Final answer:
The original arrangement Krakauer had with the magazine was that he was a freelance contributor, tasked with reporting on the commercialization of Everest for Outside magazine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The original arrangement that Krakauer had with the magazine was as a freelance contributor. This information is based on the account of Jon Krakauer, a journalist and author, who has written for various publications over the years. In particular, Krakauer's arrangement with Outside magazine to write an article about his experience climbing Mount Everest is well-documented. As a freelancer, Krakauer would have been contracted to provide content for the magazine without being a regular staff member. This working relationship often involves specific assignments with agreed-upon terms for each piece of work, which in Krakauer's case initially involved reporting on the commercialization of Everest, an endeavor that eventually led to his bestselling book, 'Into Thin Air'.