RE: Spares To Carry
Good responses already.  I carry more than many and one thing I carry is a
spare, new, water pump.  And it's been needed twice, once for me and saved
a day or two wait to get one shipped in (was able to get to the best VW
mechanic in the area but he didn't stock parts) and the second time for
another WetWesty that arrived at a WetWesties event with a bad water pump.
And the same great mechanic installed that one too.
If you plan on some off roading, dirt roads, pack a spare air filter.

And the rescue tape already mentioned.  Haven't needed it yet myself but
have used it for other things, great stuff.