Chris McClean
Born?
I was born on the east coast of England, just a stone's throw from the North Sea.
Foundation?
North East England, still living just a stone's throw from the North Sea.
Dream destination?
Too many to mention, I fall in love with every place I visit.
What does "travelling" mean to you?
Travelling is a process of getting from A to B, whether it's a bus ride to school or sailing around the world. Travelling is a transitional process that you learn to enjoy and that ultimately helps you connect with people and places. But to enjoy this planet, we need to change the way we travel. There is no point in enjoying it if we contribute to our own demise through travel, because the current systems are not sustainable.
The best experience when travelling?
I have had the privilege to travel and want to show my young family this place we call Earth, but I love travelling alone because it means so many people opening doors, beds, lifts, food and new friends magically appearing. Last year in Athens the metro went on strike and as I wandered around trying to figure out how to get from the airport to downtown Athens, a man introduced himself and helped me find the right bus. I had the best time and an enlightening experience in Exarchia, the anarchist neighbourhood that semi-ruled itself after the murder of Alexandros Grigoropoulos by the police in 2008. After the riots and the aftermath, it was declared a no-go area. The American government still discourages all travel to the area unless absolutely necessary. If I had travelled with a partner, I don't think I would have experienced this.
Plans for the future?
I am currently working on a longer European surf film. It's a tedious job and the documentation of one winter season turned into two seasons. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be finished by the summer.
Your 3 favourite HPT products?
That is a difficult question! The Nias - camping trips with the family have never been so much fun! But then the Cave has been with us on so many epic adventures from Scotland to Iceland and has never let us down. The Monolith Daypack, perfect for meetings in town or weekend getaways, really well built and stylish. And the new Dopp kit bag is brilliant, it has enough space for my toothbrush, first aid kit and all the little things that are lying around in the bag but you can never find!
Further information: chrismcclean.co.uk
