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

Kelty Daydreamer 6 Tent Review

A tent full of camping gear is sitting in a filed. The doors of the tent are open on both sides so you can see straight through the tent.

Kelty Daydreamer 6 Tent Review

Author

A spacious family camping tent with a darkened rainfly for better sleep. Great for warm-weather trips but struggles with ventilation and requires careful setup for the best airflow.

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody Review

A person wearing sunglasses and the Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Hoody with the hood up, standing in a snowy forest.

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody Review

Author

A durable and stretchy down jacket offering excellent mobility, cozy warmth, and versatility for outdoor activities and casual wear, ideal for shoulder seasons and active adventures.

Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody Review

A man shoveling snow from around the vestibule of his tent. It's a sunny day, and snow is flying through the air from the shovel.

Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody Review

Author

Looking for unmatched warmth in a sleek, lightweight design? This alpine mid-layer balances high-performance insulation, packability, and weather resistance, excelling in outdoor adventures and everyday wear.

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.

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.

Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket Review

A man in winter gear hikes through deep snow in a field.

Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket Review

Additional Author

Warm, durable, and impressively packable for its warmth, this technical winter puffy thrives in freezing temperatures—perfect for cold-weather adventures, basecamp life, or backcountry use when instant warmth matters most.

Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket Review

A man wearing the Cotopaxi Fuego jacket with the hood up, looking off toward the horizon in early morning light.

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.

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