
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

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

The best family tents: 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: 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

Why do so many people die at Angels Landing? And has this changed?
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
After at least 13 deaths since the Millennium, we ask why so many people die at Angels Landing, the "must-do" hiking trail in Utah's Zion National Park

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 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
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? 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

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

How to clean hiking boots: our expert guide
By Julia Clarke last updated
Our guide on how to clean hiking boots for both leather and synthetics will help keep your hiking footwear in top condition

How to waterproof a jacket: rejuvenate your waterproof with our guide
By Jonathan Manning last updated
Our expert step-by step guide on how to waterproof a jacket will see your hardshell returned to top condition, keeping rain at bay once again

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 2025

How heavy is too heavy for a hiking backpack? We consider the 20% myth
By Julia Clarke last updated
We look into the commonly-held hiking belief that your backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 20% of your own body's weight

How to run a 3:30 marathon: beat your PB in 2025
By Fiona Russell last updated
We consult the experts for tips and advice on how to conquer a marathon race time of three hours and thirty minutes

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 should trail running shoes fit? Expert advice for optimum comfort
By Fiona Russell last updated
Our expert guide on how trail running shoes should fit

Is rock climbing dangerous? We look into the risks and how to manage them
By Julia Clarke last updated
Is rock climbing dangerous? We weigh up the hazards, describe the common risks and injuries and explain how to manage them to an acceptable level

What is 'scrambling' in hiking? We get hands on
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
What is scrambling in hiking? Our experts provide insights into the pursuit, looking at how it's graded and recommending some rules to follow

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

Average hiking speed: how to calculate it and why it’s useful
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
Knowing your average hiking speed is useful: our experts reveal how to calculate it using Naismith’s Rule and other methods

What is a bothy bag? And how to properly use a group emergency shelter
By Julia Clarke last updated
Our experts explain the benefits of bothy bags, compact group emergency shelters that are so vital for serious mountain expeditions

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

White hiking shoes are a thing and we can't understand why
By Julia Clarke last updated
White and primary-colored hiking shoes are flooding the market – but don't they just became dirty quickly? And does the color of your hiking shoes matter?
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