Chris McCandless' lack of preparation regarding his fateful expedition into the wilds of Alaska has led many to believe he had suicidal impulses. This theory, however, clashes with the image of Chris that is depicted in Jon Krakauer's book, Into the Wild. The evidence against this theory can be divided into two main categories; Chris' actions and the description of his mental state at the outset of his trek.
             When the truck driver, Gallien, left Chris at the trailhead he carried a "ten pound bag of rice... [a] .22 caliber rifle... [and a] tattered state road map" (page 5). If in fact his intention had been to die he most likely would not have bothered with such provisions. He also carried "a field guide to edible plants" (page 13) and "peppered Gallien with thoughtful questions about the kind of small game that live in the country [and] the kinds of berries he could eat" (page 5). This suggests that Chris was in fact planning on surviving off of the land as opposed to starving to death. In addition "he did callisthenics each morning to get in shape for the rigors of the bush and discussed backcountry survival strategies at length" (page 45) evidently readying himself for this adventure.
             Though his preparations for this final trip lead one to believe that Chris planned on survival, the greatest indicator of his goal is how those he met beforehand described his emotional state. During Chris' last truck ride Gallien noted that "the more they talked the less Ales struck [him] as a nutcase. He was congenial" (page 5) and such a state of mind is not usually seen in those setting out on suicide attempts. People attempting suicide rarely look forward to the act and tend to see it more as a way to get out of an unbearable situation. Chris on the other hand was "real gun ho. The word that comes to mind is excited. He couldn't wait to get out there and get started...