Not many people are driving around with all this in their cars. If you drive outside of towns and cities often its a good idea to have some way to get help if you get lost, stuck, or whatever else might happen.

If you don't have or use a cell phone you won't need a charger. Saves one step right there.

Small containers of gas line antifreeze and lock de-icer.

A set of flares or folding plastic warning triangles.

A blanket.

Thick wool socks, oversize boots, mittens and a thick hat with fold-down ear covers or pair of ear muffs. Raid the closet for little-used but bulky and warm items. You can also use these items to wrap others within the bag to prevent rattling.

A LED flashlight: A flashlight is a good idea but chances are the batteries will be dead when you need it, so make sure it will also operate off the 12-volt system. The best bet is an LED version, which is compact yet powerful, and will use less energy, allowing batteries to last longer

A charger for your cell phone.

Jumper cables.

A 10-metre length of rope or tow strap

A small folding shovel: it can be wrapped in the blanket to prevent it from moving around in the trunk

A candle, waterproof matches or instant lighter and a clean old juice can. The candle in the can is capable of supplying some much-needed heat and light when stranded in a dark, remote location.

A first-aid kit.

Energy food: A couple of high-energy snack bars from the grocery or health food store - with no expiry date.

Shelter: A plastic drop sheet or small tarp folds into a very small package and would certainly be appreciated if the incident has left your vehicle in an unfriendly place like a river or down a bank. It will also help cover holes made by broken windows and keep the elements out and heat in.

A spare pair of glasses if the intended driver uses them.

Duct tape: Its ability to hold almost anything together could be critical.

A long bungee cord: Besides holding the bag of emergency equipment in one place, it may hold car parts in place or a door closed after a crash.

A coat hanger: it can be used for a number of repairs or to hold things together. It's also useful to stick up above a snow bank to help others locate you.

Multipurpose tool like a Swiss Army knife wrapped in an oil-soaked cloth: put it in a water-proof baggie to make sure it doesn't get rusted shut.

A small bag of kitty litter to create some grip where none exists.

Source: What to put in your winter survival kit -- The Globe and Mail