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

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.

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.

← 1 2 3 4 5 6 →