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

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.
Men’s Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX Review
Zoomed-in shot of the lateral side of the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid, emphasizing the rugged textile upper, reinforced overlays, and GORE-TEX tag.

Men’s Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX Review

Author
Supportive, waterproof, and built for speed, these mids deliver confident traction and comfort on technical trails in variable conditions.
Black Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp Review
The image shot a blue Black Diamond Spot 400 - R headlamp sitting on a rock surrounded by water.

Black Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp Review

Author
A rechargeable, dependable, thoughtfully designed headlamp that stays put on your head and has an impressive burn time.
Petzl ACTIK CORE Headlamp Review
Side close-up of a person wearing a Petzl headlamp over a beanie while adjusting the light with one hand.

Petzl ACTIK CORE Headlamp Review

Author
This headlamp is a longtime favorite with bright and reliable performance, simple controls, and a recent upgrade to USB-C charging.
Nitecore NU25 UL Headlamp Review
The image shows a black Nitecore NU25 UL sitting on the beach.

Nitecore NU25 UL Headlamp Review

Author
A functional and ultralightweight headlamp that is quickly changing the game in lightweight, powerful headlamps.
Petzl Tikkina Headlamp Review
The image shows the Petzl Tikkina headlamp sitting the sand.

Petzl Tikkina Headlamp Review

Author
A basic but solidly built AAA battery powered headlamp for everyday moments where you’d like to see in the dark.
Petzl Tikkid Kids Headlamp Review
The image shows a headlamp in the hand of a camper. The headlamp is facing the camper and there are mountains in the background.

Petzl Tikkid Kids Headlamp Review

Author
More than just a toy, this headlamp for kids is both functional and durable.
Petzl Bindi Headlamp Review
The image shows a side view of the Petzl Bindi headlamp sitting on the forest floor.

Petzl Bindi Headlamp Review

Author
A high quality, utterly minimalist ultralight headlamp. Great for front-country outings, and as a back-up in expeditions.
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