How much walk range of motion do I really need?

For most backcountry skiers, 55–60° is the sweet spot. This provides a natural enough stride for efficient skinning on moderate to steep tracks. If you primarily do short laps with minimal approach, 50° is adequate. If you're doing long, steep approaches or technical mountaineering, prioritize 60°+. The difference between 50° and 65° is very noticeable on sustained skinners—the extra range lets you take longer strides with less effort. However, don't assume more walk range means worse downhill performance; modern designs achieve both.