Is it worth taking a tent?

[owen]

I'm intending to do the Camino del Norte leaving from Bayonne in early July. I've heard there is quite a distance between albergues so wasn't sure if I should take a tent. I've found a 1.5 Kg Gellert tent so it wouldn't be too heavy.

What do you think, is it worth taking a tent?

[geraldkelly]

Hi Owen

I haven't walked the Norte but I know several people who have and none of them took a tent. Also, if you have a look here El Camino del Norte | Guía del Camino de Santiago | EROSKI CONSUMER you'll see that the stages aren't that long and that there's plenty of albergues.

So, unless you want to sleep out I wouldn't bother with a tent.

What date are you leaving?

Ger

[owen]

Thanks for your reply, I'm intending to leave July 6th and hopefully make it to Santiago about August 20th. Originally I had hoped to do the Voie Littorale first but have to be back in the UK by August 22nd so think that plans out the window now!

[Edwin Saramosing]

I have the same predicament whether to bring a tent or not. I got one anyway which is a one man tent. I will begin my camino del norte on July 8 or 9. I hope to arrive in Santiago be August 11 or 12. Hope to see on the way.

[arturo]

Hello!
After long thinking I decided to take a lightweight (0´5 kg) shelter-tent, from MSR. Because of high season the Northern Spain is crowded and I am prepared to find some albergues full. So as emergency option is "go". On my today´s stage I bapassed one tent, so if there is a good spot - you can place your tent without problem. Near half of pilgrims I saw today are carrying a lihgtweigt tent (near 1 kg) or emergency shelter I saw another one with MSR e-wing attached to the backpack)
1,5kg tent looks a bit heavy to me...
Buen Camino!

[owen]

Okay so I've just got back from walking the Camino del Norte and didn't use my tent once. Yes there were some Albergue completo nights, but i was happy to sleep on a table, on the floor or in a church.

The northern route seems to be getting busier each year, and there are some bus pilgrims who get your spaces in the Albergue. The last 150km from Ribedeo were the busiest, and those in the basque country the most space in albergues.