The thing I would have done differently, (having the luxury of learning from their ordeal) as the weather was cold enough to be dangerous, and especially since there were small children, would be travel in two vehicles. Lots of other gear would be nice, but this wouldn't have been in the news if there was a backup method of travel.


My sister in law did geological surveying solo in Eastern Nevada in a big ole 4x4. She carried all he gear, two spares, tire patch and pump kit, signaling, cell and radio, water, food, etc. But beside the company gear, she threw her Mtn bike in the back.