Andrew McLean
Andrew McLean lives in Park City, Utah and is a gear designer, writer, photographer, ski mountaineer, climber, Mountain Unicycle rider and father of two very loud little girls.
Andrew McLean's Latest Posts
Scooter Town
As a first time visitor to the town of Longyearbyen in Svalbard, it is hard not to be astounded at the number of “snoscooters” or snowmobiles sitting around. They are randomly parked by the side of the road, grouped in clusters of 2 or 3, amassed in lots of 50, left up on pallets, slowly […]
Back From the Ice Coast
I’m back from a month in the Arctic and it was a culture shock to go from down jackets and hats to shorts, sandals and t-shirts in 24 hours! Best of all, it actually gets dark here at night so you have some idea what time it is. ;)
Svalbard Part 2
Noah Howell and I have returned from Dicksonland where we found some, uhmm, firm, skiing and unfortunately almost no wind for kiting, which was a shame as the area is a kiter’s dream. We started on a glacier, then work our way down towards the sea-ice, camped for a few days, then crossed the sea-ice […]
Skiing 80 Degree Slopes
Eighty degrees north, not 80 degrees in steepness, although you never know… One of the most influential things I’ve ever read was a fortune cookie which said “Practice Saying Yes.” It wasn’t even my fortune, but I adopted the philosophy and it has served as a starting point for many, many expeditions. Trips take on […]
ABS Powder 15 Airbag Review
The ABS Avalanche Airbag System company has been around the longest of the airbag manufacturers and it shows in the construction and details of their ABS Powder 15. While the basic concept is the same as other airbags, the Powder 15 has quite a few unique features that make it ideal for a small airbag […]
Small Avalanche Airbag Review – Part 1
After seeing this year’s offerings, I started out the season all hell-fired up about avalanche airbag packs and bought a BCA Float 30. Statistically, avalanche airbags are the most effective product available for surviving an avalanche (more than beacons), and I like the idea that you can do something to protect yourself, versus relying on […]
Wasatch Conditions
The Wasatch has had its temper tantrums this season, but for the most part, it has been a classic year so far with lots of quick 6-12″ refresher storms such as we’ve had for the last week. I’m not sure how the snow totals are stacking up historically, but as of now I’d guess we […]
Gold Label Glue Review
Yes, Straightchuter.com is willing to take on the tough reviews that are too complex and sticky for Wild Lou and Randy Steve to even imagine. Boots, bindings, beacons and skis? Pffft. Who needs ’em if your skins fall off in the parking lot? Black Diamond has had a few bad batches, but for the most […]
Skiing with Dogs
I wouldn’t want to do it all the time, but I love skiing with dogs because they have such a good time. With many of the canyons around Salt Lake City being closed to poochies because of watershed issues, it is getting tougher to find a place to take you dogs for a powder run […]
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