Sleeping bag Camino de Santiago

Many people wonder whether it is really necessary to carry a sleeping bag for the Camino de Santiago. This will depend on the accommodation plan you have. If you are staying in hostels or hotels, it is not required. However, if you plan to stay in hostels, it is advisable to be equipped with a good sleeping bag.

Characteristics of the Camino de Santiago sleeping bag

Below, you will find the most relevant characteristics that should be taken into account in order to choose a suitable sleeping bag for the Camino de Santiago:

Size

The size of the bag will be in accordance with your height, plus extra space for sleeping comfort. You should also consider the time of year you will be going to to do the Camino de Santiago, You will be wearing a lot of clothes in summer and in winter you will be wearing more sleeping clothes and you will need to have more space in your sleeping bag. The size of the sleeping bag will influence the preparation of the backpack, since the bigger the bag, the heavier it will be when walking.

Types of filler

Sleeping bag fillings can be synthetic, fibre or down. Synthetic fillings do not require as much maintenance, but there are not many guarantees as to the protection they offer.

The feathered ones, besides being lighter, are recommended in low temperatures, but their maintenance is complicated and requires additional care. They are also the most expensive, but have the best characteristics.

Climate

On the way to the Camino de Santiago, and depending on the season of the year selected, you are likely to experience different weather conditions. It is always recommended to bring a sleeping bag suitable for cooler temperatures.

Lightweight and compact

The sleeping bag should be as light as possible and easy to attach to the backpack. This will help to reduce the load and allow you to to undertake the Camino de Santiago with more comfort and less physical effort.

Waterproof

It is necessary that the sleeping bag is made of waterproof material, including the lining and straps for attaching it to the backpack. This is because there is a high probability of being visited by rain and it is a priority to protect yourself from moisture.

Form

There are various forms of sleeping bags on the market. Each one is generally related to a specific climate because of its functionality for shelter from the cold and warmth. The rectangular sleeping bag is the most common, and its main characteristic is that it can be opened completely. This bag is recommended in colder seasons and can also be used as a duvet.

Mummy or alpine bags are recommended for colder climates, as they can cover the whole body, including the head, leaving space for the face. More varieties are available, but to make the The Way of St. James one of these two variants will always have to be chosen.

Comfort temperature

This value indicates the room temperature at which it is possible to sleep without getting hot or cold. Below this temperature it is necessary to add more layers of pyjamas to be comfortable. Above this temperature we are likely to be hot and may sweat, so it may be useful to wear lighter pyjamas or sleep partly uncovered.

The best sleeping bags for the Way of St. James

There is a wide variety of models on the market today. However, below you will find some basic information about some of the main ones that can be recommended as sleeping bag on the Camino de Santiago:

Lixada sleeping bag

The Lixada sleeping bag is a very suitable option to carry in your luggage on the Camino de Santiago as it has many advantages in terms of weight and portability.

It is made of breathable nylon fibre and filled with polyester. It is suitable for people up to 1.90 m tall and with a comfort temperature of 15º. For all these reasons, it is recommended for its comfort for sleeping in covered spaces.

Sleeping bag FE Active

FE Active is another good choice of ultralight sleeping bag. It is a 730 g sleeping bag, made of nylon fibre on the outside and synthetic fibre on the inside. It is worth noting the good comfort found with this type of filling.

The dimensions of the completely open bag are 1.90 x 0.75 m. Its comfort temperature is 15º, so it is recommended for use in hostels.

Naturhike sleeping bag

The Naturhike sleeping bag is an ideal choice for those who prefer a down sleeping bag. In addition to its comfort, it weighs only 570g, which is very low for a bag designed to combat the cold.

Conclusion

The information you have just read will help you to decide on the most appropriate model of sleeping bag for the Camino de Santiago. You should consider how much you are willing to spend on it, the type of accommodation you have chosen and the use you will make of the bag after the pilgrimage.