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

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.

Marmot Tungsten 4 Tent Review

A camper sits cross-legged in the entrance of a brightly colored tent, showcasing its low headroom and cozy interior. The vibrant orange, yellow, and blue tent is pitched in a wooded area, with a pair of hiking boots placed on the grassy ground outside.

Marmot Tungsten 4 Tent Review

Author

The Marmot Tungsten 4 Tent is a versatile and reliable option for campers seeking a balance between convenience and performance.

Nitecore NU27 Headlamp Review

The photo features the Nitecore NU27 headlamp sitting on a log in a forest setting.

Nitecore NU27 Headlamp Review

Author

Looking for a bright, ultralight headlamp with plenty of features? This model offers adjustable color temperatures and an impressive brightness-to-weight ratio at an affordable price.

Fenix HM50R V2.0 Headlamp Review

The image shows a Fenix HM50R V2.0 headlamp hanging upside down from a strap, with its beam pointed downward. The headlamp is positioned beneath a red tent fabric, and the sky is visible in the background.

Fenix HM50R V2.0 Headlamp Review

Author

Compact and durable with 700 lumens, this budget-friendly headlamp shines for casual adventures. But is it versatile enough for your needs? Explore its strengths and limitations in our in-depth review.

Petzl Actik Headlamp Review

The image shows a person wearing a Petzl Actik headlamp while standing outdoors during dusk. The person is looking upward, with the headlamp illuminated, casting light into the surrounding environment. The sun is setting in the background

Petzl Actik Headlamp Review

Author

This budget-friendly headlamp delivers solid performance with 450 lumens, great light quality, and simple operation. Ideal for camping and casual hikes, though not the brightest for technical use.

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