The idea that you don't seem to be considering is that disasters are not caused by a single circumstance. They are caused by a chain reaction of bad decisions, equipment, and circumstances that all combine to create a life-or-death situation. (Sounds like the opening of the "Seconds from Disaster" TV show, doesn't it?)

If you pay attention to Doug's blog (http://www.equipped.org/blog/?p=43), you'll notice that it lists several ideas and pieces of equipment that would have kept the Kims out of the situation or kept tragedy from occurring during the situation.

There really is no one-stop, catch-all piece of equipment that will solve every situation. A PLB, as wonderful as they are, will not keep you warm at night in the snow (unless there's a serious malfunction in your PLB).

If you are really interested in a "key cheap no-excuse-to-not-have-in-any vehicle item or tool if he had with him could have made a difference", then the item in your skull is what fits the bill. Key decisions were made that put the Kim family in a snowbound situation, and then key decisions were made which caused the death of James Kim. A change in any one of these decisions could have likely prevented the tragedy altogether.

Any equipment you carry is only meant to supplement your intelligence to improve your chances. Your brain: Don't leave home without it!