Yes, Krakauer has an acceptable background to speak with
authority on this subject.
Krakauer has an acceptable background to speak on the
subject because he has scores of outdoor experience; throughout the book, he makes
mention of his climbing adventures throughout the book. In fact, written a
number of books and articles about his outdoor experiences (e.g. Into Thin Air).
Other than that, he knows quite a number of outdoor experts. Furthermore, Krakauer
seems to understand Chris McCandless because of his own experiences with his
father.
