On older, not-so-well-built bikes, I've broken plenty of spokes. Probably 95% were rear wheel, drive side. I carry two of those, plus the fiber-fix spokes. In the early 90's REI carried wire emergency spokes. I used them several times. They got me to the next bike shop, but weren't as good as real spokes. That's why I carry real ones and not just the fiber fix.

GLOVES: Hand pain and discomfort can really get bad on tour. The first thing to do to prevent this is to make sure your "cockpit" is comfortable. Raising your handlebars to almost the same height as your saddle will help. Having a nice platform on the top of the bars, and having the brakes mounted so that the hoods make a comfortable position will also help. Putting gel under the bar wrap, or even using a double wrap to get a softer, larger diameter to grip helps me. But I always ride in gloves, partly for comfort and partly to protect my hands if I ever fall. I like fingerless gloves with thick, gel pads (others will strongly disagree, but I like them.) If I'm going to be in an area with the chance of cold, rainy days, I'll also bring some waterproof winter gloves. They're wonderful to have when it gets really cold and wet. I've used them twice when on the west side of the Cascades, then sent them home when I got to Eastern Washington.