Creating the ideal steep-skiing setup isn’t an easy feat. The gear, after all, must offer specialized and polarized traits to handle the ascent and descent with equal aplomb. Skis and boots shouldn’t fold under duress, instead holding up to variable and often firm conditions. Conversely, stable and confidence-inspiring gear must be light enough for big days and long pushes.
Gearbox: An Editors’ Choice all-mountain setup
For some people, having a dedicated tool for every job is the ultimate dream. And many of today’s skis, boots and bindings are so specialized that there are hyper-focused options to maximize every type of snow, terrain or pursuit.
Basecamp TV with Andrew McLean, Season 2: Fueling
Andrew McLean talks fueling for long days and what snacks he loves when the tank runs low.
Basecamp TV with Andrew McLean, Season 2: How to Stay in AK
McLean talks travel logistics and base-camp feng shui for that bucket-list Alaska touring expedition.
Basecamp TV with Andrew McLean, Season 2: Picking a Partner
Even Andrew McLean isn’t a lone wolf in the mountains—here’s how he picks the right partner for an objective.
Basecamp TV with Andrew McLean, Season 2: Turning Around
In this episode: Andrew McLean talks about when to push for the summit or when it’s time to call it a day.
Basecamp TV with Andrew McLean, Season 2: Heuristic Traps
Andrew McLean is back for a second season of Basecamp TV, and this time he takes a dive into the softer skills of backcountry travel. Over five episodes, the Straight Chuter covers the nuances of nutrition, communication, safety, group dynamics and trip planning, all with his signature, expert blend of insight and humor.
Ski Mountaineering Skills with Andrew McLean: Couloirs
In this episode, Andrew McLean lives up to his moniker of “Straight Chuter” and explains the best methods for going up and coming back down couloirs.
Ski Mountaineering Skills with Andrew McLean: Route Finding
In this episode, Andrew McLean navigates his way to safe pow turns with helpful route-finding methods. Each week, Basecamp TV, in collaboration with Andrew McLean, brings you new skills to help grow your ski mountaineering gray matter and improve your understanding of how to move in technical terrain.
Ski Mountaineering Skills with Andrew McLean: Cook Tent
In this episode, Andrew McLean keeps the fire of stoke burning with cook tent setup techniques. Each week, Basecamp TV, in collaboration with Andrew McLean, brings you new skills to help grow your ski mountaineering gray matter and improve your understanding of how to move in technical terrain.
