that old sleeping bag question, once again

[Ferenjinan]

Hi, sorry to be redundantn but could not find the exact answer for this route. Most of these issues seem to deal with the Camino Frances.
Now that I am packing to leave in April for Lisbon, am wondering if I really need that (light weight ) sleeping bag, or will the sleeping sheet from Le Puy be enough? ie do the albuergues have blankets? When doing the Frances the bag was vital! But it was nice to walk in France with less weight. - April and May, assuming fairly warm weather?
muito obrigado

 

[Former member 22438]

I walked the caminho Portugues several times and only took a silk sleeping liner with me.
Everywhere on the Portuguese we slept in the silk liners and underneath blankets.
But a warning. The north of Portugal and Spanish Galicia can be cold in April .
But I should say leave your sleepingbag at home and pack a silk sleeping liner .

Bom caminho

 

[KariC]

That's what I did also, traveling in the last 1/2 of September, and I was fine. Bom caminho.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I walked the Frances April/May twice and was happy to have my lightweight sleeping bag. Walked LePuy in June with a sleep sack and that was fine for that month.
I'm walking the Portuguese in mid April/May and wouldn't think of leaving my sleeping bag home...it's coming with!

 

[Gail Dickson]

Hi, sorry to be redundantn but could not find the exact answer for this route. Most of these issues seem to deal with the Camino Frances.
Now that I am packing to leave in April for Lisbon, am wondering if I really need that (light weight ) sleeping bag, or will the sleeping sheet from Le Puy be enough? ie do the albuergues have blankets? When doing the Frances the bag was vital! But it was nice to walk in France with less weight. - April and May, assuming fairly warm weather?
muito obrigado

We walked from Lisboa last April. Not all albergues have blankets. Lisbon to Porto it was a definite must. Very cool nights.

 

[Tincatinker]

There you go - you have your definitive answer! You definitely do / do not (delete as necessary) need that sleeping bag.

A better answer to your question can be found by asking yourself how you will feel if you do experience a night or two when you really wish you have that sleeping bag with you as you shiver in all your clothes, wrapped in your liner, covered by your poncho and with your feet in your backpack. Can you handle a couple of chilly nights & not the best of sleeps and does that weigh off (pardon the pun) against carrying that "extra" weight every day.

I hate sleeping cold. It messes my head for the next days walking. I don't like exposing myself to the vagaries of Albergue heating systems or blanket supplies. I take comfort and confidence by being provided for a warm and comfortable nights sleep even if it is in a church porch, Invierno, or Horreos.

There isn't sufficient climatic variation between Atlantic Portugal and Galicia to make the route a significant factor.

Buen (warm and comfortable) Camino

 

[RJM]

April-May? Could be rather cold. How much does your "lightweight" sleeping bag weigh? If it is really that light, I would say bring it.
Between June-September, liner would be enough.

 

[Ferenjinan]

thanks, all. Guess I will/will not take the bag!