
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

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

Inexperienced, ill-equipped hikers rescued from sizzling heat after falling ill and becoming lost on Arizona mountain
By Will Symons published
The two trekkers weren't wearing the right shoes or adequately prepared for the high temperatures and tough terrain

Body found in Rocky Mountain National Park after widespread search for missing 23-year-old
By Will Symons published
Several search and rescue agencies have been working to find Blake Kieckhafer, who's been missing in the park for over a week

Don't rub your eyes, this waterproof Arc'teryx jacket really is almost $180 off at REI - hurry and get your hands on the Beta AR while you still can!
By Will Symons published
Deals This sturdy Arc'teryx Gore-Tex jacket is designed to keep you cool and dry as you take on unpredictable weather in the wilderness

Quick! These discontinued Keen hiking shoes kept me dry and comfortable over many miles of trekking - act fast and save over $45 before they're gone forever
By Will Symons published
Deals The Keen Hightrail EXP hiking shoes combine a comfy, lightweight build with plenty of traction and excellent waterproofing

How to track workouts on your Garmin watch: Measure your health and fitness from your wrist
By Will Symons published
The best Garmin watches include loads of handy health trackers to keep up with your movements in the wilderness

Open water swimmers to race in Chicago River for the first time in almost a century
By Will Symons published
Over 500 swimmers will take a dip in the Chicago River after authorities approved the open water swimming event for the first time since 1926

Chinese climber killed by falling rocks during descent of K2 in treacherous late-season conditions
By Will Symons published
An unusually dry summer has worsened conditions on the world's second-tallest mountain, causing an increase in rockfalls and dangerous underfoot terrain

Over $150 off a spacious and waterproof four-person Marmot tent? We rarely see deals this good, so act fast and get your hands on this three-season shelter while you still can!
By Will Symons published
Deals The Marmot Halo is a large, weatherproof tent, designed to keep you and the family comfortable in variable conditions and heavy rain

Look out, trail runners - Tracksmith’s first trail shoes aim to please with Merino wool linings and Vibram outsoles, but their light weight comes with a hefty price
By Will Symons published
Popular running brand Tracksmith is heading into the wilderness with the release of its first trail running shoes

Helly Hansen Tech T-shirt 2.0 review: A breathable, moisture-wicking top for tackling trails in sweaty conditions
By Will Symons published
This excellent Helly Hansen top for hiking and running combines a comfortable fit with top-tier breathability and reliable moisture-wicking capability, so you can shed sweat while you move

The best running poles: for long distances, trail races, and wild fastpacking adventures
By Claire Maxted, Pat Kinsella last updated
The best running poles for tackling tricky terrain are lightweight, compact and easy to assemble, collapse and carry

The best Garmin watches 2025: explore Alpine trails or chase a new PB with a smartwatch that will keep you on course
By Julia Clarke, Cat Ellis, Charlie Lyon, Will Symons last updated
From rugged builds for multi-day missions in the mountains to sleek and lightweight running companions, the best Garmin watches combine reliable GPS, advanced performance metrics and long battery life to suit every kind of athlete and adventurer

Long lines and scientists forced to clean bathrooms – America's national parks struggle with a significantly reduced workforce after Trump's mass firings
By Will Symons published
The National Park Service is struggling through a busy summer, after thousands of employees lost their jobs or took redundancy

New to camping? One of our favorite lightweight beginner-friendly tents "pops up instantly and folds down quickly" and is now available for under $50!
By Will Symons published
Deals The Regatta Malawi 2 tent is a great option for beginners who don't want to spend hours scrambling around trying to pitch their tent

Lightweight, roomy, and quick-pitching: our expert loved this super-convenient Sierra Designs 4-person tent, and it's now over 60% off in this crazy Amazon deal!
By Will Symons published
Deals The Sierra Designs Nomad 4 combines plenty of space with a lightweight exterior that a few campers can carry around the trails

Out of breath, sweaty and with aching legs - training at the high-tech gym elite climbers use to prepare for Mount Everest is exhausting
By Will Symons published
The Altitude Centre is used by the world's best athletes to sharpen their bodies and prepare for the mountains – I was shattered after just one session
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