sleeping bag for June

[Spacebelle]

Hi folks
I'm walking in June and a little into July but I start St Jean June 1st
I am wondering what your thoughts are on sleeping bags. I found this one REI Travel Sack +55 Sleeping Bag at REI.com
for 59.00 (US) but it only goes to 55 degrees (f). It is very light compared to the bag I have now which goes into the negative degrees but weighs 4 lbs.
Will I be cold or is this a reasonable temperature to expect at night?
Thanks
Sarah

[Covey]

Looks OK, but do you need a sleeping bag at all?

I have done 2 trips down the Camino Frances in July/August and 2 in Sept/Oct. I have never carried a sleeping bag, but just carried a silk sleeping bag liner which is pre treated with Permetherin to kill the bed bugs.

Occasionally I have felt a little chilly at night up in the hills and just put on my fleece.

Sleeping bags are usually bulky and tend to be quite warm to sleep in in the summer months.

[HuskyNerd]

Your proposed bag is very similar to the REI bag I carried in May/June 2008 (fyi it was a 45+ degree down bag of equal weight). I loved it and would absolutely bring a similar bag again. I found rain and cool weather in Larrasoana, Cirauqui, Atapuerca and O Cebreiro (50 degrees-ish in the daytime). Granted, I love to keep the windows open at night (while many others pushed them closed), but a few albergues were unheated and I appreciated my comfy bag especially on those nights.

[Spacebelle]

I'm going in June and I think a sleeping bag of some sort would be good, this one is 23 oz so I think I'll go for it. Thanks for the input.
best
sarah

[Covey]

Seem to remember World War 3 breaking out in Najera last year over the subject of keeping the windows open at night!

Those sleeping near the window did not want the breeze, those on the other side of the room wanted the breeze!! A combination of tiredness, stress, language difficulties and sheer bloody mindedness reduced the dorm from relative calm to an international shouting match in 30 seconds.

The technical amongst us pointed out that the aircon unit (this was mid July) would not work properly if the windows were opened. This then enraged those who did not like aircon and did not want it anyway, but they were by the window and the breeze, whilst those the other side of the room felt no breeze or aircon and were overheating anyway.

The expletives and references to the possible parentage (or lack of!) of the French caused the French Canadian group to join the fray against the Nordic contingent who wanted breeze. The Brits were our usual helpful selves and kept the pot boiling as our love for the French is well known and appreciated, and anyway, the Nordic ladies were very good looking!!

The Germans joined the Brits (there were two of us!!) on the grounds they still feel guilt and still don't like the French really.

It was better than watching reality TV!!

[Leslie]

I love your writing covey, good to have a laugh on a Monday morning. Unlike you I was not working yesterday, for a change. I was thinking about taking it easy this month - however I don't seem to drag myself away from the computer very well - at least lots of little things are getting fixed and brought up to date.

[damo]

Hello Spacebelle

Just thought I'd introduce myself, as I am also starting from SJPP June 1st, so I'm sure we'll bump into each other along the way. (Actually I will be a day behind you, as I arrive at SJPP on 1st, and start my Camino on 2nd.)

I am a novice so can't really give you advice, but I have invested in a Snugpak Travelpak Traveller bag, which is tiny, light (750g), and good to about 40 degrees F I'd say, (range 45 - 36), which I hope will be good enough. Have yet to use it in anger mind you, but it will have to do for me.

Anyway, hope all your preparations going better than mine right now!
Good luck
Damian

[dchapa]

I'm also in the same predicament. I am leaning more towards a liner though. My only fear is that I since I come from South Texas (really hot in down here), I'll have some cold nights.

[Covey]

I only ever carry a silk sleeping bag liner which has been bug treated. I have done two trips down the Camino Frances starting at the beginning of July, and only on a couple of nights have felt a touch cold. The cure is simple. Just put on a fleece and a pair of socks and you are back to being warm again.

In places on the Camino Frances it can feel cold at night, especially on the Meseta between Burgos and Leon. It is not actually cold, but feels cold because of the temperature difference between the mid afternoon heat (35+C) and the evening temperature (25C). You will see the locals sitting at a bar in shirtsleeves and the pilgrims are dressed up looking as though they are at the North Pole.

[dchapa]

Fair enough. Since I have a 36L Osprey pack, maybe for room's sake I'll stick to the silk liner. You have any trouble with the liner "sticking" to your skin from sweat?