what to carry

[BDG]

Yes, always go with what works at the time. Just because something could break in a year, or two, or ten, does not mean that it is no good now. As for repairing or remaking parts, you can make a hell of a lot of things from metal with a vice or similar and a file. When this is not or is no longer an option, you then move down your list of items.

If you are lucky enough to have something, keep what spares you can.

Improvise does rhyme with compromise. Sometimes you have to do the former and it means you do the latter. Be as prepared as you can be is all.