there are far too many things that i feel it is important ,,it also depends the area you live and the season of the year
a cell phone is a must, ,# 1 on my list
duct tape and water, can save you from being stranded in the middle of nowhere in case a coolant hose leaks, you car wrap duct tape and at least make it to the town, if you live in snow country nothing is more important than a shovel and a bag of sand those 2 things saved me a few times when i used to live in Wisconsin
tissues or paper towels are good especially if you have young kids

so, is one really more important than the other ..???.

well ,,,depends on what you need at the time

 

well if you have ducttape you should have a sock and a hacksaw..... have to muffle the sounds after all

 

true, like an EZ Pass on the way to the beach or traveling between states. or a pair of sunglasses on a sunny day, or something to cover my metal shift **** in the winter time, or an ice scraper when it snows/ices. good point desert, it really varies on the season and the journey at the time. you just have to prepare accordingly - pun somewhat intended.