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Stove definitely not needed. I agree that continental tea is awful... and tepid... and weak. Most of it is unfit for human consumption :P. I started off with my own Yorkshire Tea tea bags but they ran out, alas.
I carried a sleeping mat but never used it myself. The only time it was used was when a large party of pilgrims came into an albergue and there was one too many for the bed space available, so I lent one of them the mat. I believe that there should only be the same amount of pilgrims in a hostel...
I walked from Arles to Santiago and didn't use walking poles. I find them an encumbrance when I want to look at maps, use the camera, blow my nose etc... The terrain doesn't warrant them either, in my opinion, as the camino is on good track or road most of the way, without steep gradients. I use...
I find that leather boots help to reduce foot odour, although after a few weeks on the road even they will begin to smell. I have used zinc oxide powder and that certainly helps to reduce the smell and also fights fungus issues.
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