<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>In a message dated 2/28/2002 10:10:19 AM Eastern Standard Time, kesatotaSHAW.CA writes:<BR>
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<BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">some of the refigios never had sleeping mats. any<BR>
truth to that. </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>
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Every refugio I stayed at had mattresses. Some supplied blankets and most had pillows. Also, I suggest you bring a youth hostel-type sleepsack and not a sleeping bag. You can buy one or make one by sewing two small sheets together. If you need to cover yourself because it gets cold, use your clothing or sleep in your clothes. <BR>
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Believe me, any excess weight you can eliminate will be worthwhile. I bought my sleepsack at EMS, but you can buy one online. I stayed in refugios for all except 3 places from SJPP to Santiago. Some mattresses were bad or on the floor, but all were clean and fine for one night. Howard Mendes, NYC</FONT></HTML>