Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

[Anniepride]

Hi:

Starting later this week I will be doing the Roncesvals--Santiago de Compostela route. I plan a 30-32 day trip solo...very exciting!

I'm in Madrid preparing for the trip and realize that the heavy duty sleeping bag I brought from the US may not be necessary.

Do you think I can get away with just a silk sleeping bag and pillow case? If so, I would appreciate any recommendations on brands/styles and -- most importantly -- WHERE I can buy these things in Madrid...

Thanks in advance for your help.

Anne

[JohnnieWalker]

There are a number of good trecking suppliers in Madrid and I was looking in one of them not far from the Puerta del Sol just a few weeks ago. Ask in your hotel or in the Corte Ingles (which also stocks camping gear) - people are very helpful and will give you directions. I also picked up a fab walking stick ( a baston ) for only 7 euros - looked very authentic!

[Anniepride]

Thank you!! I picked one up at Ruebles de Las Montanas yesterday, in El Rastro.

[JohnnieWalker]

I checked this out again 3 weeks ago on my way to rejoin the VdlP and the Corte Ingles had a seriously impressive range of gear at very good prices compared to what we pay in the UK - it included all season equipment and has a very good range of walking sticks and poles again at very reasonable prices.

[nathanael]

sorry my friends but you didn't answer the question whether one can get along with just a silk liner for sleeping. Can you thanks.

n

[MermaidLilli]

Annie was going in June. If that's the case then a silk bag is sufficient for June July. I went in August, September, October, took a silk bag and ended up buying a sleeping bag in Pamplona. Glad I did.
Lillian

[viajero]

I walked in March/early April and brought a sleeping bag. A friend joined me in Ponferrada for the last week. She brought only a liner and was fine. All of the places that we stayed, however, had blankets. Most of the albergues from Roncesvalles onwards had blankets. We were there during colder weather but I would imagine that blankets would be available year round. It sure would be nicer to carry just the liner.

[notion900]

I would not rely on finding blankets in every refugio.