Patches don't seem to go bad. I used a large Monkeygrip patch kit for more than a decade until the large patch that was in it was used up cutting small pieces off of it. As to the glue, if you are going to patch tubes at home, buy a 4 or 8 ounce bottle of Elmer's rubber cement. It is the same as what you get in many of the tubes but in an economy size. It's available at Target stores for 2 bucks a bottle. If you are careless and leave the top off too long and it thickens in the bottle, just add a bit of Coleman fuel if you happen to use it. Brings it right back to the original consistency.