You have a point in that a backpacker will generally have more gear than a day hiker but I feel that the most important element is the knowledge and capabilities of the persons involved. While gear and equipment is important, knowledge is even more significant in keeping out of trouble.

I am reminded of one rescue operation where a group of backpackers was going out in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson. It started to snow, which upset them greatly, since they started to travel faster, even discarding some of their gear. Eventually one of the group was injured, they were immobilized, and it was time for our group to take the field.