Man with beard wearing a green jacket and baseball cap looks pensively off into the distance while sitting in the open door of a travel van
Ben Dawson
Gear Analyst

Ben is a full-time traveler, father, and adventure journalist/photographer based in the western United States. He has a passion for conservation and utilizes his writing to help make the outdoors a more accessible space for all types of people. 

He began his career in the outdoor industry by running the day-to-day operations of a popular hunting and fishing network but slowly transitioned out of the office and into the field. Ben has over ten years of experience working in the outdoor industry. He has written for numerous outdoor publications, helped film and produce a video gear review series, and has rigorously tested all kinds of outdoor gear.

He has authored three guidebooks for Falcon Guides covering a range of topics from how to build your own van and live nomadically to hiking with kids in Glacier National Park.

Articles by Ben Dawson

Decathlon Simond MT100 Down Puffer Review
A person wearing the olive Simond MT100 Down Jacket walks through bright yellow fall foliage, showcasing the jacket in seasonal use.

Decathlon Simond MT100 Down Puffer Review

Author
An affordable, lightweight, packable 3-season down jacket that delivers excellent warmth and value for everyday wear or backcountry adventures.
Black Diamond Deploy Down 0.5 Full Zip Hoody Review
A man wearing the Black Diamond Deploy Down 0.5 Full Zip Hoody zips up the front of the jacket while hiking through a colorful fall forest.

Black Diamond Deploy Down 0.5 Full Zip Hoody Review

Author
Featherlight yet impressively warm, this ultralight down jacket delivers serious performance for high-output adventures, perfect for hikers, climbers, and skiers who want warmth without the weight.
Men’s adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 Mid GORE-TEX CLIMAWARM+ Boot Review
A pair of Adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 Mid GORE-TEX hiking boots worn outdoors, resting on a tree stump with visible mesh upper and orange laces.

Men’s adidas Terrex Skychaser AX5 Mid GORE-TEX CLIMAWARM+ Boot Review

Author
Supportive, winter-ready, and built for speed, this boot is a solid choice for hikers who want dependable protection without sacrificing comfort or agility.
Men’s Oboz Katabatic LT Mid GTX Hiking Boot Review
Wide shot of both feet wearing the Oboz Katabatic LT Mid boots, posed on logs with a forested mountain backdrop in golden hour lighting.

Men’s Oboz Katabatic LT Mid GTX Hiking Boot Review

Author
Lightweight, waterproof, and built for moving fast on the trail, this boot offers solid support and comfort without slowing you down.
Best Insoles for Hiking of 2025
Person holding a fan of colorful hiking insoles outdoors with trees in the background.

Best Insoles for Hiking of 2025

Author
Tired feet holding you back? These insoles might be the most underrated upgrade to your hiking setup.
Men’s KEEN Hightrail Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Review
Close-up of boot outsole on snow-covered log, showing mud-clearing lug pattern.

Men’s KEEN Hightrail Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Review

Author
A mid-height hiking boot with plush, high-rebound cushioning—perfect for muddy, rugged trails and multi-day treks where comfort and stability matter most.
The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Down Jacket Review
a man in a blue jacket standing in a field. He's facing somewhat away from the camera and lookign off into the distance.

The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Down Jacket Review

Author
North Face knows how to make a warm, mid-weight down hoodie designed for winter adventures. It’s comfortable, durable, is solidly weather resistant and not super bulky.
Five Ten Freerider Kids Mountain Bike Shoe Review
Close-up of worn Five Ten Freerider kids shoes sitting on sandy ground near a lake.

Five Ten Freerider Kids Mountain Bike Shoe Review

Author
These shoes offer excellent grip, protection, and versatility for young riders who split time between biking, hiking, and everyday adventures on and off the trail.
Adidas Terrex AX4R Mid Kids Hiking Shoes Review
Child hiking over wet rocks on a forest trail while wearing Adidas Terrex AX4R Mid shoes.

Adidas Terrex AX4R Mid Kids Hiking Shoes Review

Author
With solid traction, ankle support, and a tough build, these shoes are great for young hikers tackling rocky trails, muddy paths, and everything in between.
Men’s Oboz Katabatic LT LOW GTX Review
Side view of Oboz Katabatic shoes stepping on muddy forest floor near a small stream.

Men’s Oboz Katabatic LT LOW GTX Review

Author
A lightweight hiking shoe with a rock plate and GORE-TEX protection, the Oboz Katabatic LT is nimble on all terrain.
ClevrPlus Cross Country Baby Backpack Carrier Review
Side view of the carrier in use, with a child secured under the clear rain cover and sunshade, carried comfortably on a hike.

ClevrPlus Cross Country Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Author
A budget-friendly carrier with essential features like a sunshade and stirrups, ideal for casual outings and short hikes with your little one.
Deuter Kid Comfort Pro Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Deuter Kid Comfort Pro Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Author
A premium child carrier with excellent comfort, built-in sunshade, and ample storage, ideal for families tackling extended hikes and outdoor adventures with ease and convenience.
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