A conversation

I could imagine Tynan did an above average amount of research on gear and whatnot before and after the trip and has been a bit more thoughtful and aware about options. I think there is some truth that after one short trip you don't become a real expert on a subject matter. If you've done several 3 month thru-hikes, had to handle wider range of weather conditions etc, then you'll have a greater claim to know what you're talking about.

And it reminds me to beware of Gell-Mann amnesia...

Not to be too harsh on our host, I think the lesson is we all have our strengths, even if we sometimes compare ourselves poorly to the strengths of others. To be clear, I sometimes admire and envy Tynan's work ethic and travels, then I realize how fortunate I am to have the experience for hiking without the issues he experienced. Still, a reminder to go outside our comfort zones.