For those that cook, I use Flexible cutting mats. you can use them for more than one use. (Not for heavy chopping though.) If you have a Sam's Club or something similar, you can get kitchen knives for less than $10.00 for two. (Santoku style, sometimes cheaper if on sale w/german steel) Spices carried in plastic baggies. (Less bulk.) LED flashlights last longer, and you can find cheap ones at places like Big Lots or some wholesale distributor, then give them to friends (everything) before you leave. Last but not least, emergency ponchos ($1.00) for those times of as Smith says "Liquid Sunshine".