When I was in the middle of Iceland, over 100 km from anything, I met a Brit that said he had broken his chain four times. It was so short now that he did not have many gears left. Nine speed drivetrain. I did not ask, I assumed that he removed two links each time he broke the chain.

I usually carry a few quick links, not just one. I had my Rohloff bike, that uses an eight speed chain. I gave him one of my spare eight speed quick links. I said it probably would not work, but if his chain got so short that he was stranded, it would be worth trying that eight speed quick link on a nine speed chain, as that might get him rolling again.

I suggested he not pedal really hard when downshifting.