Originally Posted by
KC8QVO
I did have a flat on a trip last year (first time ever on a trip) and had to use my mini pump (bontrager air rush road, I believe). I patched the tube, didn't have a spare with me at the time, but had a hard time finding the leak. ... ...
Touring, I carry two tubes, plus a patch kit. Reason for two tubes is that it is rare, but on occasion I have a blow out. Example, about a month ago I used a new tube in a new tire, while pumping it up, the brand new tube blew along a seam on the tube and left a slit about 6 inches long. Hard to patch a 6 inch long tear. About five years ago had a tube get a cut from a rim abrasion right next to the stem, that could not be patched either.
I never try to patch a tube when I flat, I use a spare tube. And I do not even look for the leak to patch it until I am in the campsite so I can do things more leisurely where I can be more careful about cleanliness, etc.
Around home I only carry one tube, but when touring carry two in case of a blowout.