Fiona Russell
Fiona Russell is a widely published adventure journalist and blogger, better known as Fiona Outdoors. She is based in Scotland and is an all-round outdoors enthusiast with favorite activities including trail running, mountain walking, mountain biking, road cycling, triathlon and skiing (both downhill and backcountry). Aside from her own adventures, Fiona's biggest aim is to inspire others to enjoy getting outside and exploring, especially through her writing. She is also rarely seen without a running skort! Find out more at Fiona Outdoors.
Latest articles by Fiona Russell
![Tent pitched on Dartmoor](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iFPE56Fy5J6moUZEEqhJPG-320-80.jpg)
Dartmoor wild camping allowed again after campaigners' successful court appeal
By Fiona Russell published
Campaigners win court appeal that banned right to camp in English National Park
![Woman checking running stats on her phone and sports watch](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WdwcysLyCncUSLhpi8M6gb-320-80.jpg)
The best running apps for road, trail and treadmill training
By Fiona Russell published
Track your performance, plan your runs, and smash your goals
![Woman using phone wearing chest strap heart rate monitor](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HVAnozbTSg3JZjyDMp8ikL-320-80.jpg)
What type of heart rate monitor do you need? We explore all the options
By Fiona Russell published
Find out how different heart rate monitors work, their pros and cons, and how to choose the right one for you
![keen zionic](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/F8sJQgyeBSJ95ngmjCwadi-320-80.jpg)
Keen launches its lightest ever hiking shoes and boots, and they're built for speed
By Fiona Russell published
The new Zionic speed hikers have a streamlined design, but still pack in plenty of cushioning
![high temperature](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eakeVGoXkPmrqcsEb5ibsK-320-80.jpg)
If most of Europe is having a heatwave, why is the UK so wet?
By Fiona Russell published
We call on an expert to explain what happened to the sunshine of June – and when warmer weather might return
![Man hiking using a backpack with long straps](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fKixkd86V8TNo6e7eeg4Xa-320-80.jpg)
Struggling with annoying and flappy backpack straps? Here are 8 easy solutions
By Fiona Russell published
Our top tips to tame excess straps on your backpack (and avoid them fraying)
![Katy's 60th birthday mountain challenge](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EY4FCyUjDTPu3pEy9fyzjU-320-80.jpg)
Scottish hiker celebrates 60th birthday with epic 130-mountain challenge
By Fiona Russell published
Katy Bocock says "it was the best 38-day birthday party ever"
![Woman sitting in tent checking phone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pwNsaTUzCUCokqnWyeSfpM-320-80.jpg)
I'm an outdoor journalist and these are the deals I'll be looking for on Amazon Prime Day
By Fiona Russell published
I know what running, hiking and camping gear I’m keeping my alerts on for
![Close-up of runners' feet during a race](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/roMaZfnXhakSmgEoM5FANj-320-80.jpg)
Missed out on the London Marathon ballot? Why not try something different instead?
By Fiona Russell published
A guide to some of the best alternative marathons if you didn't get into London
![bikepacking routes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ACNMafgzS7sxQNH5CiEvMb-320-80.jpg)
8 tips for planning a perfect bikepacking route: advice for amazing adventures
By Fiona Russell published
Planning your first backpacking break? Here's how to choose where to go, and how to stay on course
![Runner on road fastening loose shoelace](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/k8f5ikzHwjcByUWjdTZciU-320-80.jpg)
How to stop your running shoelaces coming undone
By Fiona Russell published
Annoyed by your laces constantly coming loose mid-run? Find out how to fix them so they stay tied
![Woman wearing striped running socks putting on running shoes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/G2Tfvs2pMguVE6fuqcCYET-320-80.jpg)
Sick of finding odd running socks? Here's how to keep them in pairs
By Fiona Russell published
The pile of odd socks is one of life's mysteries, but there are some simple tricks to avoid it taking over
![Jamie Aarons on Ben Wyvis](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GzsDJm8nYM6ErPT45m2Rp9-320-80.jpg)
Female runner sets incredible world record in Scottish mountains
By Fiona Russell published
Jamie Aarons is fastest ever to complete a non-stop, self-propelled round of Munros
![hiking signpost](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NG63EhADsZGVHsU5gTXS9U-320-80.jpg)
8 easy ways to improve your posture for better hiking
By Fiona Russell published
Breathe easier and hike further, faster with these essential tips
![cyclist on countryside track](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oDSu7ZfKZtfSAtRxD4ETj5-320-80.jpg)
How to leave no trace when bikepacking
By Fiona Russell published
7 tips for bikepackers to minimise the impact of cycling and camping
![woman running on beach in morning](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Vnvx54nF8YBetmUrsYYhX8-320-80.jpg)
When is the best time to exercise?
By Fiona Russell published
We investigate the pros and cons of morning and evening workouts
![runner in a hot climate](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NbkAhvPiaCzPkmnx7WZrWo-320-80.jpg)
How to acclimatize to running in the heat: 7 essential tips
By Fiona Russell published
When temperatures soar, find out the best strategy for safe running
![future of tents](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BAKQBUuNyj2kgedY9YwRH9-320-80.jpg)
Here’s a thought: would you sleep better in a lightning-proof tent?
By Fiona Russell published
We take a peek at what the future of camping equipment might look like
![loaded bikepacking bike](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nY3rHrwiK5rWfa6m426RkE-320-80.jpg)
Carbon vs steel – which frame is best for bikepacking
By Fiona Russell published
A guide to the pros and cons of choosing a carbon bike or a steel bike for your bikepacking adventures
![There are plenty of items that can have multiple uses when camping](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RD8FauhjVvci9xpHLBBCof-320-80.jpg)
How to camp smarter and lighter with multi-use gear
By Fiona Russell published
A guide to the most versatile and multi-use outdoor and camping gear
![andy berry sets new fell running record](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mZmpHEjTwqYSWJoB56Tc4c-320-80.jpeg)
Andy Berry is new king of 24-hour Lake District peak challenge
By Fiona Russell published
Runner completes impressive 78 fell summits in a new fastest time
![a runner in the Portland Pig Backyard Ultra](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EravCu3b2yjpmjzPPuJKwc-320-80.jpg)
What is a backyard ultra? A quick guide to the quirky sport
By Fiona Russell published
How to run a backyard ultra and other tips for success