Alex Foxfield
Alex is a freelance adventure writer and mountain leader with an insatiable passion for the mountains. A Cumbrian born and bred, his native English Lake District has a special place in his heart, though he is at least equally happy in North Wales, the Scottish Highlands or the European Alps. Through his hiking, mountaineering, climbing and trail running adventures, Alex aims to inspire others to get outdoors. He's the former President of the London Mountaineering Club, is training to become a winter mountain leader, looking to finally finish bagging all the Wainwright fells of the Lake District and is always keen to head to the 4,000-meter peaks of the Alps. www.alexfoxfield.com
Latest articles by Alex Foxfield
The best navigation apps 2024: find your way in the great outdoors
By Alex Foxfield published
Our pick of the best navigation apps for route planning, nav during adventures, sharing experiences and inspiration
Types of compass and how to choose the right navigational tool for your outdoor adventures
By Alex Foxfield last updated
We take a look at different types of compass and consider which are best suited to activities like trail running, day hikes and longer treks
12-and-a-half Everests! Ultra athlete sets new world record on run across the Alps
By Alex Foxfield published
Jake Catterall, a British ultra runner, ran 2000km on the new official Via Alpina red route in a record time of just 35 days
Why is The North Face so expensive? The reasons behind the prices
By Alex Foxfield last updated
We look into the reasons why The North Face is so expensive, delving into the origins of the world-conquering brand
Missing Yosemite hikers found safe after two days
By Alex Foxfield published
The two hikers reported missing in Yosemite National Park this weekend have been found safe by Search and Rescue
Olympic marathon swim training axed as Seine water quality fiasco rumbles on
By Alex Foxfield published
As concerns about the River Seine's water quality continue, today's marathon swimming training is cancelled but officials say races should still go ahead
Rock climbing terms: the crag slang and jargon you need for the Olympics and beyond
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Our expert guide to rock climbing terms, from equipment, moves and climbing styles to the the esoteric slang used by seasoned climbers
LifeStraw Peak Series Squeeze Bottle with Filter review: clean water on long runs and backpacking missions
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Fill up and drink anywhere with LifeStraw’s clever, collapsible solution to hydration in the wild
When does a hill become a mountain? We consider this contentious question
By Jonathan Manning, Alex Foxfield last updated
We consider the attributes an elevated mass must boast before it can confidently call itself a mountain
What is paralpinism? Take flight, adding paragliding to mountaineering
By Alex Foxfield published
Our mountaineering expert takes a look at paralpinism, casting a glance at its history, how you can get into it and the conditions needed to take flight
How to start sea cliff climbing: our 7-step guide
By Alex Foxfield published
Our straightforward guide on how to start sea cliff climbing, including its unique challenges and the equipment you’ll need
Vango Joro Air 450 Sentinel Eco Dura Package review: a great family shelter from the air tent pioneers
By Alex Foxfield published
Boasting environmentally friendly yet strong and durable fabrics, the Vango Joro Air 450 Sentinel Eco Dura Package tent is ideal for family car camping vacations
The best family tents 2024: spacious shelters for the whole tribe
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Our roundup of the best family tents, from standard pole tents to roomy air tents and luxurious glamping setups
Outwell Pegasus Solar Lantern review: a clever, compact light for all camping trips
By Alex Foxfield published
We shed light on the Pegasus Solar Lantern, an ingenious camping lantern that doubles as a torch and packs down small for backcountry missions
What is trad climbing? Our expert guide to traditional rock climbing
By Alex Foxfield last updated
What is trad climbing? We consider what separates trad from other climbing disciplines, along with where you can do it and what equipment is needed
Páramo Men’s Alta Trek Trousers review: comfortable pants boasting excellent freedom of movement
By Alex Foxfield published
We hike and scramble in the high places wearing Páramo’s Alta Trek Trousers to put these technical hiking pants to the test against the challenging mountain environment
7 things I wish I’d known before I started peak bagging
By Alex Foxfield published
Peak bagging is an enriching pursuit, but how do you stop the tyranny of the uncompleted list from dictating your choices and enjoy the outdoors for what it is?
What is smearing in climbing? We get to grips with the technique
By Alex Foxfield published
We explore what smearing in rock climbing is, detailing what it is, how it works and considering whether it’s something hikers do too
What is free soloing? We take a look into the fraught phenomenon
By Alex Foxfield published
Our climbing expert looks into the history of free soloing, considers how dangerous it is and explains what sets it apart from free climbing
Yeti vs Igloo: which is the coolest – therefore better – brand?
By Alex Foxfield last updated
It’s Yeti vs Igloo, as we open the lid on the contest between two of the best camping cooler brands around in 2024
Zamberlan El Cap RR approach shoes review: footwear that’s ready to rock
By Alex Foxfield published
We take to the rock in Zamberlan’s El Cap RR to asses how this Italian approach shoe fares on difficult scrambling terrain
How to take a bearing: navigate the backcountry with confidence
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Our mountain expert on how to take a bearing and then follow it in the right direction, even when the conditions are at their most challenging
What is a GPX file: and how you can get the most out of it
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Our expert guide to GPX files covers what one is and how they can enhance your experience when planning, carrying out and looking back at your adventures
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