The right sleeping bag for a pilgrimage: light and warm enough

In short: In high summer in Spain, often yes. In spring and autumn you need something warmer.

The sleeping bag is one of the heaviest things in your backpack, so it is worth taking a close look.

How warm?

Most albergues are heated or at least sheltered. In summer a light sleeping bag with a comfort rating of around 15 degrees is enough. In spring and autumn it is better to take one rated down to 5 or 10 degrees. This depends on how easily you feel the cold, though.

Down or synthetic?

Down is lighter and packs smaller, but it can't cope with moisture. Synthetic fill is heavier, but dries faster and is cheaper. Either will do for a route without a tent.

Sleeping bag liner

This thin fabric bag weighs only around 200 grams and is often enough in high summer. Albergues also hand out a disposable cover, and some provide blankets. You shouldn't rely on that, though.

Weight

A sleeping bag should stay under one kilogram if possible. There is more on total weight under Your backpack on a pilgrimage. If you have bed bugs, it helps to wash your sleeping bag hot, as described in our article on bed bugs.