Man with beard wearing a green jacket and baseball cap looks pensively off into the distance while sitting in the open door of a travel van
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 Wireless 6 Tent Review
The image shows a side view of the Wireless 6 with the front vestibule open and rolled back. There is a stakes out guy line showing the tightness of the fly when guyed out. The tent it in a grassy environment with trees in the background.

Kelty Wireless 6 Tent Review

Author
This tent is a feature-packed, six-person tent with a spacious interior and strong build, all at a surprisingly low price.
NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 Tent Review

NEMO Aurora Highrise 4 Tent Review

Author
This tent is spacious and easy to set up. We love the big door on the front and the windows on all four sides.
REI Wonderland 4 Tent Review
A medium wide photograph of the REI Wonderland 4 camping tent. The ten is set on a mountainside and the sun is setting in the background. Wildfire smoke shrouds the sky and the sun is setting with a twinge of orange in the clouds.

REI Wonderland 4 Tent Review

Author
This tent is one of our favorite shelters for frontcountry camping because it feels spacious, luxurious, and it’s super user-friendly.
Best 4-Season Tents of 2025
The Samaya 2.0 tent pitched on snow with evergreen trees and panoramic views of rugged mountain peaks in the background.

Best 4-Season Tents of 2025

Author
The fun doesn’t stop when snow starts to fall. All of our top-rated winter tent picks are trail-tested in the mountains so you can find a trustworthy shelter for 4-season adventuring.
10 Best Glass Water Bottles of 2025
A red-headed woman drinking out of the Yomious 20 oz. water bottle at the airport

10 Best Glass Water Bottles of 2025

Author
Many people are making the switch from plastic to glass water bottles for the health of the environment and their bodies.
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp Review
a backpacker is reading a map while bundled up seated at the door of his tent

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp Review

Author
One of our favorite headlamps for backpacking because it’s bright, afforable and has a long burn time.
REI Skyward 4 Tent Review
The image shows a medium shot of the REI Skyward 4 from the side with a child poking is head out of the ten. The ten is surrounded by pine trees.

REI Skyward 4 Tent Review

Author
This a well-rounded tent with a sweet balance of simplicity, spaciousness, and weather protection. You can stand up and move freely inside.
Best Down Jackets of 2025
A man in winter gear hikes through deep snow in a field.

Best Down Jackets of 2025

Author
Down for an adventure? We trail-tested the best down jackets to bring you a complete guide to puffy jackets that will keep you warm and comfortable on the trail and in town.
Best Headlamps of 2025
A backpacker reading a map in his tent at night using the Black Diamond Spot headlamps

Best Headlamps of 2025

Author
Sunset doesn’t have to be the end of the adventure when you’re carrying one of our trail-tested headlamps recommendations.
1 2 3 4