They did not seem prepared to do a rescue. But when I go out on a day hike I am not carrying an extra 10 or 20 pounds of crap with me on the off chance I run across someone who needs help.

I don't even bring a stove or food with me most of the time. If I bring food it is something I can snack on like peanuts or jerky. I have been considering some kind of heating appliance though. It would be nice to be able to heat up some water for hot coffee or tea out on the trail sometimes.

I may throw some chemical hand warmers in the pack though. That sounds like a good idea.

I did not get the waterproof footwear issue the article mentioned. Walking in snow that is several feet deep is going to result in snow getting in your footwear when the top of your foot sinks below the top of the snow. In any case walking in deep snow is a lot of work and whatever water was in their shoes might have come from sweat.