
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

Getting cliffed out: stay safe and steer clear of this worst-case hiking scenario with our expert guide
By Julia Clarke last updated
Getting cliffed out is one of the worst things that can happen while hiking - here's how to avoid it, and what to do if it happens to you

New IFSC ‘Nations Grand Finale’ climbing competition coming in the fall to bring "innovation, competition and international rivalry"
By Will Symons published
The new Nations Grand Finale competition will pit the world's top six climbing nations against each other over four days in Fukuoka, Japan

"We were able to take a monster off the streets" - suspect arrested and charged after couple murdered while hiking in Arkansas
By Will Symons published
The manhunt ended in a barbershop near the suspect's home, after the couple were killed while hiking with their two daughters

Our expert rated these five-star women's Helly Hansen hiking boots, and they're now 40% off - hurry, and you can snag "one of the most comfortable hiking boots around" for under $100
By Will Symons published
Deals The women's Switchback Trail HT hiking boots are a durable and super-comfy option for trekking in all manner of trying conditions

A rare gem! Fjällräven deals come around once in a blue moon, and we think $55 off this lightweight windproof jacket is an absolute bargain
By Will Symons published
Deals The men's High Coast Wind jacket is designed to provide a useful layer of warmth when you hike in exposed and windy areas

"We can now bring her home to rest" - Body found two months after Californian woman was swept into fast-moving water at Sequoia National Park
By Will Symons published
Jomarie Calasanz swam to help her sister after she was pulled away from the shore in the Kaweah River at Sequoia National Park in California

"Farewell to a wonderful person" - Double Olympic champion killed by falling rocks in Karakoram mountains climbing accident
By Will Symons published
Laura Dahlmeier, who had won two Olympic biathlon golds, had climbed to around 18,700ft on the daunting Laila Peak in Pakistan

Tough Gore-Tex uppers and sturdy Vibram outsoles? These vibrant Merrell hiking boots caught our eye, and are now almost $70 off at Backcountry
By Will Symons published
Deals Merrell's Rogue Hiker Mid Gore-Tex hiking boots are a bright and beautiful pair for hikers who want to stand out on long, hard hikes in the wilderness

Thinking about switching to barefoot hiking boots? You just got even more to choose from, as Vivobarefoot releases two new contrasting styles - built for fast hiking and the toughest of environments
By Will Symons published
The Primus Trail Flow Mid hiking boots are a super-lightweight pair, while the limited edition Desert ESC boots are built for blistering heat and sandy trails

"Light, breathable and highly packable" - our outdoor gear experts love the iconic Patagonia Nano Puff jacket and we've found it for over $70 off
By Will Symons published
Deals The Nano Puff is one of Patagonia's most popular jackets for a reason, combining a comfortable fit with dependable wind-resistance

We rarely see deals like this in winter! Get ahead of the curve and prepare for the cold with over $130 off this reversible Patagonia down jacket
By Will Symons last updated
Deals The Reversible Silent Down jacket from Patagonia boasts super-insulating 700-fill-power recycled down and cozy high-pile fleece

Rab Talus 2-in-1 running shorts review: A breathable, stretchy pair with ample support for long distances, but an eye-watering price tag
By Will Symons published
These comfy Rab running shorts combine a supportive inner liner with plenty of useful pockets for storing your essentials while you race through the trails

Sorry, up to 70% off?! We've never seen this snug Outdoor Research jacket so cheap - you can save as much as $174 at Backcountry right now
By Will Symons published
Deals The insulating Shadow hooded jacket is a minimalistic model built to keep you warm outdoors

Our experts gave the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar Sapphire a near perfect rating on test, and it's now more than $230 off
By Will Symons published
Deals This awesome smartwatch is tested to military standards for durability and has loads of handy health modes and fitness trackers

This waterproof Helly Hansen shell kept me warm in freezing conditions on Britain's tallest mountain, and it's now up $90 off
By Will Symons last updated
Deals The comfortable Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 shell is designed to help you take on the mountains with plenty of protection from the elements

"Once you remove barriers, you realize that everyone's the same" – meet the hikers escaping the city to find community on the trails with help from one of the world's biggest hiking brands
By Will Symons published
I met up with the AKA community hiking charity to scale Britain's tallest mountain in a trek supported by Helly Hansen

Three jackets for half the price of one?! This 3-in-1 Columbia model comes with a removable fleece you can wear when the temperature drops, and is now at the lowest price we've ever seen it
By Will Symons published
Deals Columbia's Bugaboo III jacket can be worn three different ways to suit the changing weather of different seasons – get yours and save 50%

Looking for a tent to see you past the summer? Snag 30% off this 4-person Big Agnes shelter, which can handle the heat and keep you comfortable when the cold winds come
By Will Symons last updated
Deals The reduced Big Agnes Blacktail 4 is built for snug nights in the varied conditions of spring, summer, and fall - get yours for under $250 now!

American prodigy Annie Sanders steals the limelight in a close-run penultimate lead climbing round of the 2025 Climbing World Cup
By Will Symons published
Annie Sanders, 17, won her maiden lead climbing gold, while South Korea's Dohyun Lee dominated the men's competition in Madrid

Rab Nitron 25L backpack review: A spacious and stylish model, with plenty of support and ample protection for your gear
By Will Symons published
Rab's Nitron 25L pack is a comfortable, lightweight companion for storing your kit

Sleep on your side? This snug Big Agnes sleeping bag was built for you, and just hit the lowest price we've ever seen it - get yours and save up to 40% now
By Will Symons published
Deals The Big Agnes Camp Sidewinder 35 sleeping bag features a cocoon-style pattern that is ideal for side sleepers

Rescuers scour the Pyrenees in search of missing American hiker who switched his phone to airplane mode before heading into the mountains
By Will Symons published
Cole Henderson texted friends to say he was embarking on a hike and would be switching his phone to airplane mode

Zero fox given! National Park visitors urged to keep an eye on their footwear after furry thief pinched over 30 pairs of shoes in just three weeks
By Will Symons published
Rangers have hung wanted posters around Grand Teton National Park in an attempt to keep visitors' shoes safe from a certain sly bandit

"We all absolutely loved him" - friends and family devastated as body found in the search for a missing British hiker, who'd texted to say he'd lost the trail
By Will Symons published
Rescuers in Italy scoured the mountains surrounding Chiavenna after Matthew Hall disappeared during a solo hiking expedition

How to watch 2025 IFSC Climbing World Cup: catch the action from anywhere in the world and get up to 79% off with our exclusive Nord VPN deal
By Will Symons last updated
How to watch The world's best lead climbers are on their way to Madrid, Spain - here's how to catch the action wherever you are
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