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

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.

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.

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.

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