Oooo. I like the idea about cardboard. I'll never leave home without at least a tarp after purchasing a cabinet at Everybus in the rain!

For local trips and even things within 150 miles I don't bring much besides spare oil, coolant, towels and gloves (oh, and duct tape). For longer trips there is a kit w/ sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, and (of course) a nice hammer. All the common things I'd need to fix something on the side of the road.

The "How to keep your volkswagen alive for the complete idiot", while being focused towards air cooled engines, does have a great breakdown of different tool kits.

john