This a very interesting case. Apparently there were no missing persons reports that fit this man....sad. I hope someone is able to find Lib.
Why would a man with money (cash) and arthritis throughout his neck and spine plan an extended camping trip WITH a pillow and suitable tent but WITHOUT a therma-rest or another brand of inflatable camping mattress? They are extremely light, take up very little space when deflated, and seem a necessary provision for someone with extensive arthritis, who seems at least somewhat detail oriented (as indicated by his writing and other items with his person). This strikes me as odd if the person had any type of wealth or savings at the time of death. Chronic pain is never far from the mind of anyone inflicted by it.
Was he looking for someone or something and didn't plan to stay any longer than absolutely necessary? Did he expect not to be there long? Was someone to pick him up or join him and did not show? The items found with him to me seem like they could be items belonging to a homeless person. Homeless people frequently have no ID. The lack of a weapon for protection from wildlife is notable, as is the absence of a first aid kit. Anyone who has camped at all knows to pack a first aid kit. Also, the 2 games are pocket sized, as is the notebook. All items that could be used to help pass time during the day when many homeless shelters are not open for use. Additionally, most shelters are overcrowded and have a lottery system set up each night. So, for many, a tent or secondary shelter option is a necessity and a water filtration system is more precious than gold, especially if the person doesn't have access during the day to potable water.
Most shelters require people to sign in, but they don't necessarily require ID. Has the tent been tested for DNA? The notebook? Camels? The lighters must be able to provide a clean print and or DNA.
It may be helpful to check regional shelter sign in logs from the late 90s. If Lib or some variation is found, look for a pattern of a male signing in with Lib and then the male being absent from the registry at some point. It's a longshot, but it's something. From there, I'd dust for prints. It's hard to sign even an X on a page without leaving some print. Running LIB's print or the male's print might get a hit. Not all, but sometimes homeless people get into scrapes and scuffles (NOT judging even the slightest...the environment would tax the meekest of souls) and end up being arrested and printed and DNA taken. Lib may or may not be the woman's given name.