Originally Posted by genejockey

A simple, small saddle bag can carry a spare tube, levers and a patch kit, and once it's there you need never think about it. A mini-pump can go in a jersey pocket or attach to the frame with a bottle cage, and once it's there, you never need to think about it. And you can still call a friend to take time out of their day to come pick you up, but just in case your phone dies or you're where there's no service, you're still covered. It takes a lot less time to swap tubes and pump up a tire than it does for your friend to reach you.