[keenerd]

Your friend spent years studying. He also had the sense to pick one of the most hospitable and temperate locales in North America. And even in a friendly environment, he acknowledges that he needs more supplies than he could easily carry. I bet he also had multiple plans for bailing out if events went really sour. Just from what little you've said, he sounds responsible, level-headed and practical. He could probably accomplish anything he sets his mind to, and I look forward to buying his book.

But other than living outdoors, your friend has little in common with McCandless.

(Nothing says you can't consider someone to be both clueless and an inspiration. I consider all of history to be an inspiration to do better, including the less-clueful half of the past.)