Latest articles by Alex Foxfield
Olympic marathon swim training axed as Seine water quality fiasco rumbles on
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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? We take a look at the Scandi brand
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
Mythbusting: does it really take longer to boil an egg at altitude?
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
Mythbusting: do you really weigh less on the summit of a high mountain?
Our mountaineering expert delves into the science to answer this mind-bending question
5 things I wish I’d known before my first alpine peak
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: lightweight functionality for multi-sports enthusiasts
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
