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

Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Baby Backpack Carrier Review
A man hiking through a forested area with the Kelty PerfectFIT Journey Signature carrier, showcasing its ergonomic design and sturdy kickstand.

Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Signature Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Author
A thoughtfully designed child carrier with excellent comfort, smart storage, and easy adjustments, making it a great choice for family hikes and outdoor adventures with young children.
Osprey Poco SLT Baby Backpack Carrier Review
Close-up back view of the Osprey Poco SLT carrier, featuring its sunshade design and branding detail.

Osprey Poco SLT Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Author
Compact and ultralight, this carrier is perfect for travel and quick outings, offering solid comfort without the bulk of full-sized child carriers.
Ergobaby 360 Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Ergobaby 360 Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Author
A lightweight and versatile baby carrier offering multiple carry positions, perfect for parents prioritizing comfort, portability, and ease of use on any adventure.
Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Author
Lightweight and designed for smaller frames, this women’s-specific child carrier offers excellent comfort, ventilation, and a secure fit for outdoor adventures with kids.
Thule Sapling Baby Backpack Carrier Review
A parent wearing the Thule Sapling child carrier with a toddler, standing in a scenic forest area under a sunny sky.

Thule Sapling Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Author
This carrier stands out with its ErgoRide seat, high adjustability, and above-average storage—making it a smart, comfortable choice for adventurous families on the move.
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite Baby Backpack Carrier Review
A close-up of a child's foot secured in a stirrup strap of a baby backpack carrier, providing support and comfort during hikes.

Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Author
A premium child carrier designed for comfort and convenience, featuring an adjustable fit, excellent storage, and thoughtful features for memorable family adventures.
Deuter Kid Comfort Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Deuter Kid Comfort Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Author
A premium child carrier offering exceptional comfort, durable construction, and thoughtful features, perfect for families seeking a reliable pack for frequent adventures and long hikes with little ones.
Osprey Poco Premium Baby Backpack Carrier Review
A scenic view of a person hiking along a rocky path overlooking a stunning lake and mountains, with the Osprey Poco Premium child carrier in green, carrying a child.

Osprey Poco Premium Baby Backpack Carrier Review

Author
An ultra-comfortable child carrier packed with features, exceptional storage, and thoughtful design—perfect for extended adventures and families seeking top-tier performance.
BioLite Dash 450 Rechargeable Headlamp Review
a closeup of a headlamp sitting on a stump in a forest.

BioLite Dash 450 Rechargeable Headlamp Review

Author
This a lightweight, low-profile headlamp built with runners in mind. It also works well for hikers and backpackers who want reliable brightness without the bulk.
Black Diamond Distance LT1100 Headlamp Review
A black headlamp sits on a stup in a forest of pine trees. The sun is out.

Black Diamond Distance LT1100 Headlamp Review

Author
A high-output headlamp built for fast-moving adventures, with PowerTap brightness, RGB lighting, and a balanced design that performs well on trail runs and night hikes.
Best Baby Backpack Carriers for Hiking of 2025
10 baby backpack carriers lineup up in front of a wood pile with pine trees in the background.

Best Baby Backpack Carriers for Hiking of 2025

Author
Explore the top baby backpack carriers ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures. We have evaluated the leading models based on comfort, durability, features, and value to identify the best options tailored to each unique requirement.
Mountainsmith Conifer 5+ Tent Review
A side view of a tent with blue skys and mountains in the background.

Mountainsmith Conifer 5+ Tent Review

Author
A spacious basecamp-style tent with excellent vestibule storage, good ventilation, and a tall peak height. Ideal for families or groups who want extra room, but setup requires effort and a large campsite.
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