Little or no margin for the unexpected or unusual.  But he does have experience, which can compensate to a degree.  He seems to stick to the established backpacker interstates, e.g. the Appalachian Trail.  In wilder country some adjustments might be a good idea.  I notice no FAK, a very bad idea, in my opinion.  If you don't need it, someone you encounter will.
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Geezer in Chief