Alastair McDowell

A member of the NZ Alpine Team, and well known for his 'Trailpanism' style of super fast and light. See his personal blog for more stories: http://alastairmcdowell.blogspot.com/

Joy Amidst Suffering

Mountain Adventure  Joy Amidst Suffering

“Was it fun?” After a six-day non-stop adventure race through the mountains around Mt Aspiring, Alastair McDowell ponders this question and asks himself, "Why do we do this to ourselves?" He shares a thought-provoking exploration into what calls mountaineers into the wild, what the experience is truly like, and how brushes with fatality are an ever present reminder of mortality.

The Craigieburn Round

Mountain Adventure  The Craigieburn Round

Inspired by the ‘Rounds’ in the UK, British native and New Zealand ultra-runner Martin Lukes designs the first ever New Zealand ‘Round’ – a classic long-distance mountain challenge taking in all of the summits of a local area in an aesthetic loop. After spending a summer bagging peaks in the Southern Lakes, Alastair McDowell tackles Canterbury’s answer to the famous mountain challenges of Britain: the Craigieburn Round.

Climbing Mitre Peak

Mountain Adventure  Climbing Mitre Peak

Drawn to Fiordland in the search for more summits, Alastair is confronted with the tough reality that his kayak has floated away and he is trapped on Mitre Peak. Saved by the kindness of a mysterious stranger, he successfully completes Challenge Day 17 in under six hours.

How to Go Fastpacking

Mountain Adventure  How to Go Fastpacking

'Every piece of gear that you bring needs to be examined and optimised. A ruthless and analytical attitude needs to be taken.' Breaking down each component to allow for the lightest and safest travel, Alastair delves into the nitty gritty of fastpacking.

Wilderlife
Go to Top