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
![Hydro Flask 32oz Insulated French Press: French press and mug](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r2hzKNhyMJ6nfHCANfkh8i-320-80.jpg)
Hydro Flask 32oz Insulated French Press review: keep that java piping for longer
By Alex Foxfield published
We overdo our caffeine intake to thoroughly test Hydro Flask’s brand new 32oz Insulated French Press, a cafetière that delivers above average joe
![Osprey Talon Velocity 20: on the trails](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5C2Qd2dr6FDSsGuCz2RHiC-320-80.jpg)
Osprey Talon Velocity 20 review: a versatile daypack for hikers and runners
By Alex Foxfield published
We shoulder our bright white Osprey Talon Velocity 20, a running-inspired evolution of the classic Talon daypack that’s loaded with useful features for speedy trail days
![reasons you need a sleeping bag liner: Sea to Summit liner](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dy58PFxANBNCVDDSsPmCyg-320-80.jpg)
7 reasons you need a sleeping bag liner: comfort, warmth and protection for your cocoon
By Alex Foxfield published
Enhance your camping adventures from the campground to the summit
![best lightweight camping gear: Nemo Hornet OSMO](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UuPFXcUxMwmS46jDQELEp9-320-80.jpg)
The best lightweight camping gear: tents, backpacks, sleeping bags and more
By Alex Foxfield last updated
On the hunt for a list of the best lightweight camping gear that keeps the conditions at bay and provides comfort in the backcountry? Look no further
![Reasons you need a camping cooler: ORCA Hard Side Coolers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kinzvM6da7inUXYnXZsLb8-320-80.jpeg)
7 reasons you need a camping cooler: from campsite cuisine to keeping bears at bay
By Alex Foxfield published
There are many reasons you need a camping cooler, from keeping bevvies frosty and food fresh to keeping the campsite safe from unwanted four-legged visitors
![best campfire songs: family around a campfire](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/h3Jo3a543FM4uxZzY7i4z-320-80.jpg)
The best campfire songs for families and groups: sure-fire hits for the campfire
By Alex Foxfield published
Our campfire singing expert reveals his 5 best campfire songs for families and groups, from well-known classics to little-known gems
![reasons you need a camping chair: relaxing in chairs](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ozXVwGTZM8UTiEzWmpsJLh-320-80.jpg)
7 reasons you need a camping chair: from the yard to the mountains
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Our camping experts reveal their 7 reasons you need a camping chair for your backcountry adventures and outdoor use closer to home
![Collage of the best approach shoes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FFwGsmSBgJ3b2JKPLHV7Ag-320-80.jpg)
The best approach shoes 2024: for alpine adventures, via ferrata, scrambling, and more
By Alex Foxfield last updated
The best approach shoes bridge the gap between climbing and hiking shoes, allowing hikers to get a little bolder and climbers to save their tightest shoes for the hardest routes
![reasons you need approach shoes: Zamberlan Salathè](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eoveJLuYdWPww2oBeCA2Ve-320-80.jpg)
7 reasons you need approach shoes: we get technical
By Alex Foxfield published
From long walks ins, technical scrambles and easier climbing routes, there are many reasons you need approach shoes for your mountain adventures
![Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra HT: close up](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MeJuVkmei7e2GGgvngeGx6-320-80.jpg)
Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra HT review: a precise fitting trail shoe for hard terrain
By Alex Foxfield published
We dial in the Boa fit system and hit the trails in Scarpa’s Ribelle Run Kalibra HT trail running shoes, designed for short to medium distance mountain running
![5 reasons you need a camping knife: knife](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VQkqSDvQdZcFC68cjj2YoX-320-80.jpg)
5 reasons you need a camping knife: from mealtime to the campfire
By Alex Foxfield published
We reveal our 5 reasons you need a camping knife for your adventures, from preparing backcountry meals to making sure you don’t become one
![Hauck Runner 2 stroller: running](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VPNEL8LYALg42bZMzrgqCN-320-80.jpg)
Hauck Runner 2 stroller review: a quality jogging stroller at an attractive price
By Alex Foxfield published
I buckle up the child and head off on some fun runs with the Hauck Runner 2, a well-featured running stroller at a lower price point than other premium models
![British country sports: snail racing](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kus3kjQuYpb8G6CTNW6x7d-320-80.jpg)
Eccentric British country sports: from cheesing chasing to snail racing
By Alex Foxfield published
Our guide to 10 of the most bizarre British country sports, annual championships of the strangest kinds that draw people from across the world
![9 reasons you need trekking poles: Alex with trekking poles](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NybRw8HfRKLXSZJ3E6VHQJ-320-80.jpg)
9 reasons you need trekking poles: stability, safety, speed, longevity and more
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Our hiking experts reveal 9 reasons you need trekking poles for your backcountry hiking, backpacking and trail running adventures
![thmandu Epiq Men’s 600 Fill Down Vest: woodland walk](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qsU6XyX6mktqf4gfTQEqSa-320-80.jpg)
Kathmandu Epiq Men’s 600 Fill Down Vest review: a toasty duck down gilet from New Zealand’s finest
By Alex Foxfield published
I zip up and get cozy in Kathmandu’s Epiq Men’s 600 Fill Down Vest, a premium duck down gilet that packs down small and has a few thoughtful features
![reasons you need a hammock: hammock and night sky](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XKK2hLoYF669PkAXsMEKUJ-320-80.jpg)
7 reasons you need a hammock: why pitch when you can hang?
By Alex Foxfield published
Our 7 reasons you need a hammock for your outdoor lifestyle, whether you’re off on a camping trip or just looking to level-up the backyard
![Raptor](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iU64BUcBFPanc6eQADj22f-320-80.jpg)
Makoshika visitor narrowly escapes velociraptor attack – Park Rangers slam “reckless behavior”
By Alex Foxfield published
Instagrammer attempting to steal velociraptor eggs is rescued by overlanding couple, as pack of angry raptors converge on nest in Montana’s Makoshika State Park
![reasons you need a multitool: multitool](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qSZvRSSK65QNWzASFW2Lca-320-80.jpg)
5 reasons you need a multitool for your outdoor adventures
By Alex Foxfield published
Our 5 reasons you need a multitool to add functionality to your backcountry adventures, whether you’re backpacking, camping or bikepacking
![how do night visions binoculars work? fancy bins](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VmYfzkPmchrBkbQX9fZaNo-320-80.jpg)
How do night vision binoculars work? Let us illuminate you
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Ever pondered how night vision binoculars work? Our mission (and we chose to accept it) is to enlighten you on image enhancement and thermal optics
![what do the numbers mean on a pair of binoculars: close up on specs](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LRtugYHdk63kzksYVyN4nT-320-80.jpg)
What do the numbers mean on a pair of binoculars? We focus in
By Alex Foxfield last updated
We take the objective view on what the numbers mean on a pair of binoculars and consider the implications when choosing the best bins
![Fjällräven Kajka 55 backpack: on the Buachaille Etive Beag](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JAvs7n9DwfWqmVXsvsZkLQ-320-80.jpg)
Fjällräven Kajka 55 backpack review: a timeless trekking backpack with a sustainable design
By Alex Foxfield published
We take the to the trails and mountains with Fjällräven’s Kajka 55 backpack, a trekking backpack that puts comfort, durability and sustainability at the top of its agenda
![reasons you need binoculars: woman with bins](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3syNtWbhQXcsayafr3PUYM-320-80.jpg)
7 reasons you need binoculars: from soaring eagles to roaring avalanches
By Alex Foxfield published
We reveal 7 reasons you need binoculars to enhance your outdoor adventures, whether you’re hiking, camping, cycling, mountaineering or climbing
![how much fuel to bring backpacking: hiker cooking at sunset](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uCpEs6znMDKsiBzF8VMho6-320-80.jpg)
How much fuel to bring backpacking for short wild camping trips to multi-day epics
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Our guide on how much fuel to bring backpacking will assist your planning, save you weight and enhance the enjoyment of your overnight trip
![uses for a multitool: multitool with vista](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Nrbr8cHYnEpPnNLbVy29yf-320-80.jpg)
Uses for a multitool: how to get the most from your versatile little gadget
By Alex Foxfield last updated
We consider the myriad uses for a multi-tool, from campsite cooking and tent assembly to gear repairs and first aid
![Nocs Provisions Field Issue Waterproof 10x32: binoculars on a rock](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gTVyhq34zBt6SSyUPbSRjn-320-80.jpg)
Nocs Provisions Field Issue Waterproof 10x32 Binoculars review: clarity, detail and portability at a good price
By Alex Foxfield published
We focus on the natural world using the Nocs Provisions Field Issue Waterproof 10x32 binoculars, a wonderfully compact, mid-sized pair boasting solid optics