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

 

[Guneyd]

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.

I second this.

I had a pad with me, but in the end, I didn’t use it at all and threw it away a few days before reaching Santiago, knowing there was no chance I would use it. Fortunately, it was a cheap one, only around 10 euros. My only regret is carrying it all that way for nothing.

 

[Robo]

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?

No and No.
You would only need a sleeping pad if you plan on sleeping outdoors!

I do carry a small (20L) ultralight day pack. about 25 gms.
I use it as my 'handbag' on flights to and from the Camino.
It's my shopping bag.
It's my laundry bag.
It's my 'tucker' bag if buying larger food items en route to accommodation.

But I do like @Tincatinker 's idea of a 'Bolsa'
Performs the same function.........

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Sleeping pad no.

Lightweight day pack yes. Mine is a 20 l decathlon pack, weight 120 g. Valuables, water, raincoat and/or extra layer on the outwards journey; room for shopping coming 'home' to the nights Albergue.

My clothes look nothing like the locals so I'm always gonna stand out - I might as well be comfortable

 

[good_old_shoes]

I bring both.

I use a shortened foldable z-lite sleeping pad, but unless you plan to sleep outside at some point, a very cheap and thin aluminium coated one is probably enough. They weigh next to nothing and fold up very small.

Most others will tell you you don't need it, which is probably true. I still like to have mine and use it daily. It's a comfort item for me.

It gets used for rest stops between towns. Great for taking a nap in the shade. Or in the sun. I love taking naps and elevating my feet from time to time. On a rainy day, it is nice to have for putting on a cold, wet bench before sitting down. Ect.

The day pack I use for groceries is used as a dry bag for other stuff during the day. Usually for my snacks, spork and opinel ("kitchen bag"). That way it has a second use other than for grocery shopping. I also use a very light cheap decathlon one.

 

[J Willhaus]

We carry those bags that wad up into a little ball. We have both a backpack type that my husband has used a lot and the shopping bag kind that I usually carry.

Look up the brand Chico bag as an example.

Good for around town, groceries, laundry, etc.

 

[Scoutbuff]

I have no experience on a camino yet, but I always take a small piece of closed-cell foam padding (1/2"x12"x12") backpacking. To my Scouts, I call it "2 ounces of bliss." I use it when sitting on rocks, logs, ground, etc. (In the snow/cold, standing on it reduces cold feet.) It also provides some structure and added padding to my pack. I'm not sure if this is needed on a camino or just another item in the pack. Leaning towards 'no need' right now...

 

[darealdeal77]

No! To the sleeping pad, you don’t need it unless like the others said for yoga, or to sit, but it’s extra weight and there are plenty places to sit! The bag, I had one of those giveaways plastic bag with draw strings that I used like a backpack straps, they are very light and folds like clothes. Hope this helps! BUEN CAMINO!