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
![how to chop firewood: man chopping firewood](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FUHRZWWVGtSHshCnPQXn4h-320-80.jpg)
How to chop firewood: split your campfire fuel with ease
By Alex Foxfield published
Knowing how to chop firewood with or without an axe or maul will enable you to fashion pieces perfect for the campfire
![how to orientate a map: hiker looking at map](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qU2SDb5AoUYDEyNJN5gmZJ-320-80.jpg)
How to orientate a map: let us point you in the right direction
By Alex Foxfield published
We guide you on how to orientate a map – with or without your compass – so that you can navigate your way through the backcountry
![how to keep your tent clean while camping: waking up in a clean tent](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xM7nP2GxpfmQVaFso2QQHK-320-80.jpg)
How to keep your tent clean while camping: a guide on keeping dirt out of your shelter
By Alex Foxfield published
Read our guide on how to keep your tent clean while camping, so that your backcountry bolthole remains dirt free, tidy and a pleasant space to sleep in
![how to clean a pocketknife: knife and other hiking bits and bobs](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TW8fnkAaoM6X5KmJGHtvAJ-320-80.jpg)
How to clean a pocketknife: keep your blade shiny and in working order
By Alex Foxfield published
Knowing how to clean a pocketknife will enable you to keep your blade in top condition, as a dirty knife is unhygienic and potentially unsafe
![are tent heaters safe: big tent heater](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gJ5XvuGm7c6kfTQ4m2bdkR-320-80.jpg)
Are tent heaters safe? In a word, yes – if you're sensible. Here’s why…
By Alex Foxfield published
Are tent heaters safe? We study the options for heating your shelter and consider what you can do to make them as safe as possible.
![how to clean camping cookware: backpacker cleaning pot](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QvAwUBAVCdYm33FSAxxQYY-320-80.jpg)
How to clean camping cookware: keep your utensils pristine while being kind to the planet
By Alex Foxfield published
How to clean camping cookware in an environmentally conscious way whether you’re car camping or heading off into the wilderness
![how to clean a hiking stove: hiker cleaning cooking equipment and stove](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mM7cJA9b3jqRoU29Z59hhA-320-80.jpg)
How to clean your hiking stove: remove stubborn stains and keep your stove in optimum condition
By Alex Foxfield published
How to clean your hiking stove: a dirty stove not only looks bad but also won’t cook as effectively, here are our tips to ensure top performance
![how to store camping gear: Nemo Hornet](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GPchYDr3ULNntbSapmhS7A-320-80.jpg)
How to store camping gear: tips and tricks to keep your kit in tip-top condition
By Alex Foxfield published
Our guide on how to store camping gear means your equipment will be bright and ready rather than damp and miserable when it comes out of winter hibernation
![how to pitch a tent: couple setting up wild camp](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6GLKMWPMoasMAB9hZERaa5-320-80.jpg)
How to pitch a tent: our tips for quick, secure assembly wherever you decide to pitch
By Jen and Sim Benson, Alex Foxfield published
Knowing how to pitch a tent properly will make your camping trip all the more enjoyable – get this aspect correct and the rest will take care of itself
![Aku Rock DFS GTX](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WLyD5h6EW5CSjJ8QvSTdqU-320-80.jpg)
AKU Rock DFS GTX: a hybrid hiking / approach shoe featuring innovative double lacing
By Alex Foxfield published
A fully-featured beast of an approach shoe, the AKU Rock DFS GTX is just as happy and capable on wet and wild trails as it is on sun-drenched rock
![how to store firewood: couple carrying firewood](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EjZpGyU6dMTNNbaprf5naA-320-80.jpg)
How to store firewood: make your campfire fuel dry and keep it that way
By Alex Foxfield published
Knowing how to store firewood correctly can make all the difference when it comes to igniting and sustaining that all-important campfire
![types of belay device: belayer](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y6aJ2tUCkr7EYtHx2MaJr9-320-80.jpg)
Types of belay device: the tools that keep us safe on the crags
By Alex Foxfield published
With different types of belay device out there, we look at the pros and cons of each and consider which you should use for different styles of climbing
![how to choose a backpacking tent: wild camp at sunset](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LuUUsf8JYen42rC43rznN9-320-80.jpg)
How to choose a backpacking tent: venture into the wilderness with the right shelter
By Alex Foxfield last updated
Our guide to picking the optimum backpacking tent for your adventures, whether you’re going solo or thru-hiking with buddies
![how to store climbing rope: climber managing rope](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/S5pztmWSUCyELmjcoUueD4-320-80.jpg)
How to store climbing rope: using a rope bag, taking coils and correct storage
By Alex Foxfield published
We reveal how to store climbing rope, the benefits of having a rope bag, how to coil your rope efficiently and where, and where not, to store it
![what is ice climbing: ice climber](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BQPXno8d4rN6T9TnJHbSDb-320-80.jpg)
What is ice climbing? We uncover this wild, adrenaline inducing pursuit
By Alex Foxfield published
What is ice climbing? We break the ice to reveal the many facets of the thrilling world of ice climbing
![sighting compasses: mirror compass](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LokjCtJEip73SnzyjCqr8F-320-80.jpg)
Sighting compasses: what on earth is that mirror for?
By Alex Foxfield published
We take a look at sighting compasses, detailing how they work and considering their advantages and disadvantages compared to standard baseplate compasses
![hiking whistles: whistle and compass](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nYahCL2M5e5nSkwwXyaCkJ-320-80.jpg)
Hiking whistles: why you should have one and how to signal for help
By Alex Foxfield published
We consider hiking whistles, probably the most underrated and potentially vital piece of equipment in your backpack
![what is sport climbing: climber at Smith Rock](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hiU8amNbXCiXrppfUxVnMf-320-80.jpg)
What is sport climbing? Its history, legendary locations and what you’ll need
By Alex Foxfield published
What is sport climbing? We delve into the development of sport climbing, the world's most popular approach to rock climbing
![top roping: climber being bottom roped](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Xn2Q92BagD6yQUjxmwoZb4-320-80.jpg)
What is top roping and how does it differ to other approaches to rock climbing?
By Alex Foxfield published
What is top roping? We consider the different methods, where you can do it, the ethics and what sets it apart for lead climbing
![rock climbing knots: climber checking harness](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mMPDziYsASQfQ9ECjLMyna-320-80.jpg)
Rock climbing knots: seven essential knots for the crag
By Alex Foxfield published
We look at seven standard rock climbing knots to unravel their uses and reveal how to tie them
![how to belay: belayer and climber](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hDiDcxR4PfZBjRUQ5NNKd4-320-80.jpg)
How to belay: keep your climbing partner safe with our comprehensive guide
By Alex Foxfield published
‘Climb when ready!’ How to belay in a range of climbing situations, what devices you can use and how to body belay
![hiking near London: Seven Sisters](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZdDBW3afeiEQ5vpq5WZPSo-320-80.jpg)
Hiking near London: six spellbinding hikes just a stone’s throw from the capital
By Alex Foxfield published
There's magnificent hiking near London – from spectacular coast walks across iconic cliffs to rambles on the Chiltern and Greensand Hills, there’s something for everyone
![how to use an ice axe: mountaineer holds axe aloft](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bAfah6sKZ9wSczZzKFbfyR-320-80.jpg)
How to use an ice axe: wield your ice tool with confidence
By Alex Foxfield published
We guide you through how to use an ice axe for winter walking, mountaineering and ice climbing, as well as how to use one to stop a fall