Latest articles by Alex Foxfield
The best hiking gloves 2026: when the mercury dips, these picks deliver impressive warmth and weather protection
The best hiking gloves to keep your hands and fingers toasty, whether you're at altitude in summer, or braving super snowy conditions
What is the death zone on the world’s highest mountains?
Our mountaineering expert looks into the death zone and the reasons why climbing 8,000-meter peaks can be so dangerous
Who is Alex Honnold? The life of the world’s most famous rock climber
We take a look at the extraordinary life of Alex Honnold, one of the world’s greatest ever climbers
The best lightweight hiking boots and shoes: pick up speed on the trails and stay agile on your scrambles
We've put the best lightweight hiking boots and shoes through their paces to work out which are most comfy for your trail treks and off-piste missions
Who are the greatest sport climbers in history?
Clip in: we cast an admiring eye over the achievements of the greatest sport climbers in history
What is a redpoint in climbing? We delve into the rotpunkt style
We look into how redpointing differs from other styles of ascent in rock climbing, discover its origins and consider some of the most important redpoints in history
What is paraskiing? Its history and evolution into speedriding
We delve into the incredible marriage of skiing and paragliding, taking a look at speedriding, and considering how paraskiing differs from kite skiing
Who are America's greatest climbers: legends and contemporary greats
We take a look at America’s rock stars, individuals that have redefined climbing by achieving feats once though impossible
The best climbing shoes: get a grip both indoors and out
Our selection of the best climbing shoes for crag days and gym sessions, whether you’re into bouldering, trad or sport climbing
Highlander Ben Nevis 52L Rucksack review: we test the Scottish brand’s flagship pack
We take to the hills with Highlander’s award-winning Ben Nevis 52L Rucksack to see if it lives up to the name of Scotland’s loftiest mountain
What is an epic in climbing and mountaineering? When things go wrong
Our mountaineering expert considers the epic, taking a look at high-profile cases and detailing how you can avoid being part of one
What are the Piolets d’Or: the checkered history of ‘mountaineering’s Oscars’
Our mountaineering expert takes a look at the Piolets d’Or awards, detailing their history, controversies and the legendary winners of the ‘Golden Ice Axe’
Who are the world’s greatest mountaineers? We look at the former greats and up and comers
Our mountaineering expert considers the world’s greatest mountaineers throughout history, as well as casting an eye on those making waves today
What’s more difficult, sport climbing or trad climbing?
Our mountaineering expert on why you should consider sport climbing before trad
I've cut out ultra-processed food: here's what it's done for my running
With an increased awareness of what counts as ultra-processed food (UPF) and its detrimental effects, I cut it out. Now I'm enjoying a new lease of life on the trails
Páramo Men’s Bentu Fleece review: a lightweight, windproof mid-layer that excels in the mountains
We don the the Páramo Men’s Bentu Fleece, wearing it with its matching jacket and on its own to see whether or not it cuts the mustard in the backcountry
Salewa Pedroc Powertex Shoes review: speed hikers forged in the Dolomites
We take to the trails in Salewa’s Pedroc Powertex Shoes, a hard-wearing yet lightweight hiking shoe that’s perfect for mountain day hikes
What is a boulder problem?
Our mountaineering expert takes a look at the boulder problem, how problems are graded and revealing the hardest problems in the world
Ronhill Men’s Tech Golden Hour Tee Review: a premium running t-shirt for hot conditions
Some like it hot: we hit the trails in the heat with Ronhill’s Tech Golden Hour Tee, an advanced running top boasting Polartec’s Delta fabric
How to read an avalanche forecast: stay safe in the big mountains
Our expert guide into how to read an avalanche forecast will enable you to make informed decisions when exploring the mountains in winter
What is summit fever? The deadly all-or-nothing compulsion for the summit
Our mountaineering expert takes a look at summit fever, the sometimes-fatal mindset that occurs when desire overrides judgement in the mountains
Passenger Men’s Backroads Recycled Polartec Fleece review: a cozy top for backcountry bliss
I camp, hike and loaf around in the Passenger Backroads Recycled Polartec Fleece, a stylish and sustainable top for time in the great outdoors
The best waterproof jackets 2026: brave the elements with these top-rated hard and softshells
Protect yourself against the weather with our edit of the best waterproof jackets that will keep you warm and dry
