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The Valcarlos route is scenic in any weather.
If the Pilgrim's Office is saying go that way, it's wisdom to follow their advice. And via Valcarlos you'll be on the real historic camino, not the Hollywood one.
Ach, forget the “should”
The key is whether you can carry your pack day after day with a level of comfort. Of course you don’t want to be carrying stuff you really don’t need, but there’s no ‘rule’
And I prefer a water bottle pocket or carabiner clipped water bottle (like Vapur) hooked to my backpack straps instead of a bladder. The water is instantly available.
Used properly poles are always going to be beneficial, whether is is on slopes or on the flat. Mine never leave my hands once I am walking - that is the only place that they belong to get any benefit. That said, they are not essential, and you...
No matter the season, I take a lightweight down sleeping bag that I cut the hood and zipper out of, so it's like a blanket with a footbox. I've used it in late autumn, early spring, and even in June.
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