I’m inclined to agree with you whole heartedly. Forgive me if my previous post at it’s core contradicts this one. I carried up to 80 pounds which was back breaking work, for any and all contingencies. I also went as light as possible, sacrificing safety for less weight. I was never comfortable in such a posture, and regretted the decision almost immediately.
Some of the rescue communication devices offer an insurance plan for a nominal fee, intended to offset the rescue cost owed to the individual. I carried one of these devices, which acted as a constant reminder to weigh the outcome of my decisions so that I would not have to hit the rescue button.
I’ve had the trail disappear before my very eyes due to snow coverage, and I’ve lost the trail at 11,000’, requiring me to build an emergency shelter out of materials at hand, due to a bad decision to hike lightweight up Mt Whitney (14,508’) leaving my tent and sleeping bag behind.
The subject hikers were not in a life or death situation, as I understand the facts. They might have earned some slack if they were. Not sure how they made contact with their rescuers.
OK- Lesson number one! Read the damn article before commenting. My bad. WHERE IN THE HELL WAS YOUR TENT?
I hunkered down in a 3 season tent for 36 hours as I waited out a snow storm in mid October, at almost 10,000’ in the sierras, by myself, and when the sky cleared, I got the hell off the mountain! I hiked 15 miles back to a USFS campground, sleeping in a pit toilet for the shelter it provided. Then I walked 12 miles downhill, catching a ride into town, thus avoiding walking the last 10 miles into town. It’s a big ol’ scary world out there.
Source says they were indeed facing death, if being unable to move presages death in zero degree chill. Article also says they made contact via their cell phone.