Some guys will tell themselves anything to not go backpacking
A very good friend took me on my first ever backpack hunting trip when I was 15 or 16, and he's a BIG dude. I want to say 6'2" or 6'3" and probably weighed 260 at the time.
Also... starsky and I have backpack hunted together a bunch and mostly used my Hilleberg Nallo 3 on those. He is 6'7" and it really hasn't been a problem unless he tries to stand up in the tent
. He can probably tell you more about the other gear he uses.
A good 0 or 15/20 degree bag, insulation from the ground (Z-pad under my inflatable) and a big enough tent and your buddy will be fine.
Tanner
