Easy to judge with hindsight- in this case I suggest it was agenuine misjudgement rather than stupidity and terribly unfortunate. Even those of us who pack some kit don't always have enough to get octogenarians through 5 days in a snowstorm.

I'd salute his courage and extend my sympathies.

As regards the gender bias - all I can tell ypu is that I am a man who preps (not as well as I should but still...) and have a wife, mother and sister who don't.