
Will Symons
Will Symons developed his love of the outdoors as a student, exploring every inch of Sussex’s South Downs national park and swimming off the Brighton seafront. Now a staff writer for Advnture, Will previously worked as a freelance journalist and writer, covering everything from cricket to ancient history. Like most Advnture staff, Will’s free time is rarely spent indoors, he can often be found hiking, open water swimming or playing cricket.
Latest articles by Will Symons

The future of mountain rescue? How AI found the body of a hiker missing in the Italian Alps for ten months
By Will Symons published
The 64-year-old had been missing on Monviso, in Italy's Cottian Alps, since September 2024

Our expert put these Merrell trail running shoes to the test in the French Alps and loved them. Now we've found them for almost half price - but be quick as the sale ends soon...
By Will Symons published
Deals Merrell's Agility Peak 5 trail running shoes combine plenty of cushioning with tough exteriors and reliable Vibram outsoles

Rescue attempts abandoned for Russian climber who became stranded on a 24,000ft peak after breaking her leg, despite son's belief that she's still alive
By Will Symons published
Efforts to save Natalia Nagovitsina have been called off after freezing weather and multiple failed rescue attempts, which saw another climber die from hypothermia

British Olympian swims the largest lakes in England, Wales, and Scotland in under 24 hours in campaign against water pollution
By Will Symons published
Hector Pardoe put a unique twist on the famous three peaks hiking challenge to raise awareness of water pollution

“The fact that he made it that far is just a testament to his skills” - Norwegian hiker found dead after taking on the treacherous Canadian wilderness
By Will Symons published
The body of a 29-year-old hiker was discovered after a lengthy and gruelling search through tricky terrain

Columbia Sequoia Grove full-zip fleece review: A warm and stylish midlayer for individual wear in the summer months and use under a jacket in winter
By Will Symons published
A snug, cozy fleece jacket, designed to keep you warm and comfortable in chilly weather in the wilderness

German open water swimmers protected by super-smart 'Dolphin' drone lifeguarding technology
By Will Symons published
High-tech remote-controlled devices are being used to keep swimmers safe in 14 different open water spots

A new national park? Lawmakers call for 2,800 square miles of Florida Springs wilderness to become America’s 64th national park
By Will Symons published
Lawmakers and advocates in Florida say a new national park would attract tourists and protect the sensitive Florida wildlife

Quick! We loved these reliably waterproof Keen hiking boots, and they're now 25% off in REI's big Labor Day sale, which ends in less than a week!
By Will Symons published
Deals Keen's Targhee IV hiking boots combine sturdy nubuck leather outers with waterproof Keen.Dry membranes to protect you from the elements

"Built in the dirt, forged by every brutal mile" - get a sneak peak at Nike's latest trail running shoe - the ACG Ultrafly
By Will Symons published
The Nike ACG Ultrafly will be released in spring 2026

Keela Insect Shield hiking socks review: Comfy, durable socks with insect repellent technology
By Will Symons published
These Keela hiking socks combine long-lasting insect repellency with a comfortable, soft construction and plenty of support for long days on the trails

Rescue efforts abandoned after 20-day search for Minnesota man in the Wyoming wilderness - “the most optimistic survival odds have run out”
By Will Symons published
Rescuers have deployed ground teams, helicopters, planes, and dogs in their hunt for the missing trekker

“I’ve poured everything into this long recovery” - superstar American climber returns from lengthy injury, and could compete in the next World Cup
By Will Symons published
The four-time bouldering world champion has missed the entire 2025 World Cup season so far with two serious knee injuries

"A perilous endeavour for any climber" - safety warning after man suffering suspected altitude sickness suffers fatal fall on California's Mount Shasta
By Will Symons published
The 50-year-old man was descending the Californian mountain in stormy conditions when he became separated from his companion

Worrying signs for US climbers: Canadian bouldering brand Flashed stops sales to its nearest neighbor after Trump tariffs
By Will Symons published
The climbing brand is best known for its dependable crash mats and bouldering accessories

Save money and prepare for wet weather: We've spotted a great deal on this waterproof, windproof, and breathable rain jacket from The North Face
By Will Symons published
Deals The North Face Alta Vista rain jacket combines a waterproof and windproof exterior with plenty of ventilation

Stubborn mutt! 66lb dog rescued from the trails after refusing to move - here’s how to hike safely with your four-legged friend
By Will Symons published
The large dog stopped and refused to go any further after walking across loose rock in the Lake District

Seventh person dies in Snowdonia during deadly season for hikers in the Welsh national park
By Will Symons published
The man fell to his death from the Crib Goch ridge section of Yr Wyddfa, otherwise known as Mount Snowdon

Yosemite National Park fires ranger who helped hang a trans pride flag on El Capitan
By Will Symons published
Shannon Joslin had worked as a scientist and ranger for four years before they were terminated for their role in the display

Our expert loved the waterproofing and stability of these Gore-Tex women's hiking shoes - hurry and get your feet into Danner's Trail 2650 Campos for $80 off!
By Will Symons published
Deals These comfortable Danner hiking boots combine waterproof Gore-Tex uppers with loads of underfoot stability and are currently 40% off

'Inexperienced and ill-prepared' - French mountain rescuers bemoan reckless social media hikers after a spike in call outs
By Will Symons published
Mountain rescuers in France are warning inexperienced hikers not to take on routes unprepared as fall approaches

Parts of a backpack: Our 101 on backpack anatomy - from large long-haulers to small daypacks and everything in between
By Kieran Cunningham last updated
A good backpack is essential, whether you're trudging around the local trails or heading into the mountains for a multi-day trek - here's how they work

Horrified hiker watches as friend is dragged off trail by aggressive bear in Japanese forest
By Will Symons published
A 26-year-old man was attacked while descending a mountain on the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido

"He tried for days to escape, but there was nothing he could do" - California climber rescued after spending 2 days behind rushing waterfall
By Will Symons published
The 46-year-old climber was dragged behind a gushing waterfall while attempting to rappel down a cliffside in Sequoia National Forest
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