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

It's officially fall – here's how I'm updating my camping kit
By Alex Foxfield published
It’s time to update your camping kit for fall and its colder, more challenging conditions, here are my expert tips on what to change

Fjällräven Vidda Pro Trousers review: tough trekking trousers tested
By Alex Foxfield published
We head out into the backcountry in the Fjällräven Vidda Pro Trousers, pants that boast great looks and top durability but are a little restrictive for our tester’s liking

Montane Trailblazer XT25L Backpack review: a great fast and light daypack
By Alex Foxfield published
We take Montane’s adventure-ready Trailblazer XT25L Backpack into the mountains to test its backcountry credentials

Nemo Forte Endless Promise Men’s Synthetic Sleeping Bag review: sustainable slumbers
By Alex Foxfield published
Featuring recycled materials and designed with the circular economy in mind, we test the Nemo Forte Endless Promise Men’s Synthetic Sleeping Bag in the backcountry

How to choose climbing shoes: expert advice on what to consider
By Alex Foxfield published
When it comes to choosing climbing shoes, the choice is overwhelming: here’s our expert guide to getting hold of the right pair

5 reasons you need a compass: safe and enjoyable nav in the great outdoors
By Alex Foxfield published
We asked one of our hiking experts to explain the reasons you need a compass: from the rewards of backcountry navigation to its safety benefits

I'm a seasoned hiker and mountaineer - here's how I update my hiking kit for fall
By Alex Foxfield published
It’s time to update your hiking kit for fall - get our expert tips on what to consider and what to pack

Nocs Provisions Field Tube 8x32 review: keep an eye on nature
By Alex Foxfield published
We get our eye in with the Nocs Provisions Field Tube 8x32 monocular to see how its compact optics enhance our backcountry nature watching

Why is Patagonia so expensive? We delve into the famous brand
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Known for its quality and sustainability, Patagonia is one of the world’s most successful outdoor brands – but why is their kit so expensive?

Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad review
By Alex Foxfield published
The best just got better, or warmer at least: our camping expert reviews the Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated Regular Wide Sleeping Pad

Rab Firewall Light jacket review: a hiker’s outer shell that feels like a softshell
By Alex Foxfield published
We head for the hills in Rab’s Firewall Light Waterproof Jacket, a lightweight outer shell designed for hillwalking that features the British brand’s Proflex membrane

Patagonia vs Columbia: which US brand is the best?
By Alex Foxfield last updated
It’s Patagonia vs Columbia: we put the two American outdoor behemoths up against each other, taking a look at their origins, kit and ethos

The best navigation apps 2025: 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
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