Redundancy, reserves, spares, etc.
Over the years myself and fellow paddlers have
had our trials and tribulations, i.e. hard knocks.
I've learned NOT to eat all my lunch, liquids,
holding something in reserve for emergencies.
When something goes wrong you'll want calories
and rehydration, especially far away from home.
A simple CLIFF bar and 1 small bottle of water
are always held in my boat as emergency rations.
My emergency or a fellow paddler in my group.
Headlamps, flashlights, spare batteries, spare bulbs.
Having only 1 source of light will bite ya hard!
Dropping ""anything"" in the water - yikes - gone forever.
http://www.examiner.com/article/loosing-gear-overboard-while-kayaking
I love HammerHead GearKeepers a sailing buddy told me about
Trust is nice - but you must rely on yourself always.
If you think someone else brought something you need;
and that person doesn't show, gets sick, goes home early,
- whatever- now your goose is cooked and you're stuck.
*Have people show you their gear, on waters edge,
so you know it went in a boat, for your group !