue seem to have stuck to it.
Fine by me: many of those blankets were old and gross.
If I’m back out there next winter, I will take my silk liner and down hiking quilt inside it, sleep dressed as others suggest….
Not least of all because those old blankets easily house the dreaded bedbugs.

 

[Luka]

I have just made a couple of reservations on the Camino Francés and almost every albergues states that bringing your own sleeping bag is mandatory because of covid-19. Some also state that blankets won't be available this year.

 

[Rozenn]

I don’t know about Camino Frances but on Camino portugues de la Costa some Albergues provide sheets and also blankets and even one bath towel, and some only a disposable sheet and pillow case

 

[Liddybee]

I have just made a couple of reservations on the Camino Francés and almost every albergues states that bringing your own sleeping bag is mandatory because of covid-19. Some also state that blankets won't be available this year.

That’s very useful info thanks, and seal the decision to take a sleeping bag.

 

[Liddybee]

I don’t know about Camino Frances but on Camino portugues de la Costa some Albergues provide sheets and also blankets and even one bath towel, and some only a disposable sheet and pillow case

I experienced that pre-COVID too. It was always a delightful surprise when handed bedding and towel at registration. Luxury!

 

[Renascer]

Early spring and September on the CF are completely different bowls of wax!!!

Why you say that?

 

[trecile]

I experienced that pre-COVID too. It was always a delightful surprise when handed bedding and towel at registration. Luxury!

I believe that @Rozenn id on the Camino Portuges right now!

 

[Rozenn]

That’s very useful info thanks, and seal the decision to take a sleeping bag.

 

[Rozenn]

That doesn’t mean you don’t need a sleeping bag .. I still carry one just in case and I was happy anyway to have it twice ! Cant take the risk of spoiling a day of walk if I was cold the night before ...especially in Galicia by the sea when you can have hot afternoon but fresh night after the fog arise with the change of tides ( same phenomenon at home in Brittany on the seaside

 

[lt56ny]

Why you say that?

There are some simple differences. The biggest two reasons are the weather and the number of people. I may be slightly off but there are definitely more pilgrims walking in September than in late March/early April. The exact figures I cannot say of course. The second is the weather. It is cooler and damper in the spring and can be very hot in September. The albergues will be more crowded and now post covid it may be more difficult to get a bed because of the restrictions. Of course we will not know that until next year. I like to walk in more solitude and quiet. I walked the CF 3 times. The first two times were in Sept/Oct and in 2019 November and December. In October the weather can be very changeable. The first time the Meseta was very hot 90+ and the second time it was pouring rain and very windy and 40-50F almost every day. In November it was a variety of things rain, really high winds, snow, the whole kitchen sink. Again it is always a choice and what you prefer. I would always rather walk in cold than hear. I haven't walked in early spring but after 5 caminos I have many friends who have and I believe my description is pretty accurate.
On a side note, I know prefer to walk quieter caminos. VDLP starting mid October this year. I noticed in a late fall Camino Norte and my last CF pilgrims seem to be a little more independent and I noticed alot fewer "families". It is not to say that they are less friendly at that time just more people who enjoyed walking alone. I still met many of the same people in albergues in the evenings and formed just as strong relationships on those caminos. Looking forward to seeing how many people I will encounter on the VDLP and the character of that camino this fall. I am sure others may have a different outlook.

 

[JabbaPapa]

Why carry the weight and bulk of something you most likely will not need. If there is ever a requirement for a sleeping bag I am sure a silk liner would be just as acceptable.

You assume too much -- not everyone is on the Francès ; not everyone is happy with such light kit.

Just personally, as I find myself having to sleep outdoors rather frequently, the notion of my packing no bag would be rather quaint.

Besides, the more you're outside of the warm months, and the more you might want the kit.

There is NO one size fits all answer to this. And your silk liner isn't one either.

 

[Nomadita]

For those currently on the Frances…are sleeping bags still required at the albergues? I thought I had previously read they were no longer allowed, but maybe that was on the Portugues? Or maybe I was just dreaming? Planning on a September Camino with my niece who has not walked one before and want to be sure we’re both properly equipped.

I brought a liner because I thought it would be hot but it's been quite cold from Leon, and some albergues didn't want to give me a blanket for 'hygiene reasons'. So I would definitely bring my own ultralight sleeping bag.

 

[trecile]

You assume too much -- not everyone is on the Francès ; not everyone is happy with such light kit.

But this thread is in the Camino Francés subforum, and the original question was:

For those currently on the Frances…are sleeping bags still required at the albergues?

 

[Rozenn]

But this thread is in the Camino Francés subforum, and the original question was:

Sorry I am in the wrong thread then!!!

 

[JabbaPapa]

But this thread is in the Camino Francès

I stand by my answer and the need for a sleeping bag or not is a variable on any of these Ways.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

My lightweight sleeping bag is my little "cocoon" when sleeping in albergues. I have never even felt the need to pin up a scarf, etc. for privacy.

 

[lt56ny]

You assume too much -- not everyone is on the Francès ; not everyone is happy with such light kit.

Just personally, as I find myself having to sleep outdoors rather frequently, the notion of my packing no bag would be rather quaint.

Besides, the more you're outside of the warm months, and the more you might want the kit.

There is NO one size fits all answer to this. And your silk liner isn't one either.

I wasn't assuming anything. I was just relaying my thoughts. The person who posed the question said nothing about sleeping outdoors. It is warm in September as you well know and I did say if it did get colder you can easily buy a bag. Some may say that the idea of sleeping outside is "quaint". I do not. I say to each his own. If that is the way you like to walk than have a great camino and take the gear that is appropriate for you. Again for you a bag is a necessity, for me a bag at that time of year is just added weight and bulk. Not an assumption at all just what each individual preference is.
I have seen your posts before and you have the term "true pilgrim". I sometimes wonder and often read about people's feelings on this. So I was wondering what you mean by that. I am asking not as a criticism just out of interest. I used to think about that definition of a pilgrim and the general definition of pilgrimage. I used to talk about it with some friends now I just have my own and let it be for everyone else. Again just a question, not a set up or criticism. Buen Camino

 

[Camino Chrissy]

My lightweight sleeping bag is my little "cocoon" when sleeping in albergues. I have never even felt the need to pin up a scarf, etc. for privacy.

Maybe I have replied to the wrong thread.

 

[Kathor1]

The question is indeed whether sleeping bags are still required by albergues. This has nothing to do with how cold or warm you found sleeping in albergues in 2019 or whether a liner and next day's clothing was enough for you. In 2021, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, albergues in Galicia and along the Camino Frances and elsewhere require it. "Pilgrims will receive a disposable bed cover and pillow cover kit. The use of your own sleeping bag is mandatory." it says in the English translation. "Es obligatorio el uso de saco de dormir propio." it says in Spanish. Or: "Cada peregrino deberá llevar su propio saco de dormir".

Whether your own sleeping bag is a liner, an ultralight sleeping bag or a normal duty sleeping bag is beside the point. You need to bring something where you put your whole body into while you lie on a bed in a pilgrim albergue.

 

[JabbaPapa]

Everyone has his best solution, not decided by others.

I could never hike without a sleeping bag personally, but I'm pleased when I see those pilgrims travelling light who do without.

My only real point is that it's such a particular question that it lacks any general answer.

Those who would be better with, should bring one ; conversely, those better off without should leave it at home.

And as for those in-between, well, an ultra-light summer bag would do in most circumstances, including any more chilly Spring or Autumn nights when a liner alone might not do the trick.

As to administrative obligations, not once so far this year has any hospitalero demanded that I must absolutely be carrying my bag.

It may be more of a 2020 thing, since fallen by the wayside.

 

[C clearly]

are sleeping bags still required at the albergues? I thought I had previously read they were no longer allowed

The OP question was clearly about requirements, not advisability. It also raises a question of whether they are forbidden in some cases.

The requirement will likely vary in different regions and different albergues, but several posts in this thread address the question.

My response below tries to clear up the question of whether they are forbidden.

I suspect you had heard about some gites in France where people were not allowed to use their own sleeping bags. As far as I know, that has never been the case in Spain.

The following is not a good discussion to start on this thread about sleeping bags. In fact the topic often has resulted in acrimony on other threads.

I have seen your posts before and you have the term "true pilgrim". I sometimes wonder and often read about people's feelings on this. So I was wondering what you mean by that. I am asking not as a criticism just out of interest.

 

[jsalt]

I carry a lightweight sleeping bag (750g), and space blanket, on any camino, every camino, at any time of the year, summer, winter, hot or cold . . . if all hell breaks loose, anywhere, anytime, inside, outside, I can bed down and sleep . . . . . .

 

[lt56ny]

The OP question was clearly about requirements, not advisability. It also raises a question of whether they are forbidden in some cases.

The requirement will likely vary in different regions and different albergues, but several posts in this thread address the question.

My response below tries to clear up the question of whether they are forbidden.


The following is not a good discussion to start on this thread about sleeping bags. In fact the topic often has resulted in acrimony on other threads.

I know it does and I was not trying to start acrimony at all sorry.