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

Wet Weather Warrior: Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie Review
A person wearing the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoody with the hood up, surrounded by a snowy forest landscape.

Wet Weather Warrior: Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie Review

Author
This rugged down jacket combines high-quality insulation and waterproof fabric for durability and moisture resistance, making it perfect for shoulder-season adventures in light rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. Reliable and versatile.
MontBell Plasma 1000 Down Parka Full Review
A person wearing the MontBell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka, standing outdoors on a snowy trail while adjusting the front zipper.

MontBell Plasma 1000 Down Parka Full Review

Author
Ultralight and incredibly warm, this down jacket is perfect for thru-hikers and backcountry travelers seeking exceptional warmth-to-weight performance for minimalist, three-season adventures.
8000+ Miles Logged: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Hoody Review
A person sits in a red tent pitched on snow, wearing a lightweight down jacket with snow-covered boots.

8000+ Miles Logged: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Hoody Review

Author
This ultralight and packable down jacket is built for adventure. With an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and compact design, it’s the ultimate choice for backpackers, climbers, and anyone pushing the limits outdoors.
REI Magma 850 Down Hoodie Review
Person standing in a snowy forest wearing the REI Magma 850 Down Hoody, facing sideways with the hood up.

REI Magma 850 Down Hoodie Review

Author
A lightweight, versatile down jacket with great warmth, packability, and thoughtful features. It’s sustainably made and balances performance with comfort, ideal for backpacking or around town.
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket Review
A man in a puffy jacket smiles as he walks through a desert canyon.

Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket Review

Author
Warm and durable, with 800-fill down and weather-resistant fabric, this retro-inspired jacket is perfect for outdoor adventures or everyday wear. It effortlessly balances style, comfort, and performance.
Best Budget Down Jacket: REI 650 Review
A man in a blue REI 650 Down Jacket stands with his hands in his pockets, gazing off into the snowy forest during an early winter evening.

Best Budget Down Jacket: REI 650 Review

Author
This lightweight, budget-friendly down jacket excels in warmth, packability, and versatility. It is ideal for everyday wear and casual outdoor activities in cooler conditions.
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review
Front view of a person smiling while wearing the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody with the hood fully zipped, standing in a snowy landscape with trees in the background.

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review

Author
This versatile down jacket offers warmth, comfort, and weather resistance for cool-weather adventures. Though not the lightest, it excels in moderate conditions and is a reliable choice for everyday use.
Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket Review
A person standing in snowy terrain wearing the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket fully zipped with the hood up for maximum protection.

Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket Review

Author
Built for cold-weather adventures, this jacket combines 700-fill hydrophobic down with a Pertex Quantum shell for reliable warmth and durability. Ideal for climbing and mountaineering, it’s a top choice for those prioritizing insulation over weight.
New Favorite: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody Review
A person adjusting the zipper on the Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody, with the hood up, standing outdoors in a snowy forest setting.

New Favorite: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody Review

Author
We went looking for a jacket that balances warmth and weight without compromising performance, and this one is one of the best.
Ledlenser HF6R Signature Headlamp Review
The image shows the Ledlenser HF6R Signature headlamp placed on a rock with a green light glowing from the front. The headlamp is resting on a natural surface with lichen, and the strap is partially visible. In the background, the fading light of a sunset creates a gradient in the sky, with trees and distant mountains framing the view.

Ledlenser HF6R Signature Headlamp Review

Author
Explore a powerful 1000-lumen headlamp with versatile lighting and durability. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, but its weight and setup complexity may be drawbacks. Dive into our review to learn more.
MSR Advance Pro 2 4-Season Tent Review
The MSR Advance Pro 2 tent pitched in the snow with skis and an avalanche shovel leaning against it, surrounded by snow-covered trees.

MSR Advance Pro 2 4-Season Tent Review

Author
Ultralight and weather-resistant, this tent is ideal for alpine adventures, offering durability, stability, and a compact design to withstand harsh conditions while keeping weight to a minimum.
REI Co-op Arete ASL 4-Season Tent Review
A tent, pithed on a small patch of snow in a forested setting. The fly is not on the tent and the door is wide open.

REI Co-op Arete ASL 4-Season Tent Review

Author
Versatile and reliable, this 3+ season tent offers great weather protection, comfort, and value for backpackers and winter campers seeking a dependable shelter for shoulder-season and cold-weather adventures.
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