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

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Review

The image shows a side shot of the Mineral King 3 in a grassy environment set against a burnt orange sky.

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Review

Author

This tent is a fantastic crossover that hits all the right notes. It’s perfectly sized and has a familiar yet refreshing design.

The North Face Wawona 6 Review

The image shows a wide shot of The North Face Wawona 6 tent. Both front vestibule doors are open and rolled up to allow a full view through the open vestibule. There are tree covered hills in the background. The sky is blue with mixed in clouds.

The North Face Wawona 6 Review

Author

If you’re looking for a true basecamp tent with an almost impossibly large vestibule, top-quality fabric and poles, cavernous interior space akin to a New York City apartment, tons of pockets in convenient locations, and a design that will hold up to the elements despite its impressive ceiling height, look no further.

Kelty Wireless 6 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 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.

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 Camping Tents of 2024

The image shows three tents in a filed set against a post-storm burnt orange sky.

Best Camping Tents of 2024

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.