Ben Dawson, Author at CleverHiker

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

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.

MSR Access 2 4-Season Tent Review

A front-facing view of the MSR Access 2 tent pitched in snow-dusted ground during sunset.

MSR Access 2 4-Season Tent Review

Author

Lightweight and reliable, this tent shines in cold, snowy conditions. Perfect for shoulder-season adventures with easy setup, solid weather resistance, and enough space for two people and gear.

Alps Mountaineering Tasmanian 2 4-Season Tent Review

Camper lounging inside the Alps Mountaineering Tasmanian 2 tent, with boots and gear placed outside on a snowy patch.

Alps Mountaineering Tasmanian 2 4-Season Tent Review

Author

This durable and budget-friendly tent offers solid weather protection and comfort, making it a great choice for winter camping and four-season adventures without breaking the bank.

Nemo Kunai 2 4-Season Tent Review

The NEMO Kunai 3P four-season tent in a snowy winter camping scene in the woods

Nemo Kunai 2 4-Season Tent Review

Author

A versatile 4-season tent with excellent weather protection, adaptable ventilation, and lightweight design, making it ideal for year-round backpacking, mountaineering, and winter camping in moderate conditions.

Samaya 2.0 4-Season Tent Review

A blue and silver Samaya 2.0 tent pitched on snow with a stunning backdrop of mountain ranges under a blue sky.

Samaya 2.0 4-Season Tent Review

Author

Ultralight and fully waterproof, this single-wall tent is built for fast-and-light alpine adventures, delivering top-tier weather resistance and innovative design for serious mountain pursuits.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV3 Expedition Four-Season Tent Review

Author

Durable and versatile, this tent handles shoulder-season and below-treeline winter adventures with ease, offering comfort, weather resistance, and ample space for backpacking or basecamp setups.

KUIU Storm Star 2 Four-Season Tent Review

A camper relaxing inside the KUIU Storm Star 2 tent, surrounded by gear and a pair of boots outside the open vestibule, with sunlight filtering through the tent walls.

KUIU Storm Star 2 Four-Season Tent Review

Author

A rugged four-season tent offering exceptional durability, weather protection, and smart design features. Ideal for alpine adventures, it excels in harsh conditions while providing reliable performance and comfort for winter and sub-alpine camping.

Slingfin Crossbow 2 Four-Season Tent Review

Slingfin Crossbow 2 Four-Season Tent Review

Author

A lightweight, four-season tent offering exceptional weather resistance, durability, and versatility. Perfect for year-round adventures, it comfortably fits two and adapts to harsh conditions while remaining highly packable and reliable.

Best Camping Tents of 2025

The image shows three tents in a filed set against a post-storm burnt orange sky.

Best Camping Tents of 2025

Additional Author

We’ve thoroughly evaluated the best camping tents on the market to find the most user-friendly shelters for any weather conditions, group size, or budget.

Coleman Sundome 4 Tent Review

A person sitting inside the Coleman Sundome 4 tent with a young child, both facing toward the front of the tent. The person is wearing a red shirt and holding a snack bag, while the child is resting on the ground. Outside the tent, you can see trees and sunlight filtering through. A camping chair and a yellow cooler are positioned outside the tent.

Coleman Sundome 4 Tent Review

Author

A 4-person tent for just $100—too good to be true? We tested the Coleman Sundome 4 to see if it’s a steal or a letdown.

MSR Habitude 6 Tent Review

A side view of the MSR Habitude 6 tent set up in a forested area, showcasing the colorful rainfly and its dome-like shape, with tall trees in the background.

MSR Habitude 6 Tent Review

Author

What sets the MSR Habitude 6 Tent apart? Its towering 6’4″ peak height, premium materials, and unmatched comfort.

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