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
![Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody logo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oYmMwCJ6Jf7ASqDzQ92TYZ-320-80.jpeg)
Why is Arc’teryx so expensive? A close inspection of the premium Canadian brand
By Alex Foxfield published
We look at how ‘Dead Bird’ evolved to the fashionable, global brand it is today and ask: just why is Arc’teryx so expensive?
![Zamberland Salathé GTX: scrambling](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FvnegerryMmYuGRtt4auj3-320-80.jpg)
Zamberlan Salathé GTX approach shoes review: designed to take you 'from the car to the top'
By Alex Foxfield published
We get to grips with the Zamberlan Salathé GTX approach shoes, letting these premium scramblers loose on rocky terrain and hikes in the British backcountry
![Outdoor Research Crocodiles](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/39VuXq4m6nwrADG3ABq3vj-320-80.jpg)
5 reasons you need gaiters: keep your feet dry and debris free
By Alex Foxfield published
We consider the reasons you need gaiters for your hiking, mountaineering, snow sports and trail running adventures
![Patagonia vs Columbia: Columbia hiking shoes and Patagonia pants](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XQNUbSTyEr7sSsupVwa6p3-320-80.jpg)
Patagonia vs Columbia: which huge brand comes out on top?
By Alex Foxfield last updated
It’s Patagonia vs Columbia: we put the two American outdoor giants up against each other, looking at their origins, products and what they stand for
![why is Rab so expensive: Rab logo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6JHAKcnAD8wLQTxEBf3DWi-320-80.jpg)
Why is Rab so expensive? We take a look at the premium British brand
By Alex Foxfield published
A stalwart of British outdoor clothing, we delve into the reasons Rab gear is so expensive and consider whether it’s worth the investment
![5 reasons you need a power bank: power banks and phone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hXtdKAtUd6tTMbErXN7Wr9-320-80.jpg)
5 reasons you need a power bank: portable power is a no brainer
By Alex Foxfield published
We reveal our 5 reasons you need a power bank for your outdoor adventures and consider the various gadgets that can be juiced up on the trail
![5 reasons you need rain pants: wet walking](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FRCqFfrtXnLM5MpQQmfQhL-320-80.jpg)
5 reasons you need rain pants: stay dry, whatever the weather
By Alex Foxfield published
We reveal the top reasons you need rain pants for your backcountry hiking adventures throughout the seasons
![Label on men's Patagonia jacket](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VuodZiQR9HR9LN86suNx9E-320-80.jpg)
Why is Patagonia so expensive? We delve into the premium brand
By Alex Foxfield published
Renowned for quality and sustainability, Patagonia are one of the world’s leading outdoor brands – but why is their kit so expensive?
![how does a magnetic compass work: compass](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sjwcSpmHexbnQPNzwZoc88-320-80.jpg)
How does a magnetic compass work? And what happens if you take it to the North Poles?
By Alex Foxfield published
We explore how magnetic compasses work, revealing the science behind them and the anomaly you need to bear in mind if navigating over long distances
![where are the best places to see the Aurora Borealis: Lofoten Aurora](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uXfAvDV8jDj587y4VEBhQG-320-80.jpg)
Where are the best places to see the Aurora Borealis?
By Alex Foxfield published
Our guide to the most spectacular places to see the ethereally beautiful Aurora Borealis, from North America to Scandinavia
![what is the Aurora Borealis: Alaskan wild camp](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KNqXKr4yhtH6hiysVUKYLc-320-80.jpg)
What is the Aurora Borealis? Our guide to the magical phenomenon
By Alex Foxfield published
We explain what causes the enchanting Aurora Borealis and guide you on how you can get to see the famous Northern Lights
![A guided group take a look at at small, two-person survival shelter](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NszNV64xmZRAUAD575hbNV-320-80.jpg)
7 reasons you need a survival shelter: the ultimate safety net
By Alex Foxfield published
We reveal 7 reasons why you need a survival shelter for your outdoor adventures, whether you’re heading into the backcountry with family, friends or clients
![Salomon Bonatti Trail jacket: close up](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RNecVabswRGgwtT64E5KEf-320-80.jpg)
Salomon Bonatti Trail Jacket review: a runner's softshell for the mountains
By Alex Foxfield published
We take to the hills in Salomon’s Bonatti Trail jacket to see how it copes with long runs and hikes in the often inclement British weather
![Aku Slope V-Light GTX review: close up of boots](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5ebAzQjwAB6jjoYYBSp8CZ-320-80.jpg)
Aku Slope V-Light GTX: Aku’s historic Slope hiking boot gets a sustainable makeover
By Alex Foxfield published
We take to the jagged, soaring peaks of the Dolomites in Aku’s revamped classic, the Slope V-Light GTX
![Do you need a camping axe?: A man chops wood for a campfire](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Tjro8DSTwjNfdZnWxWqvkb-320-80.jpg)
Do you need a camping axe? What are the responsible uses of the tool?
By Alex Foxfield published
We consider whether or not you need a camping axe when heading into the backcountry and look through the leave no trace lens at how you can use one responsibly
![how much fuel to bring backpacking](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hmFM3PT33zoZrG82PigLea-320-80.jpg)
Do you need a camping stove? Our guide to when a portable cooking unit is vital
By Alex Foxfield published
Our expert considers the times when you don’t need a camping stove, as well as the situations where they’re essential
![are water shoes good for hiking: Astral Brewer 2.0](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7cnnsYaDEaPzu44wPsJmdb-320-80.jpg)
Are water shoes good for hiking? Can you go from sea to summit in the same pair?
By Alex Foxfield published
We consider whether or not water shoes are good for hiking, revealing the products that we think tick the boxes when it comes to different kinds of walks
![how do binoculars work: hiker using binoculars](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dWoyY5NURGmFVc4crkHkpn-320-80.jpg)
How do binoculars work? We reveal the magic of magnification
By Alex Foxfield published
We focus in on how binoculars work, bringing clarity to the role of lenses, prisms and eyepieces
![ThruDark Oryon Delta long-sleeved t-shirt: hiking in Snowdonia](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vrA9E2xagBTBeNMTSnQFEG-320-80.jpg)
ThruDark Oryon Delta Long Sleeve T-Shirt review: a highly breathable base layer boasting advanced fabric tech
By Alex Foxfield published
We hit the heights in ThruDark’s Oryon Delta Long Sleeve T-Shirt, a premium base layer featuring Polartec’s innovative Delta fabric
![how to tie hiking boots: La Sportivas being tied](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nuwxWFW5Jd7RQTtVPBooeL-320-80.jpg)
How to tie hiking boots: top tips for increased foot comfort on the trails
By Alex Foxfield published
Don’t tie yourself in knots trying to find the right fit for the trails, our guide on how to tie hiking boots is here to help
![Mount Baldy, California, USA](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rWgFpsuxM4YCzyG2NB4rs7-320-80.jpg)
What makes Mount Baldy so dangerous?
By Alex Foxfield last updated
After two fatalities in January, including Julian Sands, a British actor, we ask what makes Mount Baldy so dangerous and consider how to mitigate the risk when climbing it
![Osprey UNLTD AirScape 68: backpack](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8jmbQALEm3xZANACudkHFo-320-80.jpg)
Osprey UNTLD AirScape 68 review: a futuristic backpack that feels a little out of this world
By Alex Foxfield published
With a simply dazzling array of features, innovations and world-class materials, we were stoked to put Osprey’s ambitious UNTLD AirScape 68 to the test