Cliff, I had figured some of these went without saying (carrying extra para cord for example). All excellent tips, just seems I forget more than I know about camping haha.
That's always a lot of fun though. Trying to be the most prepared. Seems every trip, there's a moment where you go, "you know what would be perfect right now?" And whatever item that may be gets packed on the next trip. At least, that's how I've learned.
I've been out in the middle of the woods my whole life haha. Some stuff just happens to be second nature now haha. I always have some extra aluminum poles (about 18" in length, with male end one side, female the other, for an adjustable system for keeping goods dry with the extra tarps. Also carry a grommet kit to add them as needed to tarps.
That darn grommet kit has proved itself time and time again. That coupled with the extra poles to make a quick shelter.
I really like the tape idea around a pencil. Never thought of that. I normally just rest a roll of TP in the middle of the roll of duct tape to save space. Great advice on the tent sizing issue as well. I've found that I need to buy one DOUBLE the recommended rating, especially if I want to keep any gear in there.
I may go take a look at the thermarests. I suggest you take a look at the nemo tuo as well, to see how they compare.
