Sleeping Pad? Day pack?

[AndyBorba]

I am doing the Francés Summer 2025. Is it worth ot bringing a lightweight sleeping pad? I will be in albergues and hostels.
Also, is it recommended to bring a small backpack along with the standard pack for meandering about town?

 

[Anhalter]

Pad: I don't think so. I actually carry one in my pack, but its main reason is reducing volume, giving the pack rigidity and pad my back a bit. And i can use it as a sitting / yoga mat if i want to. In a pinch sleeping on it would be better than sleeping on the ground, but just so. Never needed it.

Daypack: Yes, i think it can be useful. I use a 10L folding one from Decathlon. Nice to be able to have something to put stuff into when going out.

 

[Tincatinker]

Also, is it recommended to bring a small backpack along with the standard pack for meandering about town?

I’ve always used one of those bolsa, the plastic carrier bags that are standard issue in every street market and supermarket.

It’s one other way of blending in with the locals. You’re less of a mark if you’ve got your bits in a bolsa. The day-pack, bum-bag, utility pocket are all flags. Scuffed hiking gear and a plastic carrier bag. You can walk right through the wolf-pack and they won’t even notice you’re there