I lived in the Upper Gascoyne of WA for several years and we were just as remote and nearly as dry as the Lake Eyre district.
We had no phones, just the RFDS radio network, but we had a few rules:
Tell someone (preferably several people) where you are going, what you are doing, and when you plan to arrive;
Take at least 10 litres water with you (more if travelling in company);
Take energy snacks such as breakfast bars and similar non-perishables;
A couple of boxes of matches, a torch and a roll of toilet paper (to get a fire going);
A thermal blanket for warmth, shade and shelter;
A hat and sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant and first aid kit;
(A rifle and some ammo);
In the event of problems, stay with the aircraft or vehicle.
The only weight is in the water but you can't survive without it!
The people who died were those who failed to obey those rules or the other one...
Too hot; too slow; too low!!!
Kaz