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
![LifeStraw Peak Series Squeeze Bottle with Filter: drinking directly from Squeeze](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/x5cKmUneSiWRPubPu5LUvn-320-80.jpg)
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?: Suilven](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VLz89BT4Npb4RxowGYGFCm-320-80.jpg)
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: paraglider above the Alps](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uuQfWzQ6xLh6oTZFWzw4ek-320-80.jpg)
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
![A climbing instructor explains while a student looks on](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jrMVRb5NiZTS8evtjSoD3X-320-80.jpg)
Rock climbing terms: a look at crag slang and jargon
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
![how to start sea cliff climbing: climbing](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PakM5apTRiMJyrJbo6Y6EV-320-80.jpg)
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: tent in profile](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yHnQFkujGhryMCSt3Roxf9-320-80.jpg)
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
![Collage of eight of the best family tents](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kKuoVv7P8LcZMgxS8vLxjF-320-80.jpg)
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: hanging around](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RP3uQH87F25PsDAB6aaEtK-320-80.jpg)
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: Jessie on a climb](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/X5zvW5usKPdWYkc3gdY3X7-320-80.jpg)
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 Alta Trek Trousers: opening zip](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qR8LZt8u2BFhDoGov6Knf4-320-80.jpg)
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: on the Munros of the Southern Highlands](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gYVPML9uxmNMPaLbopVzsA-320-80.jpg)
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: smearing](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8z9pcwiydTHnRZR8dd7U8J-320-80.jpg)
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
![rock climbing techniques: rock climber](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/C2gGqmQWUm4krMSnJBiwDG-320-80.jpg)
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 cool box in Big Wave Blue](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8siQvf8AK2iME424DSuUfn-320-80.jpg)
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: profile](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LjnWwWfraiiehL9FJyX4Kf-320-80.jpg)
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: sighting using the compass](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xKDRn4izb7ENC6FxmiAvj8-320-80.jpg)
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: route planning with komoot](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LG2rLR8YMFYQmMVQr9dRnR-320-80.jpg)
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
![why is Fjällräven so expensive?: logo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/k5Y7CjmBe5yeBrCVS53z5R-320-80.jpg)
Why is Fjällräven so expensive? We take a look at the Scandi brand
By Alex Foxfield published
Our expert looks into why Fjällräven is so expensive, delving into the brand’s origins, ethos and practices, before answering whether or not the price is worth it
![Does it really take longer to boil an egg at altitude?: man cooking on mountain ridge](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/35Za4KCnGoWv6wEpGWTcP9-320-80.jpg)
Mythbusting: does it really take longer to boil an egg at altitude?
By Alex Foxfield published
Does it really take longer to boil an egg at altitude? What about to make a decent cup of tea or a lovely coffee? We’re here to provide the answer
![Man wearing backpack jumping on the summit of a mountain](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aJzpL9Tc8CbJwvHKKRYQef-320-80.jpg)
Mythbusting: do you really weigh less on the summit of a high mountain?
By Alex Foxfield published
Our mountaineering expert delves into the science to answer this mind-bending question
![Alex Foxfield and Gran Paradiso](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cHyvjbzRXFUe4F7zBqZhU5-320-80.jpg)
5 things I wish I’d known before my first alpine peak
By Alex Foxfield published
Taking those first faltering steps into glaciated, big mountain terrain can be daunting: here are five things Mountain Leader Alex Foxfield wishes he’d known before his first alpine peak
![Norrøna Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket: hiking](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zvdGjmUsCcJgtqFtWoyJ68-320-80.jpg)
Norrøna Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket: lightweight functionality for multi-sports enthusiasts
By Alex Foxfield published
We take a close look at Norrøna’s excellent Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket, a minimalist, breathable waterproof shell for all kinds of active backcountry adventures
![Fjällräven Abisko Friluft 45 backpack: snowdon](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vUehFLgzsan3MhdxuQT9Mg-320-80.jpg)
Fjällräven Abisko Friluft 45 review: a durable backpack that’s a breath of fresh air
By Alex Foxfield published
We shoulder Fjällräven’s Abisko Friluft 45, a classic trekker’s backpack with a modern ventilation system for superb comfort on day hikes and longer missions