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Alex Roddie

Happiest on a mountain. Writer, story-wrangler, digital and film photographer. Editor of Sidetracked magazine. Machine breaker.

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How to: see and photograph the Perseids ➔

I’ve just published an online feature for The Great Outdoors, explaining how you can see and photograph the annual Perseid meteor shower – which peaks this year tomorrow evening. Check it out here.

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The Haute Route Pyrenees: Field Notes

In the August 2017 issue of The Great Outdoors, you’ll find my latest backpacking feature, entitled Chased by Storms. Here’s the lowdown on my route through the Pyrenees along with some extra photos and notes. My July 2016 trip to the Pyrenees was a first for me – my

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Preparations for hiking the Jotunheimstien

I’m in the final stages of planning my next long-distance trail, which begins on the 18th of July 2017. Here I’d like to share a few notes on my route and the gear I’ve selected for this trip. Once again, plans have changed. I originally intended to

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My new editorial role at TGO Magazine

It’s my pleasure to announce that I’m taking on a new freelance role at TGO Magazine, the UK’s leading authority on backpacking and hillwalking since 1978. Will Renwick has recently moved to OutdoorsMagic (well done, Will!) so I am assuming his duties as Online Editor. I’m

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14 months with the MLD Trailstar

Much has been written about the Trailstar, and at several points over the last year I’ve asked myself if the world really needs another Trailstar review. It’s a known quantity now. Some in the backpacking world have already moved beyond the Trailstar to other shelters entirely. But my

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Hiking the Langdale Skyline – Field Notes

My feature on hiking the Langdale Skyline has been published by UKHillwalking in their series of UK mountain ‘ultimate challenges’. You can read my feature here. Here are some notes about the route, along with a selection of photos that didn’t appear in the main article. No matter how

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First look: Fujifilm X70. The ultimate backpacker’s camera?

Recently I decided it was time to replace my ageing X-E1, which I keep as my second camera. I decided to get the X70. Here’s my hands-on review. What I need in a second camera I’ve used quite a few X-Series cameras but haven’t always kept them

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Backpacking in the Alps – a mini-guide

E-BOOK DOWNLOAD LINKS: EPUB / MOBI If you’re a British backpacker looking to head across to the Alps for the first time, it can seem daunting at first. Here’s my mini-guide to enjoying the Alps on foot with a rucksack.  This guide can be enjoyed either right here on

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Backpacking gear for sale June 2017

I’m having a clearout, so here’s your chance to grab a lightly used item in great condition! Garmin GPSMap 62s with 1:50,000 OS mapping – £180 NOW SOLD Montane Medusa 32 rucksack M/L – £40 NOW SOLD Trailpix ultralight tripod – £35 Sleeping bags – scroll to the bottom

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Vecto: the best way to carry water in the backcountry

Update 17/07/17: this project has now been funded. I’m looking forward to test it! Lightweight backpackers face a conundrum: how to carry and treat water in the wilderness? Many of us use compact Sawyer filters, but the bladders they come with are less than perfect, and other